PROLOGUE

The air was suffocating even though everyone in the

room had the same problem as me. I felt like my clothes
didn't hide my nakedness enough, a part of my brain
convinced me that they could see my shame underneath
what I was wearing. When my turn finally came, all eyes
were on me Hell dare! I don't even know why they hold
these meetings I find them useless they help no one.
I didn't want to stand up but I was forced too after all it's
tradition, when the next person is done talking the next
person has to stand up and say something too. The
weakness in my soul dragged down my physical being
from standing up but I had too, I had to find the strength
to face all these people and share my shame. At least
they don't know me or else this could've been more
difficult. It was very quiet only their eyes raised a lot of
questions without their mouths even uttering a word, I
also felt like I was being judged before I even got a
chance to tell my story..
Me: My name is.. My name is Nomvelo
A few minutes passed and they said nothing.
I would've been more comfortable with a bit of
encouragement something like "Hello Mvelo" isn't that
what they supposed to say? Or the movies exaggerated
as always?
Me: I am..
I looked at my hands trembling, this was hard for me..
Senzeni: Take your time Sisi
She is the one who runs these meetings. From her
Facebook page her followers seemed to be happy with
her, she was like Moses leading them to the promised
land or Mother Theresa giving them inner peace. I took a
deep breath and my eyes wondered around, I saw him
standing at the door. He had his arms folded and was
leaning against the doorframe looking at me. How did he
know I was here? Why is he here? Is he here to make me
feel more ashamed? Is he here to judge me? I am already
down I don't need him putting me more and more down
Senzeni: Take another deep breath and relax we are here
for you, we're not going anywhere
She could've made a good psychologist..
I did as I was told, I took another deep breath but it
didn't make the situation any better. Instead, it made me
more paranoid..
Me: My name is.. I am.. I.. Am Nomv..
Didn't I say that already? I don't think I wanna be here
anymore if I say another word I'm going to drop dead
and die right here in front of everyone. It's going to be
the end of me.. A lot was going through my mind but the
best thing to do right now was to walk out, walk away
from this suffocating situation and save myself the
embarrassment..
I didn't even apologize nor looked at anyone I walked out
of there faster than I could let my breath out. Finally! A
breath of fresh air, I could feel the breeze against my skin
that's all that I needed a breath of fresh air..
Him: Nomvelo!
I stopped, his voice carried soo much authority. I was
struggling to breath, his presence has always been
unsettling. I turned around and looked at him, he made
his way to me. Stop right there! Don't get too close, it's
almost as if like he heard me. He stopped a bit far from
me with his hands buried deep inside his pockets a habit
of his, He looked different without his clerical collar. I
had a lot buried inside, there's a lot I wanna say but be
steady Velo after all he is the sanctified one..
He didn't say anything his look did more of the talking
than his lips..
Me: It's very hard.. It has been hard
He was torturing me with his silence, at least say
something dammit! Tell me that my pain is an excuse for
my unholy deeds. He is probably waiting to tell me that
I'm going to hell ain't that what they tell people at
church? Ain't that what they preach? Ain't that what they
tell sinners and the broken, instead of comforting them?
They tell them that the lake of fire is awaiting them were
they going to spend all eternity..
Me: I know that I'm going to hell
I shrugged my shoulders in defeat..
Me: I know that I'm not worthy to be in your presence
right now
He might have a lot to say but the human in him
probably doesn't allow him too, so he does have a
human heart after all?
Me: You know what? Just stay away from me
I turned and walked away while unzipping my bag, I
buried my hand deep inside trying to find my car keys in
that pile of unnecessary things.
Him: I'm human too
Did he have to speak? Couldn't he keep quiet and let me
leave in peace? I didn't wanna feel the ground trembling
under my feet at the sound of his voice..
Him: You not the only one who lost him, I lost him too.
Have you thought about how I feel?
I wanted to trust his statement but it was difficult, I mean
he never shed a tear nor showed any emotion all he did
was to pray and read his bible. My eyes started burning,
my lower lip trembled and my vision became blurry..
Me: Then tell him..
I cleared my throat so that he could hear me loud and
clear..
Me: You tell your God to bring him back
Him: Velo..
Me: Until then.. Stay away from me! You could heal
anyone but you failed to heal him!.. Stay away from me,
before I take you to hell with me!
I wiped my tears as I walked away from him.
..
MY NAME IS NOMVELO AND THIS IS OUR STORY

01
NOMVELO
A FEW YEARS EARLIER
Nomsa: How about this one?
I looked at the pair of skinny jeans that she was holding
and they were too basic for me, totally not my style. Not
something I would wear even on a normal boring day at
home..
Me: No
She went for another one..
Nomsa: Well.. What about this one?
I rolled my eyes because she was starting to irritate me
now, I don't even know why she was here.
Nomsa: They nice clothes just a bit pricy
Me: It's not like you the one paying for the clothes that
I'm going to get so I don't know why you complaining
She let go of the jeans..
Nomsa: Yazi Velo I'm really trying here, this was
supposed to be our quality time spent together
Me: It would be a quality time if you were actually my
Mother! You nothing to me other than my Uncles Wife!
There was a long pause between the both of us after my
statement..
Nomsa: I think I should go and wait in the car, You will
come when you done..
Me: Finally she gives me a breather!!!!
(Silence)
Nomsa: You know Velo one da...
Me: I thought that you were leaving
A state of disappointment overwhelmed her, she walked
away leaving me to continue with my shopping
peacefully..
Reading that portion of my story might already give you a
slight picture of the person that I am, You would be
exactly that person too if you were in my shoes. Being
treated as if like the world revolves around you, you tend
to have less regard of the people around you those who
are below your standards. Let me tell you a bit about
myself and my family..
I don't really have a clear memory of my parents, I only
know what my Maternal Uncle and Grandmother told
me. I was told that I came from a very warm home and I
was born to loving Parents, until an unfortunate event
fell on us when I was just 4 years old. My Parents weren't
rich but they were content with what they had, Mom
was a manager at Ackermans and Dad was a groundsman
working at our local hospital. They occupied a 4 room
house that my Father inherited from his Parents as the
only child when they died, My Mother became the
woman of the house after my father had paid Lobola for
her. Life wasn't perfect but it was beautiful so I heard,
until my Father started gambling for whatever reason.
The little that he won encouraged him to go back more
and more until he became addicted..
His whole pay would go to gambling and at a certain
point he lost everything there, that he started selling our
furniture and went as far as abusing my Mother
financially as to get dime to feed off his addiction. My
Mother stayed for a while hoping that he would change
but he just sank deeper and deeper until he became very
stressed that he became an alcoholic, then that's when
everything went left. When my Mother threatened to
leave because she had.. had enough my Father did the
unthinkable. That night when we were supposed to leave
he butchered her to death with an Axe and then fled the
scene, leaving her there on the floor lying in her pool of
blood. My Uncle told me that no one suspected any foul
behavior seeing that we were an almost perfect family
until days passed and neighbours didn't see any activity
from our house then they decided to investigate what
was happening. When they came to check they found me
sitting next to my Mother's lifeless body, they said I was
severely traumatized that I needed psychiatric
intervention. The state that my Mom was in cannot even
be put to words..
After a few months of what happened my uncle adopted
me since he couldn't have children of his own, he often
said that he had problems with his reproductive system
and only leaves the matter there without explaining
further on what caused it. My Grandmother would often
say that I became his lucky charm because after he had
adopted me success remembered him. Today he owns
more than 30 taxis, he has two butcheries, shares at
some company and still venturing in expanding his
businesses. He is a very successful individual. I thought
that as time went on he would adopt but he didn't, he
once hinted that he would fail to love a child that holds
no relation to him whatsoever therefore I remain the
only child. My Uncle was married before but divorced
when his first wife and I weren't seeing eye to eye, then
when I was 16 he married again, he married a woman
named Nomsa. They don't have kids of their own but
Nomsa has a Son and a Daughter from her previous
relationship, they staying with her Mother as my Uncle
wants nothing to do with them since they not his kids..
_
SBONISO
My phone rang and it was my Mom..
Me: Hello?
Her: Niso
Me: Ya?
Her: Sowukuphi manje? (Where are you now)
Me: I am waiting at the gate, Only 5min left until they let
us in. Wena ukuphi? (Where are you)
Her: Eish.. I still have to attend a meeting yama home
cell, church came out early mara nje yile meeting
ezongibambezela (the meeting is going to delay me)
Me: That's bad
Her: If I don't make it.. Send my love to Ma
Me: I will
Her: Bye
Me: Bye
My name is Sboniso Khuzwayo, I am 24 years old. I
currently live with my Mother and my Grandmother. I
have an older Brother Snazo who is never home, he
chose the easy way out of life that always lands him into
trouble making him not keen on staying in one place for
a long time. We not a very rich family my Mother was a
live in maid but she was forced to quit her job when my
Grandmother's mental illness started, since there was no
one else to care for her. We have no other income other
than my Grandmother's monthly pension money, we
surviving on that since I'm not working it covers our
grocery most and electricity. I'm currently doing my last
year in the education field, I'm completing my Diploma in
Grade R teaching, at Lyceum College. I am using Nsfas
and I travel everyday by train. I sell weed, cigarettes and
do other form of things to get money for transportation
and other necessities. Doing teaching was not my highest
calling but then again I needed a career field that can
provide me with a Job after graduation, I can't afford to
stay at home with a qualification especially considering
the state that we in. Unemployment is not really an
option. My Brother Snazo used to help around alot but
we haven't seen nor heard from him for almost 5 years
now. At home they don't know that I sell weed, I come
from a serious religious background my Mom and
Grandmother they live for the Lord and nothing more
hearing that I sell weed would be an abomination..
They finally opened the gate and let us in I made my way
to the psychiatric ward. My Grandmother claims to see
things, things beyond human understanding and things
that aren't physical. The last "vision" that she had ended
up in a seizure and that's how she was admitted. She
could've stayed in a normal ward but things that she talks
about are the reason why the Hospital has found her
mental unstable with psychotic episodes, totally
unnecessary. I know my Grandmother and though she
loses touch with reality more often than a normal person
would, she is not a mental case..
I looked for her everywhere until they told me that she's
outside, basking at the sun with a friend. Indeed I found
her sitting outside of the ward with a friend, but they
were kept under strict supervision..
Me: Ma..
We call her "Ma" because she raised me and Snazo while
my Mother was working a bit far from home, when she
was still a live in Maid..
Her: Niso my boy
I greeted the friend too. I brought her nothing but fruits
and a juice, business hasn't been booming lately that's all
I could afford for now. She looked at her friend.
Her: Umzukulu wam' (This is my Grandson)
Friend: Kunjani mzukulu? (how are you Grandson)
Me: Ngiyaphila (I am well)
The friend got up..
Her: Let me go inside.. Mhlambe nami I might have a
visitor
She walked inside and left us there..
Her: Kunjani? (How are you)
Me: I should be asking you that
Her: By the grace of God I am well.. I am surviving
I looked down. I am not religious, especially after I've
seen how religion has enslaved my family turning my
Grandmother insane..
Her: Uphi uGugu? (Where is Gugu)
Me: She is still at Church, she mentioned that they
delayed them because of a home cell meeting
Her: I understand.. She will Come Tomorrow
Me: I brought you these
I handed them to her..
Her: Thank you.. God bless you
She took them..
(Silence)
Her: Snazo hasn't made contact?
Me: It's been almost 5 years now Ma, Snazo will not
make contact
Her: Ungabi njalo (don't be like that)
Me: What you expect me to say?
I still don't understand her undying love for my Brother,
she has always prayed for him, fasted and what not but
Snazo kept on getting worse and worse.
Her: You know what I have? I have faith and faith is all I
need to believe that Snazo will change his ways one day..
The God I serve has never disappointed me, I serve the
same God who was with Joseph throughout even after
his Brothers had sold him. The same God who made him
Governor after he had been falsely accused of..
Me: Ma please.. These things you talk about are the
same things that ended you up here if you keep this up
you never coming home!!
She smiled and glanced down at the fruits..
Her: How is the pain on your chest?
Me: How did you know?
Her: I can see the sword of Anger plunged in your chest,
you bleeding internally that's why at night you always
woken up by the same pain in your chest
I looked at her..
Me: Gugu told you about that right?
Her: No one told me Niso I can see..
Me: Maybe I should go
Her: You have always been stubborn I guess you take
that from your Mother
My Mother has never been open about my Father, when
I ask her she loses it! Judging from how Snazo and I look
"Mixed race" there's a deeper truth that my Mother and
my Grandmother aren't telling us..
I stood up..
Me: Bye Ma
Her: Go well Son, may you always be under God's grace
and protection
I shook my head and walked out..

02
NOMVELO
Fashion has always been a diverse and popular style. It
trends in the lines of clothing, footwear, lifestyle,
accessories, makeup, and hairstyles just to name a few. I
have always taken an interest in the design part of it,
clothes that I wear most of them I have designed myself
and my main goal is to be a very well recognized fashion
designer for high profile and rich individuals globally. I
wish not to be based overseas I wanna attain my success
solely in Africa, I think the states already have successful
Fashion designers already. The likes of Michael Kors,
Hubert de Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Ralph Lauren
and a whole lot more. I am currently doing my first year
in Fashion design at Oakfields College, I am studying at
the Campus in Pretoria since we now reside at Pretoria
west. We used to live at Johannesburg but moved for
safety reasons, there was once a taxi gun violence and
my Uncle being the most dominating taxi owner our lives
were in danger, so we had to move. Reason why I was
delayed, I was supposed to have started tertiary when I
was 19 years old now I'm 21..
I chose Oakfields college because at the end of each year
as a fashion student, you will showcase your garments in
a fashion show held in the presence of industry
professionals and peers. You will design and make
various garments including skirts, dresses, shirts, pants,
evening wear and wedding dresses. Provided if your final
results and sketches are impressive. My Uncle has little
hope on my choice of career, to him I should've been a
Dr, Nurse, you know those professions. I want to prove
to him that I am actually doing something that has hope
and success. I want to show him that his money won't go
in vain. The course is only for two years and I'm
comfortable with that, as soon as I get my certificate I
wanna work at a boutique gain more experience and
exposure before starting my own company..
This morning I was late, I was 30min late for my morning
class. I will have to skip it, because by the time I get there
they will be out. I threw my bag on the chair, Nomsa was
standing at the stove cooking oats. She turned and
looked at Me..
Her: Good morning
Me: Morning
Her: Kunjani? (how are you)
Me: I'm well but very late
Her: Ya you very late by this time you already ou..
Me: Tell me something I don't know Nomsa
Her: Velo you 21 years old, when do you think you will
ever let go of this disrespect that you have for your
elders?
I rolled my eyes as the kitchen door opened, my Uncle
and his lap dog Danger walked in. Danger has been my
Uncle's right hand man for as long as I can remember, he
is not a man of many words too..
Uncle: Morning.. Morning
They call my Uncle J.J, his full name is Jameson..
Nomsa: Morning
Me: Morning I have to be on my way.. I'm late
I took my bag..
I walked to the door kissing my Uncle on the cheek
before walking out..
Him: Enjoy your day Dodo..
Me: You too
I made my way out to my car, I drive a Chevrolet spark.
My uncle bought me the car last year..
_
SNAZO
It was refreshing to breath fresh air, to have the sun fully
shine right on my face. Hear the sound of cars though
they were a bit far away, hearing the gates close behind
me knowing that they not closing me inside. I looked up
and then closed my eyes trying to feel the beauty of my
freedom..
"Angibe yi man of the match and hold the bigger cheque,
phand' ivika S'krape sil'fase Z'hlala zisha Entlek"
I looked at him, he was leaning against the Citi golf,
playing the song a bit loud. I made my way to him and we
exchanged greetings through our Gangster handshake..
Him: Bebathini Nja yam'? Bebacabanga ukuthi angeke
uphume, ubalayile mza wam' (What were they saying?
They thought you wouldn't get out)
Me: "Bebang'robha mangithi ng'checka iScore line (they
framed me) Bang'sabotager batheng'ureferee but it's
alright (they sabotaged my case by buying a judge)"
He joined in..
Him: Kanti abazi ukuthi sinama lines (they didn't know
we had alliances) ak'phakam'iflag ba offside (let's raise
the flag they now offside)
We started dancing...
Him:" Khululeka iT.S ishay' enye iSubstitute, ifake
lentwana edlala ngama ane attitude"
Me: "Idl' ingoma nge sliding tackle bese khala abo-
ahhchuu, Baphuma nge stretch egame-ini masekukhala
ibhathu"
We laughed and did the handshake again then we got in
the car. A few years ago we were dealing with gold, we
had someone who held a high position at the mine who
helped us to get access to the gold. Wasn't easy since
security was tight but we always made a way until the
bastard was caught and he framed me, I was meant to do
more than 5 years but somehow I got 5 years. Serving my
sentence was the hardest ontop of that I couldn't live
with the fact that I had disappointed my family..
Me: umtholile? (did you find him)
He shook his head..
Shine has always been my boy, he has been true to me in
every possible way since from day one..
Him: Sizoythola lebhari ungapheli umoya bozza (we will
get that fool, don't give up now)
No one chooses to wake up and be a thug, being a
person who never completed high school and coming
from a financial disadvantaged background I had to do
what was necessary to provide for my family. Though my
Grandmother never accepted my money saying it's not
clean but my Mother and My Brother were forced too..
Me: Injani iNtwana yam'? (how is my Brother)
Shine: Le yakini uyayazi Joe, uncwadile (you know your
Brother he is very smart)
Me: So he made different choices than I did?
Shine: Uyenza lezinto zakhona zama diploma (he is doing
a diploma)
Me: That's my boy
He cleared his throat..
Him: Mara.. (but)
Me: Ismoko? (what's the problem)
Him: uphusha iSmokolo (he is selling weed)
I looked at him..
Me: Awuyikhiphele esidini (pull over)
Him: Sure
He pulled over..
I got out and made my way to his side, I opened the door
and pulled him out. I punched him twice and then he
pushed me.. He spat blood on the ground..
Him: and then nou?
Me: Intwana yam'ize iphushe iSmokolo wena
bowukuphi? (where were you that my Brother resulted
into selling weed)
I kicked him on his crotch..
Him: Ahhhhhhhhhh (Screaming)
I spat on the ground and put my hoody hat over my cap..
Me: Nx!! Ngizoy'reva! (I'll drive)
I pushed him and then got in the driver's seat..
_
SBONISO
Me: Ta (thanks)
There's a few students and other guys who buy my weed
early in the morning at the train station. The train is
usually here at 06:45, Today it delayed it was 07:00am
already. I am from a very popular township called
Tsakane, I travel everyday to school by train. My college
is at Pretoria (Lecyum college). I usually take the train in
the morning then I come back with a taxi..
I have already made R150 this morning, at least I'll be
able to get to school and come back, I'll even have
change to buy myself lunch. The train finally arrived and
we made our way in, I had My Nikey back pack, it was
fake if you wondering. As we took off the cops invaded
the train my heart stopped, I have a lot of weed in my
back pack that can get me into serious trouble, I kept my
composure and one of them stood right infront of me. I
looked up at him..
Him: Uya emsebenzini? (are you going to work)
I shook my head no..
Me: I'm going to school
He looked at me for a while and then walked away..
I was able to breath after that, that was very close..

03
NOMVELO
I think the word "Late" should be my middle name, I had
missed my first class and now I was 10min late for my
second one. I didn't expect to come across traffic, it
really ate out the little time I had. I am not a morning
Person and I get worse when I had drank the night
before, last night I had a night out with my girls had a few
cocktails and came back home pretty much late. The
things is I don't get to see my high school girls that much
since I moved from Johannesburg so whenever we plan
to meet up I have to tag along because only heaven
knows when we gonna see each other again. I walked in
and everyone was walking around, it was more like an
ant mode going on. I don't blame them seeing that it's
going to be the biggest week for us, we have a huge task
awaiting us. This is the turning point of our course, this is
what we came here for. 3 months of theory and now it's
just sketches and design, sketches and design..
Ms Wright: Well.. Well.. Look what the cat dragged in?
She made her way to me, in those denim shorts and knee
high heel boots. She folded her arms and looked at me..
Me: I'm sorry Ms Wright
Her: You not holding me back I'm unaffected, you holding
you back and your team back!
I looked around again..
Her: They on station 8
I made my way to them..
Me: Guys I'm really sorry
Tori and Amandla have been my clique since from day
one, they currently the only friends I have around here
and I mean that not only at school but in general. Tori is
our white gay friend, he is very jolly, fun, free spirited but
he can sting if you rub him off the wrong way.
Power: Your apology won't help us much
Amandla's nickname is "Power" don't know how it came
about but I like it..
Tori: With these bum ass colours I might as well clean
toilets at a fast food restaurant for a living
Me: What do we have?
Power: Look for yourself
Me: Brown.. Black..Turquoise Blue
Ms W: listen up Designers!! You now have your material
start sketching, start sharing ideas. Remember you
creating an outfit for summer, make all those colours
pop! Quite easy right?
Ms Wright is British, she was married to a very rich South
African guy but they divorced last year and she pocketed
a lot from the divorce because she has a clothing store..
Power: This does not spell out "Summer"
Tori: Biatch we might as well design a cute outfit for a
funeral
Me: Biatches come on! We can do this hey! We can make
this work
Tori: Black in summer is mad hot, we not planing a heat
stroke death now are we?
Power: Next time I am going with a different crew yall
are tripping!
Tori: She is tripping!! Don't put me in the same category
with failure and being late
I know that Tori and Power are made at me but we will
have to make this work, though we were the last to get
the material because I was late but we will have to make
this work..
_
SNAZO
After dropping off Shine at his crib I drove to my place,
he doesn't live far from me. He lives 4 streets away from
mine. I parked the car next to my house and remained
inside for a while, I am not a Person who takes in too
much when it comes to emotions but here I was finding
myself very nervous. I have disappointed my Family more
than once, the tears my Mother cried the endless prayers
that my Grandmother said for me and at the end I
surprised them with more and more disappointments. I
let out a sigh and then got out of the car, not much has
changed. Everything is still as how I remember it except
for a few houses being renovated. I made my way in and
went to the back, my outside room was locked. I saw a
bit of dust at the doorstep. I went to the kitchen door
and took a deep breath as my hand held the door handle,
fear kicked in..
I turned the door handle and opened the door, I was
welcomed by someone humming. It was Gugu..
I closed the door and stood there..
Her: You home early today Niso
I didn't say anything..
She turned around with a mug in her hand and it slipped
as soon as she saw me. We both stood there looking at
each other not saying anything, again what do you say to
someone that you haven't seen for 5 years?
Her: Sn.. Snazo?
Me: Yeah it's Me
A few seconds passed without anyone saying a word..
Her: Wha.. Whe.. I thought that..
Me: I'm.. I'm good ng'grand
Her: ubukuphi sonke les'khathi? (Where were you)
Me: I was.. Beng'se Danyanya (I was in jail)
Her: Snazo why you never called?
Me: I didn't want to worry you guys
Her: You didn't want to worry us? So disappearing for 5
years wasn't worrisome? The sleepless nights we had?
Not knowing ukuthi kwenzakalani ngawe
Me: Hade ke Gugu (Sorry)
(Silence)
Her: Unjani kodwa? (How are you though) we hear a lot
of horror stories about jail
Me: Ngi sharp, I made it out in once piece
Her: Uzohamba futhi? (Are you going to leave again)
Me: No I'm not going anywhere this time.. I promise
Her: I was making tea and bread.. Would you like some?
Me: Ya but first I wanna see my room
Her: I'll get the key
She made her way to the bedroom..
Her: Welcome home Snazo
_
SBONISO
I stood at the door and looked at her, she seemed very
occupied today. She was fully concentrating on that
paper in front of her, she had completely shut out the
world. I walked in and closed the door, that's when she
looked up and saw me. I made my way to her desk..
Me: Eyy
Her: Hey
I went all around to her and placed my hands on her
shoulders, I leaned over and kissed her on her neck..
Me: How are you?
Her: I'm okay
I kissed her again and sucked her a bit this time..
Me: You just okay?
She nodded..
My other hand sank lower to her cleavage, I squeezed
her right breast while still sucking her on her neck..
Me: Wanna take a break?
Her: No I have to finish up here
Me: You have never said No to me?
She kept quiet. I stood up straight and turned the chair
so that she could face me..
Me: What's wrong?
She kept quiet but my stare pierced through her skin..
Her: You were supposed to come to my place this
weekend and you didn't, you didn't even call
I sighed..
Me: About that I was held up with something
Her: Or held up by someone?
Connie is a lecturer for first year students, she was my
lecturer too when I was doing my first year. She is
married to a soldier who is hardly around and out of
loneliness our relationship started. At first it was just a
harmless student and lecturer relationship, she would
hint on a daily basis that I'm very handsome and flirt with
me until we gave it a try. It was supposed to be a no
strings attached type of thing but lately she has been
catching feelings. I can say it's a beneficial relationship,
She helps me out financially and I satisfy her needs and
take her loneliness away..
Her: I'm sorry I know that I'm not supposed to be clingy
Me: It's cool.. I promised that I was going to come and I
stood you up, I'm sorry
I leaned over and kissed her all over her face..
Me: I'm terribly sorry
Her: Stop it (Laughing)
Me: I mean it
She pushed me back a bit..
Her: Well then my husband will be here in no time to
bring me lunch so..
Me: I understand
Her: He came back this morning
Me: Dammit! Couldn't he stay in whatever shit hell bush
they sent him too?
She laughed..
Her: Don't be like that
Me: Stand up
Her: Why?
Me: Just stand up
She stood up and I pushed the chair away.
I picked her up and placed her on the table..
Her: Babe we can't
I parted her legs and got in between them, I kissed her..
Me: I'm going to be quick
I kissed her again and took off her underwear, I put it in
my pocket..
Me: Was he there when you were getting dressed this
morning?
Her: He was
I unbuttoned her blouse and uncliped her bra. I kissed
her one last time..
Me: Let me see how you going to explain to him were
your Bra and your underwear is
Her: What?
I stepped back, as she put on her blouse.
Her: Niso no please..
I made my way out of her office..
Her: Niso!!.. Seriously?
I put the bra in my pocket, the one from my jacket.
04
SNAZO
I was now helping Gugu with the dishes, she was washing
I was wiping and putting them in their respective places.
It was good to be back home and I'm glad that my
Mother welcomed me back with open arms not everyone
can be afforded the same courtesy after they had been
jailed for 5 years, some families find such as shaming
them in the community. My family has never been one to
care much about what "society" thinks or say about us,
People will always find something to talk about. It's
always like that..
Gugu: Your Brother is very stubborn akafuni uk'tshelwa
nex (he doesn't wanna be told anything)
Me: Seng'khona manje all that is going to change
Gugu: cut him some slack though he is really making us
proud
Me: Heard he's in college
Gugu: Yes it's his last year.. He is doing teaching
Me: I thought he wanted to do engineering
Gugu: He wanted to do something that would get him a
job
I nodded..
Gugu: Are you going with me to see Ma?
Me: I would rather not
Gugu: You are all that she talks about Snazo
Me: Gugu I don't wanna give her a heart attack, when is
she coming home?
Gugu: I think in the next 3 days or so
Me: I will see her then
She looked at me...
Me: Yini? (What)
Her: Nothing
She drained the water and stood at the sink with her
eyes closed..
Me: uSharp?
Her: No..Yazi I always get a cramp on my left ankle
I pulled a chair for her..
Me: Sit down let me see
She sat down...
I crouched and removed her slipper.. It was swollen
Me: Have you seen a Dr before?
Her: Ngayiphi imali? (With what money)
I massaged her a bit and something snapped..
Her: Awww!!
Me: Sorry
I let her go..
Me: Askies.. Uright?
She put it down..
Her: That's strange I don't feel pain anymore
Me: Serious?
Her: I'm dead serious.. Wow Snazo
I literally saw a small lizard coming off from her ankle, it
came off from that swollen area. I closed my eyes..
Her: Serious I no longer feel pain, you have a magic
touch, and it looks like.. It looks like the swelling is going
down
The lizard rushed through the kitchen floor and went
under the fridge..
Gugu: Snazo
I looked at her..
Gugu: Are you okay?
Me: Ya I'm fine
I got up. This is not the first time, It's something that
started last year in jail after I had attended a few church
services. I would randomly see things that others can't
see and things that I can't explain. I haven't told anyone
about it, I don't want anyone thinking that I'm crazy..
Me: Athi ngishaye ijika lapha eMall (let me go to the
mall) I need a few things
Her: Okay I will see you jumpas
Me: Jumpas? Who are you?
She laughed..
Her: I'm trying to learn your language phela I don't
wanna be left behind
Me: Careful.. You might learn certain words that aren't
meant for you
I looked at the fridge thinking that the lizard would come
out but it didn't..
Me: Send my love to Ma
Her: I will
Me: Do you have taxi fare money?
Her: Aren't you sweet.. Yes I do have
Me: See you later then
I kissed her on her cheek..
Her: Okay baby be safe and stay out of trouble you just
got released
Me: Yeah I know
_
NOMVELO
My Day was a mess, Ms Wright gave us 8/20 for our
sketch. We had decided to go with black shorts, a
turquoise blue crop tee and we didn't know were to fit
the Brown. It was very embarrassing because we the only
ones who got the lowest mark, Tori and Power were very
mad at me that they avoided me in class until break. I
was so down that I didn't even stay for my last class, at
lunchtime I drove straight to my boyfriend's place. I am
dating a guy named Jacione, he is a soccer player and
he's 27 years old. We have been together now for 6
months, we had met through a mutual friend at some
restaurant.
My previous relationship didn't work out because my
Uncle wasn't happy with the guy that I was dating, he
didn't have an impressive job and my Uncle told me that
if a guy cannot afford me half of the things that he buys
me, then he is not worth my Love. He hasn't met Jacione
and I'm hoping that when the time comes, he will like
him. He is originally from Kenya but his family moved
down here when Jacione was very young, he completed
his primary and secondary education here. He enrolled at
University but dropped out to follow his passion, he loves
soccer more than anything
I was glad to find him around, he is hardly at home. Last
weekend he was playing so I didn't see him. He picked
me up, I wrapped my legs around his waist and his were
under my butt making sure that I don't fall..
Me: I missed you so much
Him: I missed you too
He kissed me and then put me down..
Him: I thought you would be at school
Me: You don't wanna know
His puppies ran to him from the lounge...
Me: You got new puppies?
Him: Ya I got them 2 weeks back
Me: They so cute.. Who looks after them when you not
around?
Him: My mom does
Me: They very cute
Him: At what time are you leaving?
Me: I don't know maybe at 18:00
Him: Then we have time to catch up on everything that
we missed last weekend
He made his way to me..
Him: I guess we do
He kissed me and squeezed my butt..
_
SBONISO
Before going home I made my way to Connie's office to
check up on her. Unfortunately she didn't find the
underwear and bra joke funny.
Her: That wasn't sweet.. I had to make up a story for him
not to come
I squeezed her cheek a little..
Me: Disadvantages of cheating
Her: Just give me back my things
She tried reaching for my bag but I stopped her.
Me: Not so fast.. What's in it for me If I give them back?
Her: Stop playing
Me: I'm not playing, I need compensation for keeping
them do you know how embarrassing it would've been if
someone found them in my bag?
She laughed..
Me: Don't laugh it's not funny
Her: I didn't say take them
I leaned over for a kiss and she pushed me back.
Her: Not at work it's too risky
Me: That's what makes it fun
Her: You really out to ruin my life aren't you?
Me: We'll be quick then after I'll give you back your
things and you can go home to hubby dearest how's
that?
Her: I don't know
I pulled her closer and kissed her, she didn't resist she
followed through. I dropped my bag on the floor then
picked her up and placed her ontop of her desk while still
kissing her. She helped me to remove her blouse making
sure that no button falls on the floor. Connie has a good
body not too slim and not thick either, though she was
gifted when it comes to her breasts. I kissed her neck and
then went down to her stomach, I ran my tongue around
her belly button and then I lifted her legs up to the table,
so that I could get a better view of her shaved cookie.
She was wearing a skirt, and I lifted it up to her stomach.
My tongue came in contact with her bean while my
thumb pressed against her already wet hole. She had her
hand at the back of my head and was moaning softly, she
couldn't keep still. I continued with that until I noticed
that she was close to coming, judging from her reaction. I
went up and kissed her..
Me: You liked that?
Her: Yes I did
We continued kissing while she was grabbing my crotch
and squeezing me a bit..
Her: Do you have condoms?
Me: I do
I always make sure that I got condoms with me. I went
and got one from my bag and then she helped me to roll
it down. We weren't completely naked, well I wasn't
after all it's stolen sex..
I parted her legs and then made my way in she gasped
with her hands on my shoulders, I kissed her to prevent
her from making noise as I made the rest of me inside of
her..
This is basically our relationship summed up, a beneficial
affair..

05
NOMVELO
Jacione and I have little time for each other with our busy
schedules, especially on his side. Whenever we have to
spend time together it's either he has a match, an
interview or has training for his upcoming matches. It's
really draining weeks can pass without us seeing each
other. I was meant to go home at 18:00, but I ended up
going at 15:00 because he was called Home. Mama's
boys are a headache at times..
I got home and all I wanted to do was to relax or watch
my favourite movie "The devil wears Prada" so that I
could uplift my spirit on what happened today at school,
but unfortunately my plans were short lived when I
stumbled upon Nomsa and her Daughter Mpilo in the
lounge watching Tv. They seemed to be having a good
time, eating, talking and laughing. It was a serious
Mother and Daughter moment..
Nomsa: Hey Velo come and join us
I didn't say anything I just ran my eyes around at the
snacks that were ontop of the table..
Nomsa: Mpilo came to visit, she will be here for a week
Mpilo studies at TUT, she is a private paying student I
know very well that it's my Uncle's money that's putting
her through school. Her Mom is a broke ass housewife..
Me: How sweet? Is your Son here too, to complete the
perfect family moment?
Mpilo: Askies? Are you talking to my Mother like that?
Nomsa: Myeke mpilo (leave her) don't let a Dog's bark
scare you
Me: Are you calling me a dog? I am so going to get my
Uncle on you
She chuckled..
Nomsa: I cannot wait for the day that life will humble
you, and don't forget Uncle J.J is not God. He is mortal,
he can die anytime
I remained quiet..
Nomsa: Let us not keep you from your majestic life
She turned to Mpilo..
Nomsa: What movie were we supposed to watch again?
Mpilo: This one.. Monster in law, one of my favorites
I walked away and stood at the doorway looking at
them..
Nomsa: I have never watched it before
Mpilo: Ahhh Mama you joking right? (Laughing)
Nomsa: Hau yini ehlekisayo lapho? (what's funny about
that)
They both laughed. It was difficult observing that
moment considering the fact that my Mother was taken
away from me when I was just 4 years old. I don't even
have any memory of her nor remember how she looked
like other than in the pictures. I had to go through certain
things alone, like having my first period, my body
changing and a few other things. My Uncle is always
there for me but there's things that I can't talk to him
about and my Grandmother is old, she's lived in the
ancient times she doesn't understand modern life. I went
outside to breath because I felt like being around them
was suffocating, I held my tears back. I spotted Danger
washing one of my Uncle's cars I made my way to him..
Danger: Kaz' uk'hlupheka kwavelaphi, sekungathi
ngakuthenga.. Ngamalini, sengaze ngihlupheke nje
(Singing)
Me: Uhm Danger
He dropped the sponge in the water..
Him: Nkosazana
I could see that I was making him nervous..
Me: Where is my Uncle?
Him: Usaphumile (He is out)
I leaned against the car..
Him: Bona imoto leyo imanzi (the car is went)
Me: It doesn't matter
Him: ngathi awuphathekile kahle? (You don't seem well)
Me: I'm fine
(Silence)
Him: Waze wafana noMawakho, indoni yamanzi (You
look just like your Mother, she was a real beaut)
Me: You knew my Mother?
He paused for a while and then nodded..
Him: I have known your Uncle and his family for a very
long time
Me: ubekade enjani? (how was she)
Him: She had a beautiful smile, a good heart.. She was
friendly with everyone and was always there when one
needed help
Me: I wish I had known her
Him: Were you ever told what happened?
Me: Apparently my Father butchered her to death
Him: I'm very sorry Nkosazana
Me: You shouldn't be.. It's not your fault. I'm glad he is
rotting in jail
The gate opened and my Uncle's car drove in..
Me: Finally!!!.. When you done Danger can you also
please wash my car?
I gave him the keys..
Him: Yebo Nkosazana (Yes princess)
He parked right next to us and got out..
Uncle: Akumelanga ngabe usesikolweni? (aren't you
supposed to be at school)
Me: Came out early
The other door opened and my Grandmother came out..
Me: Duchess!!!
I ran up to her and hugged her..
Her: Velo
Me: I didn't know that you were coming
Her: Aich.. Indaba zama last minute
Uncle: Ngizolethe izikhwama (I will bring in the bags)
At least my mood has changed now..
_
GUGU
Today I decided to pass by at the mall and buy my Mom
streetwise two and a 100% fruit juice with grapes and
pears, it was a beautiful day and I was very grateful that
my Son was back at home still in one piece..
Ma: Uyithathephi imali? (where did you get the money
from)
Me: Bonga nje kphela Ma (Just say thank you)
She smiled..
Ma: Thank you
Me: How are you holding up?
Ma: I am holding up very well, by the grace of God
Me: That's good
Ma: Niso is not coming Today?
Me: He is still at school
Ma: Maybe uzoza late (Maybe he will come later)
Me: Maybe
Ma: Hau.. When you walked in I didn't see you limping
Me: Uhm.. Ma.. I have to tell you something but please
don't freak out
Ma: Yini? (what is it)
Me: uSnazo..
Ma: What about him?
Me: Don't worry nothing happened to him.. He is back
Ma: cishe wang'thusa (you almost scared me)
Me: He came back this morning
Ma: God heard my cries and my prayers
Me: Matter of fact I'm not limping anymore because of
him
Ma: Wenzeni? (What did he do)
Me: He touched my ankle and as he was busy massaging
me, something snapped then I was okay
Ma: Serious?
Me: Ya it's still surprising but he is good with his hands
Ma: Has he.. Has he said anything
Me: Huh?
Ma: Anything that's out of the ordinary?
Me: Like what?
Ma: Things like.. Seeing things
Me: Ma what are you talking about? Have you been
taking the meds that the Dr prescribed? Do you drink
when the Nurses give you?
Her: Of course I do.. Forget I said anything
Me: You have to drink the meds
Her: I know and I am drinking the Meds
Me: That's good
I hope my Mother pulls through, She doesn't seem to be
getting better..
_
UNCLE J.J
Me: What were you talking to her about?
Danger: Nothing.. Ubecasukile nje (she was upset)
Me: Good now finish up
I started walking away..
Danger: Ube buza ngo Ma wakhe (She was asking about
her Mother)
I stopped and turned around..
Me: What did you say?
He shrugged his shoulders, I made my way to him and
put my hand on his neck. I pinned him against the car..
Me: Utheni kuye!! (what did you say to her)
Him: Nex.. (nothing)
I let him go..
Me: I told you that I don't want you talking to her!
Him: Iqiniso lizophuma ngelinye ilanga Jameson,
lizophuma noba kusenkungwini (The truth will come out
one Jameson, no matter how misty it can be)
Me: Stay away from my Daughter
Him: You mean my Daughter?
Me: Are you trying to test me?
Him: You think I don't know why you adopted her? Why
you treating her like this? It's because you hiding off your
guilt, you cleansing your conscience with her but no
amount of money will ever clean your conscience
Jameson
Me: Danger I am warning you, what good life was Velo
going to have? My Sister used to cry everyday you were
an alcoholic and very much addicted to gambling, you
were drowning in debts!
Danger: So you thought killing her and letting me take
the fall for it was the best thing? Money and power
mattered that much to you? You murdered your own
Sister I spent years in jail for something I didn't do! You
took my wife from me!
Me: Enough!!!!!..
He kept quiet..
Me: We will never have this conversation again!!! You
should know your place!!!.. Now get back to work and
stay away from Nomvelo, she's my Daughter now I
legally adopted her!
I started walking away..
Me: Ohh and.. I wonder who she is going to believe
between you and me because according to her you
rotting in jail, let it stay like that! What good life can you
afford her? None! This is for the best. If you truly love
your Daughter don't let those skeletons out of the closet
she has been through enough! She has a very good life
and let it be like that
06
Niso
My Mom and I had just finished eating dinner, she was
washing the dishes and I was supposed to dry them. We
don't leave dishes in the sink overnight, we trying to
avoid roaches and what not..
Gugu: Bekunjani eskolweni? (How was school)
Me: Was as usual
A few seconds passed without us saying a word to each
other..
Gugu: What are you busy with on your phone?
Me: Nothing much just checking a few things on
Facebook
In actual fact I was starring at Connie's Facebook profile
picture. It was her and her husband. Connie is 35 years
old, Yes this was supposed to be a no strings attached
type of relationship but I like her maturity and her
personality. She's not a nuisance, we sort out our issues
like adults thinking of going for my age group is another
story.
The door opened and to my surprise Nazo walked in, the
last time I saw his Ass I was 19 years old..
Nazo: Sanibonani (Greetings)
Gugu: Nazo.. You just missed dinner but your plate is in
the microwave
Nazo: Thank you..
He looked at me..
Him: Niso
Me: Good night Gugu
Gugu: Hau aren't you going to dry the dishes anymore?
Me: They will dry on their own
Nazo: Eyy
I stopped..
Nazo: Dry the dishes
Gugu: Myeke Nazo it's okay
Nazo: Ng'beka iStory kayi one (I only say something once)
if ngiyaz'phinda uzoswaba blind (if I repeat myself you
will be sorry)
(Silence)
I put my phone on the table and started drying the
dishes, Gugu smiled a little..
Gugu: In that case Good night then boys
Our house is a 4 room house, My Mom and my
Grandmother they share a bedroom and the other
bedroom is mine. Nazo has it's own room outside the
other room we used it to store things, though I really
wanted it for myself but.. I just can't wait to move out
and have my own space.
Nazo started moving the fridge, I wonder were he was
the whole 5 years..
Him: Why so many tats?
Me: They not many and they in one arm, tattoos are my
therapy
He put the fridge back in it's position..
He took another cloth and helped me with the dishes..
Him: How is school?
Me: School is fine
(Silence)
Him: Cava I know that I haven't been around but now I'm
back and things are going to change, I promise
He says that all the time but nothing changes..
Him: Tell me something how is Nkuli?
I chuckled.. Nkuli is Nazo's girlfriend or should I say ex
girlfriend. She was a very sweet girl, well behaved and
very much of an introvert until she started varsity, she
was enrolled at UJ and everything changed. As we know
how fast life can be in Johannesburg she met a few girls
who were slay queens and just like that our sweet Nkuli
changed..
Me: You have to forget about that one
Him: Why?
Me: I'll show you her Instagram and Twitter she's a slay
queen now and you below her class
Him: What the fuck is a slay queen?
I took my phone and showed him her pictures on
Instagram..
Me: Hade Bro (sorry Brother)
_
NOMVELO
I was massaging my Grandmother you know how old
people are, when old age catches up with them their
bodies start to give them problems.. She has a problem
with her knees, shoulders, arms and what not. She was
supposed to go for a knee surgery but she has been
procrastinating
Grams: Thank you Dodo yazi I struggle a lot at home
She was living with my cousin Nkuli, they from a
township called Tsakane. She now lives alone since Nkuli
is no longer living at home. My Grandmother had 3 kids,
my Uncle being the first born. My Mother was the
second born and Nkuli's Mother is the last born. Her
Mother got married to some guy when Nkuli was young
and she couldn't take Nkuli with. Her reasons made
sense, she married a man who likes women so she was
scared that he might turn and sexually abuse Nkuli.
Nkuli's life is a life of glamour, her apartment is to die for,
she wears designer clothes, she has a car all that coming
from rich Politicians that she entertains and sleep with
on a daily basis. She changed her image, she went for
breast implants and butt lifting she fixed her nose she is
way too different now..
Grams: Did your Uncle tell you that this weekend we
going to do a traditional ceremony? To honor and
acknowledge our ancestors?
My Uncle is cultural grounded, you can't tell him
anything about ancestors and traditional ceremonies..
Me: Again?
Her: Dodo it's part of who we are.. Plus we going to visit
your Mother's grave. It's been a while
Me: Okay I'll come
Her: Ithi ngilale
Me: Good night
Her: Night Dodo
_
SNAZO
For the past few months every night when I sleep at
around 2am or sometimes 3am, I hear a faint voice
whispering in my ear saying "Beloved" it never stops until
I wake up. Weird things have been happening to me,
things that I cannot explain. I don't know if it's witchcraft
or what but all I know is that this is not normal..
"Beloved"
I opened my eyes and looked around but I was alone in
the lounge, I had passed out on the couch. The Tv was on
mute..
I sat up straight and rubbed my eyes, what I heard and
what I saw about Nkuli earlier got to me. I love that girl,
always have loved her and I thought we were going
somewhere..
Niso walked out of his bedroom, as he made his way to
the couch I saw a big blood stain on his chest. Judging
from his face I could see that he was in a lot of pain..
He sat down..
Me: uGrand?
Him: Ja
I looked at him..
Him: I don't know.. I always have this sharp pain on my
chest, it wakes me up every night
Me: When did it start?
Him: It's been a while now, ever since you left
I don't know if I was seeing the blood stain alone, but if
he was also seeing it then he was going to ask to go to
the hospital. It's all in my mind..
Me: You should consult
Him: I've lived with it for years! Ngizoba sharp
Me: Niso
Him: Nazo don't start!! You have been gone for 5 years
don't come back now and play the big Brother card
When he said that I saw a sharp sword pressing in..
Him: Ahhhh!!
I blinked a few times..
It was a disturbing thing to see..
I stood up and went to him, I tried to touch him but the
voice disturbed me..
Voice: "Don't Beloved.. The wound is too deep it has to
heal first, before the sword can be removed"
I backed up and closed my eyes..
Me: Gugu!!!
He was really hurting..
Me: Gugu!!
She came out after a few seconds..
Her: Yini ebusuku so? (what is it so late)
She saw him..
Gugu: Snazo get those pills in the cupboard and a glass of
water quickly!
I went to get the pills and a glass of water.
She made him drink two of those pills..
Gugu: He will be fine as soon as the pills kick in
I wouldn't say the same though especially with that
sword in his chest..

07
SNAZO
A FEW DAYS LATER
My Grandmother was getting discharged today and I had
no choice but to go and fetch her since I have a car, in
her state of mind Gugu doesn't want her to take a taxi.
They just caught me off guard on a Friday afternoon
when I had plans of my own. I am not a fan of hospitals,
another reason why I haven't been there to see her but
most of all I wasn't looking forward to us meeting,
especially since I have disappointed her a lot of times. As
far as my life goes I still see things that logic cannot
explain, I don't know what's happening and I don't know
how to solve this problem of mine...
When I walked in, the atmosphere wasn't very
welcoming. I felt negative energy all around, and it was
weighing down on me very hard that I felt a bit light
headed. I spotted her sitting on the bed and I made my
way to her..
Me: Ma...
She slowly turned and looked at me..
Her: Nazo?
She got down from the bed and made her way to me..
Her: Gugu told me that you were back and..
She put her hand on my cheek..
Her: I am so happy to see you
Me: It's good to see you too
I couldn't hold my composure things were just not good
in this ward, there were dark shadows everywhere and I
kept on hearing voices talking a language that I didn't
understand. The voices were many it wasn't just one
voice and definitely not the one I hear most of the time.
The one I hear most of the time it's very calm, it's very
soft and it comes with peace. I feel a wave of peace each
time when I hear it, these ones I was hearing weren't for
peace at all. Looking around I could see dark shows
moving around the room fastidiously. Everything that
was happening was weighing down on me, it was
draining me of my energy and it brought about
unexplainable fear because I felt like I was losing my
mind..
Ma: Nazo
I looked at her..
Her: Are you okay?
Me: Ya.. I'm okay. Gugu gave me clean clothes you can
change and then we can go
She took the plastic. I could go and wait for her in my car
but I don't think she can make it on her own to my car,
and Gugu would kill me if my Grandmother
disappeared..
Me: I'll be sitting there on the bench in the waiting area
Her: Okay
I walked out of the ward..
_
NOMVELO
I was not in a good mood, last night I called Jacione and I
heard a female voice in the background. He claimed that
he was out with friends and obviously in the club there's
both girls and guys but I wasn't buying any of that. I
should've known that Jacione comes with a lot of
headache, I mean he is a soccer player and obviously girls
would always throw themselves at him. I really thought
that he was different but I guess I was wrong.
I missed school today because we had to drive to my
Grandmother's place for the traditional ceremony
tomorrow, Nkuli said she was going to arrive late I was
already getting bored. It was Me, my Grandmother, and
Nomsa around the house. My Uncle had gone with
Danger to buy a sheep and chickens, I didn't know it was
going to be something big..
Grams: Velo
I looked at her..
Her: Accompany me somewhere because I can see that
you bored
Me: Okay
I got up and then we went. I don't come here very often,
the last time I was here I can't even remember. There
hood is way different, it's noisy, and on weekends you
hear a lot of drunk people making noise in the street. You
hear gunshots and a lot of fighting, it's not really a safe
place..
Me: Where are we going?
Her: I am going to my friend's place, to see if she is home
and invite her to come to our place tomorrow
Me: Ohw
Her: You used to like it here when you were young, you
would play in the street with other kids
Me: I don't remember
We made our way in at some house, the yard was very
clean. We went to the back and she started knocking..
Grams: MaButhelezi!!
She knocked again..
Grams: Vula bo!! (open)
I cannot wait for this traditional ceremony to be over so
that I can go back home..
She knocked again until someone opened the door, it
was some guy..
Grams: Niso kunjani? (how are you)
He was the exact definition of "Handsome".. Beautiful
eyes, pinkish lips, just way too light but in a very
attractive way though. He looked more mixed race than
black...
He let us in. I never knew that such guys existed in the
hood, I liked his tattoos...
My Grandmother sat down..
Grams: Ukhona uMaButhelezi? (Is MaButhelezi around)
Him: cha! uSnazo usayomlanda (Snazo went to fetch her)
Grams: hau! uSnazo ukhona? (Snazo is around)
His voice I don't know how to describe it, it was a bit
scratchy as if like he was coming down with flu.
Nevertheless it wasn't irritating just very fascinating to
hear him talk...
Some woman walked in..
Her: Yazi ngiyezwa ukuthi kunabantu la ekhishini ( I heard
voices)
Grams: Kunjani kodwa Gugu? (How are you)
Gugu: Ngiyaphila unjani wena MaNgcobo? (I am well and
how are you)
Grams: Ngiyaphila (I am well)
(Silence)
Gugu: Haibo akusu wuNomvelo lo? (is that Nomvelo)
Immediately all attention was on me, I tried my outmost
best to avoid eye contact with him. Such guys you can
easily loose yourself in their charm..
Grams: Yes it is
She came to me and shook my hand..
Gugu: Kunjani sisi? (how are you)
Me: I am well
Gugu: Yazi ngak'gcina umncane kanjani? (the last time I
saw you, you were very young)
Grams: It's been a while since she was last here
She looked at him..
Gugu: Umzala kaNkuli (she is Nkuli's cousin)
Him: Serious?
His look made my knees weak..
Gugu: Ya kodwa uhlala no J.J
Him: I see
From thereon his eyes never left me..
Gugu: awusemuhle ufana noMamakho (You are so
beautiful just like your Mother)
Me: Thank you
Grams: uSnazo ubuyile? (Snazo is back)
Gugu: ubuyile (he is back)
Grams: Siyabonga yazi (we are grateful)
Gugu: wuye olanda uMa esbhedlela (he is the one
fetching my Mother at the hospital)
Grams: Speaking of that I wanted to invite you guys
tomorrow we have a traditional ceremony nyana
uyamazi uJ.J
Gugu: Ohw akunankinga sizoza (we will come)
Grams: In that case Velo let's go, we still have a lot to do
Gugu: Siyabonga MaNgcobo... Velo sisi it was nice seeing
you
I nodded. My Grandmother stood up and then we walked
out..
Me: Duchess who are these people?
Her: These people are good family friends of ours. That
was Gugu and her Son Niso. She has another one by the
name of Snazo
Me: That was her Son?
Her: Yes
Me: How possible? They don't look alike he looks mixed
race
Her: Maybe they look like their Father, abantwana bakhe
bahle even Snazo (her kids are handsome)
Me: I can see that
_
SNAZO
We finally arrived at home, the ride home wasn't very
pleasant. My Grandmother talks a lot and most of what
she talks about makes no sense..
I opened the door and we walked in..
Me: Welcome home
I closed the door..
The pots were boiling on the stove meaning Gugu was
cooking, we found them sitting in the lounge..
Ma: Sanibonani phela (greetings)
Gugu: Ma it's good to see you
I sat down, I had a headache..
Gugu: Siyabonga ukuthi ubuyile (we glad that you back)
Ma: Niso kunjani? (how are you)
Niso: I'm well Ma..
(Silence)
Ma: Nazo are you alright?
Me: Ya just a headache
Ma: I'm glad that we are all here because I have
something to talk to you guys about
Gugu: What is it?
Ma: It's time I tell you the truth about our family
Niso: What truth?
Ma: Our family is not just another ordinary family.. We
gifted and this gift has been passed on from generation
to generation
Niso: Nazo ke (Here we go)
Ma: I am not crazy Niso ungang'deleli (don't disrespect
me)
Gugu: What are you talking about Ma?
Ma: We have the gift of healing with our hands and also
through words, the gift has always been passed on to
females. Some sicknesses are brought by witchcraft and
some are demonic, it was not God's will for humans to
suffer in sickness. Some sicknesses it's just generational
curses and those ones we classify them as being
"hereditary"
Gugu: Ma what exactly are you saying?
Ma: What I am saying is that Gugu you were a twin and
your other twin passed on a few minutes after she was
born
Gugu: I know that Ma
Ma: The gift skipped you that means you weren't the
chosen one probably your twin was, and now one of your
kids has the gift.. Snazo has the gift of which I don't
understand how because he is supposed to have it when
I'm no longer around, he truly is special he is the first
male in our family to have the gift
Me: What?
Gugu: Ma you haven't been out of the hospital for even
24 hours and already you back at it again
Ma: I am not crazy! Why do you think Niso has a sharp
pain in his chest? He has the sword of Anger and
resentment piercing through him, the anger he has been
holding against Snazo for years. It is no secret that Niso
and Nazo have always been close, Nazo was always here
to protect him and take care of him when he started
disappearing that's when Niso felt neglected and his
Anger towards his Brother grew and grew
Gugu: Ma just stop it!!!
Niso: This is madness I'm going out
Ma: Snazo you know what I'm talking about, I saw you at
the hospital and how you reacted to the environment. A
lot of demons live there in that ward playing with
People's ment..
Gugu: Ma I said stop it!!
I stood up and walked away but stopped.
Me: Is it a God given gift?
She made her way to me..
Ma: Yes my boy
I looked at her..
Me: Then you crazy than I thought
Gugu: Snazo!!
Me: I don't even know the difference between God and
Jesus! All I know is that religion was enforced to us by
white people through slavery, this fictious God you
proclaim soo much doesn't exist! He is an image created
by white people to brainwash us into forgetting our own
culture and traditions. They have enslave us hence why
they took our land, they brought us a book that is full of
lies just so we can believe in a white God or Jesus
whatever he is to..
She slapped me..
There was silence for a while in the room.
I looked at Niso..
Me: Let's go
He got up and we went..
Gugu: Ma yabona ukuthi wenzeni manje? (you see what
you have done now)
08
GUGU
I am trying to make sense of everything that my Mother
said earlier on and unfortunately I can't, I mean she has
never mentioned this gift thing before until today. I
stood at the door of the bedroom and looked at her as
she read her Bible.
Ma: When they arrived, Samuel saw Jesse's son Eliab and
said to himself, "This man standing here in the Lord's
presence is surely the one he has chosen." But the Lord
said to him, "Pay no attention to how tall and handsome
he is. I have rejected him, because I do not Judge as
People Judge. They look at the outward appearance, but
I look at the heart."
I knocked..
Me: Ma..
She kept quiet and then closed her Bible.
I walked in and sat next to her, I had to talk to her
because the boys will be here soon and I don't want any
tension in the house anymore. We should be celebrating
that my Mother is back from the hospital not fighting
amongst each other..
Me: Unjani? (How are you)
She kept quiet for a long time and her next statement
was accompanied by tears...
Ma: I expected such disrespect from Niso but not Nazo
I held her hand..
Me: Askies Mama
It was hurtful seeing her that hurt..
Me: Why you never told me about this?
Ma: Asiyeke Gugu(let's leave it) I've been hurt enough
today, I'm tired of people calling me crazy
She doesn't really take offense but I think it's because
she loves Nazo so much and she didn't expect him to act
like that towards her, I know wherever Nazo is he is also
hurt. He loves his Grandmother and they have always
been close..
Ma: Please give me some space I wanna read my Bible
and pray
I got up and walked out then closed the door behind,
seeing my Mother that hurt, something deep inside of
me moved..
_
MVELO
Life got better when Nkuli arrived, I can finally breath
and talk to someone. I have been surrounded by elders
all day busy sending me back and forth, asking me
irrelevant things and telling me things that don't make
sense. She arrived in her Mercedes Benz A45 AMG, it's
white in colour and it attracted a lot of attention. Nkuli's
life has changed drastically, once upon a time she was
just ordinary and today she's living it up. I am happy for
her but at the same time I hope that she's playing it safe
and this doesn't lead her into an early grave.
We were in the bedroom, I was looking at some pictures
on her phone of a trip she took to Mauritius..
Me: You are really living it up
Her: The last thing I wanted was to be stuck here all my
life, I have always known that I was destined for good
things
She changed her heels and put on flat shoes as my
Grandmother walked in.
I don't think my Grandmother is all for the life that Nkuli
has chosen, she even dropped out of school..
Grams: How are you holding up?
Nkuli: I'm good
She sat on the bed..
Grams: Your Mom is going to come tomorrow morning
Nkuli: Not surprised
Grams: Your boyfriend is back.. Nazo
Nkuli: Koko he's not my boyfriend
Grams: You didn't tell me that you broke up
Nkuli: He disappeared and I never heard from him for
years, Nazo has always pulled disappearing acts
Grams: Now he is back for good
Nkuli: I don't know why you like Snazo soo much Koko he
is a thug! What good life could I possibly have with him?
Grams: So you saying that the life you living now is okay?
Nkuli: I'm surviving
Grams: By doing what? Sleeping with rich men for
money, expensive clothes, and expensive cars? You left
home saying you going to school and then you come
back like this? Where did I go wrong with you?
Nkuli: I shouldn't have came.. If you like Snazo soo much
why don't you date him
Me: Nkuli please..
Nkuli: I am not seeking your approval just let me live my
life how I see fit! I am not a child anymore!
(Silence)
Grams: Fine you will never hear me saying anything from
hereon just make sure you have a funeral cover! I don't
have money to bury you! Funerals are expensive
She stood up from the bed and made her way to the
door and walled out..
Me: Wow!
_
SNAZO
We drove to the mall and went to Nandos to have lunch,
be away nyana from the drama at home. I regret saying
half of the things I said to my Grandmother but what she
said scared me a bit, the last thing I want is to be crazy
like her..
Niso: You think the Hospital made a mistake by realising
her too soon?
Me: I don't know anymore
Niso: She never used to be like this back when we were
young
Me: She has always been like this, you were just too
young to understand what was going on
(Silence)
Niso: Tell me something do you know Nkuli's cousin? Her
name is.... Nomvelo?
Me: Yeah ngiyamcava (I know her) her Mother was killed
by her father when she was young then J.J took her in..
Why?
Him: Nothing she came to our house with her
Grandmother earlier on
Me: The last time I saw her she was very young
Him: Sha has grown up now and she's a beaut, haven't
seen such a beautiful dark skinned girl
Me: If you thinking about going after her don't.. That's
J.J's pride and joy he will hang you
Him: ngiyancoma nje (I'm just complimenting her)
Me: Ang'dlali njalo (I'm not playing) I cannot protect you
from him he is a very dangerous man, you can fuck
around with any girl you want just not that one plus
ang'safuni ukuzwa nex ngalama ntombazana kaButhelezi
yizikhekhe bonke (I don't wanna hear anything about the
Buthelezi girls they all hoes)
He chuckled..
Him: uNkuli wasn't going to wait for you, you have been
gone for too long
Me: Yeah whatever Joe just finish eating I have some
errands to run
There wasn't a lot of people which was good for me, I
don't like crowded places..
As we were sitting there and eating some woman walked
in with a child and she was followed by a man wearing a
black robe, very tall and I couldn't see his face because
the robe had a hat and he wore the hat which covered
his whole face..
Me: Niso
Him: Hmmm?
Me: You see that woman at the counter?
Him: Ya?
Me: How many people is she with?
Him: Huh?
Me: How many people is she with?
Him: Really Snazo?
Me: Just answer me Dammit!
Him: Just her and her child
I heard the calm voice again whispering..
"Beloved..."
Niso: Are you okay Bro?
Me: I'm fine
The voice continued...
"Beloved.."
Something weird happened, I saw the man extending his
hand to her and touching her shoulder, then she
collapsed. The Man's hand didn't look normal or human..
"Beloved.. She's about to be attacked by an evil entity,
she's going to have a heart attack and only you can help
her. Only you can prevent the entity from bringing about
a premature death and trapping her soul in darkness, it is
not her time yet"
Niso shook my hand..
Him: Nazo
I snapped out of it and looked at her, the entinty was still
attached to her. She was all talking to the cashier smiling
and what not, her child was next to her..
Me: That woman is about to have a heart attack
Niso: What?
I stood up and made my way to the counter as the
entinty stretched it's hand to her..
Me: Someone call an ambulance! This woman is about to
have a heart attack!!
Niso: Snazo what are you doing??
Me: Someone call an Ambulance right now!!
People looked at me as if like I was crazy..
Niso: Dude you acting weird and it's embarrassing!!
The entinty touched her on her shoulder and she went
down..
Me: No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I ran to her as she went down, the waitress screamed
and her daughter was frightened. I knelt down and
looked at her I saw her spirit leaving her body..
Me: No!!!!!!
The entity stretched out it's hand and the woman's spirit
went to him, and then they disappeared. Just like that,
she was gone..
09
SNAZO
A little girl just lost her Mother without even
understanding what's happening. What was meant to be
a sweet day between Mom and Daughter, turned into a
tragedy. The look on her face is probably going to haunt
me for a very long time, She was standing there all frozen
while a close relative was being contacted. Thank
goodness the Mother's phone didn't have a password. In
a matter of minutes Nandos became a spectacle, people
stood outside starring in through the windows and I was
concerned by the Police. I don't know what's happening
with me, whatever is happening ain't normal. No human
being is supposed to see a spirit de-attaching from a
human body, some other things we not meant to see
with the naked eye..
Officer: Witnesses say that you screamed, saying the
woman was going to have a heart attack a few seconds
before she went down. How did you know?
We have been through this over and over again..
Me: I had a hunch
I just got released from jail, I am not trying to go back
there again..
Him: You had a hunch?
Me: If I may ask.. Am I being arrested?
Him: No.. We just asking you questions to figure out how
everything happened and how you knew that it was
going to happen
Me: Like I said I had a hunch
Him: Did you know the victim personally?
Me: No.. Look I just came here to have lunch with my
Brother and I had no contact with the woman other than
when she was already on the floor
He nodded and looked at my Arm..
Him: You an ex con?
My tatts gave me away..
Niso: What's that got to do with what happened here?
Him: Son I wasn't talking to you
Me: Can I go now?
Him: Yes but know that we will be keeping a close eye on
you
I got up and walked out with Niso following me..
Niso: Mind explaining what happened back there?
Me: What happened is that your Grandmama has a lot of
explaning to do! Shit ain't sweet anymore
My Grandmother will be forced to explain what's
happening to me...
_
NOMVELO
Nkuli and I went out to get a breather from everything
that's happening at home and the fight that she had with
our Grandmother. I cannot wait to go back home, just
get back to my life the hood is not my type of place..
We were chilling at this other place a bit close to home, I
don't really know what to call the place but it's sort of
like a mobile container that sells booze and there were
chairs around were People can sit after buying and a big
gazibo provided the necessary shade. It wasn't hot
anymore, the sun was already setting. We were drinking
ice tropez and Nkuli was the one who bought..
Her: How are things between you and Jacione?
Me: Not so good
Her: Why?
Me: It's like I'm the only one invested in the relationship,
I am the only one calling and texting him. Jacione is
always busy and he is hardly around
Her: I hate to be this honest with you but Babe you have
invested too much of your feelings into this relationship
and it seems as if like Jacione isn't quite committed, he is
a soccer player after all. We might be sitting here talking
and he might be getting pussy somewhere else
Me: I don't know what I was thinking
Her: Such relationships you just go in for the benefits.
Sex, money, and a good time. Look at me I am not
committed at all to anyone but I am living a very good life
Me: What about Snazo? Was it also a beneficial
relationship?
She exhaled..
Her: No.. The truth is I loved Snazo. I didn't have much
but I didn't care because I had him, it was us against the
world
Me: Sounds like you were in too deep
Her: I was but unfortunately there was no future with
him, Snazo is a thug he would disappear a lot and my
biggest fear was that he would be locked up for a long
time or maybe he might be gunned down and then what
was going to become of me? When he disappeared that's
when I decided to put me first I had to think about my
future
Me: I wish I could know how it feels like to be loved, I
mean truly loved. Not what Jacione is doing to me
Her: Then why are you still with him?
Me: I don't know.. I really don't know
Her phone rang..
Her: Eish it's Aunt Sheila..
She answered..
Her: Hello??.. Ya.. Sise gazibo (we're at gazibo)
After a few seconds she rolled her eyes..
Her: Okay.. Bye
She put her phone on the table..
Her: She wants us to buy her iCastle lite
She looked around..
Her: I'm glad I made it out of here, the hood has no
future for girls. I'd probably be pregnant by now or just
sitting and watching life pass me by
Me: Grams was putting you through school
Her: I was dependent on Nsfas and it didn't even pay for
my first year, it was catastrophic. At least you, you have
always had Uncle J.J in your life. You blessed
Me: I guess so
A Citi golf pulled up playing music very loud...
"You give me the love I need, You let me be who I wanna
be (ndiyakuthanda)
You give me the love I need, You let me be who I wanna
be (ndiyakuthanda)
Yimithandazo yenu, Nobubele benu..
Oh you could've been doing something else with your
life, But you chose to be here by my side... "
The driver reduced the volume, but we could still hear
the song on a much acceptable level..
"Umntu ngumntu ngabantu nam ndingumntu ngabantu
(you got to know that), Umntu ngumntu ngabantu nam
ndingumntu ngabantu (what you done know)..
Ndiyabulela bhuti, ndiyabulela sisi (you got to know that)
Ndiyabulela mama, ndiyabulela tata (you got to know
that).. "
Nkuli freaked out..
Nkuli: OMG!! It's Snazo..
Me: What?
Her: We have to go right now!!
They got out of the car..
Me: Wait.. What about Aunt Sheila's beers? You know
she going to be making noise
We hurried to get the beers, How frightened Nkuli was
made me a bit uncomfortable. They gave us the two
castle lite beers and when we turned, Sazithela phezu
kwabo (We bumped into them)
Nkuli almost dropped the beers..
They came face to face with each other and the serious
look on Snazo's face terried me. Snazo just like his
Brother he is very handsome but he is very intimidating
too. That scar under his eye made him more intimidating.
He had his hands buried deep in his pockets and he was
looking at Nkuli from head to toe while sniffing, Nkuli
was even shaking.
Niso had this smirk on his face that I could just wipe off
with a clap..
Snazo cleared his throat and then bumped into Nkuli on
purpose, making the two castle lite bottles that she was
holding to fall and break..
Niso: Eish sizothini umuntu makame endleleni? (what
can we say when someone is standing in the way)
Nazo: Umuntu agcwale indlela nje (A person occupying
the whole space)
I didn't expect such immaturity from the both of them..
Snazo pushed Nkuli a bit who was close to crying now..
Snazo: Eish s'cela ukudlula please (Can we please pass)
Niso chuckled.. I clicked my tongue..
Me: Such immaturity from two grown men
I felt a hand grabbing my arm in a very rough way, he
turned me around so that I could face him. My heart
skipped a bit..
Snazo: Askies uyakhuluma? (Are you saying something)
I kept quiet..
Him: I didn't think so
Niso laughed, like literally laughed and his laugh pierced
through deep inside and made me more upset. Nkuli and
I left..
Me: Wait until I get my Uncle on them
I took out my phone and called him, he answered on the
3rd ring..
Him: Dodo
I broke down in tears..
Him: What's wrong?
Me: Some guys they.. They..
Him: What guys? Where are you?
Me: We.. I am with Nkuli and..
Him: Give Nkuli the phone
I gave Nkuli the phone and she talked to him..
_
NISO
Nazo: awus'shaye nge 6 pack ye Heineken
Me: Was thats necessary mara?
Him: What?
Me: Dissing those chicks like that?
Him: Tsek nabo bayatefa (they cry babies)
I think I like Nomvelo a bit, I would like to know her more
but what Snazo did might ruin things for me..
10
SNAZO
My Homie Stokies joined us, Stokies and Shine are my
squad. I've been doing this with them and they have
been here since from day one we have been doing shady
dealings together for as long as I can remember. After
what happened at Nandos I really needed this, crazy
talks, few beers, and weed. This is my way of relaxing..
Me: Stokies cava, ngine situation la (Stokies I have a
problem)
Him: Smoko? (What's wrong)
Me: things have been happening to me, izinto nje that I
cannot explain. So I need something into ezogeza
les'nyama namabhadi wase jele (I need something that's
going to cleanse me from all this bad luck that I got from
jail)
Him: No ungawari ntwana ngik'phethe (don't worry.. I
got you)
Me: You still consult to that woman?
Him: Yebo! uyayenza into yakhe (she does her thing)
Me: Sure ntwanas sizombona ksasa (We will see him
tomorrow)
Niso was awfully quiet which is not at all like him..
Me: u Grand? ( are you okay)
He nodded while busy on his phone..
Stokies cleared his throat while looking at Niso, then he
looked at me..
Him: Bekela mina, manje iJob? (Tell me what about our
dealings)
Me: Sizoy'ceda ksasa (We will discuss it tomorrow)
I didn't wanna have such talks in front of Niso. As we
were sitting there just having a good time and listening
to some music, a taxi pulled up. J.J got out with his
hooligans, he was holding his gun...
Niso: Shit!!
He made his way to us..
Stokies: Eyy Bra J, k..
J.J: Voetsek!!!.. Voetsek
He clicked his tongue and then looked at me..
J.J: Ucabanga ukuthi ubani wena? (Who do you think you
are)
I picked up the can and drank from it..
J.J: Eyy wena swine!! Ng'khuluma nawe (I am talking to
you)
Stokies: K'hambani Bra J? (What's happening)
J.J: Ng'the Voetsek wena!!
He looked at me again..
J.J: Kube k'dala nga deala nawe that time umosha
umntwana wase ndlini (I should've long dealt with you,
that time you messed up with Nkuli)
Me: Entlek is'khalo s'thini? (what's your problem)
J.J: Ngiyanyanya mag'busy ng'delelwa abafana abancane
(I get irritated when small boys disrespect me)
He looked at his hooligans..
J.J: Mthatheni (Take him)
Three of them made they're way to me and roughly
grabbed Me..
Stokies: Ahh Bra J.J
He looked at the other two and they went straight to
Stokies preventing him from standing up..
Niso: If this is about Nomvelo and Nkuli, we were just
joking with them
J.J: Well they didn't find the joke funny because they
weren't laughing
Niso stood up..
Me: Sit down Niso
He sat down. J.J looked at me as his goons held me..
He gave one of them his gun and started punching me
repeatedly on my face, I couldn't really defend myself
since I was overpowered and Stokies couldn't help me
too. After the punches they let me go and all three of
them started attacking me, kicking me senseless as I
went down. Niso tried to come to my rescue but they
held him back..
Stokies: Bra J.J, kanti kwenzakalani? (what's happening)
J.J looked at me..
Him: ngik'thole uhlupha abantwana bam' futhi, kini
bazocula amagugu (if you trouble my girls again, at your
house they going to sing funeral songs)
He spat on me and then made his way back to the taxi,
his goons followed him.
Niso: Shit Nazo are you good?
Stokies: Entlek uz'thole kanjani sowuqala izinkinga no J.J?
(How did you find yourself beefing with J.J)
They helped me to get up, I was in serious pain..
_
NOMVELO
Nkuli was pacing up and down all worried and upset, we
were in the bedroom..
Me: Nkuli you making me dizzy
Her: Did you really have to call uMalume? Me: Yes I had
too.. Those guys were jerks!!
Her: Do you have any idea what you have done? What if
your Uncle kills Snazo?
Me: I don't care!!!
Her: Well you better care!! The world doesn't revolve
around you miss universe, you better start
acknowledging that your Uncle won't be around forever
and when that happens I wonder what's going to become
of you!
Me: So you defending them?
Her: I'm just trying to make you see that you should grow
up Velo! You not 16 anymore not everything is about
you!
Me: Whatever Nkuli
Her: Take that back
Me: Or what?
Her: I am not your friend I am your big sister you better
show me some respect
I chuckled..
Me: It's not like you a good role model
Her: Uthini? (what are you saying)
Me: What exactly are you teaching me big Sis? That I
should prostitute myself?
She did the unthinkable, in a matter of seconds she was
slapping me and throwing me on the floor. She went on
full attack mode and I don't know how to fight, I have
never fought physically before and I was getting ass
whooped. All I could do was scream. Nkuli was very
angry. The door opened and Nomsa walked in, she
laughed first before neutralizing the situation..
Nkuli: Ngizokutrapa girl! (I will beat you up)
That statement made no sense because she had already
whooped my ass..
Nomsa: Okay Nkuli that's enough
Nomsa got her off me...
Nomsa: What happened? (Laughing)
Nkuli: Iyadelela lento (this thing is disrespectful)
My Grandmother walked in..
Grams: What's going on here?
Me: Nkuli attacked me (Crying)
Grams: What?
She looked at Nkuli..
Grams: Usuka la usuka khona, uzoshaya umntwana? (You
from where you from to come here and beat this child)
Nkuli: Are you ever going to be fair or defend me? Nja..
Grams: Yey!!!
Nomsa: Kodwa Gogo no Velo naye uyadela (Velo is
disrespectful)
Grams: uVelo umntwana (Velo is a child)
Nkuli: Let me just get my things and leave (Crying)
Nomsa: Nkuli come on
Nkuli: uGogo vele uyang'zonda mina (Grams hate me)
Grams: Myeke ahambe! (let her go)
My Grandmother pulled her closer to me..
Grams: Akakulimazanga kodwa? (Did she hurt you)
I couldn't answer because I was crying..
Grams: Askies phela
Nkuli: La ayoshona khona uMalume angifuni nokwazi,
umbabe angashoni (there day that he is going to die, I
don't wanna see. You better pray he doesn't die)
Grams: Sisi we! Pakisha uhambe! (Pack your things and
go) you found us here in peace, leave us in peace!
Nomsa looked at me and shook her head in
disappointment, not that I cared. She means nothing to
me..
_
SNAZO
Niso drove us home, I was in a lot of pain to even drive.
My Mother flipped out when she saw me in that state..
Gugu: Nkosi yami!! Kwenzakaleni? (my God!! What
happened)
Niso helped me to sit down..
Gugu: Papa are you okay?
Me: Gugu I'm fine
Gugu: You not fine!! Look at Me
I looked at her..
Gugu: Kusho kuthi nje thina siyazala sizalela abo J.J
ukuthi bashayaye abantwana bethu? (So now we give
birth for J.J to beat our kids)
I forgot that Gugu can overreact..
Gugu: umamakhe as'khohlwe ksasa! (His Mom must
forget us tomorrow)
My Grandmother walked in..
Her: Umsindo wani? (Why so much noise)
Gugu: bona ukuthi uJ.J umenzeni uNazo(look at what J.J
did to Nazo)
Ma: Bekwenzakalani? (What happened)
She moved closer to me..
Ma: ithi ngibone? (let me see)
She stretched her hand to me..
Me: Please don't touch me
Gugu: Snazo!!
Me: Yini? (What) I don't want her to touch me
My Grandmother exhaled..
Ma: Good night everyone
She walked out to the bedroom..
Gugu: What's wrong with you?
Me: Nx!!
I stood up and then slowly walked out to my room..
Gugu: Snazo!!!!
I unlocked and walked in, I sat on the the bed and
thought for a while...
Me: What's happening to me?
I wish I knew what was happening to me, I wish I knew
why I was losing my mind.
As I was lost deep in my thoughts I heard a soft knock..
Me: Gugu if it's you.. I'm not in the mood!!
The person knocked again..
I stood up and went to open..
Me: I swear if..
It was Nkuli, she was standing there with her bag and
tears were streaming down her cheeks..
Her: I didn't know where else to go
I opened and she walked in.. I closed the door and leaned
against it..
Me: What happened?
She shrugged her shoulders and
continued crying..
Me: Come here
She dropped her bag and made her way to me, I
wrapped my hands around her as she laid her head on
my chest all crying. For a moment I even forgot that I was
injured..
11
SNAZO
Sleep seems to elude me lately especially since I started
hearing this voice that I can't even make out if it's real or
it's just in my head. My bruises also made it a bit harder
for me to sleep, I didn't have pain killers around the
room. I'll have to go inside the house to get some...
I stood against the wall and watched Nkuli as she slept,
she looked soo different from how I know her. She has
changed her looks and she is still beautiful but she is not
my Nkuli. There way that she was sleeping made me
think that she hasn't had such a peaceful sleep in a long
time..
I don't understand what's happening to me and I am not
going to accept something that I don't understand. I
highly doubt that this is a religious calling, why would
Gold leave all them good Christians at church and come
for me? I am nothing but a down low sinner. I don't even
acknowledge his existence so I highly doubt that he
would want someone like me to serve him..
_
NOMVELO
The following morning we woke up very early and made
our way to the cemetery. It was Me, Grams, my Uncle
and other two elders. I don't know why I keep on doing
this to myself because all I do is just stand at a far
distance, I don't have the heart to go up to my Mother's
grave. Her departure from this world ripped my heart
out, I can't seem to accept her passing. She passed on
when I was very young so that makes the pain worse, I
wish I had more time with her. I wish she could've lived
to see me now but my stupid Father decided to play God
and took her away from me. I don't know him and I don't
wanna know him, I will never even accept his apology. He
has been writing me from jail, the letters would come
with my Uncle but I throw them in the trash, I want no
contact with him..
It was very chilly, the grass was wet and there was mist. I
looked at them from a far distance, they were facing her
marble tombstone head. My Uncle is another one who
gets affected by these visits to her grave, his heart breaks
every time when we come here. I tried very hard to keep
myself from being emotional and waited for them to
finish, when they were finally done we made our way to
the car..
Uncle: Are you okay?
Me: I'll be fine
He put his hand around my shoulders. People keep
saying that they wanna see what's going to become of
me when my Uncle is no longer around, you know what?
Their talks are starting to scare me a bit. All the money
that he's going to leave me won't take away the fact that
I'll be all alone, I'll have to face life alone..
_
NISO
Somehow I hate to see My Grandmother upset, she's old
and she's been through a lot. She raised Me and Snazo
alone while my Mother was not around, it wasn't easy
but here we are today all grown up. I made my way in
she was standing by the sink and starring out of the
window, she seemed to be lost in her thoughts..
Me: Ma
She looked at me..
Me: Morning
Her: Morning
Me: Can I make you some tea?
Her: Yes please
Me: I know that I am not your favourite Grandson but I
hate to see you this upset
She smiled..
Her: I love you the same way that I love Nazo, both of
you are my life
My Mother made her way in...
Mom: Good morning
We greeted her back..
Gugu: I wanna start with laundry while it's still this early
Ma: I have to prepare myself
Gugu: for?
Ma: Mangcobo invited us to her house remember?
Gugu: Ma asiyi lapho! (We not going there)
Ma: Aww Gugu
Gugu: Did you see what JJ did to my son?
(Silence)
Me: Speaking of Snazo weird things have been happening
to me
Ma: Weird things like?
Me: Yesterday at Nandos some woman had a heart
attack
Gugu: hai wena, serious?
Me: Yes... What's shocking is that Snazo saw it before it
happened, more like he had a vision of the whole thing
Gugu: what are you trying to say?
Ma: She was meant to save that woman, if he saw it
before it happened it means that he was supposed to
help her but he couldn't because he doesn't understand
what's happening to him and he doesn't wanna accept it
Gugu: Yazi nje all of this doesn't make sense
Me: What if Snazo is going through this because of the
fact that we don't know our Father and his family
Gugu: Niso don't start
Me: When are you going to be honest with us Gugu?
When are you going to tell us the truth?
Gugu: Today you will do your own laundry
She walked out and left us..
_
NOMSA
I was up very early to help with the cooking while JJ and
his Mother went to his Sister's grave. My life with JJ was
never good, Nomvelo has always been a barrier between
us. She has always managed to get between us and start
trouble. I am more hurt that I am forced to love this
ungrateful child while JJ hates my own kids, I mean if he
truly loved me then he would love my kids too. I am not
happy in my marriage, apart from Nomvelo JJ is a very
ruthless man. He has no regard for human life. His taxi
business has shed a lot of blood, he has a lot of blood in
his hands and has a protection of his powerful traditional
healer. He has a will and everything is going straight to
that spoiles brat of his, I am really tired of this jail and
shame of a marriage. I wanna kill my husband then take
everything of his and I wanna see how the little brat is
going to survive without her Uncle. All that glam life will
disappear like a puff of smoke..

12
NOMVELO
I couldn't wait for the day to be over, no actually I
couldn't wait for the weekend to be over. I was missing
home, missing my friends, and missing school. I really
wanted to be out of here, I was getting bored by my
Grandmother introducing me to everyone who came in.
We didn't even invite soo much People I wonder why
black people fail to stick to the invitation and gate crash
every event. Nothing much was happening now except
for the old men who were drinking African beer and
singing, they don't even look like they had a bath they
looked very dirty. Such a disgusting thing to see..
Grams: Velo
I looked at her she was holding a Tupperware
Her: Iza ngikuthume (let me send you)
Me: Where?
Her: Remember MaButhelezi's house?
Me: Duchess No..
Her: Velo ngimdala (I am old) If I don't send you who will
I send? Should I got there while you sit and be on your
phone?
Me: No
Her: Good! Now go there and give her this, I don't know
why she didn't come maybe she is sick. She loves scones
so she will be happy
I exhaled and stood up..
I took the Tupperware from her..
Her: Thank you
I took that dreadful walk to the enemy's house..
_
SNAZO
I looked at him and I couldn't read him..
Shine: Manje uthini? (what do you say)
Me: The most important question is, can we trust him?
Him: You can trust me gentlemen
Me: A few years ago I was fucked in such a similar deale
Him: Look I know that you went to jail for something that
you didn't do but I promise you, this deal is clean
Shine: You asking us to steal black stones there's nothing
clean about that
Him: Look it's not like you guys are going in to steal, you
will be going in as workers, you will be working but
there's a specific place were you supposed to dig and
then get those stones for me
Me: Why are the stones so important to you?
Him: That's my business
Right now Shine and I we getting ourselves a job, a
different one from from the last one. In a hood close to
mine they erecting a shopping complex, the space were
the complex is supposed to be situated is not appeasing.
It's a bush that needs serious working on and it's going to
take some time to work on it. This guy who is sitting
infront of us Deon, he wants us to go into the project as
construction workers because according to him his wife
is a geologist who was hired to check out the place and
she hinted to him that in that area there's certain stones
that are worth a fortune. Knowing no one who can pull
off this job successfully he got Shine's contacts from the
fucker that fucked me up and I went to jail for 5 years..
Me: Why should I trust you? Because your associate
framed me 5 years ago
Him: I understand how you feel and...
Me: I did 5 years, you don't understand shit!
Him: We all going to benefit a lot from this deal, my wife
told me that no one knows about the rocks. No one
knows that the rocks are there and how much they
worth, it's a clean job. My wife is just going to inform the
shareholders that you two are good at what you do, we
going to forge some papers and experience. The job will
only take you 3 months but your contract is going to be
for 6 months, you will be getting R5 000 for the
construction job and as soon as you give me the first 5
rocks you will each get 10k for the coming 3 months
Shine whistled..
Shine: in total it's going to be R30 000
Him: Yes
Me: How much is 1 rock worth?
Him: That is my business
Me: What if one rock is a million and you only giving us
10k? That's a rip off
Shine: I think 10k is worth it Nazo, this is a clean job plus
combined with the R5000 it's going to be enough
(Silence)
Me: How much are the rocks worth?
Him: Let's cut a deal of 15k?
Me: 20k
He looked at me for a while..
Him: 20k it is then
He stood up..
Him: Well then gentlemen we have a deal
He stretched his hand for a handshake..
_
MVELO
I stood at the door step and looked at the door, I sighed
and knocked. There was no answer, I knocked again a
few times until someone opened. It was Niso..
He leaned against the door and looked at me, He made
me a bit uncomfortable. He was shirtless, had on some
shorts only. I didn't know that he had more tattoos on his
body, they didn't look bad though and they were small..
Me: I was sent by my.. I was sent by my Grandmother
He opened the door wider so that I could come in, I
made my way in..
Her: These are scones for your Grandmother
He took the Tupperware from me and our hands
touched, I had goosebumps..
He put it ontop of the counter..
Him: I'll give it to her
Me: Thank you
I turned and opened the door..
Him: Sorry about last night
I stopped..
Him: Shouldn't have dissed you and your cousin like that
I looked at him...
Me: It's okay
Him: Wouldn't have done that if we knew that yall were
that soft and sensitive
Me: Goodbye
Him: It was a joke.. You damn sensitive do you know
that?
Me: Make sure that your Grandmother get those scones
I walked out..
Him: Okay wait!!
I stopped again, he made his way to me..
Him: How about I take you out tonight just to show you
how sorry I am about last night?
Me: I don't know
Him: We just gonna get a few drinks, have some fun then
I'll make sure that you get home safe
I really didn't know what to say, he lifted my chin up so
that I could look at him..
Goodness me, I have never seen such cuteness..
Me: I don't know really
Him: Exactly what don't you know?
I shrugged my shoulders..
Me: Why should I trust you?
He folded his arms..
Him: If you could see what your Uncle did to my Brother I
don't think I would diss you like that anymore
I chuckled..
Him: So that's a yes?
Me: Okay
Him: Gimme your phone
I unlocked it and gave it to him..
He was on it for a while then handed it back to me..
Him: You will ring me up later to pick you up maybe at
18:00
Me: Ohw
Him: Saved my number as "Babe"
I laughed..
Me: What? You are soo full of yourself!
Him: I'm thinking ahead here
Me: Woow I have never seen such confidence (Sarcasm)
Him: Can I tell you something?
I nodded.. He came closer and put his hand around my
waist while whispering in my ear..
Him: You very beautiful but that nose ring doesn't suit
you, I feel some type of way with girls who do those type
of piercings they usually hoes
I pushed him off..
Me: Bye
Him: And that wasn't a joke! (Shouting)
Me: A jerk will always be a jerk I guess! (shouting)
I made my way out of the yard without looking back, I
stopped in the middle of the street and took off the nose
ring. I tossed it a bit far..
_
SNAZO
Shine and I we were now chilling at
Gazibo having some beers..
Shine: So what are we going to tell
Stokies?
Deon cleary stated that he doesn't want Stokies to be a
part of the team, he said that Stokies looks like a thug
and he is going to give us away..
Me: How does he even know him?
Shine: Maybe that fucker told him about
Stokies
(Silence)
Shine: Can we trust him?
Me: Tomorrow we going to show up at his house for
dinner, to show him that now we know where he lives
and we know his
family
Shine: How the hell we going to find his
house?
Me: Leave that to me
J.J's taxi pulled up...
Me: You got to be kidding me!
He got out..
Shine: Ufunani manje? (What does he want now)
I picked up my can from the table and drank from it. He
passed us and went to buy something, he was with some
guy..
He looked at me and I looked at him.
Shine: I hope angeke asenzele amawaza waza (I hope he
won't start trouble)
Me: Nxa!!!
Shine: Sigcwale indlela? (Should we leave) looks like they
going to chill here
Me: Yeah asambe sogcwala istradi (let's go and be in the
street)
I have more to lose than JJ, I just got released and I am
not looking for trouble.
Me: Let me get a few cans then we can go chill at your
place
Him: Ta
I got up and went to get a few cans, JJ was still standing
there so I waited for him..
JJ: Danger uyobana kwenzakalani uma umntu azenza
ihuzu (Danger do you see what happens when someone
acts all thuggish)
They both looked at me..
JJ: Kudaleka Izinkinga (trouble follows)
I ignored him and made my way to the counter but he
pushed me back, I laughed while shaking my head..
JJ: ubong'mela ng'cede ukuthenga (you should wait for
me till I'm done)
He turned back to finish placing his order. I glanced down
and I had two handprints of blood on my tshirt, in the
exact same place were he laid his hands when he pushed
me. I looked at him and his hands were dripping blood. I
closed my eyes and opened them again, I still saw his
hands dripping blood. His boy took the bucket that had
beers and ice inside, when JJ turned and looked at me I
saw blood also in his mouth. He passed me and I could've
sworn that I felt some bad aura surrounding him. It was
more like the Pandora box was opened and all the evil of
this world was shadowing him...I felt very uneasy with his
presence this time around..
13
Nomvelo
I don't know why I was this nervous about the "date" I
mean he is an ordinary ghetto boy I shouldn't even be
this nervous, he has nothing to impress me with. It was
still busy around the house, not everyone was gone so I
called Nomsa so that I could talk to her in private..
Her: What's wrong?
Me: I know that you and I aren't really best of friends and
that we don't really like each other
Her: I think that statement is wrong "You don't like me"
Me: Look I need your help
Her: Serious?
Me: Yes please
Her: Khuluma (Talk)
Me: It's somewhat complicated
Her: Just talk Velo
Me: I am going out so I need you to cover for me
Her: Wait I don't understand.. You going out? Going out
where and with who? Phela wena awazi muntu la (You
don't know anyone around here)
Me: Please just cover for me
Her: I am not going to cover for you ngento engingayazi,
what if something happens to you your Uncle will kill me
Me: Nomsa trust me nothing is going to happen I just
made friends so we going out
Her: Velo the hood is not for People like you, You don't
know how dangerous it can be. Girls go missing and..
Me: Nomsa is it a Yes or a No?
She looked at me..
Her: Why should I do this for you when you don't even
respect me?
I kept quiet..
Her: When are you coming back?
Me: A bit later
Her: I want you to call me at least every hour and don't
come back later than 23:00
Me: So you will cover for me?
Her: As much as I hate it.. Yes
Me: Thank you very much
I tried hugging her but she pushed me back..
Her: Not so fast baby girl there's a few things that we
need to understand each other on
Me: Like?
Her: Like from now on you going to respect me
Me: That can be done
Her: Good!
Me: Thank you
Her: Have fun, and be safe
Me: I will
_
SNAZO
I had borrowed Niso my car said he is going out and he
will be back later...
We were sitting in the lounge having dinner while
watching Tv..
Me: I..I got a job
They both looked at Me..
Gugu: A job? Where?
Me: An old friend that I went to school with has a
construction company, they building a complex so he
needed a few men and I availed myself
Gugu: Wow Snazo that's good.. When are you starting?
Me: I am not sure maybe on Tuesday or Wednesday
need to sort out the paperwork first
Gugu: That's very good.. Praise be to God
My Grandmother unfortunately had a different
reaction..
Gugu: At least now you will be doing something concrete
Me: Yeah it seems so
We continued eating..
Gugu: Let me go get the laundry.. I think it's raining
Me: Sounds more like wind
Gugu: Either way..
She stood up and walked out, leaving me and my
Grandmother alone. We kept the silence between us and
let the Tv do all the noise..
(Silence)
I put my plate on the coffee table..
Me: I see things, scary things which I cannot explain. It
started back when I was in jail and I kept on hearing a
certain voice that I am not familiar with
I looked at her..
Me: What's happening to me?
Her: The voice you hear.. Can you describe it?
I shrugged my shoulders..
Me: I don't know it's a very calm voice mostly talks to me
when I'm in a calm state, if I'm angry about something I
can't hear it or when I'm in a noisy place
Her: Nazo the gift of healing has been passed to you, no
matter how much you fight it or deny it, It is your destiny
to serve God and save souls from the hand of the enemy
Me: It doesn't make sense.. Why me? There's nothing
special about me. I don't even pray, I have never read the
Bible before I am not a church Person and I certainly
don't believe in this religion nonsense
She chuckled..
Her: God chooses what the world considers useless in
order to shame the proud. God doesn't have the eye of a
human being, he doesn't look at the outward appearance
he looks at the heart. Despite your Ungodly actions Nazo
but you have a very good heart. The voice you hear it's
the holy spirit, the holy spirit is always here to guide you
and give you wisdom. The holy spirit is the one that's
supposed to be your guidance at all times as you work on
accepting your gift. You need to remember the holy spirit
is very sensitive, you cannot hear his voice when you not
at peace. When there's too much war within you, the
holy spirit cannot be one with you. Though I don't
understand how you got the gift now because you
supposed to get it when I'm no more, but God works in
mysterious ways. You need to change your ways, answer
to your calling and give yourself to God. After all it is your
destiny
Me: Ma this is not Me, I can't do it. God has to find
someone else
She smiled..
Her: You remind me of Moses right now when he had to
go and rescue the Israelites from Egypt. Look Nazo I
know it's not easy to wake up and hear that your life has
to change, but don't challenge God
Me: I am not accepting something that I don't
understand nor believe in, God must find someone at the
church. Someone who believes in him, and that's not Me
The kitchen door opened..
Gugu: Yhuuuuu aii!!! Uyakhuluma umakhelwane wethu!
(Our neighbour is very talkative)
_
NOMVELO
I waited for him for almost like 10min, I was even
annoyed at how late he was. He pulled up in a Citi golf
that was well pimped out. I stood there refusing to go in,
he was 10min late after all. A lot of things can happen in
a space of 10min.. He opened the door and got out, he
was wearing ordinary. Blue jeans, a White shirt, white all
star sneakers and a blue hat. Everytime when I see him
my heart melts, my knees grow weak and I feel a hot
sensation down in my cookie..
Him: Hey
Me: You late
Him: Ya eish hade Twana (Sorry)
Me: What does that mean?
Him: It means that you look beautiful in your tight skinny
jeans
I have a slim body, I am a size 30..
Me: Ohw
He held my hand and I felt an electrical charge traveling
to my spinal cord which made me a bit weak..
Me: Ready to go?
All I could do was just nod..
He smiled at me..
Him: No nose ring.. What happened?
Me: Please don't start
He laughed and led me to the car..
_
SNAZO
Me: That was a good meal Gugu.. Thank you
Her: You welcome baby
Me: Good night
Her: Night
I looked at my Grandmother..
Me: Night Ma
Her: Night Nazo
Gugu: I like it when we get along in peace
Ma: Nazo was never the one to get angry forever.. He is
very special
Me: I'll see you guys tomorrow morning
Gugu: Bye baby.. Go get some rest
I walked out and went to my room, it was still very early
for me to sleep. Wasn't even 19:00 just as yet..
I took my wallet and went out to get myself a beer and
some weed..
I thought about what my Grandmother told me and I
don't wanna lie, God got the wrong one. I am a Non-
believer, whatsoever...
_
NOMVELO
We drove up to this other place, it was very hood and I
didn't like it ..
Niso: Welcome to my world
He held my hand as we made our way in, greeting a few
People along the way. I have never been in such a low
class place in my whole entire life. I feared for my life I
don't wanna lie, most of these people seemed
ungoverned. It was a place blended in by old and young
people, a flat screen on the wall. A pool table in the
middle, a few tables and chairs here and then. Girls
wearing very Nasty, some were even drinking beer. It
was not my kind of place and the music was a bit loud,
the music made no sense at all it was ratchet...
"Washu mama wami
Sebeng'dung ingcondo
Badung' inhliziyo yam
Badung' unembeza wam
Vel ak'sekho luthoo...Sale sobuya
Salusubuya (Salusubuyaa)
Sazobuya (Salusubuyaa)
Sazobuyaa (Salusubuyaa)
Sazobuyaa (Salusubuyaa)
Sazobuyaaa (Salusubuya)"
A few people seemed to be enjoying the song, they were
even dancing to it. I held on to Niso's hand for dear life.
He looked at me and smiled at me. A few eyes were on
us as we walked in, I saw some girls whispering to each
other. We made my way to the counter..
Niso: Wola
There was a guy working on the other side, my heart had
sank lower to my knees..
Niso: What are you going to drink?
Me: Coca cola
He gave me a weird look, I wouldn't wanna get drunk in
such a place..
Niso: Ithi ngizobuya kuwe (I will come back to you)
Guy: Sho
We walked outside..
Him: What's wrong now?
Me: This is not the type of places I go too
Him: Okay look Nomvelo..
Me: No you look.. I don't wanna be here!
He kept quiet and looked at me a bit irritated..
Him: Don't you dare speak over me, you agreed to this
okay? March your spoiled ass back in I got this!!!
I looked at the place again..
Him: Mas'ngadinani (let's not annoy each other)
He stretched his hand to me and I held it, we walked
back in again..

14
NOMVELO
I admit that I must've misjudged this place at first, after a
few sips of the cider that I was drinking I loosened up a
little. It became really fun, People were dancing, drinking
and having fun. It was as if like they forgot about the
world outside and it's problems, they were all bottled up
in this world of fun and dancing. No one was being
mischievous other than those who were knocked up and
were getting in the nerves of the others, but other than
that it was really fun. Niso had called a friend to come
over and he brought along his girlfriend her nickname is
"groovy". Judging from that name I believe that she
needs no introduction, she wasn't different from your
typical hood rat. Her makeup was the fun of the party,
she had on a pink lipstick with blue eye shadows it wasn't
impressive at all but then again her name is "Groovy".
What I liked most about her was her free spirit, sense of
humor and the fact that she didn't care about what other
people thought of her, she is the type to do things only
to impress herself and no one else...
Groovy: Hai maan Dali, soloko ugone le dumpie eyi one
(You have been nursing that cider)
Me: Well I am a cocktail and Martini kind of girl so.. This
is new to me
I was drinking a cider called "Smoochie" or "Smoothie"
wasn't really sure about the name. I was now starting to
feel their music genre, wasn't sure if it was the alcohol
getting to me or what. Groovy was drinking Heineken
together with Niso and her boyfriend Mongz, I can't
process that it's too bitter..
Groovy: Yazini athi ngiyolanda iBrutal 8, ingudu Dali (Let
me go get brutal 8, the big one)
Me: Okay
Groovy stood up..
Niso: Whoa!! Ayibuyele estulweni (sit down)
Groovy sat down..
Niso: Brutal 8?
Groovy shrugged her shoulders..
Niso: cabanga ukuthi lo muntu uzoyikhona iBrutal 8? (Do
you think she will be able to handle brutal 8)
Groovy: sizomshaya ngento eLight (I will get her
something that's light)
Mongz: Mina I'll get something to eat
Niso: Ta poi
Me: Wait.. First I need to pee
Groovy: Nazo ke (Here we go)
Niso: I'll accompany you
Groovy: ibambe lapho (hold it there)
She looked at me..
Groovy: Sukuma, let's go.. Plus ngifuna ukuyonkauza
(plus I want to smoke)
Niso looked at me and I nodded..
Niso: Don't worry you safe with her
Groovy: ay' mina ngiyalishaya ibhodlela ke bonke bayazi
la (I stab, everyone knows here)
Me: What does that mean?
Groovy: It means phola.. uRight (it means relax, you
safe)
I stood and almost fell..
Me: Wow!!.. That was closed (laughing)
Groovy: Nci.. Nci.. Nci.. iDumpie eyi one nje sesibamba
amatafula? (just one cider and already we holding the
table)
Niso: umbambe nagawi (make sure she doesn't fall)
Groovy and I walked out, it was a bit cold outside now..
Groovy: ngapha.. This way
I followed her as she led me at the back, in a dark place..
Groovy: Azishe! (do it)
She lowered her underwear and crouched with her ass
against the wall and started urinating. This place was
stinking of urine..
Me: Wait this.. This is the toilet?
Groovy: No miss universe this is safe place, toilets are
were they krrrr you!!!
She ran her thumb across her neck..
Me: This is soo not right
Her: Dali just handle your business neh?
I looked around and nodded..
I unbuttoned my Jean and ran the zip down, when two
guys showed up..
Groovy: Manje? (now)
I cleared my throat..
Her: Abana ndaba nawe! (they don't care about you)
They handled their business not far from us. I pulled my
jeans down a bit and crouched, my bum bumped against
the wall I fell and I urinated on myself..
Me: No!! No!!.. No!!
I couldn't even hold back..
Groovy: And then?
Me: I!!.. I urinated on myself (Whispering)
Her: Uri- what?
Me: I..
Her: You mean ukuthi uzichamele? (you urinated on
yourself)
She started laughing.. It was so embarrassing..
Me: I can't go back in there
I started crying..
Groovy: Aww mara ungakhali (don't cry)
Me: I wanna go home (Crying)
The two guys looked at us..
Guy1: Zkhiphani? (what's happening)
Guy2: Uyakhala muntuza? (Are you crying)
Groovy: Si right, Si grand (We are okay)
Guy1: usho kanjani omunye umntwana akhala? (How can
you say that when another child is crying)
Me: I can't go back in like this, I'm gonna itch and smell
Guy1: Yini kanti? (what's wrong)
Groovy: Eish sine accident (we have an accident)
Guy2: Accident?
Guy1: usho ukuthi uNgwanas? (You mean that she..)
The second guy laughed..
Guy2: Aii no kuyanyiwa (it's hard)
Guy1: Ya neh yooh
Me: I wanna go home!!
Groovy: Let's not over the act (overreact)
Me: What do you even mean?
Guy2: awuphumi la ne? (you not from around ne)
Guy1: bheka Groovs thothela uNgwanas into yok'gcoka
sizoma naye la (Get her something to wear, we will wait
here with her)
Groovy: Niyanya kanti!! (Yall are mad)
Guy2: Hau yini manje izinto ezi snax? (what's wrong
now)
Groovy: Ningazonya bonyoko!! (swearing)
Guy1: Ai ubale amagama wakho manje (Count your
words)
Guy1: ukuthi siyakwazi akusho ukuthi ngeke sikunyathele
(just because we know you doesn't mean we can't beat
you up)
I was starting to get a bit scared..
Groovy took out a pocket knife..
Me: You have a.. You have a knife?
One of the guys also took out a knife..
Guy1: ayy' phela sizok'bamba nou! (we can hold you
down now)
Me: Groovy I wanna go (Crying)
I didn't care that I was wet, this was getting ugly and I
didn't wanna be here anymore..
Groovy: Let's go
We started walking away, leaving them behind. When we
got at the door I stopped..
Me: I can't walk in like this.. Please call Niso for me
Groovy: Okay.. Ngiyazwakala (I'm coming)
She walked in..
I stood there shaking like a leaf. My first mind was that I
should call my Uncle, but then I will be in a lot of trouble.
Groovy went up to him and whispered in his ear, I saw
his facial expression changed and he looked straight in
my direction. He stood up and came to me..
Him: Are you okay?
Me: I just wanna go
Him: Who were those guys? What happened?
Me: I don't know (Crying)
Groovy came to us..
Him: Okay just stand here with Groovy I'm coming..
Me: No!!.. I just wanna go
Mongz showed up..
Mongz: Ehh sekwenzakaleni manje? (what happened
now)
I grabbed his tshirt..
Me: I wanna go.. Please
He looked at Mongz..
Niso: bheka I'll call you
Mongz: kanti what happened?
Groovy: Eish yila bafana abahluphayo (it's these
problematic boys)
Mongz: eish what's going to happen now? Sizobhelela
uSnazo? (should we call Snazo)
Niso: No!!.. I'll handle this
Me: You handling nothing Niso.. Let's just go
Groovy: Le zinja lezi!! (these dogs)
Mongz: Next time we will go somewhere else sisiza sorry
neh?
I nodded..
Niso said his goodbyes to them and then we walked to
the car, I could see that he was irritated.. He unlocked
the car..
Him: Get in
I got in, he went the other way and got in.
Him: Next time when I say I'm handling it, it means I'm
handling it you understand?
Me: I don't like violence Niso
Him: That's rich considering that's the only language your
Uncle understands
Me: Wow.. Okay maybe you should take me home
He kept quiet, tears streamed down..
Him: Velo I..
Me: Please take me home
Him: Okay
He was really acting like a jerk right now..
_
SNAZO
It was around 22:00, Niso wasn't back. I was starting to
get worried. I was in the lounge watching TV, I took out
my phone and called him but he didn't pick up. I called
his friend Mongz..
Mongz: Snazo
Me: Eyy Mongz
Mongz: Zkhiphani? (What's happening)
Me: bheka maan intwana yam' ayibambi iPhone (Niso is
not answering his phone)
Mongz: Kanti nex uceda ukphuma manje (He just left)
Me: No stress then
Mongz: Sharp
Me: Sho
I hung up..
_
NOMVELO
My phone rang, I had left it in the car all along while we
were in that place. It was Nomsa..
Me: Hello
Her: Velo ukuphi? (where are you)
Me: I'm on my way home
Her: Ya about that there's a problem with our plan
Me: What do you mean?
Her: You will have to sleep out and come back home at
7am tomorrow
Me: What???
Her: If you want the plan to work you will have to sleep
out
Me: What do you mean I will have to sleep out? Nomsa I
don't have anywhere to sleep?
Her: I don't know what you going to do then because if
you come back now, JJ is going to see that I was lying and
he is going to kill us both so make a plan
Me: Nomsa I.. Hello? Hello?
I looked at my phone..
Me: Dammit!!!
Niso: What's wrong?
Me: I need a.. I need a place to sleep

15
NOMVELO
Niso: Wait.. What do you mean you need a place to
sleep?
Me: That was the only way I could make our date
possible
He exhaled..
Me: And there's one last thing?
Him: What?
Me: I.. I accidentally urinated on myself when we went to
urinate outside
He didn't say anything to that comment, just laughed
after a few seconds..
Me: It's not that funny.. I'm gonna need to bath can't
sleep like this
Nomsa and I we not best of friends I hope she is not
setting me up or else there's going to be heavy
consequences, I will make sure that my Uncle leaves her
ass!
I don't know what time it was but it was a bit quiet now
and very dark, the moon provided a bit of light but the
street still remained empty and most parts of it was dark.
Looked like almost every house was tucked in..
He locked the gate and then we made our way to the
back, I was nervous and scared. If my Uncle could find
out about this, he is going to lose it. He unlocked and
opened, we made our way in..
Him: My Mother is a heavy sleeper but we will still have
to be quiet, my Grandmother often wakes up in the
middle of the night to pray
Me: Okay (Whispering)
I followed him as we carefully made our way to his
bedroom, I would expect for him to have a room outside
seeing that their house is small. Unfortunately not
everything was clear, The Tv was on but the light was off.
His Brother was laid on the couch. We stood at the
doorway that separated the kitchen from the lounge, I
started getting very scared. His Brother is very
intimidating..
Niso whispered in my ear..
Him: He passed out on the couch.. Come on
(Whispering)
As we proceeded with our journey, his voice almost
made our hearts to drop on the floor..
Nazo: What's with the sneaking?
We stopped and stood there frozen..
He sat up straight..
Nazo: What's going on?
He got up and switched the light on, I swear I didn't
expect to see him like that. He was half naked, only had
his briefs on and nothing else. They were very tight, kind
of revealed all of him. My eyes were offended a bit, I
tried not to focus much on his body..
Nazo: Is that?
He walked over to the couch and got his vest, he then
put in on but that didn't do justice on his crotch. Seeing
that the vest was not that long...
Nazo: What the hell is going on?
Niso: I can explain
Nazo: You better have a good one
He walked over to us and fear creeped in..
Niso: You can go and wait in my room, it's the one with
the door wide open
I nodded and left them there. I switched on the light and
took my phone out, I had no missed calls, no messages
from both Nomsa and my Uncle. I didn't know if I should
be relieved or scared about the whole thing. I sat on his
bed..
_
NISO
We went out to talk in his room..
Nazo: what are you doing with JJ's niece?
I didn't have time for this, all I wanted to do was to just
sleep. Plus I had a serious headache..
Him: I thought we talked about this!
Me: You talked!
Him: Niso you know that you can have any girl that you
want, why her?
Me: Can we do this some other time?
I went to the door..
Him: Eyy! Askaqedi la! (we not done here)
I turned and looked at him again..
Him: You know that I cannot protect you from JJ
Me: I didn't ask for your protection! I can handle my biz!
Been doing that since you were gone
He chuckled..
Him: Entlek ngiyacava ukuthi lento isukaphi (Now I know
where this comes from)
I folded my arms..
Him: You still mad at me for all those times that I've been
away
Me: Yeah don't flatter yourself not everything is about
you
Him: Niso!!
Me: kahle kahle lendaba iyaphi? (Where is this going)
Him: You might think that you've grown up but you not
that much grown up for me to kick your ass! don't push
me!
He said that while pointing at me..
Him: Uzoy'shiya phantsi le ngane ka JJ (you will leave JJ's
child alone)
I laughed..
Me: No
Him: Angik'buzi.. Ngiyak'tshela (I'm not asking you.. I'm
telling you)
Me: I don't have to do anything that you tell me! You not
my Father!
In a matter of seconds his hand was around my neck,
pinning me against the door. Defending myself will only
elavate the situation further..
He let go of me..
Him: At least do it for your Mother and your
Grandmother!! It would kill them if bak'bona ufa njenge
Nja! (it would kill them to see you die like a dog)
He went over to get a cigarette..
Him: JJ has no regard for human life! He has no soul! And
I'll be dammed if he kills you like you ain't got no dignity!
We the Buthelezi boys! We can literally get any girl from
around here, she's not the only beautiful girl la esgodini!
And she's not worth your life!.. Myeke! (leave her)
_
NOMSA
I was in the bedroom alone, talking on the phone with
my Sister..
Her: Aii Sisi kuzoba nzima (Sister it's going to be difficult)
Me: Yini enzima kanti Ntokozo? (what's difficult)
Her: Phela uJJ is not just anyone, maybe he knows that
everyone is out to always get him! He is a taxi owner he
has enemies! He is always alert
Me: Yey Ntokozo! I don't have time for pathetic excuses!
Yes lomuntu has enemies mara I'm sure he would never
expect a hit from his wife
Her: Sisi ngicabanga ukuthi asisale sesiyeka (I think we
should leave it)
Me: Asiyeki nex!! (we not giving up)
The door opened..
Me: You know what Mvelo!! Suit yourself! I don't even
know why I bothered to call you!! Nx!!
I hung up and threw my phone on the bed
JJ: and then?
I turned and looked at him, he was holding a bottle of
whiskey. He didn't look that much drunk though
I sighed..
Me: It's nothing just that uVelo had a fight with Nkuli this
other time so uNkuli came during the day and they went
out to talk things out but she didn't tell that she was
going to sleep over there
He sat down on the bed and I looked at him..
Me: You can call her and yell at her if you don't believe
me matter of fact uqale ngo Nkuli! Mdala kodwa
ingcondo ayikho! (start with Nkuli, she's old but she is
immature)
He looked at me for a long time, I was starting to get
worried..
Him: I believe you.. You and Velo hate each other's guts! I
know you would never cover up for her plus uMa did
mention something about them fighting
That was a relief..
JJ: I will deal with the situation tomorrow
He put the bottle away and laid back on the bed..
Me: Well then we can have the night to ourselves
I unbuckled his belt. I unzipped his pants and then he
held my hand..
Him: Maybe not tonight.. I'm tired
I looked at him. JJ is a bastard! He thinks that I am this
naive housewife, I know that he has a mistress around
here and he was probably with her that's why he is this
dog tired. The sooner I carry out my plan, the better!!..
_
NOMVELO
Niso came back in, by this time I had taken off my Jean
and underwear. I had his towel wrapped around my
lower body.
I looked at him as his eyes went down to the towel..
Me: I shouldn't have.. We shouldn't have went out, this
makes me feel like a skank I can imagine your
Grandmother or Mother seeing me then snitching to my
Grandmother
Him: My Grandmother is not like that, well my Mother
can do that but my Grandmother is not that type
I sat down on the bed again..
Him: What's wrong?
Me: I don't know but this doesn't feel right
Him: I had a great time and I wouldn't mind doing this
again
Me: You mean me sneaking in?
He chuckled..
Him: I mean spending time with you
Me: I must admit that I also had a good time
Him: The hood is not that bed after all?
I shook my head no..
He yawned..
Me: Maybe we shouldn't call it a night
Him: No longer bathing?
Me: I think your towel will do for now
He took one of the pillows and a mini blanket..
Him: I'll take the couch
He kissed me on my cheek..
Him: Night
Me: Night
He walked out..
_
NAZO
3AM
I saw a little girl sitting on the floor crying, she was
constantly shaking a woman who was laying on the floor
in her own pool of blood. I couldn't see her face, all I
could see was from her legs up until her chest that was
ripped open, her dress was bloody and torn..
Girl: Mama vuka!! (Mama wake up)
The little girl's cry was very disturbing, I think she had
been crying for a long time now because she had hiccups
and her tears were mixed with mucous. It was a
disturbing scene to see, and it was my first time having
this kind of nightmare.
I opened my eyes and rose my head up from the pillow. I
was sweating and breathing heavily, my heart was even
beating fast. I got out of bed and went to switch on the
light, I unlocked and went out. Usually when something
like this happens, I go inside the house and watch Tv until
I pass out. Unfortunately that plan won't be possible
tonight, Niso was passed out on the couch. I looked at
him and fixed the blanket. I sat on the other couch and
thought for a while when I had the cry again, I looked
around. Weird that this would happen while I'm wide
awake..
Voice: Mama..
I got up from the couch and followed the voice, it came
directly from Niso's room. I made my way there..
Voice: Mama vuka (Mama wake up)
I slowly opened the door and switched on the light,
Nomvelo was tossing and turning while crying..
Her: Mama..
This was not happening, I was starting to get confused..
Her: Mama.. Mama vuka! (Mama wake up)
She kept on tossing and turning while still crying, I then
felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around and it was
Niso..
Him: What are you doing?
I looked at Nomvelo again, she was sound asleep in a
very unsettling position. The towel she had over partially
revealed her intimate area..
Me: I thought I.. I thought I heard her crying sounded
more like a nightmare
Niso: Really? All the way from your room?
I looked at him..
Me: Are you trying to accuse me of something?
Him: I was sleeping on the couch, if she was having a
nightmare I would've heard her
I closed the door and looked at him..
Me: You think that I would-
There was no point in explaining myself to him, seemed
like he already made up his mind about what he saw..
I laughed while shaking my head, I pushed him out of the
way and made my way to my room..
Me: Fucken unbelievable!!
16
NOMVELO
By 07:00am I was at my Grandmother's place, my Uncle
was not around. The first thing I did was to take a bath I
needed to take a bath after my incident last night.
My things were already packed, ready to go back home..
Nomsa: So was us lying to your Uncle worth it?
I nodded..
Me: Thank you for covering for me
She sat next to me..
Her: Who is he?
I looked at her..
Her: I risked a lot for you
Me: It's Niso.. MaButhelezi's Grandson
Her: Hmmmm I've only seen him once or twice.. Muhle
yena shame (He is handsome)
Me: He is very handsome
Her: So are you guys dating? Whats going on?
Me: We not dating he just asked me out that's all
Her: Clearly it seems like something might be initiated
along the way my question is are you ready?
Me: For?
Her: Both of you are from different worlds Velo, You not
hood
Me: Last night I was hood
She laughed..
Her: What about your other boyfriend?
Me: Jacione and I aren't working
Her: You think whatever you have going on with the Niso
guy will work?
I shrugged my shoulders..
Me: I like him a lot and I would like to spend more time
with him and see
Her: I wanna see how this is going to work out
My phone vibrated..
Me: It's him.. I have to take it
I answered..
Me: Hello
Niso: I'm glad to hear that you still alive
Me: Why would I be dead?
Him: Thought your Uncle would kill you for not sleeping
at home
Me: Don't worry about that
Him: Left already?
Me: Not yet.. Are you at home?
Him: On my way to school
Me: Where do you school?
Him: Some college in pta
Me: What a coincinde I school at pta too
Him: And what do you know? Seems like we must see
each other more often
Me: I guess so too
Him: I have to go.. I'll check up on you later
Me: Okay.. Enjoy your day
Him: You too
Me: Bye
Him: Bye
Me: At least he checks up on me
Nomsa: This might be serious
Me: Probably.. I really like him
Her: Then go for it, you might never know
Me: You right about there
She stood up..
Her: Let me help Koko with the dishes before we leave
Me: Okay
She opened the door..
Me: Nomsa
She looked at me..
Me: Thank you
She smiled and walked out..
_
NAZO
What happened last night bothered me, can't believe
Niso would think such of me but what bothered me the
most was the dream I had. There has to be a reason why
I had that dream..
I knocked in my Grandmother's room..
Her: Come in
I walked in..
Her: Good morning Nazo
Me: Morning
Her: Was just preparing to go to church
Me: on a Monday morning?
Her: Yes we have a morning service for People who are
unemployed and seeking employment, we pray with
them
Me: That's nice
Her: You should come
Me: I have a job.. I'm gonna start soon
Her: More reason to come so you can pray for your job
that the devil doesn't take it away from you nor interfere
I kept quiet..
Her: What do you have to lose?
Me: My dignity
Her: Your dignity?
Me: Christians are too judgemental the last thing I want
is people gossiping about me saying things like
"Isgebengu sifunani la" (what does a thug want here)
She chuckled..
Her: You overthink everything
(Silence)
Me: Okay I'll come along only on one condition
Her: I'm listening
Me: How much do you know about JJ's sister? The one
who tragically passed on
Her: Well uMa wakhe is a good friend of mine, I know
enough
Me: Was she buried with her heart?
Her: Funny you should ask.. She wasn't her heart was
missing
Me: How old was Nomvelo?
Her: I think 4 or 5 years old
I slowly nodded..
Her: Ubuzelani? (why are you asking)
Me: I think.. I think JJ is somehow involved in her Sister's
death. I think He is a ritualist
Her eyes widened then she walked to close the door..
Her: What?
Me: I saw it Ma
Her: You saw it?
Me: Remember how JJ was struggling financially? Then
all of a sudden after her Sister's death seka rich?
Her: His Mom said he just got lucky
Me: You believe that?
Her: Nazo I don't understand her husband was arrested,
He butchered her to death
Me: Maybe they both involved. Ma look.. This other time
I saw him, his hands were bloody and he also had traces
of blood in his mouth then last night I had a dream I saw
Nomvelo as a child sitting next to her Mother's lifeless
body crying. It cannot be a coincidence
She sat down..
Me: I think he adopted Nomvelo to brainwash her she
was the only witness and she could've easily given him
away.. Ma it makes sense
Her: Nazo I don't want you telling anyone about this, we
don't have proof and JJ is a dangerous person
Me: Niso is the one we should be worried about
She looked at me..
Me: I think he has fallen for Nomvelo, JJ is ruthless and
has no regard for human life. I don't want my Brother
getting hurt
She exhaled..
Her: Inzima le ndaba (this is difficult)
Me: I'll talk to him
Her: No!!
Me: Ma..
Her: He won't listen to you, He will just think you trying
to stand in his way.. When someone is in love they don't
wanna hear anything
Me: So what am I supposed to do now? There has to be a
reason why I had these visions
Her: That's true but wait for God, the holy spirit will
guide you on this matter ungayenzi ngokwakho
I sighed..
Her: Get my bible from the dressing table and let's go
I went and got her Bible..
_
NISO
The first thing I did when I got to school was to go to
Connie's office. She was in and busy with some work..
Me: Hey
She looked at me and then focused on what she was
doing..
I made my way in..
Her: What are you doing here?
Me: I'm here to see you
Her: Why?
Me: What do you mean?
Her: I mean you don't call, you don't check up on me and
then out of nowhere you just show up in my office
Me: Don't be like that
She looked at Me..
Her: You have met someone haven't you?
I didn't say anything..
Her: Don't even deny it.. I can see it in your eyes
Me: Connie
Her: It's a good thing.. Now I can take my marriage vows
serious, it was good while it lasted.. I had fun
Me: I had fun too
Her: I wish you all the best, I hope that she will make you
happy
Me: Yeah I hope so
Her: Good bye Niso
Me: Bye
_
NAZO
I seriously didn't wanna be here right now, I felt some
type of way..
Me: Ma maybe I should go
Her: Don't be crazy
She held my hand and we made our way in. They were
up on their feet and singing, it wasn't full I think they
were about 8 or 10..
"Mawungange dluli Jesu.. Yizwa amazwi ami, lapho
ubabiza abanye. Mawungizwe nam"
We went and sat down, well I sat down and my
Grandmother sang along..
I looked around and felt like I didn't belong here, this is
not Me. This is definitely not where I should be. I am sure
some of these people know me, they know what I'm
about and they definitely going to judge me..
After the song they sat down and started praying, I just
looked down. Out of everyone that was praying I heard
one voice that was in despair, a voice that was
accompanied by great pain. A broken soul that had
suffered for a long time..
"Beloved.."
I cleared my throat..
"Beloved.."
I looked around and looked at my Grandmother..
She leaned over and whispered to me..
Her: Show some respect and close your eyes Nazo
I closed my eyes. The voice persisted..
"Beloved.."
I didn't know what to say..
"Beloved.. I know you can hear me"
I was in a more peaceful and calm state, I couldn't hear
the voices that were praying I only heard the one that
was gently talking to me..
Me: I can hear you (Whispering)
I didn't know where that came from..
Voice: "There's someone that we have to help"
I swallowed..
Voice: "She has lived a life of disappointment that even
when something good is bound to happen, the spirit of
disappointment takes over therefore preventing her
break through. She has little trust in me and my word"
In that instant I had a clear vision of who was being
talked about, a girl sitting in the first row. The voice that
stood out from everyone that was accompanied by
pain..
Voice: "She comes from a disadvantaged background,
she's the only one at home who was able to get a matric
certificate. She did short courses and has been seeking
employment ever since, every post that comes her way
and she applies they reject her only because of her timid
faith"
Me: I don't understand
Voice"You have to go up to her and hold her by her hand.
Tell her that it shall be done for her according to her
faith, tell her to have faith even though she thinks there's
no reason to have faith anymore because of the
disappointments she has encountered. Then tell her to
meditate on Mark 11 verse 22-24, it will be done
according to her faith"
I opened my eyes and a few others were still praying.. I
looked at the girl and immediately dated back to the
Nandos incident were that woman lost her life because I
forfeited helping her in time.
I stood up and weak as my legs were, they took me to
her. I sat next to her..
Me: Hi
This was awkward..
She opened her eyes and looked at me very confused..
Me: uhm please give me your hand
She gave me a confused look..
Me: Please
She gave me her hand.. Close your eyes.
She did..
Me: "It shall be done for me according to my faith" affirm
those words when the spirit of disappointment tries to
take over, every night before you sleep affirm those
words and also when you wake up. Also read Mark 11
verse 22-24. Meditate on that for the whole week, then
Sunday you will have a testimony
She was breathtaken, a cry of sorrow came from deep
down as she started trembling. I only told her what I was
being told by the voice..
Me: "It is done according to your faith"
I then let go of her hand and walked out completely as
her cries got louder, I don't know what was happening..

17
SNAZO
2 WEEKS LATER
Work has been physically tiring I never thought that
working in construction would require soo much physical
strength, but I am trying to adapt and get used to
everything. It's not like I have a choice I need this job.
Everything has been going well until something
happened about 3 days ago, something that questioned
my sanity. I was in the boss'office while he was outside
with his partner talking, I happened to have saved his life
in that past 3 days. Saved his life in a miraculous way.
The bush had a few trees that needed to be uprooted
and taken down, risks were said to have been calculated
and precautions were taken but unfortunately the
unthinkable almost happened. The biggest tree that was
taken down was meant to fall on Mr Lubisi and bring
about his untimely death, but because of his Wife who
prays without seizing that incident was revealed to me in
a vision and I was able to save his life. It wasn't his time
yet therefore Heaven couldn't have him die prematurely
his wife's prayers of protection saved him. It's amazing
how his life was spared because of his wife, whilst he is a
non-believer. His death could've been an unexplainable
pain to his wife who is currently pregnant with their
second baby..
I do get visions every now and then, I help people were I
can but I haven't stepped foot at church nor prayed or
even read the bible. The last time I was at church was
that day when I went with my Grandmother, after that I
never went again. I am still struggling to come into terms
with everything that's happening to me, this is a life that I
cannot accept. I am who I am and I am not willing to
change. I cannot go from being a thug to being a saint, I
mean who would wanna be spiritually led by an ex con?
Who would believe an ex con talking about God? It's not
me. It's totally not me..
The door opened and Mr Lubisi walked in with his
partner. I was a bit uneasy with the whole situation, the
last thing I want is for them to think that I am insane..
Mr L: Relax you not in trouble
Me: Then why am I here?
Partner: We brought in the best safety management to
this site and we were assured that everything was good
especially with the vehicles we use around here, people
who operate them have been well trained. They have
certificates and unbelievable experience
Mr L: What my partner is trying to say is that if it wasn't
for you, I wouldn't be here today and this project would
be considered a hazard and closed down. Not only did
you save my life but you saved us a lot of money that we
invested in this project
Me: It's nothing really
Partner: It's something because from the witnesses they
said that you were the only one with a 3rd eye, no one
saw what was going to happen
Mr L: The phone call that came through distracted me
that I shifted and stood in an area that could've brought
about my fatal death, I wasn't even supposed to be in
that area to begin with
Partner: This story has a lot of loose ends, it doesn't
make sense and I'm finding it hard to believe it
Me: Seems more to me like you not happy that your
Partner made it
Partner: What are you insinuating?
Me: Nothing.. If I am done here I would like to go back to
work
Mr Lubisi took out an envelope and handed it to me..
Me: What is this?
Mr L: A little thank you it's R5000
Partner: We not bribing you to keep quiet but..
I extended my hand to take it..
"Beloved don't take it"
I retracted my hand back..
Me: Thank you but I was just doing my job.. Anyone
could've seen the accident
I stood up..
Me: If there's nothing further to discuss I would like to
get back to my work
Mr L: Of course
I left them there.. His partner is right I was a bit far from
the accident, Mr Lubisi was just trying to protect me with
everything that he was saying in there but in actual fact
there's no logical explanation to what happened, I was
far from the area and yet I saw what was going to
happen very clear that I stopped it in time
Shine: And?
Me: Ak'na nex (There's nothing)
Shine: But tshela mina ke, vele ubone kanjani? (tell me
how did you see what was going to happen)
Me: It was just a hunch
Shine: A what??
Voice: Mfana waka Buthelezi
Shine and I stopped, we both turned around at the same
time..
Security: Aww' unesivakashi la (You have a visitor)
It was that girl from church, how the hell did she find
me? Shine whistled..
Shine: Ntwana aw'ringi nok'ringa ukuthi unes'ncazana
(You don't even tell that you have a girlfriend)
I walked up to them..
Her: Hi
She was holding a Tupperware and juice..
I looked at the security guard..
Me: Ngiyabonga Baba (Thank you)
Security: Niyajabula Nina abanilethela iLunch
emsebenzini (you are so lucky to be brought lunch at
work)
He walked away, I looked around..
Her: Sorry for just showing up like this
She was wearing a long that didn't have sleeves and
sandals, her dress was dope it was maroon in colour and
had green flowers all over it
Me: How did you find me?
Her: Well.. Your Grandmother
Me: How did I not think of that
Her: We talked at church last week Sunday after
someone had told me that you are her Grandson
She was pretty, just your ordinary girl from next door..
Her: I actually brought you some lunch
I looked at the Tupperware..
Her: I just wanted to thank you.. After what you told me
I.. I received a call from one of the companies that I
applied too and they said that the girl who intially got the
job didn't show up so I was the best second candidate
and they re-interviewed me, I got the job
Me: That's good to hear but still you shouldn't have came
here
Her: I know and I'm truly sorry.. I'll just go
She turned around and then walked away..
Me: Wait..
She stopped..
Me: It's my lunchtime so maybe we can find somewhere
and sit
She smiled..
_
NOMVELO
Niso and I have been seeing each other for a while now,
we would meet up after our last classes and hang out or
at times we would bunk just to spend time with each
other. He calls every night, we text each other a lot and I
really enjoy spending time with him. He is a lot of fun, we
both do things that we like well more of what I like. I can
say that we trying to accept and be part of each other's
worlds. Last he took me to that ratchet place and last
weekend we had a picnic, did something that I liked. At
first he wasn't very happy with the situation but then we
ended up having a great time. My current relationship is
better than the previous one, Yes I decided to call it quits
with Jacione. Niso told me that today his Mother and
Grandmother would be leaving for a week, a relative of
theirs passed on and that they will be back after the
funeral. We had decided that I would come and visit for
at least 3 days, I won't miss classes though I'll drive to
school every morning. Fortunately my Grandmother
doesn't know my car that well and people from around
there don't really know me that much, especially since I
haven't been in the hood, in a very a long time. It's not
like I'll be parading the hood, I'll be indoors and at school
most of the time. My friend Power had to come in and
cover for me, we didn't do well on our last project so I
came clean to my Uncle about my marks and I lied that
we were given a second chance to re-design everything
and I told him that I'll be sleeping over at Power's place
for the next three days. My Uncle being over protective
at times and slightly annoying he went with me to check
out Power's place, I have never seen Power this much
nervous. She's going to give us away..
Me: It's a pretty safe place
He looked around with his hands in his pockets..
Him: I still don't know why she can't sleep over at our
house
Me: You promised that you will accept the fact that I'm
growing up.. Have I given you any reason not to trust
me?
He looked at me and I looked at him, breaking eye
contact would alert him that I'm lying. He uses the eye
contact strategy a lot thinking that I don't know it..
Him: Okay fine.. I guess three days won't hurt
Me: Just three days that's all
Power: This project means a lot to us, we the only group
that has the lowest mark, it's actually embarrassing
She was going overboad now with the exaggeration..
Uncle: Guess I'll see you after three days
Me: Thank you for allowing me to come here
Him: Hope I won't regret it
Me: You won't
He came and hugged me..
Him: Take care of yourself, I love you
Me: I love you too
Him: You have money right?
Me: I'm okay.. We okay
He looked at Power..
Him: Well I'll leave you ladies to it
I accompanied him to the door..
Him: Bye
Me: Bye
He opened and then walked out, I closed the door.
Power exhaled very loud..
Power: Your Uncle is very intimidating
Me: I know
Her: Please don't put me in that position ever again
Me: Thank you for covering for me
She came and hugged me..
Her: Please be safe
Me: I will
_
SNAZO
Me: The sandwichss are very nice
Her: Thank you..
Along the conversation she told me that her name is
Mantwa..
Me: You very well spoken, where did you grow up?
Her: Let's just say English was my favourite subject at
school.. You well spoken too
Me: I try
She laughed. Her short hair really went well with her
pretty face..
Me: So when are you starting?
Her: Tomorrow I'll be working as a PA
Me: So you going to be someone's skivvy how sweet
Her: It's not that bad (laughing)
Me: If you say so
Her: Can I ask you something?
Me: Yeah sure..
Her: Are you a prophet?
I started coughing..
Her: Sorry.. Are you okay?
Me: Ya ng'sharp
(Silence)
Me: I'm not a prophet
Her: Your Grandmother said that you a h..
Me: My Grandmother makes a conversation out of
everything
Her: I don't know what you are but.. Whatever gift you
have, it's very special. You don't know how much you
have helped me and my family
Me: By making you someone's skivvy?
She laughed again..
Her: However you want to call it
I looked at the time..
Me: I have to go back to work.. Thanks for the
sandwiches
Her: It was nothing
Me: I'll walk you to the gate
She took the Tupperware from me..
_
JJ
I got home and called Danger to come to my study, I
poured myself a glass of whiskey..
Me: Khona into eng'funa ungenzele yona (There's
something I want you to do for me)
Him: Ngilalele (I'm listening)
Me: I want you to tail Nomvelo for me
Him: Sorry?
Me: I think Nomvelo is lying to me about her
whereabouts, she is acting very strange lately so I want
you to tail her
Him: What makes you think she is lying?
I looked at him..
Me: I've raised Nomvelo since from she was 4 years old
she's like a Daughter to me and I know when she's lying
Him: I will try and tail her
Me: Good!! You can go back to work now

18
NOMVELO
Love becomes a beautiful feeling especially when you in
love with the right person, never in my life had I thought
that I would fall in love with someone so ordinary and be
comfortable with the feeling. Niso is an amazing person,
the more I spend time with him the more I wanna be
with him in every way..
We were laying on the couch or more like he was laying
on the couch and I was laying ontop of him, we were
talking about random things with baby kisses here and
there. His hands were running circles around my butt, it
was a beautiful moment..
Me: I love you
He perked my lips..
Him: I love you too
As we were having our moment there we heard a knock
at the door, at first we tried to ignore it but the person
wasn't giving up..
Niso: let me get that
I got off him and he got up to go and answer the door, I
heard him speaking to someone..
Niso: Velo
I got up from the couch and made my way to the kitchen
and to my greatest shock it was Danger, I immediately
got scared because if he was here then that means my
Uncle might be around too..
Me: Danger??
Him: Velo
Me: Wha..What are you doing here?
He looked at me..
Him: Uyazi velo (He knows Velo)
I shook my head no..
Him: He does know that you here but he knows and has
been suspecting that you lied to him
Me: Gosh! I thought I had this one in the bag
Him: I don't know what lie I'm going to tell him but I need
to know why you here, even though it's obvious
I looked at Niso..
Me: I came to visit my boyfriend
He looked at Niso..
Danger: Hau sow'jola elokshini (you now dating in the
hood)
Me: Something like that
He laughed and shook Niso's hand..
Him: Zithini ndoda (how are you)
Niso: Ang'rasi (I'm not saying anything)
Danger looked at the time..
Danger: Ithi ngihambe (Let me go)
Me: Thank you danger for warning me but what are you
going to tell him?
Danger: leave that to me
Me: Thank you
Danger: Take care of yourself
Me: I will
Danger: Champ take care of her
Niso: I will
He walked out and I exhaled..
Niso: Your Uncle seems obsessed with you
Me: You can say that
He made his way to me and kissed me..
Him: Are you sure he's not gonna come in through that
door and strangle me?
I laughed..
Me: Danger is going to cover for me don't worry
Him: In that case then.. Let's have fun
He picked me up and we walked out of the kitchen..
_
NAZO
After work Shine and I went to get a few beers then after
we called it a night. I was very tired all I needed was my
bed and nothing more..
I unlocked my bedroom and put my things on the bed
then I made my way to the house, from the kitchen to
the lounge I heard some talking and giggling. I stood at
the doorway and looked at them all lovey dovey on the
couch, I cleared my throat. As soon as they saw me
standing there their little love party came to an end. Niso
got up first and he helped her to get up by offering her
his hand for support, I made my way in..
Me: Kwenzakalani? (What's going on)
Niso: Nothing much
(Silence)
Niso: Nazo I want you to meet Nomvelo not as an
ordinary person but she's.. She's now my girlfriend
I looked at her as she was scared..
Niso: I'm sure you know my Brother
She nodded..
I extended my hand to her..
She looked at it and looked at Niso, Niso nodded and she
extended hers to me..
We shook hands and immediately I had a disturbing
vision..
-VISION-
I was standing in the middle of an unfamiliar room and
environment pointing a gun at Nomvelo whom I felt soo
much anger and resentment against, not even those
tears moved me..
JJ: Let's all..
Me: Another step and I'm going to blow her brains out
The room remained quiet once more..
..
Niso: Nazo!!
I retracted my hand back
Niso: Are you good man?
I looked at Nomvelo..
Me: Yeah uhm lemme talk to you for a sec
Him: Ya sure
He kissed her on her forehead..
Niso: I'll be back
She nodded..
We went to talk outside..
Niso: I know what you going to say
Me: How serious is it?
Him: Very serious.. I have never felt this way about any
girl before
I looked at him..
Him: I'm for real Nazo.. I love her
(Silence)
Me: If something could happen to you..
Him: Nothing is going to happen to me.. I got this, I'm not
a kid anymore you have to trust me that I can take care
of myself
Me: I trust you
Him: For real?
Me: Yeah for real
He seems to dig this girl a lot, but I'm worried about him.
I'm worried that their relationship is going to start a war
that's going to shed a lot of blood, I don't know if I will be
able to go against JJ..
_
DANGER
JJ: Whiskey?
He handed me the glass and I took it..
Him: So what did you find
I looked at the glass..
Me: You were right..
Him: I knew it
Me: But it's not that big
Him: So she's with a guy?
Me: No she's with her friend but I saw that good for
nothing soccer player boyfriend of his at the flat
JJ: She's still messing with him?
Me: It seems more.. Think whilst she's staying at her
friends house she's occasionally going to see him
He exhaled..
Me: So what's the way forward?
Him: I want you to get all the information that you can
get about him, if someone is going to be dating my baby
girl I want to know that he's clean
Me: I'll do that
I gulped down the whiskey..
Me: Good night
Him: Night
_
NAZO
After having a smoke I went back inside the house to
make myself something to eat, Velo was at the kitchen..
Her: Sorry I'll give you some space
Me: It's fine.. Where is Niso?
Her: He is bathing
Me: For how long are you going to stay here for?
Her: Just 3 days
Me: Your Uncle?
Her: Already sorted with him
(Silence)
Me: Let's cut to the chase.. I want you to leave my
brother alone
She didn't respond to that..
Me: I think we both know how your Uncle is.. So I want
you to leave him alone before you get him hurt
Her: I have noticed that you don't really like me and.. I'm
sorry that you feel that way about me but, I love your
Brother and I really wanna be with him
Me: We both know that's not possible
Her: Good night
I grabbed her arm..
Me: Velo I don't think..
I had another vision..
-VISION-
I tossed and turned then stretched my hand to my side,
that side of the bed was empty. I lifted my head up and
looked around, it was dark in the bedroom and she
wasn't next to me. I panicked. I got out of bed and made
my way out of the bedroom. I started from the bathroom
searching for her until I found her sitting in the living
room, she was rocking herself back and forth on the
nursery chair busy humming. She was sitting in total
darkness only the moon provided partial light that came
through the curtain..
I made my way to her, she was holding on to the teddy
bear for dear life..
I crouched infront of her and put my hand on her thigh..
Her: I don't wanna fight
I took her hand kissed it..
Me: I know
Her: I don't wanna talk to you or anyone else... I'm tired
Nazo I don't wanna feel like this anymore
Me: I know
She wiped her tears with her other hand. I kissed her
small hand..
Me: How about you come back to bed and I promise you
that we won't talk or fight.. I just wanna hold you that's
all
She looked at me...
Her: You won't say anything?
Me: I won't say anything.. I promise
I got up..
Me: Come let's go
I helped her to get up, tried to take the teddy bear from
her but she didn't want..
Her: Don't!!!.. It's the only thing that.. It's the only thing
that keeps me close to him
Me: Okay I understand.. I'm sorry
I led her to the bedroom, I opened the duvet and helped
her to get in..
I kissed her on the cheek..
Me: I love you Velo
Her: Please don't.. If you did you would've saved him for
me
She squeezed the teddy bear..
Me: V..
Her: You said you won't say anything.. Please just leave
me alone Nazo
..
Velo: Ouch you hurting me!
I let go of her arm..
Velo: What is wrong with you?
She walked away while rubbing her arm..
Me: It cannot be!
I was confused..

19
SNAZO
I looked at the time and I was late, I didn't think that my
flight was going to delay that much. I walked in while
holding my jacket, hospitals are always complicated. At
first you don't know were to go but thanks heavens for
the reception. I made my way there and the lady behind
the counter, she seemed heavily occupied by the files
scattered around in her work station..
Me: Good evening
Her: Good evening
She didn't even look at me..
Me: I think I'm lost
Her: Go next to the elevator there's a map of the hospital
you will find your way
Me: Mam' I don't think you understand, it's an
emergency
Her: Aren't they all?
Me: If you would kindly..
Her: Look Sir!!
She looked up in frustration and she didn't expect to see
my face..
Her: Ohw my word I am so sorry I didn't know I...
Me: It's okay
Her: I feel soo ashamed and embarrassed
Me: Don't beat yourself about it, I understand that
working with a lot of people and being on your feet
almost the whole day can be frustrating
Her: But that's no excuse.. I'm truly sorry
Me: We all humans after all.. I am looking for the
maternity ward, my wife was brought in earlier today?
Her: I can call and have one of the nurses to come and
get you
Me: That won't be necessary I just wanna know the
floor.. I'm sure I can find my way around
Her: 5th floor
Me: Thank you
I left her there and went to the elevator. My Mom called
me a few hours ago, I'm sure that I missed the birth of
my son...
When I got there I saw Gugu sitting at the corridor, she
stood up when she saw me and I made my way to her..
Me: my flight delayed
I didn't like the look on her face..
Me: Is everything okay?
She sighed..
Me: Gugu what's wrong?
Her: They have tried to detect the baby's heartbeat ever
since we got here and.. They even put her on some
monitor to make sure that..
Me: I spoke to her on the phone in the morning and she
said she was feeling some cramps
Her: It's very complicated Nazo
Me: What's complicated?
I made my way to the ward..
Her: Wait..look she's not in a good state of mind
Me: More reason to be in there
Her: She thinks that Niso did this
I stopped.. I turned around and looked at her..
Her: She still blames herself on what you and her did to
him, she thinks that it's him and she.. She thinks he is
around here.......
I opened my eyes to the sound of rain, it was raining
hard. I rose up from the pillow blinked a few times, just
to make sure that I was awake from that dream. I don't
know what's happening, I don't why I keep on having
these dreams and visions about Me and Nomvelo. It can't
be that a girl might get in between me and my brother, I
don't understand the visions because I am not even in
love with this girl at all. She is not my type and seems
way too young for me plus I don't like her family. I can't
get it on with my Nkuli's cousin but most of all I would
never steal nor betray my Brother like that..
I wish my Grandmother could come back home already
so that she can explain to me what's going on. I went and
switched on the light, I looked for the pack of my
cigarettes and a lighter..
_
NOMVELO
He made the soreness a bit better, his tongue was
soothing around that area. I actually enjoy being muffed,
the pleasure becomes 10 times more nicer. It was raining
outside, it has been raining for a while now and it was
still dark. The last time I checked the time it was around
4am. He came back up and kissed me, we kissed for a
while until he made his way in again. It was sore,
condoms have never been pleasant the soreness is
actually from last night...
Me: Awww (Whispering)
Playing it safe is always better than having regrets later
on..
He was very gentle which made things easier, I tried not
to concentrate much on the pain but the pleasure of it
all..
Him: I love you
Me: I love you too
_
NOMSA
Danger is always here very early in the morning, not only
is he JJ's puppy but he is also one of our drivers....
Me: Here are the keys
Him: Thank you
JJ has a place were he keeps all his taxis except for the
one that Danger drives, that one is always parked in our
yard and Danger has to come collect the keys every
morning. I wonder why JJ keeps such a close eye on
Danger..
Danger: uJJ ulele? (JJ is still sleeping)
Me: Ya.. He had too much whiskey last night
Him: Okay.. Let me go I will see you later
He walked to the door and his wallet fell, I went and
picked it up for him before he could..
Me: Eyy uphatha iWallet kodwa awuna Mali (You carry a
wallet but you don't have money)
Him: It's now a habit.. Thank you
He tried to take it from me but I retracted my hand
back..
Me: Kuna malini vele la? (How much do you have in
here)
Him: Skwiza akuna nex (There's nothing)
I opened it and I found something that was more
interesting than money, he had a picture of Nomvelo in
his wallet when she was very young. The same picture
that we have of her in the living room..
He snatched the wallet from me..
Me: Wenzani nge'sthombe sika Velo? (What are you
doing with Velo's picture)
He kept quiet..
Me: Danger what is going on? Ungang'tsheli nje ukuthi
uyilabo baba abasile abathanda abantwana abancane
(Don't tell me that you one of those naughty old men
who are in love with Young girls)
Danger: Ngeke ngiyiyenze into enjalo (I would never do
that)
Me: Manje? (so)
He kept quiet..
Me: weh Danger awukhulume bo!! (Danger talk)
Him: akukho nex Skwiza uVelo sengamthatha njengo
mntwana wam' (There's nothing wrong, I take Velo as my
own child now)
I laughed..
Me: Sizahleka kanti vele ungu mntwana wakho (We
would laugh only to find out that she is your Daughter)
He looked down..
Me: What?? Danger No!!
Him: Shhhhh..
Me: Nomvelo is..
Danger: Skwiza stay away from matters that don't
concern you
He walked away leaving me all shocked and speechless..
_
NOMVELO
Niso was being very clingy..
Me: Unlike you I have classes today
He kissed me on my neck..
Him: Can't you bunk? Just for today plus it's raining
Me: No unfortunately I can't bunk
I walked out of the bedroom and he followed me..
Him: So exactly how is this 3 days of you being here
supposed to go?
Me: Niso.. Stop it
He kissed me..
Me: Exactly how is the bathing around here?
Him: A lot different from how you rich people do it?
Me: Us rich people?
Him: You rich people
He arched my back and was busy licking me all over..
Me: Stop it you very disgusting (laughing)
Him: That's how we bath around here
Me: Babe stop it!! (laughing)
He stopped I started wiping my face..
Me: You soo childish do you know that?
Him: A little bit of fun never killed anyone
Me: Now I'm covered in spit!
Him: Trust me you won't die
He kissed me on the cheek..
Him: Plug in the kettle while I go take a piss
Me: Okay
He actually went outside in this weather to take a piss..
I took the kettle and filled it up with water then went and
plugged it, I didn't wanna go to school anymore but then
I can't do my team like that..
The door opened...
Me: That was quick
I turned around and it was his Brother, my heart dropped
down to my knees. I don't know why I'm scared of him,
well anyone would be scared of him. He looks very
intimidating. I had on Niso's tshirt, it was short and I felt
naked in his presence. He looked at me and I don't know
but I saw irritation in his eyes, was almost as if like my
presence was boring him to the core. He looked at me
from head to toe then shook his head and walked out
again banging the door behind him which freaked me
out...

20
NOMVELO
Niso drove to me to school that morning with my car, he
offered to drive and pick me up since he didn't have any
classes today. Being in love with someone and then
having the person love you back the same way is a
beautiful thing, our relationship recently started but the
love shared is something I cannot fully put into words. In
my whole life I never knew that there could something
that could be beyond money and I had everything but
this, what I have with Niso is truly amazing. Though we're
still finding our way in life together I forsee a lot of
external forces coming between us, the very first one
being my Uncle I am not sure if he is going to be keen
with everything. His family looks like they won't be very
happy with our relationship, especially since his Brother
is starting to give me a bit of an attitude. He is making it
clear that he doesn't like me..
Niso: For someone who talks a lot, you awfully quiet
I turned and looked at him..
Him: What's wrong?
Me: Do you think your Brother likes me?
Him: Where does that come from?
Me: I don't know I just feel some vibe with him, not a
good one
Him: Snazo has always been there for me and he has
always had my back, I think he is worried that our
relationship might get me hurt. Your Uncle is not the
nicest person in the world and you're his pride
Me: I know that our relationship is a great risk and I
wouldn't want to to see you get hurt especially since the
other day what you and your Brother did to me and my
cousin
Him: Ya that was messed up but he would be more
messed up if he holds that against me, it wasn't that
deep
Me: Not to my Uncle
Him: Hey we going to make it.. We going to be fine.. Yes
he might act up and everything but when he realizes how
much we into each other I am sure that he will accept
our relationship
Me: I hope so because I am very happy with you
He smiled..
Him: Everything is going to be okay
_
SNAZO
We were informed beforehand that when the weather is
like this we shouldn't come to work but here I was
getting a call to come in for some meeting, and to my
surprise I was the only one called in. Mr Lubisi wasn't
there meaning his Partner lied to get me here, he said on
the phone that they both wanted to see me about some
urgent matter. I was welcomed in by some guy holding a
gun, and Mr Lubisi's partner Frank was sitting at the
table..
Frank: Please sit
He pointed at the chair..
Me: I would rather stand
Him: Have it your way
Me: I thought Mr Lubisi would be here too
Him: Ya I lied about that to get you here
Me: Obviously this is not a formal meeting so.. What do
you want?
Him: The question should be what do you want?
Me: I don't understand
Him: I don't believe for a second that you an ordinary
employee here, there's something that you here for so
what is it?
Me: I don't know what you talking about
Him: This project is going to make me a lot of money and
I would be damned if someone sabotaged me
Me: Why would I wanna sabotage you? I am just another
dude trying to provide for my family
He gulped down the whiskey from his glass..
Him: The accident
Me: I already told you about that
Him: Yes you did but your story doesn't make sense!
Unless of course you psychic and you saw the accident
before it happened but I don't think someone like you
would possess such powers
His goon laughed..
Frank: Another explanation could be that you planning
on sabotaging me.. Who sent you? Who do you work
for?
Me: From how I see it I saved you a lot of money and a
lawsuit
He looked at me for a while..
Him: I sure hope so because if you lying to me..
His goon cocked the gun..
Frank: I will take eliminate you from the face of the
earth.. Know that I will be watching you closely Son
A person can't even have a normal job without someone
being in my face and thinking the worst of me..
_
NOMSA
I was pacing up and down at the kitchen while checking
the time..
The door opened and he walked in..
Me: It's about time
Danger: Why did you call me here? I don't want your
Husband thinking that we having an affair and that I'm
skipping work to come and sleep with you
Me: Yeka ukuba nehaba (stop exaggerating)
Danger: Ufunani? (what do you want)
Me: About earlier this morning.. Danger I am confused
Him: There's nothing to be confused about! Vele nje
uyiyeke (Just leave it)
Me: JJ had always said that Nomvelo's father is the one
who killed his Sister and was arrested so what I don't
understand is how you and him became best of friends
when you got out after being arrested for killing his own
Sister, the JJ I know would've fed you to the dogs
He kept quiet..
Me: Unless there's more to the story than what you
letting on
Him: Nomsa just leave it please
Me: I can't leave it.. Does Velo even know?
Him: No!!.. Nomvelo can never know who I am
Me: Then you better start talking
Him: Noma out of all People you know how dangerous
your husband is and I don't want you getting hurt.. Now
you playing with fire
Me: Danger this man is raising your own child right
infront of your eyes, he has filled Nomvelo with all sorts
of lies about you!
Him: It's better this way.. All I want is my Daughter to
have a better future and JJ will provide that for her
Me: Danger what happened? You didn't do it right? You
didn't kill her?
He kept quiet...
Me: Why did you take the fall for something that you
didn't do?
Him: That night.. That night I came back home to find my
wife laying on the floor in her own pool of blood, she..
She was brutally murderered stabbed repeatedly and she
was missing her heart. Her heart was not there and my
Daughter was sitting next to her crying If I called the cops
I would've still been arrested because that night she was
leaving me, our marriage was hanging in the balance of
failure because of my mistakes. The best thing I could do
was to run and I did until JJ called me and told me that if I
turn myself in he will take care of my daughter
I saw tears in his eyes..
Him: I had to think about Nomvelo's future
Me: I am so sorry Danger
Him: I lost everything.. I lost my wife and my Daughter
that night. The best thing I could do now is raise my
Daughter this way
I felt tears coming..
Him: JJ did it.. He killed his own Sister and sacrificed her
heart for riches, he ate his own sister's heart and you
think that he won't kill you? Nomsa that man is
dangerous not only will he come after you but he will
come after your kids too, just leave this matter alone! JJ
is heartless and dangerous
_
JJ
"JJ is heartless and dangerous" I ran the tape again...
"JJ is heartless and dangerous"
Being a person like me it's very difficult to trust people,
and my wife has always been someone that I failed to
trust. Nomsa has always been dodgy so I installed a few
cameras in my house to keep tabs on her.
I heard a knock at the door..
Me: Come in
The door opened and he walked in, I closed my laptop..
Me: Thank you for coming Stokies
Him: Sho bhoza yam'
Stokies is working for me just another useless guy I got
from the hood..
Me: I need you to do two things for me
Him: Ng'lalele (I am listening)
Me: I want you to hijack my wife and shoot her
Him: Yooh bhoza ang'kaze ngashaya ispani esiso (I have
never did something like this)
Me: Wasn't you can ask your friends to help, you going to
pocket a lot from this job
Him: Sure bhoza..
Me: I will give you the details
Him: Akuna stress (there's no stress)
Me: So uzoy' phusha nobani le job? (who are you going
to do this with)
Him: Khona uKnoxman wam' mara nje wena naye niye
naba nesmoko nyana (I have someone but you and him
had an altercation)
Him: Usho lomfana waka Buthelezi? (You mean that
Buthelezi boy)
He nodded..
Him: Aii yena uyay'shaya iJob ng'funde kuye (he does get
the job well done, I learnt from him)
Me: Talk to him and convince him, ask him how much is
he going want from this then give me a call
Him: Sure bhoza
He opened the door and walked out..

21
SNAZO
Me: "Put on all the Armour that God gives you, so that
you will be able to up against the Devil's evil tricks. For
we are not fighting against..."
I closed the Bible..
Mantwa: What's wrong?
Me: I know you mean well but akusiyizinto zam' lezi (this
is not my thing)
Mantwa stopped by at my house after work to check up
on me, my Grandmother's orders. My Grandmother has
really taken an interest in this girl not that I am
complaining she seems like a nice girl, but Nkuli was also
like this when I met her too. I looked at the pot in the
stove..
Mantwa: I'll check it
She found me preparing to cook then she took over,
what I like most about her is her humble spirit, she's very
polite, has the most beautiful smile that I have ever seen
and she seems well grounded too..
Me: Sorry about my Grandmother she can be a bit too
much sometimes
Her: It's okay I don't mind
Me: I do mind a bit.. The last thing I want is your
boyfriend busting in through that door
She laughed...
Her: You lucky that won't happen because I don't have a
boyfriend
Me: How come?
Her: Long story
Me: I'm not going anywhere
She turned and looked at her..
Her: Let's say there was too much pain in my last
relationship and too much lies, I haven't been able to
find the strength nor the heart to go through that again
in another relationship hence I remained single
Me: I'm sorry about that
Her: It's okay.. And you? Any girl that's going to walk
through that door and wipe the kitchen floor with my
butt?
I chuckled..
Me: No.. You have nothing to worry about
We had a knock at the door..
Me: I'll get it
I went to open and it was Stokies..
Him: Wola mpintshi yam' (Greetings my friends)
He pushed through and made his way in, he whistled
when he saw Mantwa..
Him: Entlek bathini? Am I disturbing something?
Me: No you not
I put my hands in my pockets..
Me: Ubekwa yini la? (What brings you here)
Him: Athi siringe (let's go and talk)
I looked at Mantwa...
Me: gimme 5
I walked out and he followed me..
Him: Sebak'shayisa isingamla vele? (Now you forced to
speak English)
It had stopped raining but it was still cloudy..
Him: Asizidle ngendaba eStraight, eSerious! (Let's talk
about something serious)
I leaned against the wall and he did too..
Me: Ringa (Talk)
Him: Cava ke kune bhoza efuna ng'mshayele iJob
eSerious (There's someone who wants me to do
something for him)
Me: Ja?
Him: Ahh akusiyinto eneStress, ukudlala ngamatayera
kphela (It's not something that's stressful, it's hijacking)
Me: so ukureva iKar ak'na stress? (that's not stressful)
Him: sothola imali egrand (we will get good money)
I sighed..
Me: Ntwana baceda ukung'dedela nou ufuna ngiye
phakathi futhi? (they just released me, you want me to
go back in again)
Him: No Ntwana moss that time bak'thatha bekuyistory
esihlukile (That time when you got arrested it was a
different story)
Me: Stokies I'm not preparing myself to go back
Him: fede grand wena no shine ning'valele ngaphandle,
manje uwufuni nokung'ceda ngalespani? (You and Shine
excluded me now you don't even wanna help me with
this job"
Me: Stokies ngizocava ngo past (I'll see you)
I made my way back to the house..
Him: Tsek uyabheda!
Me: K'bheda wena!
_
NOMSA
I was still shocked at what Danger told me, I don't even
know why I was shocked because that's expected from JJ.
He is a heartless bastard!!! My sister was around,
Ntokozo and I have to go forward with the plan JJ has to
go! He has hurt a lot of people so he has to go..
Ntokozo: Yazi kodwa uzombulala then what? Yonke into
iwela kunoMvelo (You going to kill him then what,
everything goes to Nomvelo)
Me: Sishadile phela (we married) sashada in community
of property
He drank her rooibos..
Her: Mntaka Ma mina angazi (I don't know Sister)
Me: Uzothola phela nawe iShare (You will get a share)
Her: Phela uJJ wu Sathane uqobo, ukuba kwakhe nje in a
room for 10min umzimba uyashukuma (JJ is Satan
himself, with him in the room for 10min you even get
goose bumps)
Me: awuyeke ukunga iscefe! (stop being a nuisance)
Her: Manje sizohamba nini? (when will we go)
Me: Tomorrow morning
Her: I hope it works out Mntaka Ma..
Me: It has too
_
SNAZO
Mantwa: Your friend looks scary
Me: He does but he is a good dude
She went back to eating her food..
Me: Your company is not bad at all
She smiled..
Maybe Mantwa might be the distraction that I need,
maybe we can start something and see what happens
along the way..
Me: Shouldn't you be getting home?
Her: I called my Mother before I came here, told her that
I might be late
Me: So you handing yourself to me in a silver platter?
She laughed while covering her mouth..
Her: Your Grandmother said I should check on you and
also make sure that her house is in order
Me: Is that all?
Her: That's all
Me: I don't believe
Her: What else could it be?
I dragged her chair closer..
Me: Maybe this???
I leaned over and kissed her until the door opened and
she pushed me back, Niso walked in..
Mantwa: Are you done? I wanna wash the dishes before I
go
Me: It's okay you have done enough already.. I'll wash
the dishes
Her: I should go then
Me: I'll drive you home
Niso looked at us..
Niso: Well isn't this lovely?
I looked at Mantwa..
Me: This is my annoying Little Brother Niso.. Niso this is
Mantwa
Mantwa: Hi..
Niso: Hi
Mantwa: I'll get my bag in the lounge
She walked out..
Niso: I need to talk to you
Me: It can't wait?
Him: No
Me: Matter of life and death?
Him: It can't wait
I sat down again..
Me: What is it?
Him: So Nomvelo has this theory that you don't really like
her
I coughed..
Me: What?
Him: You have been giving her cold vibes
Me: Exactly what do you expect me to do huh? Be all
smiles with her after you thought that I was going to rape
her?
He looked at the doorway..
I turned and Mantwa was standing there..
I looked at Niso again..
Me: I don't have time for your girlfriend's petty issues
I looked at Mantwa..
Me: Let's go
_
JJ
I drank the glass whiskey again busy thinking about the
fact that my wife wants me dead! The hidden cameras in
the house are really working their way magic. They not
everywhere just in the kitchen, lounge, and our
bedroom..
Stokies walked in..
Him: Bhoza..
Me: I want you to do the job tomorrow morning, can you
do that?
Him: Ya sure Bhoza.. Tomorrow morning it's fine
Me: Let me show you her usual route and one of my guys
is going to give you a gun later tonight.. Do not fuck this
up!
Him: I won't Bhoza.. I won't fuck this up!

22
MANTWA
Me: So if it doesn't rain tomorrow morning you won't
drive me to work?
Him: No because then I'll have to be at work too
Me: That's sad
My Mom stood at the door..
Him: We can meet up later and have drinks
Me: I'd like that
Him: I have to go.. I'll see you tomorrow either in the
morning or later
Me: Okay bye
Him: Bye
I lowered my phone as my Mother made her way in. I'd
like to think that I was a fortunate child, I grew up in a
loving home with both parents. We were an average
family my Dad provided for me and my Mom the best he
could, My Mother was a housewife she couldn't work
due to health reasons. That life of a princess came
crashing down when my Father started having an affair,
then before we knew it he divorced my Mother and
kicked us out for his mistress to move in. I was doing
grade 11 by then and my little brother was pretty young
to understand what was going on, we had to take only
our clothes and leave everything else. We moved down
here at my Grandmother's house, the house was
previously rented since my Mother couldn't live in it
seeing he was married and my Grandmother passed on
before I was even born, so when we got back the tenants
had to move out. We only renting the outside rooms
now. Our new life was very difficult we depended on my
the rent from the tenants and my Brother's Sassa grant
money, that forced me to kill my varsity dream. After
matric I did some short course and I struggled to find a
job to help out with my Mother and little Brother until
that day when Snazo came to me, that day changed our
lives for the better. I am earning a reasonable salary to
help out at home and also I am planning to apply at Unisa
next year. The divorce really broke my Mother I thought I
was going to lose her, she already had poor health and
what my Father did sent her to the point of no return. I
am just thankful that she picked herself up for me and
my little Brother, she is on antidepressants and attends
counseling at our local clinic twice a week. She wants to
look for a job too, maybe being a maid or something just
so she can get a bit of money too and help out. She feels
helpless just sitting around and doing nothing..
Mom: was that Snazo?
I nodded..
She knows about Snazo I told her about him, quite
frankly from that day at church I fell hard for him and his
Grandmother speaks very highly of him. I have been
keeping contact with her, she told me that he has a
calling to be a preacher. Apparently Snazo has a gift of
healing. He can heal through prayer, through words, and
also with his hands. She told me that he needs a strong
religious woman who will be with and help him as this
won't be an easy road for him, especially because he is
not a believer. She told me that he is going to be the
most powerful preacher there ever was, he is going to
help a lot of people and I really wanna be a part of his
destiny. Him being handsome is just icing on the cake..
Mom: I really cannot wait to meet him
Me: Me too.. He is a great guy and his Grandmother is a
very lovely person
She smiled and held my hand..
Her: After everything we have been through you deserve
this
Me: That's true
Her: Seems like God is coming through for us
Me: He is
My previous relationship wasn't healthy my ex was a very
abusive and controlling lying cheat, I endured a lot from
him and I hope my next relationship will be better. Snazo
seems better, I hope things workout between us..
_
SNAZO
Shine and I were at Gazibo just catching up and drinking
beer, it was late and a bit cold..
Shine: uStokies uyahlanya Ntwana!
Me: Too much..
Shine: indaba zokubulala mina vele ngikhipheni kuzo
(When it comes to murder leave me out of it)
Me: Nami Ntwana, I don't wanna fuck up anymore
Since I came here I been having this weird feeling, can't
really wrap my mind into it..
Shine's phone rang..
Shine: Ithi ngiyabuya (I'll be right back)
He stood up and walked away to answer his phone. The
weird feeling that I was experiencing became more
intense. I picked up my dumpie from the table but put it
back when I started feeling very heartbroken. This is
some type of emotional and mental pain that I have
never felt before. In my mist of feeling like that I ran my
eyes around and everything was moving in slow motion,
my eyes landed on this other girl who was sitting not far
from my table. She was tearing up, each tear that
streaming down I felt more and more pain. More like I
was feeling her pain, how can a human being have so
much cloud of unsettling emotions..
"Beloved.."
I looked around..
"I want you to see her pain"
Upon starring at her something unexplainable happened,
I saw her heart that was pierced by a lot of needles the
needles were soo many that the heart could barely beat
properly..
"That's who she is.. That's how much pain she has
endured, each needle represents an emotional pain
inflected on her"
I swallowed...
"When all gurdain angels present themselves, hers is
always crying it reports nothing but pain. She has been
hurt to a point of confusion, she has purposed to take
her own life tomorrow morning when everyone have left
the house, she is going to take her own life and the life of
her daughter.."
Me: I don't know how I can help such a broken person
"Beloved you heal with words.. It is your destiny. The
cycle of life is going to be incomplete without her, it's not
her time"
Me: If it's not her time then she shouldn't die can't you
save her?
"The enemy is going to steal her soul tomorrow if she
goes through with it, unless you intervene"
Me: But this is beyond me
"The spirit of depression is one powerful spirit that has
taken soo many lives prematurely, coming face to face
with it is not easy but courage is the only way to conquer
it"
Me: What if she doesn't listen to me?
"Joshua 1 verse 6.. Be determined and Confident!"
Shine came back..
Shine: Eish bra yam' hade that I took long Me: Ku grand
"Beloved.."
I picked up my beer and drank..
"Beloved.."
I closed my eyes and opened them again.
Me: Let's talk Ntwana
Him: About?
Me: Anything.. Anything that will distract Me
The voice got firm..
"Beloved!!.."
I started hearing this voice in my head that portrayed a
lot of pain, I'm guessing it was hers..
Voice: Why me?? At least tomorrow I will be free from
this pain.. I am not a bad person.. I don't deserve this!!
The voice was overwhelming I couldn't even hear myself
think nor hear what Shine was saying..
Voice: Tomorrow it comes to an end.. Tomorrow I will be
free
The voice kept on and on that I started feeling dizzy,
everything seemed to be spinning. I got up and looked
around, it felt like I was going crazy before I knew it, I
collapsed..
_
NOMVELO
His strong hands were on my waist our lips were tightly
locked together, I was going up and down on him a bit
slower than he anticipated. He helped me to change the
rhythm, the more his hands forced me to go up and
down faster the deeper I felt all of him inside of me, I
broke the kiss and gasped for air before my voice
escaped my vocal chords channeled into a moan. There
wasn't enough space in his car therefore why we were
forced into this uncomfortable position. He held me tight
with his head buried on my breasts, I still had my bra on I
could feel a warm sensation of his breath hitting against
my chest. He rose his head from my breasts and we
kissed again, while I was moaning under my breath.
Tomorrow I have to go back home before my Uncle
realizes that there's something wrong, according to me I
wouldn't even go back home at all.. I enjoy spending time
with Niso and I wanna spend more and more time with
him everyday, he completes me..
Before I knew it he held me tight again and cursed under
his breath while I prayed the condom stays intact, after
that intense feeling of coming he slowly let go of me
while we both tried to catch our breaths..
I kissed him again...
Him: I love you so much
Me: I love you too
When he picked me up from school we didn't drive
home, we went to visit his friend Mongz and Groovy. This
time around we didn't go to that place we just chilled
decided to get everything that we wanted and chilled in
Mongz room, he has an outside room. After Niso had a
few puffs of weed and beer he texted me that we should
sneak out, and here we are now well I was messed up
myself so I didn't mind, I'm just glad that we used a
condom
Him: You feeling okay?
Me: I'm okay
I wasn't drunk just tipsy. We kissed one last time with his
hands caressing me..
_
SNAZO
Me: Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!
I felt like my heart was pierced by a lot of needles,
paramedics were already here and I was in a lot of pain.
A crowd was surrounding the ambulance and I knew that
she was around, she was amongst that crowd. I could
sense her, I could feel her pain..
Paramedic 1: I think we will have to sedate him
Me: Ahhh my heart!!!!!
Shine: Ntwana kuzoba grand siya ewosi (You going to be
okay, we going to the hospital)
I couldn't talk, I was in pain and it felt as if like I was going
to die. Each breath that I took the needles pieced
through deeper and deeper..
_
NOMVELO
My heart was truly broken knowing that I had to leave
tomorrow, we probably going to see each other
occasionally now and sleepovers are not going to happen
anymore..
Him: Let's go in.. I'm sure Groovy and Mongz are
wondering were we are
I wiped my tears.. He looked at me
Him: Hey what's wrong?
I shook my head no..
Him: Yini? (what's wrong)
I walked closer and laid my head on his chest and cried...
Him: What's wrong Twana?
Me: I don't wanna go tomorrow.. I'm going to miss you
(Crying)
He hugged me..
Him: I'm going to miss you too

23
NOMVELO
Later on we drove back home after spending time with
Groovy and Mongz, Nazo's room the light was off and he
wasn't in the house either. He probably had an early
night or something like that.
After I had bathe I joined Niso on the couch and we
watched Tv..
Me: I never thought that I could master bathing in a
basin
Him: I never imagined you bathing in a basin, all coconut
tendencies went out of the window
I laughed..
Me: Yeah whatever.. I guess when you truly love
someone you take them with everything that they have
Him: I guess so too
He kissed me on my forehead..
Me: I wish I wasn't leaving tomorrow
Him: We still going to see each other and have random
visits
My phone vibrated on the table, I stretched my hand and
got it. It was my Uncle, I collected myself first before
answering..
Me: Hello
Him: Dodo
Me: Hi..
Him: Unjani? (How are you)
Me: I am well and you?
Him: I am good
(Silence)
Him: How is the visit so far to your friend's place?
Me: It's pretty good.. We making progress with our work
Him: Glad to hear that
Me: What are you doing? How is Nomsa?
Him: Ntokozo is around so you know how they're.. I am
actually with a friend
Me: Ohw
Him: Wanna say hi?
Me: Okay
I waited to hear the friend greet me..
Voice: Velo
It was Power! I panicked immediately..
Me: Po.. Power?
Power: He knows everything
Everything just came to a stand still, all I heard was my
heart beat racing with every swallow. My cheeks felt hot,
I felt light headed it was just a mix of emotions resulting
from fear..
Uncle: Why would you do that Velo?
I didn't say anything..
Uncle: Meaning Nomsa has been covering up for you?
Even when we were at Grandma's place you didn't go to
see Nkuli did you?
I wanted to say something but I didn't know what to say..
Him: I want you home first thing in the morning
uyangizwa? (do you hear me)
Me: Yes
He clicked his tongue and I let my phone go, it fell on the
floor. I was literally shaking..
Me: He knows
Niso: How?
Me: I don't know but.. He knows
He got off from the couch then pulled the table closer
and sat on it while looking at me..
Him: Hey..
I was in my own state of mind..
Him: Hey look at me
I looked at him..
Him: It's going to be okay
Me: It's not going to be okay!.. He is going to explode if
he hasn't exploded already
Him: I have dealt with a lot of shit okay? I am not scared
of him
Me: I don't think I wanna go home tomorrow
Him: Don't be crazy.. Eventually he was bound to find
out, go home and talk to him okay?
I nodded.. He sat on the couch again
Him: Come here
I stood up and sat on him, he gave me a very tight hug..
Him: It's going to be okay
_
SNAZO
The Dr walked in holding a file..
I was feeling a whole lot better now, I was sitting on the
bed with Shine sitting on the small chair next to me while
busy pressing his phone..
Dr: Uzizwa unjani manje? (How are you feeling now)
Me: My chest is hot but I'm fine
Dr: Your breathing?
Me: It's fine
Shine: Dr k'hambani? (what's wrong)
Dr: You had what we call a Panic attack
Shine: Err.. Awusiphe I version eSimple (Give us a simple
version)
Dr: A panic attack is normal, it's your body reacting to a
flight or fight response when danger is sensed,
sometimes stressful situations can bring about a panic
attack
Shine: Ehhh
Dr: It means you can relax.. Your friend didn't have a
heart attack
Shine: Aii no k'gcono ke makunjalo (it's better that way)
Dr: A panic attack is normal it won't kill you don't fight it
just let it take it's course but if you start to have
persistent ones then further steps will be taken
Me: Like?
Dr: Therapy.. Over the counter medications, dealing with
the root of the problem and hand
I nodded..
Dr: I can keep you here overnight but
Me: It's fine if there's nothing wrong with me I wanna go
home
Dr: If they become a problem please consult because
sometimes they can make one suicidal especially when
you don't know what's wrong
Me: I understand and thank you
Dr: I'll tell the Nurse to have you checked out
Shine: Ta bhoza siyabonga (Thank you Dr)
He walked away..
Shine: Ndoda sowuphathwa yizinto zabelungu manje?
Kahle kahle vele zishaphi? (Now you getting a fancy
condition what's the problem)
Me: Awungaye iSpace for 2min.. I wanna make a serious
phone call
He stood up and left me, I got my phone and called
Mantwa..
Mantwa: Hey??
Me: Hey.. Sowugidlile? (are you sleeping)
Her: uhm it's only 20:00 Nazo
Me: Okay bheka.. I need a favour
Her: Are you okay? You sound a bit tense
Me: I'm good
Her: What favour?
Me: My..
I cleared my throat..
Me: My Grandmother used to preach about the 10
commandments back when I was young just forgot them
Her: Ohw uhm ya Exodus 20
Me: Can you read them for me
Her: Now?
Me: If it's not too much trouble
Her: Okay hold on let me get my Bible
I waited for her to get the Bible..
Her: Okay I got it
Me: Please read them for me
Her: Okay the whole thing?
Me: No aren't they listed?
Her: Well from verse 1-12 it goes with a bit of an
explanation
Me: I thought I was once saw something like "Do not
steal.."
Her: Yes Do not commit murder, Do not commit adultery,
Do not accuse anyone falsely.. Do-
Me: It's okay I got them thank you
Her: But I..
Me: I'll call you tomorrow and unfortunately tomorrow
morning you will have to take a taxi to work
Her: Is everything okay Nazo? You scaring me
Me: Everything is fine.. Good night
I hung up..
I sent Stokies a text:
"Tomorrow when you leave for the job, collect me"
He hit me back after a while..
"ube ready at 5am"
I hope that what I am going to do tomorrow morning will
make this whole religious thing go away, I am going to
break one of the commandments and hope that I break
free from what my destiny is supposed to be..
Shine came back after a few minutes of making that call
and the Nurse was taking forever so we just made our
way out of the hospital..
_
MANTWA
I looked at my phone Nazo's call was very strange, my
intuition told me that he was going to do something bad
there way he asked about the 10 commandments was
weird, we talking about a person here who didn't wanna
hear anything with regards to the Bible when I was with
him. I tried calling him a few times but he didn't pick up, I
thought of calling his Grandmother but that would be me
being forward. I got out of bed and went to switch off the
light, I leaned against the door closed my eyes..
Me: Nazo please.. Don't do anything stupid
_
NOMVELO
I was tossing and turning while Niso slept soundless next
to me, I had insomnia due to that phone call. I turned
and looked at Niso, I love him and tomorrow I am willing
to fight for what we have. I want my Uncle to see that I
am actually happy with him, If he truly loves me then he
will accept Niso and our relationship despite what he
has. There's no greater feeling that compares to love and
I am in love..
_
SNAZO
Ever since I got back from the hospital I have been
struggling to sleep a little, the more I thought about that
girl there more and more I was convinced that I should
be rid of all this religious madness. What I'm seeing and
what I hear is not normal, this is not my life it's not who I
am and I refuse to accept something that I don't
understand. I can imagine everyone around here making
fun of me, from a hardcore ex con to a preacher. That
doesn't have a nice ring to it. I took my phone and looked
at the time, only an hour left until 5am I can use this time
to smoke and then prepare myself, Stokies usually shows
up 10min earlier than the recommended time..
I got out of bed and took my cigarettes together with a
lighter, I made my way to the door. I turned the key but it
didn't want, it was jammed..
Me: Damn!!!
I tried a few times but the key didn't want..
Me: Agh come in!!
I tried it again until it allowed, I unlocked at opened the
door what stood at my door stop on my "Welcome" mat
is something that made me question my sanity. It was
what looked like an angel though it looked different from
the ordinary angels that they show us on Tv. This one
was a bit of a giant, it had big wings and it carried a
sword. It stepped back a bit and started flapping it's
wings, I looked at it and it's eyes were on fire.. I was too
shocked to even say anything..
It spoke in a deep voice that I felt a tremour and a
lighting started flashing across the sky to the sound of it's
voice..
"Siz kim olduğunuzdan qaça bilməzsiniz"
As I concentrated on it's eyes that reflected fire, my
vision became blurry until I couldn't see anything
anymore. All I saw was total darkness..

24
SNAZO
I heard a knock at the door it freightned I that I jumped, I
have been sitting on the floor ever since the incident
happened. People have been knocking but I kept quiet.
The door opened and my heart fell on the floor..
Niso: Nazo
I let out a sigh of relief..
Niso: What are you doing on the floor?
I looked around and all I could see was total darkness
and the picture of that thing in my head was still
haunting me..
Me: Is it still here?
Niso: What are you talking about? Nazo what's going on?
Me: I can't see a thing
Niso: What do you mean you can't see a thing?
Me: I'm blind
He chuckled..
Him: Quit playing it's too early in the morning
Me: I am not playing!!!
I heard his footsteps then I heard him talking closer to
me, it scared me..
Him: What the?? What happened?
Me: I don't know
Him: I waved my hand on your face and you didn't react,
you really blind
He helped me up and sat me on my bed..
Me: Niso I'm afraid that I might be losing it, I'm going
crazy
Him: You shaking
Me: I don't know what's happening to me all these things
I don't know why they happening to me
Him: We going to figure this out one way or another
We heard a knock at the kitchen door and a voice calling
out, I think it was Mantwa.
Her: Snazo!!!
Niso: Should I let her in?
Me: Ya
Niso went to the door..
Him: Hey
Mantwa: Hi.. I am looking for Snazo
Him: He is here
Her: Okay
All I could hear was footsteps..
Mantwa: Hi
I moved my eyes to the sound of her voice..
Me: Hi
Her: Are you okay? Was checking up on you after that
phone call last night
Me: I am..
Niso: I'll be right back let me call Ma
Mantwa: I was on my way to work and..
Me: Mantwa I'm blind
Her: What?
Me: I can't see a thing
I could hear her moving closer..
Her: What do you mean that you can't see a thing?
Me: I.. I
Her: Talk to me
Me: I saw something like an Angel but it didn't look like
your normal angel.. I know I sound crazy b-
Her: Snazo..
Me: I know it sounds crazy.. I think I'm going crazy, I
don't know why all these things are happening to me. For
the first time in my life I'm scared and I don't get
scared!!! I been to jail previously and it's hell there but
none of that ever scared me, but this!! I am scared
Mantwa, nothing has ever scared me like this
Mantwa: You are not crazy
She wrapped my arms around her waist and laid my head
on her, I could smell her perfume...
Mantwa: We going to figure this out.. It's okay
Me: I want all of this to go away
She ran her hand on the back of my head..
Her: Its okay..
Niso: I called Ma she said she's going to come back later
today Gugu will stay for the funeral
Me: You shouldn't have
Niso: Ma can help.. I'll forfeit going to school
Mantwa: No you go.. I'll stay
Me: You can't stay.. You just got your job
Mantwa: It's just for one day.. It'll be fine
Niso: In that case I'll see you guys later and Mantwa
thank you
Mantwa: You welcome
_
NOMVELO
I left early to go home so that I can talk to my uncle, I was
scared I have never came face to face with him on
anything that we didn't agree on especially something as
big as this. Nomsa wasn't around, she's usually up early
in the morning. I waited for him to finish talking on his
phone, he didn't look happy even his tone I sensed a lot
tension from it. When he was done he put his phone on
the table, he looked at me..
Him: What exactly is going on?
I kept quiet..
Him: since when do you do this things Velo? And why are
you doing this?
I still remained quiet..
Him: Your friend said the boy is from a hood, a hood
were I'm from she told me everything.. Niso? I thought
you were still dating that soccer player
Me: We broke up
Him: So when you break up you go to another one just
like that? Worse a guy from the hood? Then you lie to go
and sleep with him? When did it start? Did Nomsa lie
about you visiting Nkuli that night because I called Nkuli
and she doesn't know anything about that
I nodded..
He hit the table...
Him: Dammit Nomvelo!!!!! I tried my best to make you
different and now you wanna be a baby Mama to a guy
from the hood? There's no future there!!!!
Tears were nearing but I tried my best to hold them
back..
Him: You will end this shame of a relationship
Me: No..
Him: Askies?
Me: I love him
He made his way to me..
Him: I don't care!!! I want you to end it
Me: No..
Him: Nomvelo!
Me: I won't end it! I love h..
He slapped me across the face..
Him: I go against a lot of people everyday! And I'm not
going to go against my Daughter! Don't try me Nomvelo,
if you want a boyfriend I have business associates who
have Sons! Rich associates where I know that you will be
well taken care of, there's no future that a hood boy can
give you especially a damn Buthelezi! They nothing but
criminals don't push me!
For the first time I felt nothing but anger for my Uncle, I
walked out of his study room..
Him: Nomvelo!!
_
NOMSA
Me: Awusho.. What is this woman going to give us?
Ntokozo: Mina ngizwe nje bathi uStrong (I heard that she
is strong)
We were driving to the woman's place..
Me: Ntokozo I hope this plan of yours works, phela I only
have one shot at this
I came to a red robot..
Ntokozo: Kuzoba right
As we were waiting for the robot to open for us, I heard
my side of the window breaking. Ntokozo and I
screamed..
Voice: Tsek!! Tsek!! Phuma! (get out)
I couldn't see his face clearly he was wearing a cap and a
bandana covered the lower part of his face being the
mouth and nose, he held the gun against me and his
accomplice was on Ntokozo's side..
I opened the door and came out, so did Ntokozo. This
road is very quiet in the mornings we were the only car
around until I saw another car approaching..
He held my side of the door and then looked at me, I was
shaken. He opened fire, shot me 3 times.. The last thing I
heard was Ntokozo screaming..
_
NISO
Me: Ta boy
Him: leme hala at you
He stood next to me..
Him: Have you considered selling something more?
Me: Something more like what?
Him: Coke? You can make a lot of money
I looked at him..
Me: Coke is expensive and not everyone is going to buy
Him: Me and my dogs will buy
He is a rapper wannabe..
Me: I'll think about it
Him: sure dog
He walked away. I was worried about Nomvelo and I was
also worried about Snazo, I don't like what's happening
to my Brother..
My phone rang, I took it out and it was Nomvelo. I
answered..
Me: Twana
I heard her sniffing..
Me: I'm guessing it didn't go that well
Her: It's not right.. He hasn't even given you a chance
Me: What happened?
Her: I have never seen him this angry.. He hit me
Me: He what??
Her: He told me to break up with you.. I'm thinking of
leaving home to go and stay with my friend Power
I was helpless..
Me: Don't do that... Let's give him time to process this he
will come around
Her: He won't.. I wish that things weren't going like this, I
wish that my Mother was still around and my useless
Father didn't kill him
Me: Twana don't think like that.. Your uncle loves you he
is just mad he will come around
Her: For his sake I hope so
Me: Be good for me.. I'll see you tomorrow
Her: Okay
Me: I love you
Her: I love you too
It's not even 12 in the afternoon and this day has proven
that it will not go well..
25
SNAZO
Mantwa: Here
She held my hand and slowly moved it for me to hold the
mug, I picked it up from the table but my hand was
trembling so bad that I put it down again. Mantwa put
her hand ontop of mine..
Her: Slowly
I tried again but it was still the same result..
Me: Fuck!!
Her: It's okay
(Silence)
Her: Do you wanna talk about it?
Me: No..
Her: Okay
I sighed..
Me: When I think of Angels I always thought that they
were exactly how as they showed us on Tv, pure white,
glowing, and always smiling. What I saw was the
opposite of that
Her: How was the angel that you saw?
Me: Scary, it was very big and had big white wings. It's
eyes, it's eyes reflected fire when I looked into it's eyes
that's when I went blind
Her: I think you saw a warrior Angel, I often heard that
they look different.. Nazo you're blessed to have seen
such
Me: I don't feel blessed.. If you haven't noticed I'm
blind!!!
She didn't respond..
Me: I'm sorry..I didn't mean to-
Her: I understand
Me: I don't know why this is happening to me
My phone rang..
Her: the caller ID says "Ma"
Me: It's my Grandmother
Her: You wanna answer?
Me: Ya
Her: Here.. Just put it next to your ear and talk
I put it next to my ear..
Ma: Snazo
Me: Ma..
Ma: uNiso called me, he said that you're blind
Me: Ma I'm scared.. What's happening to me?
Ma: Nazo..
Me: Ma I don't want this.. It's not me
Ma: It's not anyone baby.. No one wakes up and chooses
to have their life change just like that into something that
they don't understand, you fighting Nazo and you not
winning. You not going to win, it's who you are all you
have to do is accept that's the only way my boy
I put the phone down on the table..
Ma: Nazo??
Mantwa picked it up..
Mantwa: MaButhelezi it's Mantwa.. I will be with him
until you get here.. Yes..
She went a bit far away from me..
_
JJ
Disappointed is an understatement, I was furious that
Velo was dating a nobody. Someone who is not going to
give her the future that she deserves, I just want
everything to be perfect for her. When I die everything is
going to her, I don't want her to date someone who will
be a financial burden to her and end up sharing in her
inheritance..
I was on my second glass of whiskey when my phone
rang, it was a number I didn't recognize..
Me: Hello
Voice: JJ it's Ntokozo
She sounded distressed..
Her: It's Nomsa.. She.. We..
Me: Calm down and tell me what happened?
Her: Nomsa was shot
Me: What??? Where?? How??
Her: I.. I.. I don't know what happened
Me: Talk to me how is she?
Her: Doctors are still with her.. I think she's going to
make it
Me: Okay I'm on my way..
Her: Highland hospital
Me: Okay I'm coming
I threw the glass against the wall..
_
NOMVELO
I saw her laying on the floor in her own pool of blood,
there was blood everywhere and she wasn't moving..
Me: Mama wake up
I was shaking her but she didn't wake up, she wasn't
waking up..
Me: Mama vuka
He had her heart in his hand but I couldn't see his face
clear, I couldn't see who it was..
Me: Mama!! Mvuse (wake her up)
I felt someone gently shaking me..
Voice: Velo.. Velo..
I slowly opened my eyes and it was Danger, I had fallen
asleep on the couch..
I looked around and sat up straight..
Danger: Bekuyiphupho nje (it was just a dream)
I started crying...
Me: I saw my Mom.. She was laying there helpless
Him: How often do you have this dream?
Me: This is the 3rd time
Him: Do you only see your Mom?
Me: And someone holding her heart just can't see his
face... Probably it's my useless Father!
Danger: I'll get you a glass of water
Me: Thank you
I took my phone and called Niso but he didn't pick up..
_
JJ
The door opened he walked in..
Stokies: Bhoza
He closed the door behind him..
I looked at him..
Him: It is all done Bhoza
Me: It's not all done
Him: Hau usho kanjani? (what do you mean)
Me: She is still alive.. Her sister called.. Uses'bhedlela nje
sikhuluma (she is in hospital as we talking)
Him: Bhoza ngimshaye nga 3 yama bullet (I shot her 3
times)
Me: Oksalayo she's still alive!!!
Him: Manje what do you want me to do? Ngimcedelele
esbhedlela? (should I finish her off at the hospital)
Me: No you failed!! I have another assignment for you
Him: ringa nami bhoza (talk to me)
I went through my phone and handed it to him..
Me: He is your next assignment
He looked at it..
Him: Bhoza Aii..
Me: You will do it
Him: Aii Bhoza angeke kukhonakale (it can't be done)
Me: I am paying you to get the job done!! Get the job
done!!
He put the phone down..
Him: cha bhoza angeke (I can't)
I looked at him and took my phone..
_
SNAZO
Me: You don't have to be here you know
Mantwa: I am here because I wanna be here.. I made you
some oats
Me: Thank you
She brought the bowl to me..
Me: I can't get used to this
Her: You will
Immediately when I touched the bowl I had something
like a vision, I saw Niso getting shot by JJ. I knocked the
bowl off the table because the vision was intense, it was
like I was the one getting shot. I even fell off from the
chair..
Mantwa: Snazo are you okay??
Me: I need to get my eyesight back
Her: What?
Me: I need to get my eyesight back!
The door opened..
Mantwa: Niso come and help me out
Niso: What happened?
Me: Niso?
Him: I'm here
They helped me to get up..
Mantwa: Are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?
Niso: Kanti what the hell is going on?
Me: Niso I want you to listen to me.. You need to leave
Nomvelo alone
Him: What?
Me: if you don't her Uncle is going to shoot you dead, I
can't protect you when I'm like this.. You need to end it
or else it's going to world war 3!

26
SNAZO
The vision I had about Niso was something that I didn't
look forward too, I can't lose my brother. Niso and I we
have always been close, I always had his back and I know
very well that he won't leave her he is really convinced
that he is inlove. Unfortunately I cannot be able to
protect him, especially when I'm like this but then again
going into war might hurt a lot of people innocent
people. I was trying to think of a solution, one that won't
involve blood spilling and I see no way out but to bargain
with the one above. My Brother's life in exchange of me
accepting my gift, if God can protect Niso from this one I
will sure answer to my calling and that is a promise. If JJ
kills my Brother I am going to rain blood on anything and
everything being labeled a Christian, It's going to be a
massacre on Christians. I will enter in a church and shoot
everyone, it's going to be a crime worth remembering.
That was my prayer until a knock disturbed me..
Me: Come in
Niso: Mantwa is cooking
Me: She shouldn't
Niso: I don't know but she seems like a nice person, I like
her for you. Gugu and Ma will obviously like her,
uzoyenza uMakoti okahle (She will be a good bride)
Me: Ya.. I guess so
(Silence)
Niso: Snazo I love Velo and trust me when I say we got
this..
Me: Niso you don't have this.. JJ is not a person to mess
with
Niso: I am not going to leave her
Me: So you would rather have us lose you?
Niso: What is happening with you?
Me: Just forget it, obviously nothing I say is going to be
heard
Niso: Since when do we back out?
Me: Since JJ is not just an ordinary person
Niso: no relationship is perfect.. All relationships have
challenges, Nomvelo and I we going to get through this..
Even if it means leaving and staying far from harm's way
Me: I hope it's worth it, I hope she is worth it
_
NOMVELO
I was in my bedroom when someone knocked..
Me: Come in
The door opened and my Uncle walked in.
My mood changed...
He sat on the small chair..
Him: I might not be your biological father but I love you
more than you think, you're the only child that I have and
everything of mine belongs to you. All of these, my
businesses, my cars, the house, and my money. They all
belong to you because you the only child that I have. The
last thing I want is for you to bring a nobody who will use
you just because you were born rich
Me: Niso is not like that.. You just judged him without
even giving him a chance
Him: Obviously this boy means a lot to you and we will
always be on each other's throats because of him, so the
sacrifice will come from my side. I will accept your
relationship with him
I looked at him..
Me: Don't do me any favours
Him: I am not doing you any favours! Your happiness
means a lot to me, if you say that he is different then I
will give him a chance
I didn't expect that from him..
Me: Thank you
Him: I just hope there won't be any babies any time soon
Me: School is my first priority
Him: Glad to hear that
Me: Where is Nomsa?
Him: Nomsa got shot this morning
Me: What?
Him: I was actually on my way to the hospital.. Wanna
come?
I nodded...
Him: Do you guys get along well now because she lied for
you?
Me: Are you complaining?
Him: As long as you guys get along I'm happy
I yawned..
Him: Haven't been sleeping?
Me: Not peacefully
Him: What's wrong?
Me: I have been having that nightmare again about Mom
Him: You still have it?
Me: Just started recently but this time around another
piece has been added to the puzzle
Him: What do you mean?
Me: I saw a man holding her heart
He stood up...
Him: Who is he?
Me: Can't really see his face but I it's that evil Father of
mine
Him: I should get you the herbs again remember they
helped you when you were having the nightmare?
Me: I remember.. Though they taste bad
Him: As long as you don't have to relive that nightmare
again.. Put on your shoes and let's go
_
SNAZO
My Grandmother finally arrived I was relieved to hear
her voice now she can provide us with answers that we
need. Mantwa left immediately when my Grandmother
came back, after all she has been here all day. My
Grandmother had her hands on my cheeks, I think she
was checking my eyes. I told her everything that
happened and led to my blindness..
Her: The only way out of this is to accept your gift
Me: I'll accept it
Her: Huh?
Me: I will accept my gift
Her: What changed?
Me: I'm tired of fighting it.. I will accept it as long as I
won't be required to be a church goer and all that, I just
wanna help people that's all
Her: What happens after you have accepted your Gift is
up to God who called you
Me: So what now?
Her: I will take you to church the Pastor will know what
to do
Her: Nazo I know that you scared but trust me your gift is
not as bad as you think, helping others out that's the best
thing ever. You have always had the heart to help others,
remember God doesn't look at the outward appearance,
he looks at the heart
Me: You told me that many times before
Her: Get it through your stubborn head then.. I'll dish up
for you
_
JJ
I just drove Nomvelo to the hospital and then I drove
straight Bab'Ngwenya's place the person who made me
this rich. What I did to my sister was the only way I could
attain riches, I have always wanted to be rich. Always
wanted to be in power. I dropped out in grade 9 after
repeating it thrice, My Parents thought I would never
amount to anything and that both my Sisters were more
useful than I was. I was always undermined and looked
down on, especially by Nomvelo's Mother. She was the
princess of the house...
Bab'Ngwenya is very powerful he has helped a lot of
people like me..
Him: Awww' Ngcobo
Me: Bab'ngwena
I turned that big tin upside down and sat ontop of it, he
was sitting outside and boiling some herbs...
Him: Usubekwa yini la? (what brings you here)
Me: u Nomvelo Ba, sekaqalile futhi ngalamaphupho akhe
(it's Nomvelo, she has started having those dreams of
hers)
Him: Umoya kaMama walengane uyashisa, futhi
uyingozi(Her mother's spirit is powerful and dangerous)
Me: Ngiyazi (I know)
Him: Kwenzekeni? (what happened)
Me: Sibe nokuxabana nje (we had an altercation)
Him: Uma uyihlukumeza le ngane ulaka lakwa Mamakhe
luzokuzela, uyosiphula yonke into onayo bese uceda
ngomoya wakho (once you mistreat this child her
Mother's Anger is going to fall upon you destroying
everything that you have and ending with your soul)
Me: Ngiyakwazi lokho futhi uNomvelo ngafunda
ukumthanda (I know that and I learned to love Nomvelo)
Him: Ithi ngizokulandela ibhodlela (wait I'll get the bottle
for you)
Me: Ngiyabonga
He stood up and went..
If Nomvelo can know the truth I will be in trouble..

27
NOMVELO
A FEW WEEKS LATER
There was so much tension in the atmosphere that you
could literally cut through it with a knife, We were
involuntary clashing heads with our unsettling thoughts
about each other. A mere look can express thousands of
words on how a person truly feels about you, and that
was the attitude that we had in the room. I must've left
my manners at home when my facial muscles decided to
betray me and I yawned...
Gugu: I don't know if we boring you or my food is the one
that's boring you
Niso: Gugu
Gugu: She is yawning and she only had about two or
three spoons?
Niso: Maybe you making her uncomfortable
Gugu: Kanjani? (How)
Niso: Inkinga yakho ukuthi awujwayeleki (The problem is
that no one can get use to you)
They kept on going on and on arguing with each other
that I started to feel a bit light headed, I closed my eyes..
Grandma: Anikahle bo (both of you stop it)
She has been the sweetest to me since I got here. Things
between Niso and I have been good, my Uncle was laid
back and didn't bother us at all infact tomorrow Niso is
coming over at my house for dinner. Today he invited me
to meet his family again but this time around officially as
his girlfriend..
Grandma: Velo ukahle Sisi? (Nomvelo are you okay)
I looked at her..
Me: I think I'm having a migraine
I haven't been getting some peaceful sleep, that dream
of my Mother being butchered to death was haunting
me. I have it every night, it has been keeping me awake
and my lack of sleep was affecting my health now.
There's nothing that my Uncle hasn't tried even sleeping
pills don't work..
Grandma: You look a bit pale, have you been getting
some sleep?
Me: Actually no
Grandma: What's been bothering you?
When she asked that something deep inside of me
moved, I was tired. I was tired physically, mentally, and
emotionally. Reliving that day each night through my
dreams is not easy, it opens up old wounds. Niso
extended his hand to mine, I didn't even realize that I
was tearing up now. Niso's Grandmother is so sweet,
very calm and she seems easy to talk too..
Me: Every night I am haunted by the same dream.. I'm
even scared to sleep
I wiped my tears..
Grandma: I can even sense the exhaustion from your
voice
She looked at Niso..
Grandma: Put her plate in the fridge
She then looked at Me..
Grandma: Come.. Come take a nap in my room
Gugu: Aii Ma.. (Ma no)
She stood up..
Grandma: Come..
Me: That's very nice of you but.. I'm scared to sleep
Grandma: Come with me
I looked at Niso and he nodded..
I stood up and we went to her bedroom..
I was taken by how nice it looked, I mean she's old I
expected it to look somehow but it looked really good. I
was impressed. It was a very sunny day but her room was
very cool, the window was open and it was very neat..
Her: You can have a nap
Me: Thank you
Her: Just sleep.. Nothing wil harm you here, you're safe
Me: Thank you very much
I took off my sandals and made my self comfortable, she
took a mini blanket and covered my legs because I was a
bit of a short dress. I laid my head on the pillow as she
walked out and slightly closed the door. I then closed my
eyes..
_
MANTWA
I looked at my phone again and then went to my
contacts, I stopped at his name and my heart
immediately shattered I felt like crying right there. He
hasn't called me for weeks, He has been avoiding me I
don't even know what I did. I don't know what could've
possibly pushed him away..
Voice: Mantwa..
That was my boss, I put my phone away and went to her
office..
Her: What's wrong with you?
I gave her a confused look..
Her: I am not a teacher.. Too many spelling errors
She threw the paper across the table..
Her: This week you have been very sloppy.. What's
wrong?
Me: I am very sorry it won't happen again
Her: This is not like you, you a very dedicated person
I took the paper..
Me: I will type it again.. I am very sorry
I walked out..
Me: Pull it together Mantwa or else you going to lose
your job
_
SNAZO
Losing my eyesight was very scary, it's something that I
occasionally think about especially the angel that I saw.
My Grandmother's Pastor was the one that helped me to
regain my sight again, I felt the most connection with him
on a spiritual level only to find that he is the one who is
supposed to mentor me. Pastor Mdluli is 75 years old he
has been in the ministry for a very long time, and his
church has members who were with him from the
beginning till now my Grandmother included. His church
is not that big it has less than 40 members, I am still
wondering how his teachings of the old religion will help
me in this modern age. Make that I don't even know why
he is supposed to mentor me because though I had
accepted my gift but I am not planning on standing
infront of a congregation and preach, that is not me and I
wouldn't put myself in the firing line like that...
Unfortunately I had to leave my construction job since it
was corrupt, had to start on a clean slate. My current
hustle is not impressive at all, it's not something that I
would do but then at the end of the day I have to make
ends meet. Mon-Thur I wash cars at some mall that's
very busy, I have a corner that's not very far from the
mall's parking were I wash cars and then on Friday and
Saturday I help at some garage with fixing cars. The man
who hired me goes to my Grandmother's church, Pastor
Mdluli is the one who suggested me when the owner
wanted someone to help him during busy days. My
working hours at the garage are 09:00 - 19:00, with
minor breaks in between and I get paid R1000 for both
those days whilst my car wash doesn't give me less than
R150 a day. I make reasonable money but still it doesn't
amount to what my old hustle use to make me back
when I was still Nazo.
Things between Mantwa and I aren't very good, with my
new life I doubt she would wanna be with me. The last
thing I want is to give my heart away only to have her
leave me for another dude with better wheels, a dude
with more stacks than me. I done had my heart broken
by Nkuli, I am not up for that anymore...
Today I knocked off early than usual, my boss had plans,
he was taking his family out. Since I worked a half day
today I only got paid R700..
I parked my car next to the gate and made my way out, I
was still wearing my overall that had oil all over not
forgetting my black vest. Tired as I am I dragged my legs
so that they could carry me through to the kitchen door..
I wiped the oil from my hand before I opened the door,
or else my Mother is going to throw a fit with the door
handle being oily. I opened and then made my way in, I
heard my Mother and my Grandmother talking in the
lounge I made my way there..
Me: Sanibonani (Greetings)
Gugu: Hau! uEarly namhlanje (you early today)
Me: Ya we closed early because uBab Mathebula was
taking his family out
Gugu: Alright.. Can I dish up for you?
Me: You cooked already?
Gugu: Yey! Phela we have a visitor.. Not just any visitor
nje
Ma: Gugu Awume (Gugu don't start)
My Grandmother stood up..
Ma: Nazo come here
Me: Come where?
Ma: Woza! (Come)
She held me by my hand and then we went to her
bedroom, I looked at Gugu and she raised her
shoulders..
My Grandmother looked at Me..
Her: I think this is something that's spiritual
Me: Spiritual?
She opened the door and I made my way in but
immediately walked out when I saw her laying on my
Grandmother's bed..
Me: Ma..
Her: I think she needs your help, whatever is happening
with her it's spiritual.. She needs help Nazo

28
SNAZO
My Grandmother followed me to my room,so we could
talk..
Me: I don't choose who to help, the voice deep within is
the one that guides me and I haven't felt any spiritual
connection with Nomvelo
Ma: That voice is the holy spirit. Nazo you really need to
take what Pastor Mdluli teaches you seriously
Me: I don't know what she's going through but I'm sure
that her family will help her, I don't know how to help
her because I don't know what's going on with her. The
holy spirit hasn't said anything about her
Ma: There are others that you will have to help on your
own without the holy spirit always having to tell you
which person to help, through spoken words you can
help a lot of people. When I had the gift it wasn't as
powerful as yours, you gifted to heal with words, through
prayer, and with your hands. Healing with words that's
something you have to do on your own, preaching in
church
Me: Let's not push it Ma I'm not going to preach
anywhere.. I am hardly copying as it is
(Silence)
Her: Have you spoken to Mantwa?
Me: No
Her: Why not?
Me: Why should I?
Her: She loves you
Me: I don't wanna get myself into another Nkuli situation
Her: What makes you say that?
Me: I am no longer that Nazo Ma.. I doubt any girl would
wanna stick around with my current state of
employment and finance
Her: If Mantwa didn't wanna be with you she wouldn't
be this hurt by you avoiding her, she has been coming
here Nazo I think you need to talk to her. You cannot
punish every girl just because of what Nkuli did
Me: I'll call her then
Her: At least be honest with her so she can move on..
Another guy would appreciate her and what I'm going to
say to you is that, you lost the real one. Not every girl
would be this understanding and most importantly she
understood and respected your gift, I think she would've
made a good companion but then what do I know
I looked at her..
Her: You can bath and then come and eat
Me: Where is Niso?
Her: I don't know.. He just went out
Me: Okay
Her: Don't forget to call Mantwa
Me: I won't
She walked out and closed the door..
_
NISO
My business has grown, I don't sell weed only but now I
sell some pill that you can mix with weed, cigarettes, or
crush it and sniff it. It's very addictive and in turn it has
gained me a lot of customers. It's not easy coming from a
financial disadvantaged background, Nazo has always
been able to provide for us but he used to pull a lot of
disappearing acts that I was forced to start my own
hustle. The new pill that I sell is really making me a lot of
money that I am even thinking of moving out of home
and getting my own place, it would be easy for Nomvelo
to come and visit more often..
I gave him the pill, one pill is R250..
He was shaking, when you start with it you can't really
stop..
Him: Gimme another one
I gave him another one and he gave me the R500..
Him: I will call you again
I nodded..
I have a burner phone were my clients call me whenever
they need the pill. I looked around and then walked to
get a taxi home. I now even have white customers, I
think some of the students from school let their friends
in on the drug. I always have to be careful though
because one mistake I might get locked up..
_
JJ
These dreams that Nomvelo keep on getting were now
worrying me a lot, obviously the herbs from
Bab'Ngwenya aren't really helping anymore..
He threw the bones and looked at them for a while...
(Silence)
Bab'Ngwenya: Aii kubi Ngcobo (It's bad)
I looked at the bones..
Me: Yini? (What is it)
Him: igazi likadade wenu lifuna ukuziphindezela (Your
Sister's blood is seeking revenge)
Me: Bengithi nje uNomvelo was the one to prevent that?
Him: Nami bengicabanga njalo.. Bengithi Uma uthatha
lokhu okuncane wakuthanda, Udade wenu ubezo lala
ngoxolo. (I thought you adopting nomvelo was going to
make her rest in peace)
Me: Manje ngizoyenzani? (What should I do)
Him: Wena phikelela ukumthanda futhi umenzele yonke
into ayifunayo ngemali yegazi lika mamakhe, lokho
kuzokuvikela elwakeni lwakhe (Just continue loving her
and spoiling her with the money that was attained by
shedding her Mother's blood, in that way you will be
safe)
Me: Manje amaphupho akhe? (what about the dreams)
Him: Ima kancane (wait a minute)
Me: Yini indaba? (What)
Him: Ngibona ifu elimunyama nempi enkulu ezayo emzini
wakho (I see a dark cloud and a big war that's coming to
your house soon)
Me: Angizwa kahle? (I don't understand)
Him: akucaci (it's not clear)
He stood up and went get some bottle that had medicine
in it..
Him: This is for protection, your own protection... Thatha
(here)
I took it..
Him: ugeze ngawo every morning so harm doesn't come
your way
I know that only my wife means me harm..
_
MANTWA
10min before I knocked off I had received a message
from Nazo saying that we need to "Talk". I don't know
whether to be relieved that he finally reached out, or to
be mad at him but either way I wanted to talk to him so
he makes it very clear to me were we stand. I knocked off
at 13:00 and then I made my way to his place, I took a
few deep breaths before knocking at his door. I knocked
twice..
Him: Come in
I took one last deep breath and then opened, I made my
way in he was laying on his bed while listening to music.
He rose his head up from the pillow when he saw me..
Him: Hey
I closed the door and stood there..
Me: Hi
He took his phone and then stopped the music, he was in
his briefs and vest only.
Him: wasn't expecting you
Me: You sent me a text
Him: Yeah I didn't think that you was going to come
today
Me: I don't have much time.. Thought I should come and
hear what you wanted to say before going home
Him: You look nice
I wasn't moved by that comment, I didn't even smile..
Him: I'm sorry
Me: Sorry for what?
Him: For everything.. I was a jerk
Me: Okay
He stood up..
Him: Just okay?
Me: What you expect me to say?
He made his way to me..
Him: I don't know get mad.. You have the right to get
mad do you know that?
Me: Me getting mad what difference is going to make? I
just wish that you were at least honest with me. If you
didn't like me you should've just said so instead of
leading me on
He held my hand...
Him: I do like you a lot.. I'm sorry
I looked down
Him: I'm truly sorry
He got very close and lifted my chin up so I could look at
him, he leaned over for a kiss. I don't know why I was
being a full but I kissed him too.. He put his hand around
my waist and pulled me closer to him, my bag dropped
down to the floor and I wrapped my hands around his
neck. Both his hands were now around my waist he was
squeezing me to him a bit tight, then he picked me up
and went to lay me down on his bed..
_
JJ
On my way back home I received a call from this other PI
that was recommended to me by someone..
Me: Talk to me
Him: I found something interesting
Me: What is it?
Him: The boy is selling drugs
Me: Serious?
Him: Been following him and he is selling drugs
Me: That doesn't surprise me.. Proof?
Him: Took a few pictures.. I can Email them to you
Me: That would be great
Him: They don't show much but they do show him
standing in some spot with different people coming to
him, I think the drugs are exchanged through a
handshake greeting and shoulder bumping wouldn't be
much evidence for the cops though
Me: I don't want that for the cops
Him: Okay I'll Email you the pictures
Me: Thank you
I wanted him to tail this Niso guy to see if he is not
dodgy, and it comes off as no surprise that he is dodgy. I
hope Nomvelo doesn't know about this, and I hope this
becomes a ticket for her to leave him..

29
DANGER
Almost everyday in between my breaks I drive to the
cemetery to visit my wife's grave, I sometimes leave a
flower behind or it provided I have enough time. Victoria
has been gone for a very long time but her death is
something that I struggle with every day, when I got
locked up and spent years in jail doesn't compare to the
pain of losing her. I could've been a better husband but I
was battling demons of my own, I wish that I was the one
who took her place. I lost everything, lost my wife, my
Daughter and everything that I know. When I was
released I couldn't even go back to live in our old house
anymore, There's too many memories that live there and
also in the eyes of my neighbours I would always be a
heartless murderer. Being JJ's pet was never my dream
but I had to be close to my Daughter to make sure that JJ
doesn't hurt her, I don't trust him we talking about a
person who sacrificed his Sister for money. There's no
telling what he can do to my Daughter. When I was
released from jail and started working for JJ, he decided
that Victoria's old tombstone was not impressive so he
had it changed. When they removed the old tombstone I
took some of the soil that was on her grave and took it to
this other woman, she is a seer and she helps people.
Especially if your loved one passed on in a tragic way. She
mixed the soil with water and then she gave me the
bottle, it's a very small bottle and she told me that I
should pour the mixture in a drink and that if JJ
consumes it, Victoria is going to haunt him, she is going
to haunt him until he losses his mind. I have had the
bottle for a very long time now, I didn't wanna go
through with it because Nomvelo was young at that time
she needed Parental guidance but now she's old enough
and I can go ahead with the plan. JJ lives like what he did
was right, he hasn't shown any remorse for what he has
done and I will make him remember. I want him to
remember Victoria, relive that tragic day until he snaps. I
want to see him lose his mind, I want him to remember
her..
I always have her picture with me, sometimes looking at
it I will find myself tearing up. If it wasn't for my Daughter
I would've long killed myself..
_
MANTWA
Mom: I was very worried about you
Me: I know I'm sorry
Her: I thought you said that things are not well between
you two?
Me: We talked
Her: Hmmmmm..
Me: Mom I'll see you later
Her: Okay.. Tell him that just because you visit him at his
place, doesn't mean that he should delay paying Lobola
I laughed...
Me: See you later
Her: See you later baby
I came here so that we could talk, so that I could have
him be honest with me. Sleeping with him was not part
of the plan. I put on my pants and my blouse, he had
gone outside to pee and have a smoke. I was tired and I
was very sore, last his Grandmother told me that he was
arrested for 5 years and ya today it showed that he
hasn't been with a woman in a very long time. Not
excluding myself from the whole situation, I also haven't
been sexual ever since my last break up. I slowly sat
down on the bed, I never really imagined a light skinned
guy being gifted, well I never expected his kind to be that
much gifted but in his case it was different. Right now I
just feel like I could have a whole fan blowing on my
cookie..
The door opened and he walked in..
He closed it and then stood there looking at Me..
Him: Are you okay?
Me: I'm okay just that.. Today confirmed that I haven't
had sex in a long time
He chuckled..
He made his way to me and stretched out his hand, I
stretched out mine and he helped me to stand up. He
buttoned my shirt..
Him: I wasn't that gentle so..
Me: It's okay.. I really enjoyed
Him: Enjoyed much to go again?
Me: Maybe not today.. We already had two rounds that's
went very gentle
I ran my hands on his body, he wasn't wearing a tshirt..
Him: Maybe we can go and get something to eat before I
drive you home
Me: I'd like that very much
Him: First you need to go inside and greet my
Grandmother.. She's going to kill me if she knew that you
were around and you didn't greet
Me: Okay
He kissed me..
Him: I'll put on a tshirt in the meantime
I walked out and went to the house to greet...
_
DANGER
After parking I made my way to his office, he rented out
this other place for his office and to park his taxis..
I knocked and made my way in, he was sitting at the
table going over some book.
Him: What are you doing here?
Me: Just wanted to check if you needed something
before I head home
He checked his wrist watch..
Him: You can leave the keys on the table, I'll take them
home with me
I looked at his whiskey across the room..
Me: Kahle kahle I wanted to talk to you about something
He looked at me..
Him: Khuluma iskhathi asikho (Talk there's no time)
Me: Ngingathela iWhiskey? (can I pour us some whiskey)
Him: Danger iskhathi sok'dlala anginaso (Danger I don't
have time for games)
Me: It's just that-
Him: Phuma (get out)
That didn't go well..
Him: Leave the taxi keys on the table bese uyaphuma(
then get out)
I did as I was told..
Him: Ohw tomorrow we having dinner with Nomvelo's
useless boyfriend I want you to be there
Me: I'll be there
Him: Good
I need JJ to drink this water..
_
NOMVELO
I felt air being blown on my face, I was sleeping so
peacefully that I really didn't wanna wake up. I still had
more sleep in me..
Niso: Wake up
I slowly opened my eyes and the light was on..
Me: What time is it
Him: Time for you to go home before your Uncle comes
here
Me: I feel like sleeping some more
Him: Come on.. I'll drive you home
I got out of the bed almost falling, he held me..
Him: I got you
Me: Think I got up too fast
Him: Will you be able to walk?
I nodded..
Me: Let me put on my shoes
Him: I'll help you
I sat on the bed and he put helped me put on my shoes,
such a gentleman..
Him: Not sure how to do this
Me: I'll do it (Laughing)
I put on my sandals..
Me: There
I stood up again..
Him: Got everything?
Me: My bag is in your room
Him: I'll get it
Me: Okay
I don't know when was the last time I got such a peaceful
sleep..
_
MANTWA
We drove to some pub&grill not far from his place to get
something to eat..
"Ska rebona re phela
Kgale re sokola rona re phelela Mmino
Oskang potja ka dilo kgale re sokola rona re phelela
Mmino"
This place is always noisy and unsavory characters
usually hang out here a lot, when I say unsavory I mean
your Gangsters you know just those notorious well
financial stable thugs. Nazo greeted a few of them, this
was not my kind of place. I am an introvert, I enjoy being
indoors watching movies or reading books. I don't go out
that much, I don't even have friends I am that boring
type of person..
Snazo put his hand around my shoulders and kissed me
on my cheek..
Him: Are you okay?
I faked a smile..
Me: I'm okay
Him: Welcome to my world
I looked around and I really wasn't comfortable with the
scene..

30
MANTWA
It was a long day and when I got home I bathe first
before going to bed. I looked at myself in the small
mirror that hung on my bedroom wall, I had a towel
wrapped around my naked body and I was playing my
favourite song on my phone..
"I feel a little rush, I think I've got a little crush on you I
hope it's not too much But babe when I'm with you, I
hear it My heart singing La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la-la La, la,
la, la, la, la, la, la-la"
My eyes were a bit red, I was very tired and I couldn't
wait to sleep. I heard a knock at the door..
Me: Come in
It was my Mom..
Mom: Wanted to say Goodnight
Me: It's late I thought you were sleeping already
Her: I was on the phone with your Aunt
Me: Okay
Her: Ukahle? (Are you okay)
I nodded..
She walked in and closed the door..
Her: You don't look like a girl inlove, you should be
singing your heart out
I went and stopped the song, she walked over and sat on
the bed..
Her: Khuluma nami (talk to me)
I sat next to her..
Her: What's wrong?
I exhaled..
Me: Nazo took me out, we went to this other pub&grill
Her: Isn't that supposed to be something good?
Me: I don't know much about Snazo's past life.. I only
know a bit, what his Grandmother told me but tonight..
Her: What about tonight?
Me: Ma.. Snazo is too much into his past life, he was
rubbing shoulders with the most notorious Gangsters. I
felt like I wasn't good enough for him when I looked at
the girls that they were with, I don't know I feel like he is
going to go back to that life
Her: I thought he changed
I shook my head no..
Me: He is torn between two worlds, he won't fully accept
who he is if he doesn't leave his past completely. Mama
kube umbonile (You should've seen him)
Her: Awu kodwa Mantwa
Me: I can't.. You know me, I am an introvert. I don't like
drama, and this fast life is not my thing
Her: He was that bad?
Me: It seems so
Her: Kodwa last week uzile enkonzweni njena (but last
week he came to church)
Me: I don't know Ma.. I don't wanna be scared of him, I
am scared of such guys
Her: Don't conclude anything just as yet, he makes you
happy doesn't he?
Me: He does.. And I think I am falling hard for him
Her: Then just concentrate on that love you have for him
and leave everything else... Come on get some rest you
look tired
Me: Good night
Her: Love you
Me: I love you too
_
NOMVELO
The following morning I was up very early, the plans had
been changed from dinner to having lunch. I was
nervous, I was very nervous on how my Uncle was going
to handle himself. I hope this won't turn into a
nightmare..
Nomsa: What menu do you want?
Me: Niso is from the hood, he won't do serious dishes.
He enjoys traditional dishes, something simple. I think
oxtail with dumplings will do
She smiled a little..
Me: What?
Her: Never thought this day would come
Me: What day? Don't start
We both laughed...
Her: Mina I like the guy because he changed you, you
now a better person
Me: Uphi uMalume vele? (Where is Uncle)
Her: He left early said he had some errands to run
The door bell rang..
Me: I don't know how you going to help because of your
Arm
Nomsa: I'm just going to give you instructions
I opened the door and it was Danger..
Me: Danger
He made his way in..
Nomsa: Aww Danger what brings you here? It's your day
off today
Danger: Ya I need extra money so I decided to work
today, even if it's half day
Nomsa: Ohw.. Shouldn't you be at the taxi rank already?
Danger: Ya I am here for my keys, I left them in JJ's office
yesterday... I was here for his office keys
Nomsa: You know he doesn't want anyone in his office
Me: Since when is Danger anyone?
Nomsa: Fine I'll get the keys
She walked away..
Me: Danger are you going to come? We having my
boyfriend over for lunch
Danger: Eish since I'm working today I don't know
Me: Please.. It will be less awkward for him when you
around, you know how to handle my Uncle
Danger: I'll try
Me: Thank you very much Danger.. Maybe you can bring
along your woman
Danger: My woman?
Me: Yes.. You do have someone special in your life right?
He cleared his throat..
Danger: Uhm.. Maybe..
Nomsa walked in..
Nomsa: Here you go.. Please bring them back
Danger: I will
Me: 14:00 Danger don't forget
Danger: I will be here.. Thank you again Nomsa for the
key
Nomsa: You welcome
He walked out..
Nomsa: Such a nice man
Me: Very nice
Nomsa: Let's get back to the menu
_
SNAZO
I woke up feeling like shit, I had a lot of beers last night.
After dropping off Mantwa at her place I went back to
the pub&grill to drink some more and hangout with the
boys, it was a good night. I got my phone and it was
9:00am, I had no missed calls and no messages from
Mantwa. That's strange last week she called me and
reminded me that I shouldn't forget about church, she
usually calls in the morning or greet me on WhatsApp.
Church starts exactly at 9:00,since she didn't call I also
felt lazy to bath and go. I could notice last night that she
was uncomfortable at the pub&grill, I thought that she
was going to have fun but she didn't. She wasn't herself..
I sent her a text:
"Tell me when church is out"
I put my phone away and slept again...
_
NISO
The first thing I did when I woke up was to do my laundry
before going to Nomvelo's place, last night I drove her
home and then came back home in her car so I'll be going
with it later. I hope JJ won't get in my nerves, the last
thing I want is an altercation with him. As I waited for the
water to fill up, I checked Facebook only to be welcomed
by a lot of "RIP". One of my clients who was also my
Facebook friends had a lot of tags, friends tagged her on
some "RIP" posts. She was at the same college as me.
She got addicted to the pill when she bought it to help
her with depression, I think somehow she got addicted.
She's the first that I know off who passed on from an
overdose. She was found in her bedroom dead with the
pill crushed on her dressing table so one of the posts
stated, I hope this won't come back to me.
_
DANGER
I poured the water in his whiskey and then closes it
again. I have long been waiting for this day, I have long
been waiting for revenge. Seems like I'm going to get it
after all, JJ won't know what hit him. I took the keys to
the taxi and locked his office then went..

31
NOMVELO
I checked the time again it was now 15:00 he was
supposed to be here at 14:00..
Nomsa: He is probably on his way
I had called him and his phone took me straight to
voicemail. Everyone was prepared nicely, the table was
filled with all variety of food that he would like. We
heard the kitchen door openening and closing, then I
heard two voices. It was my Uncle and Danger..
They walked in...
Uncle: Look at this..I wish people would go this far for me
too
They sat down..
I looked at the time again, If Niso doesn't show up I will
be very angry that would mean he doesn't wanna try to
show my Uncle that he is serious about me..
Uncle: So where is the guest of honour?
Nomsa: He is not here yet
He looked at his wrist watch..
Uncle: Really? Wasn't this whole thing supposed to be at
14:00?
Me: He is running a bit late
Uncle: A bit?
Nomsa: JJ
Uncle: This boy is disrespectful he is making me wait?
Nomsa: He is going to come
Danger: I can go and check if there's any car coming
downstairs the road
Uncle: Don't waste your time he is not worth it, plus he
might not even have a car
Me: I borrowed him mine
Uncle: You what?
Me: It's a Sunday taxis are scarce!
Uncle: See what I was afraid of? You going to provide for
a man?
Me: I just borrowed him my car he is going to bring it
back today
Uncle: This is a waste of my time, I have better things to
do
My phone rang..
Me: It's him
I answered..
Me: Hey
Him: I got lost..
Me: Where are you now?
Him: At the gate
Me: I'm coming
I put my phone down and went to fetch him..
Uncle: It's about time!!
Nomsa: Please behave when he comes in
JJ: This is my house, He is the one who has to behave
I was a bit upset that he was late but also relieved that
he was here..
Me: I am so mad
Him: I know and I'm sorry
Me: Why didn't you at least call and say that you going to
be late or that you lost?
He put his hands on my cheeks...
Him: I'm sorry I should've called
I put my hands on his..
Me: At least you came
He smiled and then kissed me..
Him: Let's go in then
He held my hand and then we walked to the house..
_
SNAZO
I looked at her while holding her hand, she was fine last
night and today she can't get out of bed. She opened her
eyes..
Her: Snazo
Me: What's wrong?
Her: I don't really know
Me: I can't see it.. I can't sense what's happening to you
Her: That's because it's not something demonic
Me: You can't get out of bed Ma, obviously you not well
and it might be something serious
She smiled..
Her: I am at peace with everything
Me: Don't say that
Her: It was bound to happen.. You cannot fully become
what you destined to be while I'm still alive
Me: You not going to die..
She put her hand on my cheek..
Her: I am so proud of you
Me: Don't talk like that.. It's not going to end like this
Her: How did you accept your gift? What happened? You
were stubborn about it
Me: I had a vision that Niso was going to die, so I
bargained his life in exchange for me to accept my gift
Her: Whatever happens don't turn back this is who you
are, you cannot run away from who you're
Gugu walked in while holding a basin..
Gugu: I have to bath her so that we possibly take her to
the hospital
Ma: No.. I don't wanna go to the hospital
Me: Ma please.. We still need you
Gugu: Let me bath her, I'll tell you when I'm done so that
we can go to the hospital
I kissed her hand..
Me: I'll be in my room
I walked out to give them some privacy. My
Grandmother is old, and it was not secret that one day
she was going to die but I am not ready to lose her. At
least not like this..
_
NOMVELO
I thought that having Dinner with Niso's family was
awkward but this was more awkward..
Nomsa: I didn't think that you were this handsome
Niso: Thank you
Nomsa: Are you black? Like 100% black?
Niso: I'm not sure but I don't think so, my Mother doesn't
really talk about my Father
My Uncle chuckled..
Uncle: She probably doesn't know because you were
unplanned
Nomsa: JJ!!
Me: I'm very sorry
Niso smiled..
Niso: It's alright.. No feelings caught
JJ: What is it that you do again?
Niso: I am doing my last year in teaching
JJ: Useless!
Me: Uncle!!
JJ: It's not a very impressive choice of career I meant to
say
Nomsa: At least he's doing something
JJ: At least is not good enough
This was embarrassing..
JJ: He won't even afford to pay Lobola let alone a
wedding
Me: We will cross that bridge when we get there
He threw the napkin on the table..
JJ: Let me leave
Nomsa: Where are you going?
JJ: To my office.. Rather spend my time doing something
concrete than to entertain foolishness
He walked away..
JJ: I'll be back later
That was very uncalled for..
Me: I'm truly sorry
Niso: It's okay.. I'm good
Nomsa: Well let's eat and enjoy what's left of our lunch
Danger: Your Mother never told you about your Father?
Niso: No.. It's a topic that she doesn't wanna discuss
Danger: I understand but it doesn't look like you need
him anymore
Niso: Sorry?
Danger: Looks like you grew up well without him
Niso: I guess so
Me: Just didn't expect Uncle to be that rude
Nomsa: I expected it
Danger: Well at least we have peace now, I was already
choking with all the tension in the air
We all laughed..
Danger: Let's enjoy
(Silence)
Niso: You know.. You and Nomvelo look a bit alike, are
you related?
Danger looked at him..
Danger: No we not related
Niso: Really? You guys look alike
Me: Most people say that but if I was related to Danger I
would know
Nomsa: There's definitely no relation there
Niso: My bad then
Nomsa: Come on let's talk about good things, let's bring
positive energy
Me: I agree.. Let's try to talk about good things
Nomsa: Danger is your plate good? Or you want some
more?
Danger: My plate is good thank you
Nomsa: Okay then let's just try to enjoy this lunch and
forget about JJ for a few minutes
I was a bit disappointed though by how my Uncle
behaved, I thought he had accepted my relationship with
Niso, guess I was wrong..
_
SNAZO
We couldn't move my Grandmother when we tried to get
her out of bed she felt a lot of pain, more like all her
bones were broken. When you try to touch her she
would flinch in pain, I don't even know how Gugu
managed to bath her. I seriously didn't know what was
wrong with her, and it was frustrating that I couldn't pick
up what was wrong..
I held hand again and closed my eyes hoping that
somehow I could heal her.
Her: It's not going to work
I looked at her..
Me: I thought you were sleeping
Her: You cannot heal me Nazo, what's happening to me
is not demonic related
Me: You can't get out of bed.. That's not normal
Her: It was bound to happen Nazo.. I'm old
Me: But not like this
Her: I am old.. I wasn't going to live forever
Me: I didn't expect you to live forever but it's too soon
Her: Death is unpredictable, it doesn't really announce
before it comes
Me: I want to get better.. I want you to live at least
another 10 years
She smiled..
Her: Well then allow me to rest a little
She closed her eyes.. She also seemed very tired..
_
JJ
The first thing I did when I got to the office was to drink
my whiskey, I drank at least two glasses before sitting
down. This is were I unwind and relax when I have had a
long day, or when something is brothering me. Just me,
my music, my whiskey, and a lot of peace..

32
SNAZO
A WEEKS LATER
'xa ndiyekelwa nguwe, ngophalala njengamanzi'
They sang that part of the song at least twice before
pastor Mdluli stood up and went to preach. I looked at
the coffin that was at the front with flowers under it, and
a her favourite blanket nicely covering her coffin. It was
very difficult to accept that she was gone, i don't think
there's ever gonna be something so painful as this in my
life. My grandmother raised me and Niso, she was always
there she's the only mother that we know. Mantwa held
my hand she was sitting next to me, she has been very
supportive throughout this whole ordeal. Niso and
Nomvelo came through, they sat next o us. Something
wasn't right with Niso, he contributed 10 000 for the
funeral that's a lot of money for someone who is not
working and still a student. I contributed R5 000, and
then the burial society that she joined covered the rest.
There's a lot that me and him need to talk about i am
very sure that he is doing something that's illegal, there's
no way that he could have soo much money while he
doesn't even have a job, i know this life and i have been
through it..
P. Mdluli: sibonga ukuthi uMa'buthelezi uhambele
enkosini (we're thankful that Ma'buthelezi passed on
while knowing God)
Everyone reacted to that statement. I feel like my
grandmother and I we still had a lot to discuss, i wanted
here to be here as I fully accepted and embraced my gift
and calling, the most respect and gratitude that I could
give her right now is to become what I am destined to
be. She would've been very proud to see me venturing in
this spiritual journey.
Mantwa leaned over and whispered in my ear.
Mantwa: I didn't know that your grandmother knew
some white people
I turned back and saw some white guy sitting at the back,
Niso and i looked at each other.
Niso: could he be from our father's side?
I looked at the guy again and i didn't recognize him at
all..
_
JJ
I laid my feet on the tiles and they were cold, they
usually this much cold in winter. I glanced down and i
saw blood, actually my feet were being laid on cold
blood. The way that the blood was cold it didn't seem
normal, it was very cold. Not far from my feet my sister's
body was laying there, with her chest wide open. The
blood that was on the floor came from that open wound
in her chest. I looked at her body laying there, she was
not moving at all. I don't know what's happening to me,
lately I have been seeing and hearing things. My sister
has been haunting me i haven't been able to sleep
peacefully for about a week now, I felt like I was losing
my mind. I was out of it..
She turned her head and looked at me while still on the
floor like that..
Her: Why JJ?
She got up from the floor still bleeding profusely from
her chest, she walked up to me.
Her: Why?
I was frozen, I couldn't move.
She was my sister but she looked a bit different. She was
very pale and looked very angry, i have never seen her
this much angry until now. Victoria was very humble and
calm, fighting was not something that she enjoyed. I
climbed the bed again as she made her way to me..
Her: Why would you put my daughter through that?
Me: I'm sorry
She lifted her hand and I found myself flying across the
room and hitting the wall before falling..
Her: Why? Because of money?
I cuddled up in a corner like a baby..
Her: You will pay for what you did to me
I cuddled up while crying..
Me: I'm sorry
I then heard someone calling out to me.
Person: JJ?
Me: I'm sorry
Person: JJ it's me
It was Nomsa
Me: She was here.. She was here again I saw her
Nomsa: who? Your sister?
Me: she was here
Nomsa: there's no one here other than you and me
Me: she was here
Nomsa: come on get dressed Danger is here to take you
to that traditional healer
She helped me to get up..
_
SNAZO
After pastor Mdluli was done preaching we went to the
cemetery to lay her to rest. Niso and I rode with my
mother and a few other family members in the family
car. Mantwa had made her way back to the house to
help with the catering, Nomvelo I think she followed us
in her car..
At the graveyard I couldn't take my eyes off that white
guy, he was standing not far from were we were sitting.
He wasn't alone, he was with some other guy, the guy
was holding an umbrella which shielded them from the
blazing sun. We made our way to throw soil on her
coffin, Gugu couldn't even walk on her own she was
broken. It was packed i didn't know that my grandmother
knew so much People. I helped Gugu to sit down on her
chair, Niso made his way to us..
Niso: Gugu who is that guy?
Gug looked at him..
Guguu: i don't know
Niso: you must know he is the only white guy around
here how does he know our family? Who told him about
Ma?
Gugu: Niso I don't know how that guy is
Niso: bullshit!!!!!!.. Is he from our father's side of the
family?
Gugu: Niso I don't know him
Niso: Gugu!!!
Gugu: Niso do you mind? I am grieving okay?
Me: Niso just leave it.. This is not the place
He clicked his tongue and then went to sit down..
_
NOMSA
Me: here we go.. Are you comfortable?
He didn't say anything, he looked like his sanity had
vanished from him. Something weird has been
happening to my husband. He is not that powerful and
feared JJ that we all know, he is own losing his mind and
doesn't even know what's happening. JJ can't die now
especially when Nomvelo is the one to inherit everything,
if something happens to him I get nothing. That spoiled
brat won't hesitate to put me out, JJ married me out of
community of property but I refuse to walk out with
nothing. I want him to change his will but by the look of
things, i don't even see that happening. He is not in his
normal state of mind..
Me: Danger I don't know whtsa happening to my
husband.. Lookat him?
Danger: i just wonder what went wrong
Me: make sure that Bab'Ngwenya whoever he is helps
him.. I cannot lose my husband
Danger: i give you my word
Me: in the meantime I'll call his mother
Danger: I will make sure that Bab'Ngwenya gives him
something that will help him
Nomsa: Please do
Danger: We should be leaving
Me: drive safe
Danger: i will
_
NISO
We came back from the funeral and everyone went to
queue for food, it was a lot of people I don't even think
that all of them are going to eat..
Me: do you want to go and eat somewhere?
Her: Yes we can
(silence)
Her: Im very sorry about your grandmother
Me: Its okay.. It's just gonna take a while to accept that
she's no longer around
Her: death is not easy to accept especially if it's a loved
one
Me: How is your uncle holding up?
Her: His condition is worsening
Me: What really is the problem?
Her: i don't know but it seems like he is losing his mind..
He claims that my Mother is haunting him
Me: That's unusual
Her: In what sense
Me: if someone haunts you that means there's
something you did to that person
Her: What exactly are you implying?
Me: Nothing.. I'm sorry if I upset you
Her: i think that I'll go and eat at my Grandmother's
house
Me: i said i was sorry
She stood up and left..
_
SNAZO
i was sitting at the back with one of my Uncles, Mantwa
brought us something to eat..
Uncle: uyabona ke le Ntombazana mele uyishade ( you
have to marry this girl)
Mamtwa: kukhonaokunye engingani lethela kona? ( is
there something else that I can bring for you)
Uncle: cha siyabonga koti( no thank you)
She walked away..
Uncle: uyabona i Ntombazana enenhlonipho engavilaphi
(such a respectful girl that isn't even lazy)
Me: she is one of a kind
Uncle: ewwww kuyoba nzima umamncane engasekho (
it's going to be diffult with my aunt no longer around)
I exhaled..
Me: i still can't believe it
I saw the white guy and his companion making their way
to us..
Him: Good afternoon
We greeted back..
He had long hair that he tied up neatly..
He looked at me..
Him: Are you snazo?
Me: Yes
Him: Man I'm glad that I finally found you, you have been
on my mind for weeks now.. No homo
Me: and who are you?
Him: Sorry where are my manners.. My name is Dawn
Baker and I am an exorcist
He extended his hand to me...
A what???

33
SNAZO
we found somewhere a bit quiet and not busy, so that
we could talk. I was a bit confused how does this guy
know me? let alone how did he find me?
Me: You said that you an exorcist?
Him: Yes i am an exorcist, not a preety good gift to have
trust me
Me: exactly what is an exorcist?
Him: An exorcist is someone who is ordained to cast out
demons, including Lucero himself. Most Pastors are
exorcist, Nuns, prophets and preists
Me: So what did you come here for?
Him: I was sent here to help you.. As I have said before I
had a vision about you
Me: sent by who?
Him: This is going to be harder than I thought
He looked at me..
Hm: there's a guardian Angel by the name of Helena, she
is a guardian angel for people who have supernatural
gifts, or a religious calling. On your side since you going
to be a priest or a healer rather you need to be able to
cast out demons
A few months ago this would've sounded insane but I
have seen a lot already to make me believe that what he
was saying was true
Him: Look I know it's not easy one once upon a time your
life made sense then you wake up one day and
everything has completely changed. You're last in on
things that you never thought existed, things that can
make people question your sanity. It's not easy but it is
what it is
(Silence)
Me: It's funny that something I never believed in all my
life becomes my destiny, I don't even know were to start.
I have always thought that God and religion was a bunch
of fiction and mind control, something that was created
to enslave people but now..
Him: No one chooses this life but believe there's a lot of
evil in this world and i have seen in first hand, things that
see, the demons that i cast out... It's all real, just as good
exists so does evil
Me: I never thought that I was going to accept my gift
but after my Grandmother's passing.. This is who we are
and this is what my family was called for I wanna
embrace the gift for future generations to come
Him: That's the spirit you seem to be taking it better than
me
Mantwa made her way to us..
Mantwa: Hey
Me: Hey
Her: your friend Shine is looking for you
Me: I'll be there
She looked at Dwan..
Me: uhm this Mantwa.. She's my girlfriend, and this is..
Him: Dawn.. Dawn Baker
Mantwa: A friend of yours?
Me: something like that
Dawn stood up..
Him: Here is my business card, we still have a lot to talk
about
I took it..
Him: give a call later
Me: I'll do so
Him: and sorry about your Grandmother
Me: Thank you
He left..
Mantwa: I never knew that you had white friends
Me: sort of a long story
I got up too..
Me: Where is Shine?
Her: He is waiting by the tent
Me: Let's go and see himmm
We walked to the tent with my arm around her
shoulders..
_
NOMVELO
I am trying to understand what's happening to my Uncle
but I'm failing too, one moment he is fine and then the
next he has lost his mind, I have never seen anyone who
lost touch with reality like my uncle did
I opened the door and Walked in Nomsa was busy with
some dishes..
Her: Hi
Me: Hey
Her: How was the funeral?
I shrugged my shoulders..
Me: Where is Uncle JJ?
her: He is not around
Me: Where did he go?
Her: Danger took him to this other traditional healer
Me: A traditional healer?
Her: We have to try all options Velo, obviously this is not
something that western medicine can fix.. It's more
spiritual
Me: I don't understand one moment he was fine and
then the next.. He is losing his mind
Her: It's amazing how things work out
(Silence)
Me: do you think that..?
Her: think what?
Me: that he might have something to do with my
Mother's passing?
Her: wait what?
Me: I read somewhere that when an angry spirit is after
you, then there's something that you did. A dead person
always comes back for unfishined business
She laughed..
Her: I cannot believe you said that.. Your uncle can be a
lot of things but what what you just said.. Wow
Me: I don't know what to think anymore
Her: JJ never dealt with your Mother's passing, you know
how he is.. I think the pain and sorrow is catching up with
him.. It's too overwhelming for him
Thanks to Niso now I'm thinking the worst about my
Uncle..
Her: Look JJ is going to be fine.. Don't stress too much
and start overthing
Me: I hope he gets well.. I can't lose him too.. He is the
only parent that I have left
She came to me and hugged me..
Her: He is strong, I mean if I can survive the shooting he
will also survive this
She hugged me..
Her: Sizoba right (we going to be okay)
_
SNAZO
I don't if Shine is going to understand mystery choice of
lifestyle and the route that I'm prepared to take. Shine
has been my friend for a very long time now and I would
really appreciate it if he could understand...
We sat down..
Him: What's up Poi?? Eyy uScarce kulama langa (You very
scarce these days)
Me: Ya eish it's just life
Him: Ngiyabona ubambe nescaza esihle (I even see that
you have a girlfriend.. She's beautiful)
Me: Thank you
Him: Hade Ntwana nge sgriza, ngiyazi ukuthi vele beni
close (Sorry about your Grandmother, I know you two
were very close)
Me: Ta Ntwana
(Silence)
Me: Kuya kanjani le espanini? (How is it going at work)
Him: Ahh ng'jindile (I quit)
Me: Fede? (Why)
Him: Ahh uyazi mina ngima nayo one way, bekungekho
right ukuspana wena ungekho (You know I'm loyal to
you, I couldn't work there while you were not around)
Shine's loyalty to me is sometimes unbelievable..
Him: Manje sizidlaphi? (what are we going to do now)
I cleared throat..
Me: I have to tell you something
Him: Ng'sikele ke (talk to me)
Me: I found out lately that my family has a gift, and that
gift is passes on from generation to generation. So since
isgriza singekho the gift was passed on to me
Him: A gift?
Me: I have a gift of healing and I have to be a priest
Him: Yooh
Me: Ya ngiyakena (I know)
A few seconds passed without us saying anything to each
other..
Him: No nginawe Poi (I am with you)
I looked at him..
Him: Manje masingena emchurchana iZaka yona? (Now
that we going to church, what about money)
Me: I have a car wash.. Makes reasonable money
Him: Yizo Ntwana.. Ngena la (That's what I'm talking
about)
We fist bumped..
_
DANGER
Bab'Ngwenya led us to his consulting room..
Him: Eyy kunini anje (for how long has been like this)
Me: Sekuyisikhathi eside (A long time)
We sat down, we had left our shoes at the door..
Bab'Ngwenya: Ithi sibone ukuthi abaphantsi bathini?
(let's see what the ancestors are saying)
He blew in the small bag and threw the bones while
calling upon the Ngcobo ancestors..
Bab'Ngwenya: Khanyisani phela sibone ukuthi umntwana
wenu uhlushwa yini (shed some light on what's
happening to your child)
We all sat in silence and looked at the bones, then all of
sudden I saw a shadow in the room it had a very quick
movement. JJ clung on to my arm..
JJ: Victoria!!
He looked around..
I looked at Bab'Ngwenya..
Him: We dealing with a very angry spirit
Me: What? What do you see?
His bones caught fire and started burning, he stood up
and stood against the wall..
Him: Kuzofaneka nihambe (You have to leave)
Me: What?
Him: Manje!!! (Now)
JJ: Victoria.. Please..
He looked at the corner and when I glanced there too. I
saw her, I saw my wife. She looked like my wife but at
the same time she looked different, she looked like she
had a lot of anger, she was on fire. Her eyes also
reflected fire.
Me: Vic.. Victoria?
She looked at me and the fire disappeared
Me: Vic?
As I stood up she disappeared.. There was silence in the
room..
Bab'Ngwenya: Hambani.. Ningaphinde nibuye (leave and
never come back)

34
NOMVELO
The following morning I woke up and prepared myself for
school, I was still very worried about my Uncle. He is the
only family that I have, if something could happen to him
I will be all alone. My Grandmother is old too, she can die
anytime. I don't wanna mention Nomsa because she has
her own family, we not blood related and she might
leave when something happens to my Uncle..
I knocked at his door, I didn't get an answer. I opened
and walked in, he was sitting some small sofa that they
have in their bedroom. He was starring at the curtains, I
didn't see any movement from him...
Me: Uncle
He didn't respond to me. I walked up to him..
Me: Uncle
I looked at him, he looked tired. All his physical strength
was gone, what ever that is happening to him is draining
him of all his strength. I crouched and held his hand..
Me: It's me it's Nomvelo
My heart broke..
Me: You have to get better.. You have to get well
My phone rang, I let it ring for a while before answering
it. It was Niso..
Me: Hello (sniffing)
Him: I didn't think that you were going to answer,
especially after what happened yesterday
I got up..
Him: How are you holding up?
Me: He is not getting better, he is not even trying
I wiped my tears..
Him: I'll come over later to see you
Me: Okay
Him: I love you
Me: I love you too
I hung up and looked at him one last time before walking
out. On my way to the kitchen I passed Danger, Nomsa,
and some guy they were sitting at the table.
Nomsa: Velo baby come here
I went to them..
Me: What's going on?
Nomsa: This is Phila.. He is a queue marshal
Phila: Kunjani sisi? (how are you)
Me: I'm well
Nomsa: I was explaining to Phila that Danger will take the
ropes for a while in the taxi business since your Uncle is
not around
Me: Ohw.. Okay
Phila: I don't understand why JJ wouldn't call Me and let
me know about this
Nomsa: He is not around and won't be around for a while
now
Me: I'll see you guys later
Nomsa: Okay.. Enjoy School
I walked out to my car when Danger called out to me, I
unzipped my bag to get my car keys but it fell. I glanced
at it..
Danger: Let me get that for you
He picked up my bag..
Him: I don't think you should be driving.. I'll drive you
Me: It's okay
Him: Velo I won't forgive myself if something happened
to you
I leaned against the car crying..
Me: I don't know what I'm going to do if my Uncle
doesn't get better
He put his hand on my shoulder..
Him: I'm sorry Velo but everything is going to be okay
_
SNAZO
Dawn came to pick me up I had called him last night and
he wanted me to tag along, he was going to perform an
exorcism. I called Shine to tag along too.
Dawn passed me a file..
Him: The file of the charge
I took it and opened it, I read her information a bit and
then proceeded to the pictures. They were a bit
disturbing, she had scratches on her face, her hands the
nails were broken and there was blood cloth. Her teeth
some of them were out, her lips were dry and cracking.
She was very skinny than she had been on her other
picture before the possession. I passed Shine the
pictures, he looked at them and whistled..
Me: What happened?
Dawn: Do you know a spirit board?
Me: I don't think so
Dawn: She messed around with a spirit board, she
wanted to communicate with her dead twin sister, but in
so doing she forgot to close the curtain that separates
our world from the supernatural world and then and evil
spirit crossed over.. It possessed her
Me: An evil spirit?
Him: Yes.. She is possessed by Satan himself
Me: How do you know?
Him: She's violent.. Satan is an evil spirit that causes
wrath or is responsible for wrath before you exorcize a
demon you have to know which one it is and you have to
exorcize it well. If you stand face to face with it and you
don't know what it is, it can easily defeat you. You have
to have courage
Shine: Yho! This is scary
Me: So what do we do when we get there?
Dawn: We exorcize. I have holy water, a cross and this
book
He handed it to me I didn't understand the language..
Him: it's in a language that will make it easier for you to
communicate with the demon, sometimes English
doesn't work but Satan understands all the languages
so..
Shine: What you do is very powerful
Dawn: At first it used to scare but now I have grown to it
I don't know if this was my cup of tea..
_
NOMSA
When I was done with Phila I went to JJ's lawyer, we
needed to take about a few things..
Me: Sorry if I am disturbing you
Him: Actually you have 30min before I go to court
Me: Thank you
Him: Would you like something to drink?
Me: No I'm fine.. Thank you
Him: So what brings you here?
Jonathan has been JJ's lawyer for a very long time now..
Me: My husband he.. He wants to change his will
Jonathan looked around..
Him: So where he is he?
Me: Ya he is not here at the moment because he is sick
Him: Sick?
Me: Jonathan JJ wants to give everything to me
He laughed..
Him: That's very funny because JJ gave everything to
Nomvelo
Me: That's true but now because of his sickness he wants
me to have ownership of everything until Nomvelo has
matured
Him: Nomvelo is an adult now
Me: I understand but Nomvelo is dating someone that JJ
doesn't like and he is worried You know how JJ is
Him: Either way JJ must come and change his will, he has
to sign under oath that he gives you ownership
Me: Okay he will do that
Him: You will call and make an appointment
Me: I will do so
I stood up..
Me: Have a lovely day Jonathan
Him: You too Mrs Ngcobo
_
SNAZO
We parked the car close to the fence, it was a gated
community. We got out and I looked the house, these
people don't look like they struggling..
Shine: Mina ngizobloma la.. Lezinto zenu ngigrand ngazo
(I will stay here, these things of yours I'm good with
them)
Dawn looked at me..
Me: He's staying behind
Dawn nodded as we made our way to the intercom..
Me: So for how long have you been doing this?
Him: For a long time
He pressed the button and a female voice responded..
Her: Marshal residence good morning
Dawn: It's Dawn Baker.. The marshal family is expecting
me
Her: Yes sir..
Dawn: Probably the helper
The gate opened and we made our way in.
Me: Beautiful place
Dawn: Ya they financial stable
We went to the door and rang the bell, their helper
welcomed us in..
Her: This way
Dawn: Thank you
She led us to the living room..
Her: Mr and Mrs Marshal you have a visitor
We made our way in. They looked so distressed and
broken, I looked around at the room and the big portrait
that hung against the wall caught my eye..
We sat down. The wife started talking..
Her: Thank you for coming
Dawn: I didn't bring the camera crew, I respect your
privacy and not wanting the whole world to know about
your Daughter
Her: Thank you
The portrait was of them and their two Daughters, they
were identical twins..
Dawn: This is my partner.. Snazo
I greeted them..
Dawn: Please let me in on what happened
Wife: My..
She closed her eyes and tears fell..
Her husband hugged her..
Him: It's okay
The portrait really caught my attention, there was
something that was off with it.
Husband: My uhm.. A few months ago we had a terrible
accident my other Daughter passed on. Nelly struggled to
come into terms with her sister's death
Dawn: What happened after?
Husband: I don't know how and who told her that you
can communicate with your loved one who has passed
on through a spirit board. She bought one and went to
her sister's grave to speak to her
Dawn: Did she speak to her?
Him: No.. She didn't
Dawn: When did her behaviour started changing?
Him: a few days after the incident with the spirit board..
At first I thought that she was just angry and hurt by her
sister's passing but unusual things started happening
Dawn: Unusual things like what?
Him: At night she would scratch the wall, she would bang
her head against the wall, she started speaking in a
language that I didn't understand and she started being
very violent
Wife: We took her to the hospital they had a psychiatrist
do tests, nothing helped until Nelly told us what she did
and I knew that it was something spiritual.. Please help
us, I can't lose my Daughter again
Dawn: I'll try my best.. Can we see her?
Wife: Of course
They led the way and we followed, they led us to the
basement. It was dark..
Wife: We have been keeping her here
Dawn: I understand
Wife: I don't wanna go down there, I can't see her like
that
Dawn: It's okay
Dawn looked at me..
Dawn are you ready?
I nodded. We had the cross with us, the holy water, and
the book.
Dawn: Can you please get us some salt?
Wife: Uhm.. Yes
We walked into the basement it was very dark and it had
an awful smell. The window was blinded so that no sun
came in... I had unusual sounds before I saw her, she was
strapped to a bed. She didn't look appeasing, all those
scratches and bruises..
She quickly turned her head, I'm surprised she didn't
snap her neck..
Her: Who's there? (she spoke in a deep voice)
Dawn showed his face, and then she laughed..
Her: Ohhh Dawn!.. Dawn Baker the Exorcist!!
Dawn: In a flesh
She started sniffing..
Her: Nice you brought fresh meat!
Dawn looked at me and I got a bit closer, she looked at
me..
Dawn: This is a friend of mine..
Her: Snazo..
I was taken..
Her: I know everything, I am everything
She really looked scary..
Her: Have you checked up on your Brother lately?
Me: Excuse me?
Her: Your Brother has sold his soul to me!
I was confused..
Her: Ahhh you didn't know?
Dawn: don't let him get to you
Her: All those souls his killing..
She started laughing..
Her: I could make him a reeper
Dawn: Listen!!!
She looked at Dawn and blinked a few times..
Dawn: I am here to chase you out, you don't belong here
Her: Really now? (smiling)
Dawn: You know I don't play games
She started laughing..
Her: You can't exorcize me Dawn
Dawn: Yes I can
Her: You can't! Every bone in her body is broken I'm the
only thing keeping her alive, if I go she dies! Do you really
want her death in your hands?
Dawn: I would rather have her dead than have you do
this to her
Her: Let the games begin then, but first you have to untie
me
Dawn: with pleasure
Me: Don't.. Don't untie him
Her: Ohhh the amateur is saying something
Dawn: it's okay.. He can't hurt us
Helper: I have the salt
Me: I'll go and get it
I went to take the salt from her..
Me: Thank you
I went back to them. She started laughing..
Her: Salt? Come on Dawn you can do better than that!!
She raised her hand up and sent Dawn flying across the
room. She untied her other hand and legs, I stood there
not knowing what I should do. She made her way to me..
Me: Dawn!!!!!
She raised her hand again and pinned me against the
wall, without even touching me.
Her: Do you remember me? You and I have had a lot of
encounters without even you noticing, I'm glad that we
can finally talk. Face to face!

35
SNAZO
I couldn't move, I was pinned against the wall. My feet
were dangling, she didn't even have any physical contact
with me but somehow I felt a strong force pinning me
against the wall. She just had her hand raised up at me. I
was trying so hard to stretch my hand and throw the salt
at her but I couldn't, the salt ended up falling on its
own..
Her: You seriously think salt will have an effect on me,
you don't even know why it's used you stupid boy!!
Me: You.. You can't.. You can't kill me..
She laughed and it felt like there was an earthquake in
the room, it rumbled..
Her: I can kill you or better yet I can even possess you
She moved a bit closer..
Her: You don't even have a clue on what's going on.. No
make that you don't even believe
Me: i do believe
Him: You can fool them but you can't fool me!!..
She starred at me right on my chest and my heartbeat
raced..
Her: You doing this for Grandma.. This is your way of
honouring her
I was getting tired of being pinned against the wall..
Her: You wanna believe be a preacher? Don't make me
laugh.. Who is going to believe an ex con? no one is going
to believe anything that comes out of your mouth. You
going to be the biggest joke from being a feared and
respected notorious Gangster to being a preacher what a
joke!!!!
Dawn was still out. When you were in jail I was the one
watching over you, i protected you I stood by you and
made sure that other prisoners fear you and this is how
you show your gratitude towards me?.. Christianity is
going to make you poor? I could've made you rich, given
you more power if only you stayed faithful to me!! Now
look at you what are you even doing for a living? You the
biggest joke.. Where is your God now? you think God will
take interest in a scumbag thug like you? You think you
going to make it with third religious nonsense? The joke
is on you!!.. We can still fix this, you can still come back
to me
Dawn: Onu buraxmasına icazə verməyinizi əmr edirəm!!
She turned to him and Dawn had the cross faced at her,
he also sprinkled some holy water and she hissed like a
snake then ran off. Dawn came to me
Him: Are you alright?
I was coughing nothing stop, when she ran off I fell on
the floor, we heard Mrs marshal screaming, Dawn helped
me up so that we can go and see what was happening. I
struggled at a bit to walk, my body felt a bit heavier than
usual...
When we got up Mrs Marshal was throwing a fit..
Her: How could you? How could you let her get away?
Husband: Honey it's okay
Her: It's not okay!
The husband looked at Dawn..
Him: You supposed to be the best, we watch you on your
show and you couldn't help my Daughter!
Dawn: With all due respect Mr and Mrs Marshal, such
things happen but at the end I get everything done.. I
know what I'm doing
I sat down on the couch and looked at the portrait again,
it really caught my attention..
_
NOMSA
Me: JJ we need to talk
He was sitting outside getting some sun and fresh air
I got a chair and sat next to him..
Me: I went to see Jonathan today and I told him that you
want to change your will
He kept quiet..
Me: JJ you have to change your will and give me
ownership of all your asserts! Nomvelo is young, she
doesn't understand any of the businesses. You can't give
everything to her she's going to run everything down
She still didn't respond..
Me: Look I don't wanna tell her about how you killed her
Mother
That got his attention, he looked at me..
Me: I know all about it, if you don't want any drama and
if you don't want Nomvelo getting hurt and hating you.
You will sign the papers plus she is already suspecting
that something is off with you
I got up and put my hand on his shoulder.
Me: There's no way I'm getting out of this marriage with
nothing.. I'll bring you a glass of juice
_
SNAZO
The helper brought me a glass of water..
Me: Thank you
Mrs M: She is not going to come back
Dawn: We will find her
I could see that the wife was the one wearing the pants
around here, the husband was just going with everything
that she says. He had his arms around her shoulders..
I cleared my throat and they looked at me..
Me: If I may ask about the portrait
They all looked at it..
Me: The possessed twin is..?
Husband: Nelly.. She's the one who is standing in the
middle and then Ashley is the one sitting down. The one
that passed on from the tragic accident
Me: All of them were standing up in that portrait except
for Ashley the deceased twin, she was sitting down on a
chair and they were standing behind her. The Mother
had put her hands on her shoulders, something was off,
she was out of focus. They were all starring at the
camera but she wasn't directly starring at the camera
Me: Something about this painting.. Why is Ashley the
only one sitting down and she's out of focus, no
movement whatsoever from the facial muscles. All of you
have curved smiles but her she is..
Mrs M: My only surviving daughter.. No my only
surviving child has ran off, she is out there because you
two couldn't do your job and you wanna ask me about
the stupid painting?
Husband: Honey
Dawn: I'll be damned!
Her: You know what if you don't find my daughter I will
make you pay, I'm going to tarnish your reputation!!
Husband: Honey calm down
She took the glass of wine and drank from it again..
Dawn: Ashley was already dead in that portrait wasn't
she? That's why she's out of focus, that's why she can't
stare directly into the camera. That's why you have your
hands on her shoulders, you balancing her so that she
doesn't fall
Me: What?
Dawn: Ashley didn't die from a car accident, she hung
herself you can see the ligature marks around her neck.
She committed suicide because the demon or the devil
rather that both of you signed a deal with started
tormenting her first, she couldn't take it and she killed
herself then it moved to Nelly. It was easy to get to Nelly
because she was vulnerable, she was very broken by her
sister's sudden passing
The wife stood up..
Her: Get out of my house!!
I was shocked.. I was very shocked. I was the one to
stand up first and walk out, while Dawn kept on arguing
with them..
Dawn: What deal did you make with the devil?
Her: I said get out!!
I made my way to Shine..
Shine: k'hambani? (What's going on)
Me: I wanna get out of here.. I've seen a lot already
He was leaning against the car, then his focus shifted..
Shine: Who is that?
I turned back and it was Nelly, she was wandering around
at the back by the trees..
Me: That's the missing Daughter
Shine and I made our way in, and she just vanished. We
looked for her all around ending by the trees but we
couldn't find her..
Shine: Ende ngimbonile la (I saw her here)
I looked around and then I heard her hissing, she had
climbed ontop of the tree. She fell on Shine, she perfectly
balanced herself on his back with her hands around his
neck..
Her: I will snap his neck
Shine looked scared and I started getting a bit scared
too..
Her: I'll come for the ones you care about, I'll kill them
one by one
Shine couldn't move..
Shine: Ntwana kwenzakalani? (What's happening)
His voice was breaking, he was pretty scared...
Shine: Nazo do something Ntwana or les'lwane
sizong'bhodisa (do something or this animal is going to
kill me)
I didn't know what to do, I don't know the Bible. I don't
know how to pray, I don't know anything about demons
and the supernatural..
I tried to get closer but she slightly turned Shine's head..
Shine: Ntwana..
Tears were at the verge of falling from him..
I closed my eyes and tried to connect with the inner
voice that always talks to me..
"Beloved.."
Me: I don't know what to do
Shine: Nazo.. Do something Ntwana
"Behold Beloved! I give you the authority to tremple on
serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the
enemy. Nothing shall by any means hurt you! Luke 10 vs
19 (king James version)"
It was in riddles, I couldn't really understand much..
Me: I don't understand..
"Courage Beloved... Joshua 1"
I opened my eyes and looked at them, Shine couldn't
keep up any longer..
The following words that I spoke, I felt them coming from
deep within..
Me: "And war broke out in heaven, Michael and his
Angels fought with the dragon, the dragon and his Angels
fought back but they did not prevail. Nor was a place
found for them in heaven any longer"
She got down from Shine and hissed while moving
backwards..
Me: "So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of
old called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole
world"
I moved towards the serpent as she moved backwards, I
had attracted a bit of attention because Dawn and the
parents were now out..
Mrs M: Nelly!!
She attempted to go to her but Dawn held her back..
Me: "Now salvation and strength and the kingdom of our
God, and then power of his Christ have come, for the
accuser of our brethren, who accused them before God
day and night has been cast down (New King James
version) "
Serpent: No!!!!!!!!!!!!
Me: And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb,
and by the word of their testimony Revelations 12 vs 7-
11"
She tore her already torn dress..
Serpent: No!!!!!!!!!
Mrs M: Nelly!!
Me: You have no power.. You were already defeated, you
just a shadow of what you used to be! I have been given
authority over you! Depart and go back to where you
belong!!
She screamed one last time and fell down on the ground
without saying anything.. Everyone was just taken, she
opened her eyes and looked at her parents..
Her: I feel free now
She closed her eyes and then I saw her spirit departing
from her lilfeless body. Her spirit looked at me,she was
glowing..
Her: I don't feel captured anymore, I feel free. I don't feel
troubled anymore by that evil spirit
She smiled at me..
Her: Thank you
She then shimmered..
Her Mother went and knelt next to her body crying very
loud..
Mrs M: Nelly not you too!!!.. What have I done??
(Crying)
I then saw the black entity that wore a robe, standing
behind the Mother. He looked at me though I couldn't
see his face clearly but his eyes were red..
Him: Yenə görüşəcəyik! (we shall meet again)
Then he disappeared..
36
SNAZO
Later on at night Shine and I went to Gazibo to have a
few beers, the plan was to have a few beers but what
happened today shook both of us. We ended up sitting
quietly and glancing down at the Dumpies.
Approximately a minute passed without both of us saying
anything..
Shine: Yazi lezinto zamadimoni bengithi izinto abathusa
ngazo abantu emChurch (I thought demons were
something that they scared people with at church)
Me: Izinto ezikhona (it's things that exist)
Him: Ya ukubona loyamntwana anjalo tjerrr (seeing that
girl in that manner)
Me: Ya this is my calling
Him: Angali I support you Ntwana but lezinto zama
dimoni naaa ngikhiphe kuzo (I support you and
everything but anything involving demons exclude me
from that)
I chuckled..
Him: Mara uyi starring Ntwana.. Mina never
Me: Ya it's amazing how life is
He took a sip on his bottle and then he stood up..
Him: let me go for a smoke nyana.. Ngiyazwakala
Me: Sure
He left. I took out my phone and I had missed calls from
Mantwa, I called her..
Her: Hey
Me: Hey
Her: How are you?
Me: I'm good and you?
Her: I'm good
Me: I got your missed calls
Her: I was checking up on you, and how you doing
Me: I'm doing well
Her: I actually passed by at your place today
Me: Ya I wasn't around
Her: At least you called
Me: How was work?
Her: Work was fine.. What were you up too
Me: Nothing much just running a few errands
Her: Oh okay
Me: Maybe tomorrow after work we can go out for
dinner
Her: I'd like that
Me: I'll call you again tomorrow morning
Her: I love you
Me: Me too
Her: Night
Me: Night
I hung up. I don't know why but I am not feeling Mantwa
at all, I don't feel anything for her. I tried searching my
heart but nothing, I don't think that I love her as much as
she loves me which makes it a bit difficult to be with her.
I took my bottle from the table, just when I was about to
drink my eyes landed on someone that I didn't expect to
see. It was that girl, then one that I saw the other day.
The one that wanted to commit suicide, I guess she never
did. I put the bottle down and made my way to her..
_
NOMVELO
Having sex right now just took my mind off things, it took
my mind from what was happening with my Uncle. I felt
his warm breath against my neck, my hands were
running all over his body. I was enjoying every moment
of having him deep inside of me. Niso did keep his
promise, he came to see me and we chilled in my room
while Nomsa cooked dinner then one thing led to
another and we ended up making love. He kissed me on
my cheek, then my chin and ending up on my lips.
He increased his pace while moaning, until he came. We
had used a condom.
He collapsed ontop of me while catching his breath, so
did I..
After a while he got off me and then laid on his back
while removing the condom and carefully tying it up. I
laid my head on his chest and he wrapped his hands on
me..
Him: Are you okay?
Me: I'm okay
He kissed me on my forehead..
Me: I love you
Him: I love you too
At least with everything that's happening I still have him,
and he is always here for me..
_
SNAZO
I cleared my throat and she looked at me.
Me: Hello
Her: Hello
Me: Can I sit here?
Her: Only if you going to buy me a drink
I sat down..
Me: I was actually sitting over there with my friend
Her: uShine?
Me: Ya..
Her: Okay I saw you guys
Me: Snazo
Her: Busi.. How come I don't know you?
Me: I also don't know you
(Silence)
Me: So what are you doing here alone?
I looked around..
Me: Akusiyi ndawo intombazana engeza iyi one
especially ebusuku (It's not a place were a girl should
come alone, especially at night)
She laughed..
Her: It's the only place were I can unwind, plus ekhaya
kulapha ekhoneni (my house is the one at the corner)
She was drinking Redds dry..
She wasn't even wearing a jersey in this cold weather,
just a sleeveless short dress.
She exhaled and glanced down at her bottle..
Me: Going home anytime soon?
She looked at me..
Her: kahle kahle ufunani? (what do you want)
I was concerned. Seeing you here sitting all alone, any
guy can come and take you ka force..
She kept quiet..
Me: Let me walk you home.. This is no place for a girl like
you
She shook her head no and her eyes filled with tears..
Her: I'd rather be here than ekhaya
Me: Why
She kept quiet..
Me: Sometimes I find talking to a stranger better than
someone you know, a stranger doesn't judge that much
than People who know you and your situation
She chuckled and wiped her tears..
Me: People who know you judge your character they
become bias but strangers judge the situation because
they don't know you
(Silence)
Her: ekhaya we.. I have two sisters, I am the second born
and my Mother doesn't treat me right
Me: in what way?
Her: She hates me... Ever since I fell pregnant while at
school she started hating me
Me: That's sad
She showed me a scar on her arm..
Her: Last year she stabbed me, I have a few other scars
too from her.. My own Mother stabbing me
Me: I'm sorry
Her: I tried to be a good child.. I went to church, I don't
party, never used to drink. I was mostly indoors and I.. I
just screwed up and fell pregnant while my big Sister has
three kids and my Mother never treated her like this
Me: What happened to your Father?
Her: K'dala washona (he long passed on)
Me: Ubaba womntwana? (your baby daddy)
Her: That one.. He bailed out the day I told him that I was
pregnant
Me: So where do you get money to buy alcohol?
Her: My baby's Sassa money sometimes I just steal
money from my mom's purse or my sisters
She chuckled again..
Her: You just don't know how evil that woman is, I do
everything. I clean, I cook, I even do their laundry but..
She shook her head no..
Her: You know I have been suicidal for a while now, I
don't know when I'm going to do it
Me: If I heard correctly.. You go to church?
Her: Used too.. I'm not a believer anymore. If my Mom a
hardcore Christian can be that evil, I don't know. I don't
believe in church anymore
Me: You know the devil mostly uses people close to us to
break us down, I believe that your Mother loves you if
she didn't I wouldn't be talking to you right now. She
gave birth to you and raised you, if she didn't want you,
she would've aborted you or gave you up for adoption
She drank her Redds..
Me: The devil just got in your relationship with her
because he knew that if your Mother could turn against
you then he would have gotten you where he wanted
you. After all, we not fighting against Human beings but
against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world,
rulers, authorities, and..
Her: Cosmic powers of this dark age
I nodded..
Me: You doing it all wrong though.. Instead of fighting
the devil that got in between you guys, you fighting with
her. That's what he wants.. Where you are now is where
he wants you, the devil would not hesitate to go far in
making sure that he breaks you down so that you would
not reach your destiny. Killing yourself, you would be
giving him the upper hand. That's what he wants, to
destroy you before you reach your destiny
Her: I don't know why.. I've been praying, it's like God
doesn't hear me, I've been waiting on him
Me: Maybe while you waiting for him he is also waiting
for you.. Waiting for you to trust him in your darkest
days
I extend my hand to hers..
Me: Look..
Immediately when I touched her, she lit up..
Me: As long as we still living in this world the devil will
never stop tormenting us, all we have to do is fight back
the best way we know how and you can't lead this fight
alone you have to trust in God, pray like you have never
prayed before but most of all.. Do the opposite of what
the devil expects you to do, stand firm when he expects
you to fall. Alcohol is never a solution to what you going
through, getting down on your knees should be your
greatest weapon, trusting him on his word is how you
will get through this
I let go of her hand and she was wet with tears..
Me: When you go home I want you to apologize to your
Mother for everything, apologize for what she thinks was
a disappointment and that is having a baby when you
were young and still in school, even if she doesn't take
your apology it's fine. Then every night when you go to
bed after praying affirm these words deep within you
"My Mother loves me, by devine power our relationship
has now been made peaceful" when you wake up again
affirm those words, affirm those words each time when
the devil wants to lie to you by showing you your
Mother's mistakes and how she has treated you. Keep on
affirming those words and I am certain that when we
meet again, you will be a different person and in a
different place. I stood up and took off my sweater.
Me: Here
I went and put his over her..
Me: This jacket at this present moment, it represents the
warmth of God's hands upon you, it represents his hands
protecting you and sheltering you against the enemy.
You will give it back to me when we meet again, don't
forget Ephesians 6 (The whole armor of God)
Shine: Nazo.. As'vaye (Let's go)
Me: Until we meet again Busisiwe.. You're truly blessed
you just don't know it yet
_
NISO
We went down to have dinner with Nomvelo's Aunt..
Velo: Where is Uncle?
Nomsa: JJ took him to the pharmacy mara they should be
back now
She looked at me..
Her: You very handsome
Me: Thank you
Her: How do you do it? Don't girls throw themselves at
you?
Nomvelo looked at me..
Me: Err.. Mostly at school it does happen
Velo: And what do you say?
Me: Jealous much?
I squeezed her cheek..
Me: Trust me.. You have nothing to worry about
My phone rang, it was my supplier..
Me: I have to take this.. Excuse me
I walked to the kitchen to answer..
Me: Gerald
Him: Did I catch you at a bad time?
Me: Sort of
Him: I wanted to check if you need merchandise, I'm
getting merchandise tomorrow
Me: I'm good.. I'll call you
Him: Alright sharp
I hung up. The door opened and then JJ walked in with
Nomvelo's Uncle..
Danger: Niso
Me: Bra Danger
Him: Kunjani? (how are you)
Me: I'm good can't complain
I looked at JJ..
Danger: Where is everyone?
Me: Dining room
Danger: Alright.. Good to see you man
Me: Good to see you too
He passed first and when I was about to follow, JJ
grabbed my arm and I looked at him..
Him: Whatever happens to me please take care of my
Niece
I looked at his hand that had a tight grip on me..

37
SNAZO
A MONTH LATER
I turned and looked at her, she was peacefully sleeping
next to me. Mantwa has invested too much of her
feelings and heart in this relationship, I tried to meet her
halfway but deep down I feel nothing for her. I have
opted in breaking things off with her for a while now, but
I don't want to hurt her. I don't want to be another guy
that she's going to cry over every night that I broke her
heart, I am in a tight spot. I don't know what to do. I
don't think I have ever had a girl who loves me this much,
Mantwa just took me as I am and with all that I have. It's
even more difficult now because the car wash business
isn't going well, Shine and I had to find other ways to
make ends meet we still clean. When I accepted Jesus
Christ as my personal Lord and savouir a few weeks back
Pastor Mdluli gave me his old small bakkie as a gift and it
helps us a lot, especially with our new business. We put
ceramic tiles, ceiling, we do plumbing, clean yards in
town etc. We have this guy Themba from church he is
our partner and actually he is the one who taught us how
to put tiles, do plumbing and all that. It's his specialty.
Then sometimes when business is quiet I help Dawn here
and there with exorcisms and since his show is on Tv
when he gets his pay check he gives me something too.
Yes you read that right, I had accepted the Lord Jesus and
I also got baptized. My lifestyle is slowly but surely
changing, I don't mean that as if like now I'm a Saint. No..
I'm human, I sin but I try my best to live right. I am very
much intact with the holy spirit who guides me most of
the time. I haven't been ordained a preacher just as yet, I
don't think I'm spiritually mature to herd lost sheeps
(Church) but I believe that soon I will be one when I'm
ready and when God says it's time..
I kissed her on her forehead and then I got out of bed,
Mantwa would make a good wife and a good pillar of
strength. I mean she is a born again Christian and she
lives for the Lord, she understands this life I have no
doubt that she would be perfect but then again I don't
think I love her. We have been going out for a while now,
I thought that maybe along the way I will start having
feelings for her but still nothing...
I put on my sweat pants and sleepers then I made my
way to the main house, from the kitchen I could hear
Gugu and Niso fighting. I don't know know what's gotten
into Niso, he has changed and not in a good manner. He
is always fighting with Gugu, he is disrespectful, full of
horse shit and doesn't treat us right anymore. I made my
way to the living room..
Me: What's going on?
They both looked at me..
Gugu: He wants to move out
Me: What?
Gugu: Tell him that he can't move out!
Niso: Why the fuck not?
Gugu: You are the last born! This house is yours, Snazo
might leave soon to get his own place what if something
happens to me? Who is going to look after this house?
Niso: We going to sell it!
Gugu: Are you mad? You can't sell a family house!
Niso: What must I do because I don't want it!! Snazo can
live here, I doubt his going anywhere
Me: What does that mean?
Him: Well let's see.. With your new Pastor life whatever
shit hell it is, you been on a real struggle and..
I made my way to him..
Me: What did you just say?
Gugu: We not going to fight Boys.. At least not today!
Niso: I need Nomvelo to come and visit me whenever she
wants too
Gugu: Nomvelo is always welcome here
Niso chuckled..
Niso: Yeah whatever ukuhlala nawe akusimnandi nex!
(living with you is not nice at all)
Gugu: Yazi I'm tired of fighting with you Niso..
Kwenzakalani ngawe? (What's with you)
Niso: Ngifuna ukuhamba nje kphela (I just want to leave)
Me: Where will you get money from? Being independent
is not easy
Niso: I have money
Me: Where did you get it?
Niso: It's my business
Me: Are you into something illegal?
Niso: Why do you care?
Me: I care because..
Niso: Eyy Nazo ng'hlike, you not my father! Your constant
blubbering is starting to irritate me, you sound like an old
married hag!
I lost it, I went up to him and started punching him..
Gugu: Nazo stop!!!
We went down on the floor still fighting, I got on him and
starting punching him repeatedly until Gugu pulled me
up..
Gugu: I said stop it!!!
I looked at him and he was bleeding through his nose and
mouth, he wiped off the blood from his nose and started
laughing..
Him: Soo much for living the Christian life!
He got up..
Him: Deep down you will always be a ruthless thug
I tried charging at him again but Gugu stopped me..
Gugu: Leave him!!
He looked at us and then he walked away, I felt like
killing him!
_
NOMSA
I stood next to his bed while holding the big envelope, he
just looked at me and said nothing. Poor thing he is just a
vegetable now. He had a stroke a week back, whatever
that is happening with JJ is something big. Whoever
bewitched him knew exactly what they were doing. He
had claimed to be seeing his sister Victoria and last week
he panicked when he "Saw" her again and then he fell,
was hit by a stroke that left his left side completely
paralyzed. Poor soul, I think he realizes now that his
number is up..
Jonathan made his way in..
Jonathan: Sorry that I am late
Me: You don't have to apologize
He looked at JJ..
Him: How is he?
Me: He is.. Well he will pull through sometime
He nodded..
Me: Let me not keep you waiting
I handed him the envelope, he opened it and took out
the will. He read it..
(After 1min)
Jonathan: Everything goes to you?
Me: Oh yes Nomvelo will only get 10k, trust me it's
enough for her
Jonathan: I don't feel comfortable with this
Me: My Husband and I discussed this before he had the
stroke, JJ doesn't trust Nomvelo's boyfriend and
Nomvelo doesn't know anything about the family
businesses she is still young and she will sink the boat
Jonathan looked at JJ..
Jonathan: I..
He cleared his throat and looked at JJ..
Jonathan: Are you sure about this?
Me: I am the best option for this, plus I am his wife and
I'll make sure that Nomvelo is well taken care of I love
her. She's like a daughter to me..
I looked at JJ and he slowly raised his right arm, I passed
him the pen.
Jonathan: I'm not going to do this, I don't believe JJ is up
for this you forcing him and taking advantage of his
sickness
Me: Very well then Jonathan.. I am sure that your wife
will be very thrilled to know about your other lifestyle
you know private hotel rooms, uhm a bit of action in
your car
Him: Are you threatening me?
Me: I wouldn't dream of it
He looked at me..
Me: Let him sign sweetie
He looked at JJ and then handed him the will, he told him
where to sign and made sure that he signs it correctly
and precisely..
Jonathan: Well you have given everything to your wife..
This is your new will
Me: Thank you Jonathan.. I'll keep your business card
incase I need something else
He walked away..
Me: Not so fast Sir.. The old will please
He opened his briefcase and gave it to me..
Him: You a twisted evil bitch!!
Me: Eeeuuuu!! That just turned me on
He clicked his tongue and walked away. I looked at JJ..
Me: Nomvelo will never find out the truth, you made the
right choice
_
SNAZO
Gugu gave me a cloth that had ice cubes in it..
Her: Here.. For your hand
Me: Thank you
She sat down across me, we were sitting at the kitchen
table..
Her: Since Ma died..I don't know what's happening with
this family, we always fighting and I am tired
I looked at my knuckles they were red..
Her: You shouldn't let him get to you this much at the
end of the day, he is still your Brother
I exhaled..
Gugu: Remember when we were watching Pastor Joel
Osteen yesterday.. Remember when he said "Sleep on,
God got this"
Me: I heard him but in this situation we don't have to
sleep on, we have to be wide awake because something
is very wrong with your Son!
Gugu: Niso has always been stubborn and he has always
had a temper ever since you started being scarce around
here
Niso showed up, he was all dressed up. He didn't say
anything he just walked out and left us there.. I threw the
cloth on the table..
Me: I don't know anymore.. Is this how it is? I turn my life
around only to have my Brother be my enemy in return?
Gugu: Snazo..
I stood up..
Me: I have to go.. I'll see you later
I really didn't get what was happening..
_
NOMVELO
Most of my mates seem happy, I looked at the notice
board and I got 28%. This is the second module that I
flunked on..
Power: Ohh my word I got 80%
Tori: I got 75%
They did a high 5...
Power: We really worked hard
Next to my student number it was written "report to Ms
Brown's office", Ms Brown is the HOD too..
Power looked turned and looked at me..
Power: So how much did you get?
I faked a smile..
Me: 70%
Tori: Girls we made! Looks like we going to pass our
course
Power: Since we free we should go out and celebrate
Tori: I'm with you
Me: Uhm.. You guys can go ahead without me
Power: Velo I know that your Uncle is.. We just wanna be
there for you
Tori: Don't shut us out
Me: I know guys and I'll be fine.. I promise
Power hugged me..
Power: I'll call you later okay?
Me: Tori
Tori hugged me too..
Tori: I love you
Me: I love you too
Power: See you tomorrow then
Me: Tomorrow it is
They walked away. I looked at my marks again and tears
burned my eyes, I am going to fail..
I took out my phone and called Niso..
Him: Twana
Me: I failed again
He exhaled..
Him: So what happens now?
Me: I don't know.. I have to see the HOD
Him: You will pick up.. If only they can allow you to write
your June exams
I broke down..
Me: I can't do this Niso
Him: Hey don't say that..
Me: my life is just a mess
Him: We going to get through this.. You will see, we
going to pull through
I wiped my tears..
Him: I love you
Me: I love you too
Him: I'll see you later
Me: Okay
Him: Bye and be good for me
Me: I promise
He kissed me through the phone and then I hung up.. I
leaned against the wall defeated.

38
NOMVELO
I went to see my uncle at the hospital, hoping to find him
better. His sickness has gotten into me so bad that I fear
losing him. I haven't been concentrating on my studies,
now that he has stroke I fear that he won't pull through.
What's going to become of me when he is no longer
around? Money and all his asserts won't take away the
pain of losing the only person that I regarded as a parent.
I love him and I want him to get better. He was non-
responsive, just starring starring at the window and
saying nothing..
Me: You have to get better
I heard a knock at the door..
Me: Come in
The Dr walked in..
Him: Good afternoon
Me: afternoon
He came closer to us and looked at my uncle..
Me: Is he going to be okay?
Dr: It's hard to tell
Me: What's the worse thing that could happen?
Dr: him having another stroke, by the look of things I can
say that he seems like he doesn't want to get better
Me: Why do you say that?
Dr: We tried physio but he is not responding to that
almost like he has given up
I looked at my uncle...
Dr: If he can at least respond well to physio then we can
start a psychiatric evaluation on him for his mental illness
Me: mental illness?
Dr: his stroke resulted from hallucinations isn't it? He
claimed to be seeing his sister who has passed on
Me: well yes
Dr: We need to look more into that and see if there's no
underlying mental illness
This was getting more and more difficult to process..
_
NOMSA
I drove home to visit my family, my mother, my son, and
my sister.
They were very happy to see me, I mean that's how black
families are when you have brought along something
with you..
Mama: kwakuhle ukuku bona (it's good to see you)
She broke the hug with tears in her eyes..
Mama: when I heard about your shooting, I couldn't even
come and see how you were holding up because you
know your husband he doesn't really like us
Me: I know Ma and I'm very sorry
I sat down..
Mama: I understand most marriages are like that, I'm just
glad that you able to come and visit home
Me: me too
Mama: Ntokozo get us something to drink
Ntokozo responded from the kitchen..
Ntokozo: ngiyeza (I'm coming)
Me: Where is Bafana?
Mama: He went to his friiends
Me: well he might have to move in with me soon
Mama: ungazodlala ( don't play like that)
Me: I'm serious
Mama: don't confuse these kids they have accepted that
their step father hates them so don't play with them
Me: Mama his sins caught up with him.. JJ won't come
back Ma, he is done and he signed everything off to me
Ntokozo brought in tea..
Mama: ini? (what)
Ntokozo: here's some tea
Me: Thank you
Mama: that doesn't make sense.. JJ loves Nomvelo very
much he signed off everything to her
Me: He changed his will today.. Everything is mine
The room went quiet..
Me: I thought that everyone would be happy, you guys
can finally visit and my children can move in with me
(silence)
Mama: Nomsa what did you do?
Me: What makes you think that I did something?
Mama: if you behind JJ being sic-
Me: Thank you for thinking so little of me
I looked at Ntokozo and she looked away..
_
SNAZO
I met up with Dawn at some restaurant so that we could
talk. It was one of those slow days we had no clients, this
new business of mine and Shine is taking off very slow,
slower than I thought..
Dawn: how is everything?
Me: I have had problems before but now that I have
answered to my calling my problems seem to be getting
worse. I'm broke, I am a joke, my relationship with my
brother is not working out I am seeing a girl that I am not
even inlove with... I don't think I made the right choice
Him: Its not easy I know but everything will fall into
place.. The devil will use every tactic to bring you back
closer to him
Me: You seemed like you had an easy journey
He chuckled..
Him: trust me it wasn't easy i lost my fiance in this
Me: How?
Him: a demon possessed her when I drove it out it killed
her
Me:That's deep
Hi: Ya I was a mess.. I became an alcoholic but.. Here I am
today I have a beautiful wife and I'm very happy in my
marriage
Me: if I could fix my relationship with my Brother first it
would be a start.. I'm even thinking that he is possessed
Him: Why do you think that?
Me: He is no longer the same person anymore and that
time when we performed the exorcism the demon made
it clear that he has him
Dawn: well the only way to find out for real that he is
possessed is to give him holy water if he doesn't react to
it then he is not possessed.. I'll give you when we done
here
Me: Thank you
Him: And that girl you talking about i think you should let
her go.. Don't waste her time someone else might make
her happy
Me: Ya I wonder where my wife is.. Pastor mdluli said
that I will need a companion wen I finally become a
preacher
Dawn: Don't rush.. Stand still and wait upon the Lord
when the time is right you will find her
Me: i hope so
_
JJ
I was sleeping when I felt like someone was watching me,
you know the feeling that you get when you feel like
someone is watching you that's how i felt..
I opened my eyes and i saw a human figure in the room
wearing a long black robe. I couldn't see his face clearly
the robe was hiding his face. I only heard his voice..
Him: It's time
When he said that I struggled to breath, felt like my soul
wanted to depart from my body. It wasn't a good feeling
at all and when my soul did depart from my body my left
side was functional. I looked at my body on the bed, this
didn't feel right. I needed time..
I looked at him..
Me: I can't leave like this.. Nomvelo won't survive
without me
Him: You made a deal with the devil, the devil can come
for you anytime and he has
Me: It doesn't feel right
Him: It doesn't have too
Leaving like this, it didn't feel right..

39
NOMSA
I received a call from the hospital informing me that my
husband was no more. It came as a big shock seeing that
I was with him in the morning. Doctors cannot determine
the possible and precise cause of death but the Dr in
charge says that he might have had another stroke, I
want to know exactly what killed him so I requested for
an autopsy. I knew that it was going to come to this, but I
didn't think it was going to be this soon. I am so glad that
I had him sign a new will or else I would be fucked now.
My mother is old and she is a person that has poor
health, she couldn't come with me but Ntokozo did. I
contacted his side of the family and his Mother made it
clear to me that she wants the whole thing to take place
at his home, where he was born and bred. I didn't
dispute that I want her to mourn and Bury her son the
way that she sees fit. I do understand her concerns, we
don't know much people around here. It would be best
to have him be mourned at home by people who love
and care about him..
Ntokozo helped me to pack a few things and Danger was
going to drive us there..
_
MANTWA
I was off today so before going home I decided to help
Gugu around, she was doing windows and washing
curtains..
Gugu: please put that there
I carried the grass mat and put it away..
Her: Thank you
She sat down..
Her: Shuuuuu!! I am tired
Me: Should I get you a glass of water?
Her: No thank you.. I'm fine
Me: At least we almost done
She looked around..
Her: Ya we almost done
(Silence)
Her: At least one of my sons has sense. He chose right..
Not that I hate Nomvelo but I don't feel connected to her
she's way too different. I don't see her mopping the floor
or even washing the dishes around here, you know what
I mean (laughing)
I didn't laugh..
Her: Mantwa
I looked at her..
Her: are you okay? You have been awfully quiet today
you not yourself what's wrong?
I faked a smile..
Me: It's nothing
Her: come on.. I know that Snazo hasn't officially taken
you as his wife but I care a lot about you, you already like
family to us
I sat down too..
Me: I don't mean to nag or..
Her: yini? (what)
I sighed..
Me: I don't think Snazo loves me.. Well at least not as
much as I love him
Her: Hau what makes you say that?
me: You can just tell when someone is not into you
Her: Snazo is not like Niso, he doesn't show emotions
that much. The words "i love you" you won't hear them
much from him. He is not big on hugs I'm not surprised
that he's not even romantic
I laughed..
Her: Do you want me to talk to him?
Me: I don't wanna sound as if like I am a nagging
girlfriend I don't want him to angry at me
Her: I'll talk to him and don't worry he won't be mad
I nodded..
Her: Come let's go make something to eat
Me: okay
I do hope that I'm just seeing things, I don't want to lose
Nazo.. I love him...
_
SNAZO
Shine had called me and told me that we had a client So I
rsuh back to fetch the bakkie, then we made our way
there.. The client wanted us to put ceramic tiles in the
living room and kitchen, I was actually relieved because
we were going to make reasonable money.
Unfortunately Themba couldn't join us, he had went
home to visit his family. He is originally from Kzn..
The family wasn't rich, but they were getting through
they were your average middle class family..
The father wasn't very keen on having us around since he
knows me and knows that I am an ex con, clearly when
he was referred to shine he didn't think that shine was
working with me..
We were sitting in the living room, his daughter offered
us something to drink it was juice. His eyes were glued
on Me, I could sense the dislike towards me..
Shine: ngiyasizwa iskhalo sakho tyma ( I hear your
concerns)
He was sitting there on the couch across me, he was
ready to devour me like a lion..
Mr Shabalala: Bengingazi ukuthi usebenza nalesi
sigebengu!! angimfuni neze lo mfana la!! ( I didn't know
that you working with a criminal i don't want this boy
here)
Shine: Baba ngiyak'thembisa ukuthi uSnazo akusese
wuye lomuntu omaziyo ( I promise you that Nazo is not
the person that you once knew)
Him: A leopard never changes it's spots.. This boy has
caused a lot of trouble around here, he has a bad
reputation! I have heard horror stories about him
Shine looked at me.. I would like to say something but it
won't help, saying something will make him blow up..
Him: I only respected his Grandmother uMaButhelezi,
she was a very respectable woman, she didn't deserve
this rubbish of a Grandchild I am sure she passed on from
stress caused by him!!
Now I wasn't going to sit and be insulted by this man, I
wasn't going to sit here and have him speak of my
relationship with my Grandmother. She doesn't know
how close we were and he doesn't know how much her
death still affects me..
I stood up..
Me: ngisayoshawa umoya ( I am going to get fresh air)
Him: angisho uyabona akana nhlonipho nex!! Bekumele
ngabe uyangithandaza ukuthi ngini nike lomsebenzi! (
you see that he doesn't have respect he should be
begging e for this job)
I walked out and left them arguing..
I took a few deep breaths, we need this job I am very
broke but this man's attitude towards me is not right at
all.. He clearly hates me..
I started kicking small stones around the yard this is what
I feared, I feared having people disrespect me like that. If
it was the old Nazo I would have long dealt with him. I
took out my phone and I had a few missed calls from
Mantwa, I put my phone back in my pocket..
As I was busy walking around I saw the ground opening
up, just a small part of the ground opening up and snakes
came out of there. The snakes were just an average size,
not thick and not too long. I looked at them as they came
out, they were black in colour and they all raced each
other. They were crawling to the same place and that
same place was inside the house. I followed the trail,
they got in through the kitchen door since it was wide
open and made their way to the bedroom. I passed the
living room and went to the bedroom, the door was open
and Bab'Shabalala exclaimed..
Him: Yey wena mfana uyaphi? (shouting)
I checked in the bedroom and I saw a woman sitting on a
wheel chair, the girl that made us something to drink
earlier was sitting down on the floor washing the
woman's legs. I think the woman on the chair was
Bab'Shabalala's wife.. The snakes went to her and rolled
themselves very firm around her legs and she screamed
in pain..
Girl: Mama kuqalile futhi? ( Mom it has started again)
The Mother continued screaming in pain until the snakes
were done, when they were done they unrolled
themselves and since i was standing at the door they
couldn't exit so instead, they existed via the open
window. The Mother was crying while touching her legs
which were very swollen. So they didn't see the snakes?
Was I the only one who saw them?
"Beloved.."
Me: You have to be kidding me!
They both looked at me, i think they didn't realize that I
was standing at the door all along. When I turned to
leave I came in contact with Bab'Shabalala's punches.. It
was a mess...
_
NOMVELO
Niso took me to the one place were we both enjoy the
company, we went to see Groovy and Mongz. We all
went to chill at some place, it wasn't full as the last one
or maybe because it was during the week. We were
having a few drinks, I was actually drinking ginger ale
everyone was on a lighter drink except for Grovvy who
was drinking beer. I was sitting ontop of Niso, shame he
was really trying to lighten up my mood..
Groovy was just being groovy, crazy as usual. She was
cracking jokes and dancing. I don't wanna lie, I was really
enjoying myself until my phone vibrated. I got it out and
it was my Grandmother..
Niso: Who is that?
Me: That's my Grandmother
I got off him and went a bit far to answer since the place
was noisy..
Me: Hello Duchess
I turned and Niso was making his way to me..
Her: Velo where are you?
Me: I am.. Err..
She sounded very down and she was sniffing..
Me: What's wrong?
Her: Who are you with?
Me: My boyfriend
Her: Can you give him the phone
Me: Why?
Her: Velo just give him the phone
I stretched my hand to give him the phone..
Niso: What's going on?
Me: I am not sure
He got my phone and answered..
Him: hello??.. Yes??..
He looked at me..
Him: Okay..
He walked away from Me and I looked at him, looked at
his body language. After speaking on the phone for a
while he lowered it and then rubbed his eyes before
making his way to me..
Him: Velo
Me: He is dead isn't he?
He cleared his throat..
Me: He is no more right?
him: I'm sorry

40
NOMVELO
I didn't know how to feel, I was very broken. It was like a
part of me was taken away, that part of my heart were
he resided had been ripped off from my chest. I searched
for reason to make all of this seem unreal but how they
were busy at my Grandmother's house, shifting furniture,
the mattress on the floor and everyone going up and
down made it seem real. He was gone and I never even
had a chance to say goodbye, he never thought about
me. He should've held on just for a little longer..
Niso came and crouched infront of me, he held my hand
and looked at me. I was sitting on the chair outside I
needed fresh air, I didn't want anyone crowding me..
Him: Nomsa said I should drive you home so that you can
fetch clothes to change seeing that you will be here for a
few days
I couldn't hold back nor myself.. I cried..
He gently squeezed my thigh with the other hand while
still holding my hand with the other..
Him: I'm sorry
Me: I have never been this hurt before in my life.. It
hurts, it's like my heart.. My heart had been ripped out of
my chest
Him: I know
He kissed my hand..
Him: I know
My Grandmother walked out, Niso stood up..
Niso: I'll give you some space
Grams: Thank you.. Thank you for being there for
Nomvelo
Niso: It's okay
He walked away..
Grams: Velo Sisi
I wiped my tears..
Her: You have been crying for a while now
Me: I don't understand Grandmother (Crying)
Her: I know Sisi
She wiped my tears..
Her: Fanele uqine manje (You have to be strong now) you
no longer young you will have to keep on that's what JJ
would've wanted
Me: It hurts
Her: I know.. We will mourn for him but after the funeral
you will have to keep on
She got a chair and sat next to me..
Her: Ngikhona mina (I am still here) as long as I am still
here you will finish school, you will graduate, get married
and have kids. Niso is a good boy I'm not saying that
because her Grandmother was my friend but.. It seems
like he really loves you and he is always there. You can
still have a life after your Uncle, a good one futhi
She held my hand..
Her: We going to be alright Velo.. Everything is going to
be alright at least your Uncle left everything to you, you
won't struggle he made sure that when you well taken
off even when he is gone.. Nxese Sisi
_
SNAZO
Gugu put a cloth on my face while Shine got me a glass of
water..
Gugu: I don't understand ukuthi uBab'Shabalala ukwenza
kanjani lokhu (I don't understand how Bab'Shabalala
could do this to you)
Shine: Tsek! Akayofa (He can go to hell)
Gugu: He is lucky that Nazo doesn't want to press
charges
Gugu likes to overreact most of the time..
Gugu: Umuntu uyazala.. Uzalela abo Bab'Shabangu!
She was giving me a headache..
Shine: Asimncengi! Ngeke sizwe ngaye (We won't beg
him)
Me: Either way I still have to help them
Gugu: Help them? What do you mean help them?
Me: Bab'Shabalala his wife.. There's something wrong
there
Shine: efana Nani? (something like what)
Me: something evil.. Something big
Shine: eish ile zinto zenu futhi? (is it those things of yours
again)
Me: yaa
Gugu sat down..
Gugu: what exactly are you talking about?
Me: Shabalala's wife she's on a wheelchair
Gugu: Yes i know.. It's been a while futhi
Me: What do you know about her condition?
Gugu: not much mara nje.. She's been on a wheelchair
for a very long time now, what i heard is that she started
complaining about cramps in her legs then after they
became swollen bese ne boom wheelchair. Bathi that's
why Shabalala is soo bitter
Me: What did the doctors say?
Shine: wena ufun uku sitshelani kahle kahle ( what are
you trying to tell us)
Gugu: Abanye abantu bathi amaloyo ( some say it's
witchcraft)
Me: I'm starting to believe so too
Shine: Amaloyo? (witchcraft)
I nodded..
Me: And I have to help her
Shine: Tjerrr kunzima la ngaphandle (it's ugly in outside
there)
_
DANGER
After visiting Victoria's grave I went back to JJ's home to
help around, there was a lot to do. I was taken by his
death I guess his sins finally caught up with him. I don't
believe for a second that my wife is responsible for JJ's
death I think that it was bound to happen, Victoria sped
up the process and his sanity betrayed him. I am at peace
that Nomvelo doesn't know the truth, the truth will be
too severe for her to handle. How I tell my daughter that
the person she trusted with her whole life is the reason
why she lost her mother at a tender age, how do I tell her
that her own uncle killed her mother and ate out her
heart just so he can get rich and that she has been a part
of those riches? It will be too much for her to handle. I
closed the door of the taxi and made my way into the
yard, i bumped into his Mother as i made my way to the
front. MaNgcobo has never liked me at all after the
whole Victoria saga. She believes that I am behind
Victoria's death..
Me: Mangcobo
She gave me a bitter look, more like she wanted to
strangle me right there..
Me: uVelo ukhona? (is Velo around)
Her: No
Me: kusho ukuthi uNomsa bekangicelile ukuthi
ngimkhaphe ayolanda izimpahla (Nomsa asked me to
accompany her to fetch her clothes)
Her: Awusho (tell me something)
She folded her arms..
Her: My Son is no more.. Why are you still here?
Me: I don't understand
Her: I don't understand why JJ kept you around, why he
forgave you and gave you a second chance. Made you
who you are while you are nothing but a murderer!
She hit me a little on my chest..
Her: Hamba!! (leave)
She pushed me..
Her: Angifuni ukuphinda ngikubone! (I never wanna see
you again).. Kiss your job goodbye too!! After the reading
of the will, I'll make sure that you no longer have a place
here!
_
NOMVELO
I told Niso to wait for me outside in the car, I went in
alone. It was different not having him around, many days
are going to be spent here without him. It will never be
the same ever again. What cuts more deeper is the fact
that he just started getting sick out of the blue, it was
something so quick and then after he is no more..

41
NOMVELO
I Thought that I was never going to make it until the
funeral, but I did. My Uncle had a dignified funeral, the
community came to pay their last respects. I think that I
had cried a lot during the course of the week that on the
day of the funeral I had no more tears, I was very numb. I
wasn't attending classes anymore I had accepted that I
was going to repeat the year but I.. I would like to take a
year and just work on myself, work on healing and learn
more about my Uncle's businesses. I don't know anyone
who can help mee with the businesses other than Danger
himself, he has been with the family for a very long time
now. My uncle trusted him and i trust him too. My
grandmother has different feelings about me bringing
Danger along into the family businesses but, the whole
deal with taxis is very dangerous. Danger has been a taxi
driver for a while now, he knows more about the
business than anyone else. I trust him more than anyone,
bringing along a stranger would be risky. It was exactly 3
days since we buried my Uncle, today his lawyer was
coming over to read the will for us. I was sitting outside
with my Grandmother, she was busy washing one of
those big pots and I was just sitting on the chair waiting
for her to tell me if she needed help..
Her: How are you feeling now?
I exhaled..
Me: It will take time but I'll get there
Her: That is the spirit
I looked at the time..
Me: Jonathan is late
Her: Maybe he is still trying to find the place.. I don't
even know why he is coming here because we all know
that everything is yours. Your Uncle loved you that much
Me: Poor Nomsa.. I hope she gets something too
Her: That one is getting nothing, she should just pack and
go back home
My Grandmother is another one who doesn't like people
very much..
Her: Come and help move this pot
Me: Okay
I got down from the chair and went to help her..
Her: will you manage living alone in that house? and
don't tell me that your boyfriend is moving in.. That
would be very disrespectful to your Uncle
Me: I am thinking of selling it.. That house has memories
that I don't want to remember
Her: You can't sell the house
Me: I want a clean and fresh start Duchess.. Or I will just
give it to Nomsa thenn
Her: No!.. If your Uncle wanted her to have it, he
would've given it to her.. Just think about it first before
selling
Me: i will think about it
_
SNAZO
The environment was one that I wasn't used too, there
was a lot of people than what I had anticipated. Since I
was going to be ordained a Preacher soon, Dawn
suggested that I attend a Bible school. I had spoken to
Pastor Mdluli about it and he also agreed. I wasn't
expecting this at all, so much People. The bible school
was ran by Bishop McCartney at his church, they have it
twice a week. I didn't bring along anything than my
Grandmother's old Bible, some pages were wrinkled and
the hardcover was peeling off it showed that she has had
it for a long time. Shine was the one who dropped me
off, he couldn't stay had to drive back to the hood. Him
and Themba are working on our previous job, they
putting tiles at Shabalala's place and since he hates me I
excluded myself from the job. I keep busy by working
with Dawn just until they finish and we get another job
that I can also work on.
I have been having visions about his wife's sickness.
Someone was bewitching them for real and I saw her, i
ahd a vision or dream of her planting something in the
ground at night in Shabalala's backyard. She looked
young i could say she was in her early 30s, I don't get why
such a young lady would turn into witchcraft. What deal
does she have with the Shabalala's. With Bab'shabalala
hating me I still have no clue on how I can help his wife..
Voice: Good morning
We all turned our attention to were the voice was
coming from..
Voice: Can everyone please have a seat
We did as we were told. It was mixed races black and
white, only 3 Indians that i noted. I felt like everyone
came more prepared than me, i felt out of place..
The man who addressed was wearing like a bishop if i
may say so, i had no doubt that it was him. Bishop
McCarthy. Just your typical white old man..
It was quiet..
Him: Let me start by introducing myself, I am Bishop
McCarthy and I welcome you all at the McCarthy Bible
school
A few sounds were mase..
Him: I am aware that some of you it's your first time
being here, and some of you are returning for the second
time. Nevertheless I welcome you all, I just don't wanna
sound like a broken record to those who are returning
for the second time.
A few People laughed..
Him: Others are here because of their calling, and others
are here because they just interested in theology.
Though we might be here for different reasons i do pray
that at the end we all gain some knowledge
This is going to be a long day..
Him: Don't take this for granted the very best attended
this Bible school. The likes of Prophet Zaine Radebe
They made a cheerful noise..
Him: Prophet Ayo-Faziel Badru
They made another joyful noise. From hoe most people
reacted I can tell that the People he was talking about
are izinja ze game, im talking about top dogs..
_
NISO
Bar-lady: Can I get you some more?
She was leaning over the counter with her cleavage fully
exposed. The dress code around here is very revealing..
Me: uhm yeah.. Why not?
She smiled..
Her: He will be here don't worry
Me: Is he always this late for meetings?
Her: sometimes
He put the glass of whiskey infront of me..
Me: Thank you
My drug business was taking off, I was now on cocaine
too. I make reasonable money that I bought myself a car.
A BMW 320i but second hand. I have been getting calls
from other drug Lords wanting to meet up, I was making
a name for myself. Today I was meeting up with some
dug Lord named Skylar, not only is he into the drug
business but he has owns clubs too. He is a tycoon..
I looked at the time again and he was really running
late..
Me: I think that I should leave I have been waiting here
for quite a while now
Bar-lady: It is so unlike him to be this much late
Me: Yeah probably
I took out a few notes and left them on the counter..
Me: Have a nice day
Her: Hoping to see you soon
Me: Me too
I walked out..
_
NOMVELO
After waiting for him for a very long time, Jonathan
finally arrived. Those who were needed we all gathered
in the sitting room for the reading of the will. It was Me,
Nomsa, my Grandmother and a few elders.
J: sorry that I'm late wasn't easy finding this place
Grams: I even thought that maybe you got kidnapped or
something
We all laughed..
Him: I actually came with colleague of mine.. He is in the
car he navigated this place better athn I did
He opened his case..
Him: My deepest condolences.. Mr Ngcobo was a very
good client of mine for a very long time now
We nodded..
Him: Without wasting any time i will start reading the
Will
He took out the documents..
Him: the last encounter with my client concerning the
will was last year, so this will is valid and it was signed by
him
We all waited for him to read..
Him: "To my Niece Nomvelo who is already like a
daughter to me, know that I will always love you and I
know that you make me proud. Always"
My Grandmother put her hand on my shoulder..
Jonathan cleared his throat..
Him: "You're still very young to understand the family
businesses it will take you a while to know how to run a
taxi business, therefore I have took the decision of
leaving everything to my lovely wife Nomsa Ngcobo.
Nom.."
Grams: wait what?
Everyone was shocked..
J: Mr Ngcobo chabged his will last year and gave all his
asserts to his wife, he trusted her to care of Nomvelo and
his bus-
This wasn't making sense.. It wasn't making sense at all..
Me: My Uncle will never do that
J: I am very sorry
Grams: If he left everything to her then what is Nomvelo
going to get? What did he leave for nomvelo?
Jonathan cleared his throat..
J: R10 000
Grams: 10 000 only?
J: I'm afraid so
Grams: 10..thats not right let me see the will
Jonathan gave it to her as my grandmother silently
read..
(silence)
Grams: this is ridiculous! my son would never do this
J: It is signed by him there's a stamp dated to last year
Grams: I can see that but..
Nomsa: Wow I.. I did-
Out of the blue my Grandmother went and attacked
Nomsa..
Grmas: what did you do? What did you do you witch!!!!!

42
NOMVELO
I didn't know how to feel and my heart wasn't accepting
what Jonathan read, my Uncle made it clear over and
over again that he doesn't trust her and that everything
of his will be mine when he is no longer around. For
Nomsa to just get everything, something was off. My
Grandmother's high blood pressure spiked up, we had to
call an ambulance because she was just taken by this
whole thing then she was rushed to the hospital, one of
my Aunties went with her. As if like matters couldn't get
any worse..
Nomsa had asked to talk to Me..
Her: I know that this doesn't make any sense, I know that
you have mixed emotions but.. You might not believe this
but I also want what's best for you, you and I we manged
to put our differences aside so I want you to come home
with me. I want you to finish school that was your Uncle's
dream
I kept quiet..
Her: Velo you don't belong here.. This is not you, you
won't be able to handle this life
I would rather be here than anywhere else, I would
rather be with my Grandmother she is the only surviving
Parent that I'm left with now..
Me: I'll come for the rest of my things
Her: Velo...
Me: I wanna be here with my Grandmother
Her: What about school?
Me: I'll start off next year again
She shook her head no..
Her: Alright then.. But know that you can always come
home whenever you feel like it
Me: Thanks
She stood up..
Her: My Sister and I we leaving
Me: Have a safe trip back home
Her: Thank you
Most of our relatives had left already and the remaining
ones were leaving today since everything was done, they
had helped with cleaning, washing blankets and
everything else. Later on I wanna go and see my
Grandmother..
_
NISO
Just when I was about to drive off a black Royce rolls
pulled up, it parked on a reserved spot in the parking lot.
I waited for him to come out and he did, he was wearing
a suit, gold rings filled his fingers and he was holding a
cane.. His chauffer closed the door, and then he stood
there with his eyes wandering around until they landed
on me..
Him: Niso?
Me: Skylar?
Him: Looks like you were leaving
Me: I was leaving
Him: What a little patience you have Son, if you still have
time let's go in
Me: After you
I followed him as he walked inside..
Him: Let's go up into my office
Me: Let's do that
We walked up the stairs into his office..
Him: Whiskey?
Me: No thanks I'm good
He got a cigar and then sat down..
My phone rang, it was Nomvelo. I switched it off..
Me: Sorry about that
Him: Don't worry about it
He lit up his cigar..
Him: Not to waste more of your time I will get straight to
the point
Me: I'm listening
Him: I want us to make Partners.. I could really use
someone like you in my team
I thought for a while..
Me: Uhm as much as that sounds tempting but no..
Him: No?
Me: I work better alone
Him: I don't think you realize that you in a dangerous
business you need protection, they can take you out just
like that!
Me: I'll take my chances
I stood up..
Me: Have a nice day
Him: You too
_
SNAZO
The Bible school was.. I don't even know what to say
because it wasn't really my thing. It's going to take a
while for me to get used to it. Since I was in the process
of making things right, I had to do right by Mantwa. I
have to let her go, there's no use in staying with her
when I don't feel anything for her. It's not fair. I called
her up and we met up for lunch, wasn't really the right
place to break up with her but I really have to do this..
She showed up, I made sure that we met up close to her
workplace. At some restaurant. She looked around and
spotted me, then she came up to my table.
Her: Good afternoon
Me: Hey
I stood up and opened the chair for her..
Her: Thank you
She sat down..
I felt extremely bad doing this, she's a great person and I
don't wanna break her heart..
Her: How was Bible school?
Me: It was okay I am not used to it as yet
Her: You'll get used to it soon
Me: Hope I didn't disturb you at work
Her: I'm on lunch
I nodded while looking down..
Her: Is everything okay?
I looked at her..
Me: I called you up here because, we need to talk
Her: Talk?
Me: Yeah
Her: It sounds serious
Me: It is serious
Her: What is it?
Me: Mantwa you a.. You a very beautiful woman both
inside and out. You have a beautiful heart, you an
amazing person
She started shaking her head no..
Me: Mantwa
Her: Please don't do this
Me: I'm really sorry
She was trying very hard to hold back her tears..
Her: Is there someone else?
Me: No there's no one else
Her: Then why are you doing this to me?
Her eyes were glowing with tears now..
Me: Mantwa..
Her: I don't understand.. Nazo I love you, what am I not
doing right?
I tried to hold her hand but she retracted it back..
She stood up..
Me: Mantwa wait..
She made her way out..
Me: Dammit!
_
NOMSA
On our way back to the house Ntokozo was driving and I
was laid back all relaxed in the car..
Her: How did you pull that off?
Me: I have my ways.. Blackmail
Her: I didn't think that you were going to pull this off I
mean everything?
Me: You had little faith on me Sister
Her: Yazi I still can't believe it
Me: our lives are finally going to change for the better
_
NOMVELO
It was very quiet around the house now and I was alone.
I tried calling Niso a few times but his phone was off..
The door opened and Danger made his way in..
Him: Kwaze kwathula (it's quiet)
Me: Everyone has left
He closed the door..
Him: usele uyi one? (you all left alone)
I nodded..
Him: How did the reading of the will go?
I sighed..
Me: He gave everything to Nomsa
Him: What? That doesn't sound right
Me: He only left 10 000 for me Danger.. Only 10 000
Him: Something is not right here! That's not possible.. JJ
wouldn't do that
Me: Well he did!
Him: Okay look.. I'm going to get to the bottom of this
He opened the door and walked out..
Me: Danger!

43
SNAZO
I decided to give Mantwa some space I didn't wanna call
her and be busy crowding her space, if I call her it will
confuse her more. Back when I was still in my ways this
wouldn't have affected me, not even a little. I would've
just moved on to yhe next like nothing happened, I guess
I do have a human heart after all.
Tonight I decided to cook dinner, nothing serious just a
meal that was easy and didn't require much time.
I was alone in the house, Niso was out in the streets
doing shady things a Gugu was over at our neighbour's
house, you know women and gossip. I was singing while
cooking..
I was whistling one of my favourite songs while cooking,
when a knock disturbed me..
I closed the pot and wen to open, it was Nomvelo. I guess
she didnt expect to see me just as much as I didn't expect
to see her. She moved her eyes from the ground and
looked at me, she looked so drained and tired. She was
tired both physically and emotionally. We looked at each
at other for a while before she broke the ice. She cleared
the hair from her face, her hair was loose i didn't even
know that she had such long hair..
Her: Hi
Me: Hi
Her: I.. I am looking for Niso
Me: He is not around
I saw the disappointment in her eyes..
Her: Ohw.. I will leave
She turned back and was ready to leave..
Me: Let me try him for you
She turned and looked at me, that portion of her hair
came back at the front again..
Her: I already called him a few times his phone is off
I looked at my watch..
Me: He will be home soon if you wanna wait for him
I don't even know why I was suggesting that..
Her: Okay
I let her in..
Me: You can have a seat
She sat down..
Her: Thank you
Me: I am actauly busy cooking
Her: You cook?
Me: Yes I do
She slightly smiled while nodding..
Me: Would you like something to drink?
Her: No thank you
She played her hair ribbon around her small wrist..
Me: I.. I am very sorry about your Uncle.. I know that he
meant a lot to you
Her: Thank you
I turned the stove off..
Me: Would you like something to eat?
She didn't know how to reply to that, she got shy all over
again..
Me: Maybe you can judge my cooking better
She chuckled..
I opened the cupboard and the door opened again, Gugu
walked in..
Gugu: Yho that took long
She didn't expect to see Nomvelo..
Her: Nomvelo
Velo: Gugu
Gugu looked at me..
Gugu: What.. What a pleasant surprise
Nomvelo didn't say anything..
Me: She is waiting for Niso
Gugu: He is actually parking the car I bumped into him at
the gate
M eyes were just glued on Nomvelo she looked very
uncomfortable, the room even went quiet..
Niso walked in after a while, i don't think he also
expected to see Nomvelo..
Niso: Velo
Velo: I have been trying to get a hold of you with no
success
Him: Ya I was busy
She stood up..
Him: Are you okay?
He rubbed her shoulder..
Velo looked at us..
Niso: Let's go get something to eat
He held her hand..
Velo: bye
Guugu: bye
They walked out..
Gugu: Aii I can't wait for Niso to get a more decent girl
Me: isn't she decent?
Gugu: she is way too different nje I can't connect with
her.. Uhlukile (she is different) too much of a princess nje
nezandla zithambile ( she seems lazy)
I shook my head while laughing..
Gugu: Uhlekani? (why you laughing) you know what im
talking about
She sat down..
Her: You can dish up for us..
_
NOMSA
The first thing I did when I got home was to celebrate,
Ntokozo and I we were popping champagne one way..
Me: Mntaka Ma life is going to get better now, things are
going to change for me and my children. Have been
separated from them for a very long time with JJ not
even wanting them to step foot here
Ntokozo: Ya mara that was very cruel.. JJ was a ruthless
man
Me: At least he got what he deserved!
Her: Cheers to that
As we were busy having a good time the door flung open
and Danger made his way in, he just flew in without even
knocking..
Ntoko: Haibo!!!
He looked at us..
Me: Danger what are you doing here?
He made his way to me, I took a few steps back..
Ntoko: Should I call the Police?
Me: No it's fine
Danger: Give my Daughter what belongs to her!
Everything here belongs to her!
Me: Danger the will was read and...
Him: I don't care what the will says!
Me: You should care because legally everything is mine
He put his hand on my throat and pushed me back
against the wall, Ntokozo screamed a little..
Ntoko: Cha mina ngifonela amaphoyisa (I am calling the
police)
Danger was really mad, it was my first time seeing him
this mad. He looked me in the eye..
Him: You stupid greedy woman! You don't even know
how JJ attained his riches! Everything is going to
disappear and you going to be sorry! Riches attained with
blood sacrifice they don't last
He let me go...
Him: Why don't you ask yourself why the mighty JJ fell all
of a sudden?
I put my hand on my throat..
Me: You going to be sorry for putting your hands on me!
He took out the keys to his taxi..
Him: I quit!
He threw them at Me..
Him: Find another taxi driver... Plus I took this job for my
Daughter I wanted to make sure she was okay, now I
don't have any reason to stay here!
He clicked his tongue and then walked away..
Ntoko: we should go and open a case for him!
I shook my head no..
Me: I know how to get back at him, he is going to be
sorry for putting his hand on me!
_
NOMVELO
I didn't feel like eating, lately I had lost all interest in
food, my appetite was on and off..
I put down the fork, we were at galitos..
Him: You not hungry?
Me: No
He wiped his mouth with the saviettee..
Him: I'm sorry that my phone was off, I had business to
take care off
Niso's sudden financial stability was questionable, one
moment he was struggling then all of a sudden he had
money. It was very suspicious..
Me: Nomsa got everything... Everything was signed off to
her
Niso: What?
Me: He only left me 10k
Him: That doesn't sound right
Me: I'm just so tired Niso I don't even know what to think
anymore, plus my Grandmother went to the hospital
today.. Her BP was acting up
He laid back on the chair...
Him: This is messed up!
Me: Very messed up that I am going to fail at school.. I
don't think I'll ever show myself there
He extended his hand to me...
Him: I'm here.. We going to get through this.. I promise
you
He brought my hand closer to his lips and kissed it..
Him: We going to make it... Trust me, I got you
With his dishonesty I don't know if I still trust him.
_
MANTWA
I wiped my tears as I continued..
"sometimes life get's too difficult.. I am broken inside
and I hate feeling this way. I am tired of constantly being
hurt, I can't take it anymore"
I folded the letter and then looked at the rope on the
floor..
Me: I'm sorry Mom but it got too much.. I can't take it
anymore this pain is too much
I wanna end the pain, I know that when I'm dead no one
will toy with my emotions ever again!!

44
SNAZO
I woke up in the early hours of the morning at around
2am, to hear someone trying to open the kitchen door. I
got up and went to check, it was Niso. I locked my room
and we walked into the house both of us, he tipsy..
Me: Where have you been?
Him: Around
I closed the door..
He sat down on the chair and silence loomed around..
Him: Nomvelo lost everything?
Me: Meaning?
Him: Her Uncle signed everything off to his wife
Me: That's...
Him: Only left nomvelo with 10k
Me: That doesn't sound like JJ
Him: Unless the wife did something because apparently
she wasn't supposed to get anything
Me: It does sound fishy
I remembered the holy water that Dawn gave me, he
said that I can test it on Niso. If he is possessed then he
will react to the holy water. I don't know why but my
Brother has this dark force surrounding him, it's very
heavy on me..
Me: Coffee?
Him: Naa I just wanna sleep
I went and got the holy water in the cupboard..
Me: Just one cup so that we can catch up.. It's been a
long time
Him: Yeah why not
I poured water in the kettle and then poured a little in
the mug..
Me: I don't know if it's me or if the water really tastes
bad
I passed him the mug..
Me: maybe you will have a different answer
He drank a little and then shrugged his shoulders..
Him: It tastes good to me
I took the mug again and he didn't react to the water. If
he is not possesed then what is it? Why does he have this
dark force all around him. Most of all when Dawn was
performing the exorcism why did Satan mean that he has
Niso? I really need to know what's happening with him so
that I can help him if really the devil is after him..
_
NOMVELO
The following morning I woke up and tried to clean even
though most parts of the house were clean, My Aunties
cleaned thoroughly before they left. Last night I was
alone around the house since my Grandmother was not
around, it was difficult I couldn't have a peaceful sleep.
This new life of mine was depressing, I don't even know if
I'm going to get used to it. I was tired, I wanted my Uncle
back I wanted my life back. I could go back and live with
Nomsa but she once hinted that life would get real for
me when my Uncle is no longer around, I know for a fact
that she would wanna get back at me. I threw the mop
down and sat on the chair with my hands covering my
face, I let out a soft cry. I cannot do this, I don't wanna do
this
The door opened and surprisingly my Grandmother
walked in, I breath a sigh of relief..
Me: Duchess
She closed the door..
Me: I thought that they would wanna keep you longer at
the hospital
Her: I couldn't stay for long knowning that you all in the
house
She looked around..
Me: How are you feeling?
Her: I will be fine.. They gave me pills
Me: That's better
Her: Where you trying to clean?
Me: Ya
Her: Don't worry you will get used to it soon
Me: Ya I will
Her: I know that you not used to this life but.. We going
to be okay, don't lose hope
I nodded..
Her: Let me go and rest a bit
Me: Okay
She stood up..
Her: Don't you wanna go visit Nkuli for a while?
Me: I'll call her
Her: Okay baby
She walked to the bedroom..
_
SNAZO
I was doing my laundry and cleaning my room, it's been a
while since I cleaned my room thoroughly. I was also
playing music a bit loud to keep me going. I went to hang
when my phone vibrated in my pocket, I put the basin
down and got it. I didn't recognize the number but I
answered anyway...
Me: Hello
The person didn't say anything, I heard a lot of sniffing..
Me: Hello?
Voice: Hello.. Is this Snazo?
Me: Yes.. Who is this?
Voice: uMa ka Mantwa (It's Mantwa's Mom)
That was surprising..
Me: Hello.. Hello Ma
Her: I'm calling to let you know that Mantwa was
admitted last night, she tried to hurt herself
Me: hurt herself?
Her: She.. She hung herself but fortunately her little
Brother walked in just in time
Me: What?
Her: You really broke my Daughter, I found her diary
and..
Me: Which hospital?
Her: It's best you don't come.. Please stay away from my
Daughter don't ever try to contact her, you have broken
her already
She hung up. I sighed in defeat, I know that I have broken
her but I didn't think she would go this far
_
NISO
I looked at it..
Me: It's a bit heavy
Him: It's the real deal
Me: How much?
Him: 5 000
I took out 5 000 and gave it to him
Him: Sure bhoza
He walked away..
Since my meeting with Skylar I realized that I needed
protection, most drug dealers would come after me since
my business is taking off really well. I need to protect
myself at all times, so I bought a gun..
_
NOMVELO
I was watering the flowers outside when Nomsa's car
pulled up.. I threw the pipe on the grass and waited for
her to come out of the car, and she did. She made her
way to the gate and made her way in..
Her: Velo
Me: Nomsa
Her: How are you?
Me: I'm hanging in there
Her: Uphi ugogo? (Where is your Grandmother)
Me: she's sleeping
Her: Let's find somewhere to sit and talk
We went and got chairs then we sat under the tree..
Her: Nomvelo...
She paused..
Me: What?
Her: Your Uncle wanted to tell you something but I death
got to him first
Me: What did he want to tell me?
She looked at me..
Her: This is very difficult
Me: What is it?
Her: Nomvelo your father.. Your real father is Danger
I kept quiet..
Her: I'm sorry
I couldn't believe what I was hearing..
Me: No..
I shook my head..
Me: No it can't be.. My.. My Uncle would never keep a
murderer so close to us
Her: I'm truly sorry
Me: You lying
Her: I'm not lying.. Everyone knows, even your
Grandmother knows
I know that Nomsa doesn't like me but to go this far and
lie??

45
MANTWA
Pain changes you, it changes the person that you once
were. It's not easy to wake up and face life when your
heart is heavy, People might think that my deciding to
take my life was selfish and foolish. We all different and
we don't handle pain the same way, I have done been
played and mistreated. When I found Snazo I gave him
my all because I thought that he was different, different
from all the guys I've been with. He accepted me for who
I am, he didn't judge the fact that I was an introvert and
enjoyed church more than a glass of wine at some bar.
He allowed me to be me and never compared me to any
other girl, I thought that we were going to make it. I
thought that finally I had a chance to be happy but then
life had other plans for me..
The Dr walked in, he was holding my file..
Him: Good morning
Me: Morning
My throat was very painful and I felt a bit dizzy..
Him: How are you feeling?
I shrugged my shoulders..
He opened my file and looked at it..
Me: How did I end up here?
Him: You were brought here last night after a suicide
attempt
That means my Mother found me somehow..
Me: When am I going home?
He pulled the chair and sat down..
Him: Do you realize how fortunate you're? You could've
died, suicide by hanging only countable people survive
Me: I don't feel so lucky
I read his name tag "Dr Patel" he is Indian, a good looking
one for that matter. What am I saying? Most Indian men
are very handsome..
Me: When can I go home?
Him: I can't release you just as yet I have to refer you to
our psychologist for therapy but she is not around she is
on leave, just a few days left until she gets back
Me: Aren't there any other psychologists?
Him: There is one but I prefer Dr Khumalo she is very
good
Me: So what do you suggest I do with my life for the next
few days?
He chuckled..
Him: You will be fine
He looked at my file..
Him: You will be fine Man.. Ma..
Me: Mantwa
Him: Mantwa
I looked at his left hand and he didn't have a ring on..
Him: Let me go and see other patients, I will tell the
Nurse to come and monitor you in the meantime.. You're
on suicidal watch
Me: Great!!
Him: Not that it's any of my business but.. What
happened?
I kept quiet..
Him: I will call the Nurse
He walked to the door..
Me: My boyfriend dumped me..
He stopped..
Me: I know that it sounds foolish.. Almost killing myself
for a man
Him: I'm sorry break ups can be messy, I remember my
divorce it wasn't nice
Me: You divorced?
Him: Yes I am.. Been a year now
His pager went off, he looked at it..
Him: I have to go
I nodded..
_
NOMVELO
After Nomsa had dropped that Bomb on me she left,
before confronting my Grandmother I called Danger to
come but I didn't tell him the whole story. My
Grandmother was upset, she was upset that Nomsa had
told me the truth, what I don't understand is why my
Grandmother and my Uncle kept Danger so close to the
family after what he had done..
Grams: Mara uNomsa ucabanga ukuthi uwubani? (who
does Nomsa think she is)
Me: Duchess that's not the point! I just wanna know
why? Why was Danger kept close to the family after
killing my Mother? He took my Mother from me! He
butchered her, I was only 5!
Her: Nomvelo I..
There was a knock on the door..
Her: Come in
The door opened and Danger walked in..
Danger: Sanibonani? (Greetings)
I looked at him, I so wanted to go to him and kill him! He
has been laughing with me and acting all caring towards
me knowing exactly what he did! What devil is he??
I think he could sense the tension in the atmosphere..
Grams: What are you doing here?
Me: I called him
Grams: Velo!!
Danger: Konke k'hamba kahle? (is everything alright)
Grams: uNomsa beka la (Nomsa was here)
Me: She told me everything!
He seemed confused..
Me: You killed my Mother! All along you laughing with
me, looking me in the eye everyday knowing exactly
what you have done!!
Danger: What?
Me: You deserve to burn in hell!! How can you do this?
Then after you act like nothing happened?
He sat down..
Him: I think you deserve to know the whole truth
I looked at him..
Him: I loved my wife, I loved Victoria with all my heart
Me: You kidding me right?
Grams: Don't make things worse?
Danger: I didn't kill Victor.. JJ did
Me: What?
Grams: Yey wena!! Don't lie about my Son
Danger: MaNgcobo it is the truth! That night I wasn't at
home and yes Victoria was going to leave me because of
my gambling and alcoholism but unfortunately JJ got to
her first
Me: What are you saying?
Danger: JJ killed your Mother, he ripped her heart out for
ritual purposes so that he could be rich, the reason why
you can't remember is because he took you in and
brainwashed you.. JJ had to keep you close so that his
riches don't disappear
Grams: Phuma la kwami (Get out of my house)
Danger: I went to jail for a crime that I did not do..
Nomvelo the reason why your Uncle started getting sick
like that is because his sins caught up with him, your
Mom came for revenge
My Grandmother stood up..
Grams: Ngithe Phuma!! (I said get out)
Danger: I worked for that man for all these years because
I wanted to make sure that he doesn't hurt you, I wanted
to know that you were okay and also he was blackmailing
me
Grams: Ngathi angizwakali kahle ufuna ngibilse amanzi?
(I don't think that you hear me very well, do you want me
to boil water)
I stood up and ran out of the house..
Danger: Velo!!
I ran out as fast as I could..
_
SNAZO
I looked at Gugu..
Me: Mantwa was admitted last night
Gugu: Why?
Me: She.. She tried to hang herself
Gugu: What? Why?
Me: I broke up with her
Gugu: Nazo!
Me: Gugu the honest truth is that I wasn't in love with
Mantwa
Gugu: Uyazizwa ukuthi uthini? (Do you hear what you
saying)
Me: Gugu I wasn't going to keep on wasting her time
Gugu: Angiyikholwa ke le! (I don't believe this) kanti yini
ngawe no Niso (What's wrong with you and Niso)
Me: G..
Her: Hai maan niyaphoxa!! (You are disappoing)
She walked out..
Her: Yazi nje niyangi dina (You irritate me)
Me: Mara
Her: Aii suka maan!!!
_
NOMVELO
I ran so far that I was even struggling to breath, I was
confused and hurt. This wasn't making any sense, What
Danger said was soo deep that my mind didn't know how
to process it. My own Uncle, the person I trusted killed
my Mother? No! I know that he was a ruthless Person
but this, this is just not right..
I sat on this other big rock, God what is happening? My
life was just crumbling right in my eyes. Why is this
happening to me? How will I get through this? This is
beyond what I can handle. It's beyond me.
My phone rang in my pocket I didn't even bother taking it
out and answering, I wasn't interested in what they
wanted to say..
_
SHINE
uBab'Shabalala was not around, he went out to run a few
errands. We were done with one room, we were almost
done with the other room too then it's going to be one
room left..
Themba: Kube uNazo bekakhona ngabe sesicedile (If
Nazo was here we would be done)
I threw the cigarette bud on the floor..
Me: uringa iWaar (you telling the truth)
Him: Aii athi sibuyele (let's go back)
We went back inside passing the main bedroom, I heard
a bit of sobbing. I stopped at the door and Mrs Shabalala
was crying..
Themba: Ntwana as'dlule (let's pass)
Me: Ima kancane (wait a minute)
She raised her head and looked at us..
Her: I thought I was alone.. I thought you guys were
gone
Themba: Besingaphandle (We were outside)
Her legs were very swollen..
Her: I've been like this for a while now, it's draining I wish
death upon myself because I can't take this anymore
Me: abo Doctor bathini? (what do Doctors say)
Her: They can't see what's wrong?
Themba: How come? Kuyabonakala ukuthi
usezintlungwini (I can see that you in pain)
Her: I think it's spiritual but we tried going to prophets
they prayed for me but nothing. We even went to
traditional healers, we have tried almost everything. I
have accepted that no one can help me, I just wanna die I
don't wanna be a burden to my family anymore
I cleared my throat..
Me: Eer..
She looked at me..
Me: Mina ngiyacava umuntu ongakusiza (I know
someone who can help you)
She shook her head...
Her: No one can help me
Me: Usebenza ngazo le zinto (He works with this type of
things)
Her: uyamthemba? (do you trust him)
I nodded..
Her: Ungamletha (can you bring him)
Me: Ya eish kodwa UBab'Shabalala akamfuni (Ya but
Bab'Shabalala doesn't want him)
Her: I'll talk to him and convince him, if this person can
work then it is worth a try
Me: ngizoringa naye (I will talk to him)
_
SNAZO
Just when I was walking out Nomvelo's Grandmother was
standing at the doorstep holding on to the security
door..
Me: Mangcobo?
She closed her eyes, she seemed to be in pain..
I helped her to walk in and then sat her down..
Me: Ngik'phathele amanzi? (should I bring you a glass of
water)
She put her hand on her chest..
Her: uVelo wami akekho la? (Is Nomvelo here)
Me: Cha akekho (She's not here)
Her: Umzukulu wami Nkosi yam' (My grandchild)
Me: Yini kwenzekeni? (what happened)
She started crying..
Her: Akazi nelokishi mhlambe.. Wuuu ngoyenzani mara
(She doesn't even know the hood.. What am I going to
do)
I was lost.. I didn't know what she was talking about..
46
NOMSA
FIVE DAYS LATER
I was worried over the fact that the taxi business wasn't
going well, other taxi owners didn't wanna respect me
and in turn their taxi drivers were very disrespectful
towards my taxi drivers. This whole situation has forced
my taxis off the road, my drivers are worried about their
jobs. They worried that they won't be putting food on
the table for their families and now they also turning
against me. It's one messed up situation that I wasn't
prepared for, I definitely need someone like Danger to
help me out. Someone they know and someone that they
will respect, after all Danger was JJ's right hand man and I
know that they will work better with him. Unfortunately
after our fallout I don't think he is going to come through
for me, I'm screwed!! I was thinking of bringing someone
else, my cousin but then the taxi industry is very
dangerous. I don't want him to be killed. So right now I
don't know what to do, I don't have any plan.. Thuli
walked in to have breakfast, she has moved out of res
and she's moved in with me permanently. My Son didn't
want to move in, he doesn't want to be a part of JJ's
riches. Thuli uses Nomvelo's car, since it was in JJ's name
it now belongs to me and I gave it to my Daughter to
make it easier for her to travel to school everyday..
Thuli: Good morning
Me: Morning
She sat down..
Her: How are you?
Me: I am well and you?
Her: I am okay
Thuli is a beautiful young woman and she is very smart,
she deserves all beautiful things. She deserves the best in
life..
Her: You seem like you have a lot in your mind
Me: I do have a lot in my mind
Her: What's wrong?
Me: Abangihloniphi nje neze la kule taxi industry (They
don't respect me in this taxi industry)
Her: Ngoba? (Why)
Me: Because I am a woman, They don't respect me as
much as they respected JJ
Her: That's terrible
Me: I am worried because the taxi business is the main
family business it's what puts food on the table for us
Her: I understand ukhulumile no Danger ngalento? (have
you spoken to Danger about this)
Me: Things are tense between us
Her: Something that cannot be fixed?
Me: Yes that's unfortunate
Her: You have to sort things out with Danger or else the
business is going to go down the drain
Me: No I still have my pride left from this fight, I'm not
going to go back and beg him. I will make this work
Her: I hope so
I really have to sort out this issue before we find
ourselves broke..
_
SNAZO
Niso walked in while I had just finished eating breakfast,
he seemed very pissed.
I went and put my dish together with the mug in the sink,
while carefully studying his movements. He was banging
things, while clicking his tongue here and there. He was
impatient when opening things and in turn they would
spill over, with his anger taking over I noticed that the
pyramid tattoo glowed and sparkled, the original ink of
the tattoo was black but when it glowed it became
green. It was weird I didn't understand what was
happening, I concentrated on it. It was a pyramid tattoo
with an eye in it, the eye had a bright light in it...
Niso: Nazo!!!
I looked at him..
Him: Where you even listening to me?
Me: What?
Him: I said I've found Velo
Nomvelo has been missing for 5 days now, she hasn't
been home since from that day when her Grandmother
came looking for her. Her Grandmother has been
worried sick, she hasn't been well these days since Velo
left home. When Niso came back that night I told him
and he went to her house, Velo's Grandmother has been
solemnly depending on Niso to find Velo for her. Niso has
looked for her all over and nothing, kind of difficult
looking for someone who doesn't even have friends
around. Most people don't know her at a personal level,
he was so worried he thought that maybe she got
kidnapped, raped, and killed..
Me: Umtholephi? (Where did you find her)
Him: Groovy called.. She was with Groovy all this while
Me: uGroovy.. Groovy?
Him: Ya uGroovy
Me: Ya that doesn't sound like her style uGroovy is, she's
just not the type of person Nomvelo would hang with
Him: I swear I'm going to kill her
Me: Calm down.. She doesn't need someone putting her
more down when she's already down
He took his sandwich and then walked out, banging the
door behind him like my statement didn't even make
sense to him.
_
NOMVELO
I heard someone screaming my name and shaking me, I
didn't wanna wake up but I was forced too. The person
was shaking me violently that a peaceful sleep was
impossible to achieve. I opened my eyes and it was
Groovy..
Her: Haibo!! Kanti asisavuki na la ekhaya? (don't we wake
up anymore)
I rose up from the pillow and sat up straight. I have been
crashing at Groovy's place for the past 5 days, we haven't
been doing much but drinking all the time. Groovy was
the only person that I thought of at my time of
heartbreak and she welcomed me, she saw that I was in
distress and she let me stay at her house, with her and
her Grandmother. Drinking everyday felt better and her
Grandmother seemed not to mind at all. We would go to
this other tarven in the morning at around 11am, then by
14:00 she would walk me back home because I would be
faded. She would walk me back with a few beers then
later when I wake up I would drink. I think the reason
why her Grandmother didn't mind is because she also
drinks, but she prepares her own alcohol. She drinks
traditional beer..
It felt so good to just drink my life away, being
disconnected from reality like that and not having to
think about what happened it felt normal to me. I
couldn't, I couldn't face life and what happened sober.
My life has become so unbearable that all I saw was no
reason to live anymore. How was I going to do it? I
literally have nothing and I have no family..
Groovy: Awuke ugeze bese uyadla (bath and then eat)
I was still not used to a hangover so I felt really sick. I
threw my head back on the pillow and closed my eyes..
Groovy: Hai asazi (We don't know)
Groovy comes from a broken home and I think this is the
reason why she is like this, at her house you hustle for
yourself. I even had to sell my phone to make ends meet,
it is that difficult..
_
SNAZO
I went to Dawn's office to fetch my cheque, I was part of
some exorcism since I wasn't working with Themba and
Shine anymore on their current job..
The exorcism that we did aired about three days ago and
it had a lot of views. Dawn has his own channel were he
airs some of the Exorcisms, it's not a publicity stunt but
to let everyone know that such exists. It's also a way for
him to make a living. I hope there will be a way for me
too, to make a living when I become a preacher. I don't
wanna rob innocent people off their money..
Dawn: Here is your cheque, you can cash it in anytime
It was R9 500
Me: Thank you
He sat on his desk while his other leg was balancing on
the floor..
Him: I thought you would be happy.. You deserve every
cent
I faked a smile..
Me: Ya thank you
Him: Something bothering you?
I went and sat on the small couch..
Me: He is not possessed.. My Brother is not possessed
Him: Shouldn't you be happy then?
Me: This morning when we were talking I noticed
something
Him: What?
Me: He has this tattoo of a pyramid with an eye in it, it
glowed. The tattoo originally it's black but when it
glowed it was green
Him: A pyramid? With an eye?
I nodded..
He took his phone and was on it for a while..
Him: Is this the pyramid?
I went and looked at it..
Me: Ya exactly the same
Him: I can't believe it
Me: Believe what?
Him: He is the servant of Lucifer, this pyramid dates back
to the Illuminati. The eye inside of it they refer to it as
the "3rd eye" The eye that sees everything
Me: I don't understand?
Him: I don't know if he got the tattoo just for fun or
maybe he admired it but he practically sold his soul to
the devil with this stamp of ownership, the pyramid goes
deeper. I don't think he realized the meaning of it when
he got it
Me: Exactly what does it mean?
Him: It means that through this pyramid tattoo there's a
connection between him and the devil, the devil has
been able to control him through the tattoo
Me: Dammit! Now I know what he meant when he said
he has my Brother
Him: The devil has his soul, He owns it
The connection will never be broken until he removes
the tattoo and do away with everything that he gained
when he still had the tattoo
This was a mess.. How do I get Niso to understand
especially with the type of person that he is now
_
NOMVELO
I was woken up by noise, when I listened carefully the
voice sounded familiar. It was Niso..
Niso: Uphi? (Where is she)
Groovy: Phola tuu!! (Relax)
Niso: Ungang'tsheli ukuthi ng'phole!(dont tell me to
relax) Don't come to me with that shit!!
I heard Groovy's grandmother shouting..
Her: Kwenzakalani? (what's happening)
She had passed out on that worn out couch, she had
been drinking earlier on..
I quickly got out of bed and my first thought was to lock
the door but, the door was not even in good condition. It
didn't have a door handle, we even used a folded paper
to close it tightly..
The door flung open and he walked in, He was mad. He
was figuratively roaring like a lion, I have never seen him
that mad before. I stood there all frozen as he
approached me, I didn't know what to say.
Groovy: Niso ima hau kanti yini? (Niso wait a minute)
He put his hand on my throat and then he banged me
against the wall, banged the back of my head against the
wall soo much that I swear I could feel my skull cracking..
Groovy: Niso yima uzobulala omunye umntwana (Niso
stop it you going to kill her)

47
NOMVELO
I don't know the end result of what Niso did to me other
than waking up in the car with a banging headache. The
headache would get more intense as I move my head, or
if I touch the back of my head. I am even surprised that
I'm still alive, he really was going for the kill..
He was concentrated on the road and I was quiet in the
front seat, I was trying to process everything that
happened earlier on. If my Uncle was here this would've
ended badly, he would've killed Niso without even
thinking twice or asking any questions. I am very
confused with the sudden change of his attitude, I know
that he has always been stubborn, he is a big
disciplinarian but to go this far? I never imagined him
going this far. This is the same person who never wanted
to see a tear in my eye, he never wanted to see me sad
or broken and all of a sudden he is the one hurting me. I
am very confused..
He was very impatient with other drivers on the road, he
was just a different person. Different from how I know
him.
We finally arrived at his place, he parked next to the gate
and we got out. I followed his lead as he led the way. I
really need to bath, I haven't bathe for two days, I looked
like a mess. I was wearing Groovy's short, a spaghetti
top, and flops. My hair was a mess, I didn't even comb it.
All those girls I used to call ratchet I was one of them..
The house was quiet meaning that there was no one, it
was just me and him. I got scared of what he might do to
me..
I slowly sat down on the bed, my headache was getting a
bit intense now..
He looked at me and shook his head..
Him: What are you even wearing?
I didn't say anything, he collected himself so that he
could calm down..
Him: I'm going to get you some pain killers and some
toiletries I'll be right back
He walked to the door..
Him: When I get back I better find you here or else..
His look was threatening on its own without him even
completing the sentence..
Him: Nx!!!!
He banged the door behind him and my heart skipped a
bit..
_
NOMSA
I went to see this other taxi owner, Nkosi. He is also well
respected around here and I think that if we could
partner then things would be better. I really cannot do
this on my own, I need a male figure someone that they
will respect and fear.
We met at some joint and grabbed a bite, he was your
typical taxi owner with a gold ring in his pinky finger. He
dived in on those slab chips, they were drowning in
different sauces..
Him: No... Ngiyakuzwa (I hear you)
I drank my fanta orange a bit..
Me: Ya nginenkinga la and ngicela uncedo (I have a
problem here and I'm asking for help)
Him: Kahle kahle tshela mina.. Why u Danger kungabi
wuye ongenayo? (Tell me something, why isn't Danger
the one helping you)
Me: Well.. Things aren't really good between me and
him, siye saba nok'xabana kancane nje (we had a fight)
Him: Hai mfazi ka JJ mina ngiyaxolisa angeke ngikhone
ukuku nceda (I won't be able to help you)
I was disappointed..
Me: Ngoba? (why not)
Him: I already have my own taxis that come with their
own problems, taking another load it's going to be heavy
on my shoulders
Me: Ngaze ngadumala (I'm disappointed)
Him: I would advise you to talk things out no Danger
because this business other taxi owners can crook you..
Bazok'thathela wonke lama Taxi (They will take all your
taxis)
Me: Sengizabona ukuthi ngenzanjani (I will see what I can
do)
_
NOMVELO
I needed pain killers and I needed them now, I couldn't
tolerate the headache anymore. I heard the kitchen door
opening and closing, maybe that's him. I got up and
made my way to the kitchen only to find that it was
Snazo, he was holding plastics. Looks like he had been
doing some shopping for groceries..
He paused while still holding the plastics and looked at
me, it was a very embarrassing situation. Having him
seeing me like this was very embarrassing..
Him: Hello
Me: Hi
He put the plastics on the counter..
Me: I thought it was Niso
Him: Where is he?
Me: He.. He wen..
Him: Are you alright?
I nodded and caused more pain..
Me: Ahhh...
Him: What's wrong?
He made his way to me, the closer he got the more I
smelled his cologne..
Him: What's wrong?
Me: I have a.. I have a terrible headache
He looked at me for a while which made me very
uncomfortable..
Him: May I?
I slowly nodded.. He rolled his sleeve and then got more
closer, I hope I didn't smell horrible..
He extended his hand and put it at the back of my head,
he gently ran his fingers around that painful area busy
poking it here and there. It was painful, it was painful
that I put my hand on his chest..
Him: Sorry it will just take a second
I closed my eyes as he continued poking until the pain
seized a bit. It was soothing, he has magical hands..
Him: How does that feel?
I opened my eyes looked at him..
Me: A bit better
I removed my hand from his chest. He retracted his from
the back of my head and started rubbing his hands
together.
Him: That's not a tension headache, seems like you
bumped your head or something there's an area that
feels swollen
Me: How did you know the exact area where the pain
arose from?
Him: I didn't know that's why I went all around trying to
feel it
Me: But how did you know that it was at the back of my
head?
He folded his arms..
Him: What happened?
His look intimidated me not in a bad way just, Nazo has
always been intimidating. There's just something about
him and now I find him even more intimidating, I don't
know why..
Me: I fell..
Him: You fell?
Me: Yes
He looked at me as if like he was trying to see if I was
telling the truth or not..
Me: I.. I should go and lie down a bit
I left him standing there and went to the bedroom..
_
NISO
I passed by at Nomvelo's place to get clean close for her,
her Grandmother was relieved to hear that I found her..
Her: Ohhh Thixo wam'.. Thank you Lord
Me: Now you no longer have to worry she will be safe
Her: Can't she come back home?
Velo's Grandmother told me everything about Velo's
uncle being a ritualist and how much it hurt Velo, she
told me everything that transpired the day that Velo ran
away..
Me: For now I think she will be more safe with me and
my family, if she comes back here she might run away
again. Give her time to digest everything and I promise
you that when she has gotten over it, I will bring her back
Her: I'm just happy that she's okay
Me: Tomorrow I want to take her to town, see if we can
find space for her at the college if not maybe she can get
a job just to take her mind off things
She closed her eyes with her hands on her chest and
started crying..
Her: Thank you so much.. May God bless you my son,
may the almighty bless you.. Ohh thank you Lord, thank
you for protecting my Granddaughter. Thank you Jesus..
Thank you for-
As she continued saying that I felt a bit of some hotness
on my arm, I checked it and I had a red mark right on my
pyramid tattoo, more like something burned me.
It was weird..
48
SNAZO
I felt some type of way, Mr Shabalala's look was piercing
through my skin. I could clearly see that he didn't want
me here but then again he was restricted from saying
anything since his wife was the one who wanted me
here. Shine had Calle me to come, he said that Mrs
Shabalala had agreed for me to help her, he told me that
she was desperate. I looked at her and she looked weary,
she was tired. She had given up all hope that she might
be saved from what she's going through, she was no
longer hoping for a miracle but to die. She wanted to be
rid of this pain and suffering. Mr Shabalala was making
me very uncomfortable, I don't think I would proceed
with the matter at hand until he leaves the room..
Mrs S: Baba bengisacela usishiye kancane nje (Can you
please give us some space)
It was almost as if like she read my mind.
Mr Shabalala stood up and walked out, I was only left in
the living room with Mrs Shabalala and her Daughter
Zandile..
Mrs S: Yazi (You know)
She glanced down with tears falling..
Her: I am a burden to both my Husband and my
Daughter, especially my Daughter. She should be
concerntrating on school, she should be going to the mall
with her peers but she's always here with me after
school being my Nurse. She's 16 years, she's way too
young for this
Zandile looked down, she was still wearing her school
uniform..
Mrs S: I have been to Doctors, I have been to Prophets
but still
Shw closed her eyes and exhaled loudly..
Her: If God can just relieve me from this Pain, if God can
just take me now it will be better for my Daughter
I stood up and went to crouch infront of Zandile who
seemed very broken seeing her Mother crying like that.
She was playing with her fingers. This child has a good
and caring heart, most children would be complaining
but all she wants is to see her Mother healed. She wants
to see her Mother free from this suffering.
Me: Hey
She kept quiet..
Me: Do you know how blessed you're?
She shook her head no..
Me: Despite your Mother's condition you still respect
her, you don't take advantage of the fact that she's
wheelchair bound but you still keep that same respect
that you always had for her even before the wheelchair
situation
She wiped her tears..
Me: God has heard your cries, your prayer. Your Mother
doesn't know that every night you secretly pray for her
to get better isn't it?
She nodded..
Me: Guess what?
She looked at me..
Me: Today all her suffering is going to go away, your
Mother will be able to cook for you, clean and do all
those things that she used to do for you before she got
sick
Mrs S: Please don't put false hope on her
I got up and looked at Mrs S..
Me: Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve
years, and had suffered many things from many
physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no
better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about
Jesus, she came behind him in the crowd and touched his
garment. For she said; "IF ONLY I MAY TOUCH HIS
CLOTHES, I SHALL BE MADE WELL" Immediately the
fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her
body that she was healed of the affliction.
-Mark 5 verse 25-29 (NKJV)
She was now very wet with tears..
Me: Her faith is what healed her, I want you to have faith
and believe that you healed. After today may you never
doubt the existence of the almighty but most of all after
this, may you find it in your heart to forgive the person
who has caused you this suffering..
I had a clear vision about everything, Mr Shabala was
having an affair and he got the lady pregnant. Since he
was married he didn't wanna be tied down to a baby that
was conceived through infedility so he forced the woman
to abort. The woman did abort because she didn't want
to raise a baby alone especially when she's unemployed.
It didn't end there, Mr Shabalala had threatened to do
away with her should she keep the pregnancy or tell his
wife, and that's where the bitterness and hatred grew
from this woman. As a form of revenge she resorted into
witchcraft, she wanted Mrs Shabalala to pay for her
Husband's sins. According to her, if it wasn't for Mrs
Shabalala. Mr Shabalala would've never left her not
forced her to have an abortion
I looked at her again..
Me: The person who did this is going to come and
confess, in your heart I want you to find forgiveness and
move on. With or without your husband
Her: I don't understand
Me: You will don't worry
I got on one knee and I held her leg. I squeezed it a bit..
Me: Receive this healing in Jesus name
She screamed a bit as the pain and cramps left her, the
snakes that were compressing her legs let go. I held the
other leg and said the same words..
I looked at Zandile and instructed her to get the basin
that had water mixed with a bit of salt and a towel, to
relieve the swelling. Zandile went to get the basin and
the towel..
I put her legs in the basing and I could see that the
lukewarm water was very soothing to her as she closed
her eyes and held her breath a little..
I poured water on every part of her legs..
Me: You are healed.. I would like you to say those words
Her: I am healed
Me: Say those words until you believe that you are
healed
Her: I am healed.. I am healed.. I am healed
Tears fell..
Me: I will be back
I went to the kitchen, got the paraffin and the match box
then went outside to burn those snakes, to burn what
was hidden below the ground by that woman who was
bewitching Mrs S. As the snakes burned I could hear her
screams, After this she is going to come here to confess
so that she could release herself from the burning
sensation. She is going to take off all her clothes in hopes
that the burning will stop, after she had confessed and
asked for forgiveness. Her sanity will be restored back by
Mrs Shabalala's forgiveness. If not, she will be running
around like a mad person. It is important that Mrs
Shabalala finds it in her heart to forgive her, and I know
she will because she is kind hearted..
I went back to the house and found her walking to the
kitchen, her legs were still wabbly it was like she was a
baby taking her first step. She will get the hang of
walking again as soon as the swelling goes down, by next
week her legs will be strong again..
Mrs S: I am healed.. I cannot b..
Me: No don't say that don't say "I cannot believe" you
already believed it, you already believed in this healing
Zandile was soo emotional too that she hugged her
Mother..
Mrs S: I don't even know what to say
Me: Thank the Lord
The door opened and Mr Shabalala walked in, He
couldn't believe it. He couldn't believe that his wife was
walking again..
Zandile: Papa look.. Ma is walking again
I saw tears forming in his eyes too, he went and hugged
her wife who was now sobbing and so was Zandile. It was
a beautiful and emotional moment..
Mr Shabalala broke the hug and came to me, he wiped
his tears and hugged me..
Him: Thank you.. Thank you Son
He was even trembling..
Him: Thank you very much
He broke the hug...
Me: I'm just a servant, thank the one who brought about
your wife's healing
He nodded repeatedly shaking my hand..
Mrs S: God bless you.. May God richly bless you, you
don't know what you have done for me and my family
Mr Shabalala went back to his wife..
Me: Now you can burn the wheelchair or even give it
away
They laughed..
Me: Enjoy the rest of your day.. May God bless you
I hope they will be able to get through the news of the
affair, I hope after the confession Mr Shabalala will
change his ways. May this be a wake up call to him..
_
MANTWA
Therapy was going well, I wasn't 100% fine but I was
getting there. Dr Patel was would come to my ward every
now and then, especially when he is doing nightshift to
keep me company at times he would bring me Samosas. I
was really enjoying therapy I didn't know that talking
could cleanse the soul like this, I didn't know that I would
find healing in sharing my pain. It was easy for me to
forgive Nazo because the breakup wasn't due to him ill
treating me nor cheating, though I truly loved him but I
am happy that he didn't hurt me in that way. At least no
other man to follow will suffer for his sins because he
didn't break me in that way. Tomorrow I was being
discharged, I am looking forward to going home and
going back to my life. Hospitals can be draining at times..
Him: Good day
He walked in holding a Tupperware..
Me: Good day
Him: I brought you some chicken curry
Me: When do you get time to cook?
Him: This was prepared by my Mother, she is at my place
visiting for a couple of days
Me: Hmmm mama's boy?
He chuckled..
Him: Hardly
Me: Thank you for the chicken curry
Him: Are you happy that you going home tomorrow?
Me: Yes I am..
Him: It's good that you going home
(Silence)
Him: I would still like to remain friends with you even
when you out
Me: I'd like that too
He smiled at me and I smiled at him too..
_
NOMVELO
I had a good nap although I still had the headache, it
wasn't that tense anymore.
I opened my eyes and found Niso starring at me, he was
sitting on the chair a bit close to the bed..
Him: Hey
Me: Hey
I sat up straight..
Me: For how long have I been sleeping?
Him: For a while now
Me: Ohw
Him: I passed by at your house and got you some clean
clothes
Me: Thank you
Him: I'm sorry.. I shouldn't have attacked you
I kept quiet..
Him: Before your Uncle passed on he made me promise
him that I will take care of you, when you went missing I
thought that I had broken that promise. I thought that I
was never going to find you ever again, especially with
these horror stories of girls getting kidnapped and
everything. I thought you were laying in a ditch
somewhere dead I was scared
Me: I was not in a good space.. I was hurt and confused
He came and sat next to me, he pulled me closer to him
and gave me a tight squeeze..
Him: You don't deserve everything that's happening to
you, if you keep on going like this then you going to make
that witch happy. I want you to fix your life, I am here
and I'm going to help you. Just promise me that you will
never run away ever again
Me: I promise
He kissed me on my forehead..
Him: I love you
Me: I love you too

49
SNAZO
After the scenario with the Shabalala's I met up with
Shine for a snack. Since we were working different jobs
we hardly had time to chill and catch up, but now since
they done we can hang out more. We were chilling at our
usual spot as always, we were at gazini having some
chips and ribs..
Him: Vele vele Ntwana cool drink?
I looked at the can of coke..
Me: Ya I don't feel like drinking
Him: Just say it nje ukuthi awusabutheli (Just say it that
you no longer drinking)
I chuckled. Lately I have lost all interest in drinking, I
hardly drink nor smoke. Both those habits are growing
out of me, funny with smoking I thought that I was going
to have withdrawal symptoms but I didn't...
Shine: K'hambe kanjani? (how did it go)
Me: K'vaye grand but his Wife is going to be heartbroken
when she learns that it's the mistres who did that to her
He whistled..
Him: Aii kubi (It's ugly)
We continued eating and chatting..
Shine: Manje wena no Mantwa? (what about you and
Mantwa)
Me: The last time I heard she was in hospital, after I
broke up with her she tried hurting herself. She
attempted suicide
Him: Ngendaba yomjolo nje? (Just for dating)
Me: She was in too deep.. I still feel bad
Him: Mara umcavile? (did you check up on her)
Me: Naa.. Her Mom said I shouldn't call her again
Him: As long aGrand
Me: What about you and Sbosh?
Him: ahh uthi she's pregnant
Me: Serious?
Him: Ya ung'tshele kanjalo (that's what she told me)
Me: You think it's true?
Him: Ang'cavi uthe uzoya Doctor (she said she's gonna go
to the Dr)
Me: if uringa iWaar Ntwana congratulations (If she's
telling the truth.. Congratulations)
Him: Eish Ntwana incosi iExpensive mara nabangabe vele
usthwele sisonke (A baby is expensive but if she is
pregnant then we together in this)
Me: Yizo Ntwana (That's how it's supposed to be)
Him: so sikela mina manje are you still going to date?
(tell me something are you still going to date)
Me: Since I'm going to be a preacher soon I need to get
married because I'm going to have a church
Him: Yho!! Ntwana wena vele Indaba zama white
wedding
We both laughed..
Me: I just hope she's going to be worth it
Him: Unga stressi (don't stress)
We continued eating..
Shine tooked out his phone..
Him: Eish missed call.. Ngiyeza (I'm coming)
He got up and went to make a phone call.
_
NOMVELO
After bathing I felt relaxed and very clean, at Groovy's
place I didn't do much of bathing. I went and joined Niso
in the living room, he was sitting at the table and busy in
his laptop..
I sat ontop of him..
Me: What are you doing?
Him: I was checking for vacancies so far I found 3.. Since
you will be starting school again next year, I think it will
be better if you get a job instead of lazing around
He kissed me on my shoulder while I nodded..
Him: mostly it's retail
Me: Anything will do for now
Him: We can work on your Cv and send it tomorrow
Me: Okay but all my documents are at my Uncle's place..
Or should I say Nomsa's place
Him: We will go get them tomorrow
I noticed that he had a burnt mark on his arm..
Me: What happened here?
Him: I am not sure
Me: Is it painful?
Him: Just a little
He kissed me at the back of my neck..
Me: Tomorrow I should also go and see my
Grandmother.. What do you think?
Him: I think she would appreciate that
He ran his hands from my waist all up to my breasts..
Him: I've missed you
Me: I've missed you too
I changed the sitting position so that we could face each
other, and then we kissed.
Me: Maybe we should go to the bedroom, I don't want
your Mom or your Brother walking in on us
Him: Okay
He picked me up and then we made our way to the
bedroom..
_
MANTWA
I heard a knock at the door and it was Dr Patel, he made
his way in..
Me: Going home?
Him: Ya.. I just finished my shift
Me: Okay
Him: I might not see you tomorrow when you leave, I'll
be off
Me: That's bad
He walked in and sat at the edge of the bed while holding
his laptop bag..
Him: How is therapy going?
Me: It's going well I'm really enjoying it
Him: That's good
Him: Not to be forward maybe I should have your
number so that I can check up on you
He handed me his iPhone, and I put in my numbers..
This time around I don't want to be forward, the last time
I took charge with Nazo it didn't end well. I ended up
here..
Him: I'll call you
Me: Okay
Him: Good night
Me: Night
He got up and left...
_
NOMVELO
Right when we were still caught up in the moment, I
heard the kitchen door opening and closing. I broke the
kiss..
Niso: what?
Me: Someone came in
Him: So?
Me: So? I find it uncomfortable getting busy when
someone is around the house
The TV went on..
Gugu: Niso are you home?
Niso: While we at it tomorrow we must also get our own
place
I laughed..
Gugu: I saw your car outside
Niso: Ya ng'khona (I'm around)
Gugu: Okay... Are you hungry? Khane ngizopheka (I'm
just about to start cooking)
Niso: Take your time
Gugu: Wenzani? (what are you doing)
Niso: Just resting
Gugu: Okay ke.. Manje indaba ka Nomvelo? (what about
Nomvelo)
Niso: Eish Gugu we will talk later!
Gugu: Ngiyabuza nje kphela hau! (I'm just asking)
He got off me and laid next to me, he was hard..
Him: You know we can..
Me: No.. I don't trust your Mom she will be calling you
when we caught up in the moment
He exhaled in frustration..
Him: Fine ke give me a hand job
He took my hand and put it inside his briefs..
Him: You will play with me until I come then after we
going to go and talk to Gugu
I don't think Gugu likes me, and I hope that she will allow
for me to stay here for a while until I am ready to go back
to my Grandmother's place..
_
SNAZO
After chilling with Shine I went home, I wanted to have
an early night. I unlocked my room and walked in, I
closed the door and turned around. I saw this lady sitting
on my bed. I freaked out a bit, she was wearing a white
dress..
Her: Hi Snazo
Me: Who are you? And how did you get in?
She stood up and I noticed that she was slightly taller
than me. She was pretty tall for a girl..
Her: My name is Helena.. You don't know how much I
have waited to meet you
Me: How did you get in here?
Her: I'm an angel I can get in anywhere
Me: You a white?
I laughed in disbelief..
Her: I thought we were pass that stage of you not
believing
Me: Don't get me wrong I'm used to the glowing type of
angels with wings?
She looked around..
Her: Well your room is quiet small, my wings are big but
for all it's worth
She walked closer and stretched her hand to me. I
stretched mine to her for a handshake and my our hands
started glowing, there expelled this bright light
Her: Now do you believe?
She retracted her hand back..
Me: Wow
She walked around in the room..
Her: Out of all my charges you the one with an
interesting gift
She looked at me..
Her: The gift of healing with your hands and with words..
You don't know how many broken souls you going to
heal and save from suicide and premature death
Me: Thank you I guess
Her: Snazo I am responsible for you, whatever you do it's
going to affect me too. I am meant to guide you
Me: I don't understand
Her: You need to understand that you won't be able to
save everyone
Me: Okay?
Her: And that everyone includes your own Brother
Me: Excuse me?
Her: Snazo unfortunately Niso cannot be saved
I chucked..
Me: You kidding me right? Why not? Everyone deserves
to be saved
Her: He.. Apart from the fact that he is leading many
souls to doom sometimes fate is far beyond human
understanding
Me: Okay listen.. You don't understand, I accepted this
gift because of him! For him to be safe at all times! If
something happens to him then all of this, I won't be able
to do this
Her: Sweetie deep down you have accepted this gift
because you wanna save souls it's not entirely about him
Me: I am not going to let anything happen to him!
Her: Nazo his soul belongs to Lucifer
Me: And I will fight him
Her: Nazo you a healer you can't really fight Lucifer head
on
Me: I've been doing exorcisms with Dawn and trust me I
am not scared
Her: I like your confidence but..
Me: but nothing!
Her: Do you realize that you cannot change fate? If I help
you in this I am going to end up in Purgatory forever do
you know what Purgatory is like?
Me: I don't care!!
Her: You can't save him!!
Me: I can and I will!
Her: No you won't!
Me: If anything happens to him.. I will rain blood on
anything labeled a Christian out there, I promise you
Her: You don't mean that
Me: Yes I do! Mark my words!

50
SNAZO
I couldn't understand I thought that Angels were
supposed to be perfect, these perfect and innocent
creatures that reside in heaven. Having this Helena of an
Angel tell me that my Brother cannot be saved wasn't
sitting well with me. I was now questioning if they really
what they seem to be..
Me: I thought Angels were perfect mystical creatures, I
thought you were perfect but now it sounds to me that
you twisted!
Her: I know how it sounds but you don't understand
Me: When did my Brother even sell his soul? Niso is way
too different from me, he doesn't even believe in the
supernatural
Her: What's happening to him goes deeper, it goes
beyond having a tattoo. Niso has always attributed traits
that made him vulnerable for Lucifer to whisper to him.
The tattoo just became strawberries ontop
Me: What exactly are you saying?
Her: He once said and I quote "if Illuminati is selling my
soul for riches, and the only fear is dying broke. Then hell
is where I decide to go" that affirmation from him
everyday is what got him where he is in the first place,
following his anger, Arrogance, and stubbornness. Niso
has sunk deeper and deeper he is leading more and more
souls into doom. Just as you a servant of God, he too is a
servant to his own master
Me: My Brother is..
Her: A devil worshiper.. Nazo people tend to look for an
easy way out of tough situations and Niso saw what his
doing as the only way out. His situation wasn't entirely
lack and limitation. He wanted power, he wanted
respect, he wanted riches even if it meant selling his soul
Me: He is my Brother there has to be a way
Her: This is not a demonic possession, he is not
possessed but working for the devil. He can only be
saved if he is willing to give up what he got from the devil
I don't see him doing that. I have looked at it in all
possible ways and I still get the same result
Me: I will conjure Lucifer if I have too
Her: I know how much you love your Brother and how
much you care for him but Nazo your Brother is a
different spectrum from who you are now, this goes way
deeper than you think. Innocent lives are at stake
Mothers are crying for their children I am sorry, I am
here because you matter more than you think to us. You
have to fulfill your destiny.. You are saving and he is
killing
Me: He matters to me too!! He is my Brother and he
matters to me!
Her: I am only telling you this because I want you to be
able to let go when the time comes, we cannot stop the
reaper when it comes for his soul and if you save him
then..
Me: So there is a way to save him?
Her: If you save him he is going to kill someone who is
tied to your destiny
Me: I don't understand
Her: He is going to kill Nomvelo
Me: My Brother can be anything but he is not a murderer
Her: Your Brother isn't, but your Brother who sold his
soul is! If he's saved then Nomvelo dies
Me: I don't care!! She can die for all I care she has been
nothing but Pain ever since she came into our lives
Her: You not my first charge but you the first that's this
stubborn. I am your guardian anything you do I will
account for it, I will have to go to Purgatory forever and
being there means my next charges are going to suffer
Me: You cannot see the future
Her: "Do you suppose that I came to give peace on
earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from
now on five in one house will be divided: three against
two, and two against three. Father will be divided against
son and son against father, mother against daughter and
daughter against mother" Luke 12 verse 51-53
I heard someone knocking at the door..
Helena: Wake up and open
Voice: Nazo!! Are you in Man?
I slowly opened my eyes and looked around in my
bedroom, I was alone. Looked like I had passed out in
bed. It was now even dark outside, for how long have I
been out?
The knock persisted...
Me: I'm coming
I got out of bed while yawning and went to open, it was
Niso..
Him: I thought you were still out
Me: I must've passed out when I got back
Him: This the 3rd time I came looking for you
Me: I must've been dead asleep
Him: Seems so
He looked around as I switched on the light..
Me: I even think that I had a dream.. I just don't
remember what it was about
He chuckled..
Him: Did you go hard on the bottle or weed?
Me: Neither
Him: Ayt man I want you present.. Got something I
wanna talk to you and Gugu about
Me: Now?
Him: Yeah now
Me: Ayt I'll be there
Him: Cool
He walked out..
That was very weird..
_
DANGER
Nomsa had called me to come and see her, she wanted
to talk to me about something important. She poured me
a glass of whiskey and I just looked at it..
Her: Danger you should be thanking me.
At least now Nomvelo knows the truth, at least she
knows who her real father is
Me: You want me to thank you for ruining my Daughter's
life? It wasn't your place to tell her
Her: Were you even going to tell her?
Me: She had just lost her Uncle.. Someone who mattered
a lot to her she is emotionally broken
Her: I'm sorry and I'm sorry how things are but Danger
you and I have always been good friends
Me: I'm no fool Nomsa.. What do you want?
I looked around the room..
Her: Okay look I will give Nomvelo R5 000 a month, pay
for her tuition fees until she's done at school and give her
back her car
Me: At what price?
Her: All you have to do is to mind the Taxi business, I will
make sure that you also well taken of
Me: Do you even know the price of these riches?
Everything here is a sacrifice of my wife's heart and
blood! Do you know what JJ had to do to get everything
that he owned? Sacrificing his own sister so what you
going to do? Because riches like this need blood
sacrifice?
She kept quiet...
Me: I only stayed and worked for JJ because of my
Daughter, I needed to make sure that she didn't become
the sacrifice at some point.. Do you really think that I
wanted to be a part of what caused me the greatest
pain? Think again
I stood up..
Me: You don't know what you getting yourself into, so
help you God
I made my way to the door..
_
NOMVELO
I was very nervous, nervous at how they were going to
respond to Niso's request. I love Niso and right now he is
my sanity, I am trying to heal from what happened and
he is the love that keeps me sane. I was holding his hand
tight as he delivered the news to his Mother and
Brother..
Him: I called both of you here because I wanted to talk to
you about something that's very important
Gugu's look was already making me very
uncomfortable..
Niso: I promised JJ that I will take care of Nomvelo, he
asked me to and.. Nomvelo has been through a lot she's
actually actually going through a lot and I think she
should be close to me for time being I have already
spoken to her Grandmother and she will be staying with
us
They both kept quiet..
Gugu: I.. I don't think that's a good idea
Niso: Obviously it wouldn't be to you
Gugu: Niso don't involve yourself in other people's
business let Nomvelo sort herself out with her family I'm
sorry that you went through what you went through and
we know how you feel we just lost my Mother but you
don't see any of us moving in at other people's places
Niso: Gugu!
Gugu: What? I am very uncomfortable about this whole
thing.. Nazo would agree with me that Cohabitation is a
sin
Me: It's okay I'll go back home
Niso: No you not going anywhere!
He looked at his Mom..
Niso: If you don't want her here then you don't want me
here
Gugu: Niso life is not like that! You cannot do this!
Niso: Yes I can!! You busy preaching about cohabitation
being wrong while you slept with every dick out there!
Then got two sons whom you don't even know who their
father is
Gugu: You watch your mouth!!!
Niso: You should be happy that I'm committed to one girl
only instead of sticking my dick everywhere!
Gugu: Yey wena!!!!!
Me: Niso stop
Gugu looked at Snazo..
Gugu: Uzomyeka vele? (you going to let him be like)
Niso: Yes let's bring the Prophet into this matter hoping
lightning will strike me down! Nazo is weak! Since he
took this retarded road he has turned into nothing but a
weakling!!!
Nazo seemed like he was getting bored by what's
happening, he stood up walked away with his hands in
his pockets..
Gugu was hurt, she stood up and went to her bedroom, I
really don't know what has gotten into Niso. He was
never like this..

51
NOMVELO
I thought that I knew Niso but clearly I didn't. Yes he has
always been a bit stubborn and arrogant but what he did
last night, that was too much. I have never seen him like
that, I never pictured him going that far as to disrespect
his family like that. If he could treat his own Mother like
that, someone who brought him into this world then who
am I? What if he does the same thing to me and more?
This thing called life has no sense of humor. Just to think
that my life was perfect once upon a time and now
everything has just crumbled down, and then I learned
that parts of what seemed like a perfect life was all a lie..
It was damn too much for me! I wish someone could
understand the pain that I was feeling, it wasn't bliss at
all..
I have been up now for almost an hour or so, the
weather outside seemed a bit cloudy like it was going to
rain. I wasn't sure about the time but all I know is that I
had no strength of going out of this room, especially
since it has been clear to me over and over that Gugu
doesn't like me. I wonder how life could've been if my
Mother was still around, I don't even know were to go
home is not an option. My Grandmother stood by and
watched her Son kill my Mother, I strongly believe that
she knew. She knew that JJ killed my Mother but she said
nothing because she was enjoying the fruits from the evil
tree. If there's truly a God out there then he has failed
me, I was 5 when I witnessed the horror of my Mom
being killed as if like she wasn't human. Her heart was
ripped, she died in pain. She died while crying and
begging for her life. I might not remember everything
that happened that night but she was human and she
didn't deserve to die like that...
Niso walked back in, if you wanna go out to the kitchen
or anywhere you can. I don't think she has came out of
her room..
Me: And you not worried?
Him: No I'm not
That was cold..
Him: Look my Mother and I, things have always been like
this between us. Way before you came into the picture
Me: I don't know.. This is not the life I wanna live always
bumping into walls with your Mother
Him: You don't have too.. We can go and find our own
place to live
Me: Still that won't solve the situation
Him: I don't know what you want then
Me: Maybe I should just go back home
Him: No..
Me: I can't run away forever
Him: You wanna go home so that you can run off again?
Me: I can't live here.. The environment is not nice
Him: I told you that we don't have to live here!! I can get
us a place!
Me: You at school.. Where do you even get all this
money from?
Him: That's my business!
His phone beeped, he took it and read the message..
(Silence)
Him: I have to go somewhere.. We will continue this
when I get back, you and Gugu will just have to make it
work and you not going home!! Not as yet
He walked out and banged the door behind him..
_
SNAZO
The first thing I did when I woke up was to go and see
Dawn he was at his studio. Niso is becoming too much, I
don't like what he is turning out to be at all. With his
sudden change of behavior I had no doubt that the devil
is involved, I will have to help him before the devil totally
consumes him..
I don't know why you but I've been having this weird
feeling like I had to remember something, something
that was very important. Last night I kept on having
flashes of a conversation that I had with someone, I don't
remember what it was about and I don't remember who
the person was..
I didn't expect to find him at his studio so early in the
morning but then again Dawn is a workaholic he
probably has been here the whole night with his team.
I knocked at his office, he was sitting at his desk with his
laptop open. I heard screams I think he was watching one
of the exorcism tapes..
Me: Hey
He closed the laptop..
Him: Nazo?
I walked in..
Me: How are you?
Him: I'm good just surprised to see you here especially
this early
Me: Ya man sorry for just showing up and not even
calling
Him: I guess now I know why my gut feeling has been
telling me to go to work early
Me: I guess so
I closed the door..
Me: There was no one at the reception reception
Him: I know my team only arrives at 08:00am, it's 6:30am
I nodded..
Him: Is everything alright?
Me: Everything is not alright
Him: What's wrong
Me: I need your help
Him: You know I'm always here to help
Me: Ya I'm afraid this is something a bit complicated
He gave me a puzzling look..
Me: I want to conjure Lucifer
He looked at me for at least 10 seconds without saying
anything..
Him: I'm sorry I thought I heard you saying you want to
conjure Lucifer?
Me: Yes I want to conjure him
Him: What's wrong?
Me: It's my Brother I have to save him
Him: And you think conjuring Lucifer will help?
Me: Dawn I wouldn't be asking this if it wasn't important
Him: Nazo you want to conjure Lucifer, you want to bring
him here from hell.. You can't disturb a snake in it's
territory and not expect to be bitten
Me: This is the only choice that I have.. The only shot at
saving my Brother
Him: Nazo we can't do that.. Conjuring Lucifer will not
only bring him about but also when that curtain is
opened many spirits will cross over not friendly spirits
and my teams will be here soon not all of them are
believers they vulnerable to possession
Me: Close the studio for a few hours
Him: What?
Me: Dawn please.. I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't
important. I am desperate
He looked at me for a while..
Him: Even if I wanted to help you Nazo it's not possible
Me: Meaning?
Him: You a healer you don't really go deep into fighting
evil not as deep as an exorcist or a prophet so you always
have a warrior Angel with you that protects you from the
Lucifer's dark soldiers... There is Noway that we can
conjure Lucifer and not have the warrior angel attacking..
They can't be in the same room together
I looked around..
Me: Is it with Me now?
Him: It's with you at all times
Me: We will just have to take that risk
He exhaled..
Him: Are you sure?
Me: wouldn't you do the same for someone that you
cared about?
Him: Fine.. If we do this then we have to do it quickly
before the team gets here.. Follow me
He led the way out and I followed him..
_
NOMVELO
There was no way that I was going to stay here, not with
everything that's happening. Though I really didn't wanna
go back to my Grandmother's house but I have no choice,
I cannot stay here while it's always world War 3. I'm
going through a lot and I would like my peace..
When I got to the kitchen Gugu was there, it was a bit of
a weird situation. I didn't know what to say, I couldn't
turn back. She was washing dishes while humming a
certain song at the same time..
I collected my self and walked closer to the door..
Me: Good morning
She stopped humming, she paused for a few seconds
without even turning to look at me. She then continued
with what she was doing. I made my way to the door and
opened but I didn't walk out..
Me: I'm sorry about last night... Niso.. I am going back
home it was never my intention to make you and him
fight
She ignored me, I wanted to say more but her attitude
wasn't right. I walked out and closed the door behind
me..
_
SNAZO
We were in another room that was much bigger and
looked like a store room. There was a lot of boxes
around, files, and other things that they use. There was
even their equipment, cameras, lights, microphones and
what not. He took down a box and handed it to me, I
looked inside and it had crystals, chalks, a book and a few
other things..
Him: We have to draw a Devil's trap and put crystals
around it.. The trap and the crystals will trap Lucifer and
any spirit accompanying him from causing any harm or
possession..
He got down from the ladder..
He came and went through the box..
Him: Here
He gave me an amulet...
Him: It will prevent him and his friends from possessing
you.. Put it on, it's for protection
I put the box down and put it on..
Me: How did you learn about this stuff?
Him: I'm an exorcist.. It's my job to know about this staff
as you call it
He took out the book and pages through until he got into
some page that had what looked like a pentagon of some
sort, he took the chalks and looked around the room..
Him: Help me move some of these chairs to create more
space
We moved the chairs and created space, then he started
drawing on the floor..
Him: This is the Devil's trap you should draw it in some
parts of your house
Me: Yeah then my Brother won't be able to come in
We both laughed..
Him: Your Brother is blessed to have you.. He must be
grateful
Me: Yeah we been through a lot together
As Dawn was setting everything up, the small window
reflected a bit of light which in turn I saw a shadow of big
wings flapping around behind me. I turned around and
no one was standing behind me...
Me: Err Dawn
Him: Yeah?
Me: Come here for a sec
He made his way to me...
Him: What?
Look at this..
I showed him the shadow of the wings..
Him: As I've said before.
You have a warrior angel with you at all times.. Archangel
Uri
Me: You can see him?
Him: Yes
Me: Really? How come I can't?
Him: warrior angels their true form is a bit scary, you
might find it unpleasant when you see him plus you
really need to be in tune with your spiritual self to him
right now deep within you there's no peace
I looked behind me again and I still didn't see anyone
Dawn went back to the set up, I moved to the side and
the wings followed me..
Me: Interesting
Dawn: What's interesting
Me: Nothing
I looked at him as he sat up everything, I might have one
shot at Lucifer.. I hope this works
_
NISO
I met up with one of my clients, he looked like shit. He
was trembling he had black spots around his eye, his lips
were dry and his eyes were a bit red. He looked like he
hasn't slept in a while..
He gave me the R2 000, while I have him 3 pills..
Me: You alright man?
He was shaking really bad, and he was dressed up very
warm as if like it was snowing...
Him: Do I look okay?
Me: Go easy hey
Him: Are you mocking me?
He opened the plastic and took out one pill..
Me: Hey you can't do this here
Him: I really need a fix
Me: I know but not here
I looked around..
Him: I am going crazy I really need to do this right now!!
Me: Man just calm down!!
Him: You calm down!!!
He looked around..
Him: For the past few days I.. I swear man that I've been
seeing the Devil's face.. I've been hallucinating without
my fix, I've been seeing demons everywhere.. It's hard
man.. It's really hard
I snatched the plastic away from him..
Him: Give me my shit!!
Me: You can't do this here.. Now keep it cool I'll drive you
home
Him: No...
He looked around...
Him: Get away from me!!
Me: Ethen??
Him: Tell them to get away from me!!
Me: Man calm down there's nothing here
Him: Go away!!
He was acting all paranoid..
Me: Eth..
The security guard walked up to us, he monitors the cars
in the parking lot..
Me: Ethen just calm down man
Him: No get away from me!!!
I tried holding him to calm him down but he panicked
and started hitting Me..
Me: Fuck it Ethen!!
Security: Is everything okay?
Me: Everything is fine
Ethen: Get away from me!!
Security: Sir are you okay?
Me: He's fine
Ethen: Get away from me you bloody devil
Out of nowhere he jumped on the security and started
attacking him, the security guard got his pepper spray
and sprayed him..
Ethen: My eyes!!!
He went down..
Me: Ethen?
He went down on the ground while struggling a bit until
he was was perfectly still. His eyes had also rolled back
and he had a visible mark on his arm of a cross that was
upside down, it was very weird..
52
NISO
My first thought was to get out of there as fast as I could
but since the security guard was with me when
everything went down I couldn't leave, I had to wait for
the police so that I could give out a statement. Ethen has
always been a problematic client I get it that he was
addicted but he could've waited till we met up in a
private place, not at my local mall. I couldn't cut him off, I
know him from school he was going to give me away..
I gave the police my statement something simple that
Ethen and I were friends, we met up at the mall to catch
up on school work since final exams were approaching. I
haven't been to school in a while and since he was a
closest friend he offered to come and give me notes..
Officer: You haven't been to school ngoba ubugula? (You
haven't been to school because you have been sick)
Me: That's correct
He was kind of difficult to read..
Officer: Does the school know that you sick?
Me: It's tertiary attending is not compulsory It didn't
occur to me that I should report
He nodded while writing in the pad..
Him: Why were you two meeting up so early in the
morning?
Me: He had to go to school
Him: He couldn't drop the notes at your house?
Me: The hood is a bit difficult to navigate for People like
Ethen, the mall seemed like a convinient place to meet
up
He wrote again..
I saw the body bag being put in the pathology van. There
was a crowd now, it was also composed of people who
were on the morning shift..
Me: Is there any more questions?
Him: No Son.. That's all
Me: I can leave?
Him: Yes.. Though can I have your number incase I need
to see you again
Me: Yes Ofcause
I gave him my number..
Him: You free to go
Me: Thank you
I walked up straight to my car without even looking
back..
_
SNAZO
Dawn: Are you ready?
Me: I'm ready
We had set up everything, what was left was for Dawn to
say the spell and conjure him...
Dawn: Here goes nothing
He started reading from the book..
Dawn: "Zerutik ateratako suge zaharra, zu biltzea ...
Lucifer nondik zetorren"
Nothing happened, it was quiet for a while..
I turned and looked at Dawn..
Me: Did you read correctly?
Him: Yes I did
Me: Then what's happening?
Him: I don't know Nazo.. Plus it was a bad idea from the
start
Me: Well read again
Him: You only have to say it once
Me: Obviously it didn't work
He stretched the book out to me..
Him: Wanna take a shot?
Me: I would if I knew how to read the language
He closed the book..
Him: Look let's cut our losses and-
All of a sudden we heard voices laughing, we heard them
from the four corners of the room just going around.
They were quite irritating..
Dawn: Seems like his friends are here too
When we were still being annoyed by the voices, a figure
appeared in the middle of the Devil's trap. I've seen it
before, the figure with a black robe. One that you can't
put a face too..
The crystals started glowing they also played their part in
trapping him inside
Lucifer: Nor izan zitzaizkidan ausartak niri konbentzitzeko
(who had the guts to conjure me)
He slowly turned and faced us, well I'm assuming he was
looking at us considering the fact that we couldn't see his
evil face. It was hidden by that hat from his robe. I
couldn't even see his legs the robe was covering that up,
never mind his hands they were folded and the robe
covered them up too. I can just say all we saw was the
robe and heard his voice, he was tall. Taller than the last
time I had an encounter with him..
Lucifer: Sükut! (Silence)
The voices kept quiet..
Lucifer: My My My... What do we have here?
I heard wings flapping behind me..
Lucifer: inviting me in the same room with an angel, not
soo smart. Dawn you should know better
The room trembled as if like there was an earthquake..
Lucifer: Good and evil cannot exist along side each
other.. Choose either me or him here
I turned and looked at Dawn..
Dawn: You have to talk to the Archangel, if the ground
breaks Lucifer will be set free from the trap
Me: How do I talk to something that I can't see?
Dawn: Focus
I turned around and I couldn't see anything..
Dawn: Deep within connect with Uri
I closed my eyes in hopes to connect with the angel..
(10 seconds later)
Dawn: You might wanna hurry a bit
Lucifer: This is going to be fun.. My cup of tea!
I remembered deep within who I was doing this for and
then I shifted my attention from the noise in the room
and focused on the wings flapping. I then opened my
eyes and there he was, standing right in front of me. He
was a giant and his wings reached the ceiling, I still don't
know how he was able to flap them around. He had a
sword with him.
I just looked at him, I let the voice that we share deep
within do all the talking without me uttering a word and
he moved back. He didn't entirely leave the room..
I turned and looked at Lucifer, glad to see that the Devil's
trap didn't crack and also no crystal shifted from it's
place..
Lucifer: That's disappointing
Me: How come we can't see your face?
Him: I don't have a body! I am not human, for you to see
my face I will have to possess a human being this robe
covers me in case I need to make an entrance
Dawn: Good to know you haven't possessed anyone
Lucifer: Why did you bring me here?
Me: It's about my Brother.. I want you to cut the deal
that you have with him
Lucifer: It's not that easy, see Nazo life is not as colorful
as you think but we all have choices. In this battle of
good and evil we choose which side we belong too and
he made his choice
Me: I don't care what choice he made I want you to
release him do you understand me? Or else-
Lucifer: Or else what?
I moved closer and Dawn stopped me..
I moved back again..
Lucifer: Do your path and he will do his!
Me: I will make sure that there's no rest for you! I will-
Lucifer: Ah ah ah ah.. Hold your tongue now boy! You
listen to me. Stay out of my way and I will stay out of
yours! And as for your Brother he will be soon useless to
me you don't worry about that
Me: What does that mean?
Lucifer: Tick tok.. Tick tok.. Useless soldiers I tend to
discard them and recruit new strong soldiers
Me: So what are you going to do? Kill me?
Him: You give me way too much credit
Me: You leave him alone do you hear me?
Him: With pleasure! Plus he will meet his doom soon!!
He then disappeared..
I was confused, much of what he said I couldn't
understand..
_
HOSPITAL
I am Detective Zwane and I have been working on a case
that's very personal to me. About a few weeks ago my
Daughter got hooked into drugs as a way of dealing with
her pain, see Me and her Mom we divorcing and when
the divorce has been finalized I will have to move to
another place and she couldn't take that. She couldn't
deal with the pain. She took some drugs that really
messed her up, she is currently fighting for her life at the
hospital and soon we might have to pull the plug because
I don't think she will come back. Funny enough Doctors
can't find anything wrong with her, her vital organs are
still functioning well she just doesn't want to wake up.
My wife went as far as getting a spiritual healer who told
us that my Daughter's spirit is currently trapped in a dark
place, guarded by demons. She tried performing a ritual
but it backfired, she dropped on the floor and died. The
only thing left now is to just pull the plug, there's no
hope she will never come back. I have been dedicated in
finding the person who did this to her, I will lock that Son
of a b** and throw away the key. I looked at her..
Me: I promise you sweetheart, I will find the bastard that
sold you the drugs and he is going to pay for what he did
to you and those other poor kids
My wife couldn't stop crying and it pained me seeing her
in that state, I also wiped the tear from my cheek..
She kissed her on her forehead..
Her: Goodbye baby I love you very much
I kissed her hand..
Me: Goodbye sweetheart.. I love you
The Dr turned off the machine a part of me just died
there, it went with my Daughter..
_
NOMVELO
Grams: Velo
She stood up from the chair, she didn't look so good..
Me: Duchess
She made her way to me..
Her: I was worried.. I was very worried about you
Me: I'm fine
She tried to hug me but I stepped back..
Me: It won't be fixed today.. It's going to take a while for
us to go back to how we used to be
Her: I swear to you I didn't know.. I didn't know what JJ
did, I swear on my life
Me: Either I.. It's going to take a while
Her: I understand.. I'm just glad that you back
I nodded..
Me: I'll go and lie down a bit
Her: Would you like something to eat?
Me: No thank you
I walked out on her to the bedroom..
53
NISO
That was close, that was very close I'll need to be very
careful next time or else these addicts will get me locked
up. I got home and Nomvelo was nowhere to be found, I
had told her not to go anywhere until I came back. Gugu
was washing the curtains she does a lot of cleaning lately
think it's her way to keeping sane with everything that
has happened, especially since my Grandmother passed
on..
Me: Gugu!
She ignored Me..
Me: Have you.. Did Nomvelo say anything to you?
She paused a bit before answering me..
Her: She went back home
Me: Home? That's what she said?
Her: Yes
Me: Okay cool
I walked away..
Her: Niso!
I stopped..
Her: We need to talk
I turned and looked at Her..
Me: About?
Her: I want to talk to you about your Father
That was not expected..
Me: Why now?
Her: Maybe knowing the truth will help you deal with this
anger issue that you have
Me: Are you also going to tell me where he is? How I can
contact him?
Her: It's not that easy Niso.. This is reality and not
everything will go your way, you and your Father aren't
going to circle around his dinner table and catch up on
things
Me: Now you giving me an impression that Nazo and I we
were never planned, we were a mistake is that what you
trying to tell me?
Her: Niso let us sit down and talk about this
Me: I don't think there's anything that we have to talk
about.. I think I know now
Her: You don't understand
Me: Don't understand what?
She didn't know what to say..
Her: You can go
She continued with hanging the curtains as I walked
away..
_
NAZO
Her: One plate of ribs + chips and a coslow salad..
Me: Thank you
Her: And one plate of steak + chips and onion rings
Dawn: Thank you
Her: Anything else? Maybe a refill on your drinks?
Dawn: No thank you I think we fine for now
Her: I'll be at the counter should you need anything
Dawn: Thank you
She walked away..
I glanced down at my plate, the food was very appetizing
but I didn't feel like eating..
(Silence)
Dawn: When I first started on my journey of being an
exorcist, since everything I was dealing with was scary
enough I thought that things would be better in my
personal life until..
I listened to him...
Him: My family didn't understand how I could just drop
out of college to follow a calling, they were not heathens
but at the same time I had a bright future. I lost my
family, my parents disowned me I was literally surviving
with the little money that my Sister sent me every
month, she was helping me out until I was able to get on
my feet. Quite frankly she also thought that it was just a
phase, she thought that I was going to snap out of it and
get back to my senses but unfortunately I didn't. It wasn't
a game, it was my destiny. I did odd jobs here and there
to survive and I moved a bit far from home and I fell
inlove with this gorgeous woman. She became my world,
she was the only family I had.. I loved her, she was my
life
Me: Then what happened?
Him: I exorcized a demon that was very powerful and I
got ahead of myself, I felt big not knowing that I was
actually bringing it home with me. It followed me home, I
should've known because the exorcism was very easy. It
followed me home and it possessed my Fiancé, I thought
an exorcism was going to help and it did but
unfortunately the demon had already killed her. Every
bone in her body was broken, she was.. I couldn't
recognize her anymore, the demon had ruined her. The
scratches on her face she died while in pain, she suffered
and I couldn't save her
I could see how this was breaking her..
Me: How did you get over what happened?
Him: I drank myself to death everyday.. I hated God, I
hated everything that had to do with my calling I
abandoned it but then.. There was this day when I
decided to live again, One thing is that you cannot cry
forever there's a time were you will just have to stop
crying. I realized that the devil is going to break me, he is
going to use every opportunity that he can get to break
me so I can shift from my calling and when I do that more
and more People would suffer. I made a personal choice
then, that my Fiancé's death was not going to be in vain I
made it a point that I will save as many souls as I can so
they won't go through what I went through. Look at me
now, I have a beautiful wife I have achieved a lot. One
thing about God is that he restores, whatever you lose
while serving him he restores it. Might not be the same
but it will be worth it and much better than the previous
one
I thought about his statement for a while..
Him: Your chips are getting cold
He gave me a lot to think about..
_
NOMVELO
I tried to sleep but I was only tossing and turning, a lot
was going through my mind. It's a bit difficult to attain a
peaceful sleep when your mind is infested by lethal
thoughts. How did I get here? From the life that I used to
live how did I get here?
It is not a joke when they say life is Unpredictable. I
heard the gate opening and closing, probably my
Grandmother's people. I really feel like clearing my mind
with a 6 pack, just to be whisked away from reality for a
while..
While I was laying on my bed and thinking about my now
life I heard my Grandmother talking to someone in the
kitchen, sounded like Niso. I swear my heart pounded at
that moment, Niso has changed to someone that I don't
know..
I got out of bed and made my way to the kitchen, it was
really him..
Grams: Angisho uyambona? She is safe! (You can see
that she is safe)
I looked at him and he looked lost, deep in his eyes he
looked lost and tired..
Me: Duchess can you please give us some privacy
Her: N..
Me: Please
She looked at him..
Her: uyeke ukurasa la kwami! (stop making noise in my
house)
She clicked her tongue and walked away...
I looked at him, the table in the middle was helping
incase he wanted to get physical..
Me: I decided to come back home
Him: Why?
Me: It's the only home I have now
Him: You can come live with me
Me: Yes I can but I don't want
Him: Why? When you were with Groovy did you perhaps
meet someone that you wanna go back too?
Me: Sorry?
Him: Are you being fucked by someone else?
Me: Okay I think you should leave
I went and opened the door, he came and held my arm
very tight then pulled me close to him. He was angry, he
was very angry and breathing heavy..
Me: I.. I am not seeing anyone
Him: Don't lie to me because I will-
I closed my eyes, I didn't wanna imagine him being a
monster..
Me: This is why we cannot live together.. I'm scared, I'm
scared that you might kill me
Him: Now you saying I'm a monster?
Me: You hurting me
All that was left was for him to roar like a lion..
He let go of my arm..
Him: Come home with me.. I promise you that everything
will be okay
Me: I can't
Him: Nomvelo please.. Don't, you making me very angry
Me: Just leave
Him: I am not go-
Voice: Konke k'hamba kahle? (is everything going well)
It was Danger, I didn't even hear the gate..
Me: Yes.. Niso was just leaving
He looked at me with those eyes full of rage
Niso: Guess I'll see you later
I nodded..
Danger shifted and then Niso made his way out..
Danger: Are you okay?
Me: I'm fine!
I went back to my bedroom and locked the door..
_
SNAZO
After our meal we made our way out of the restaurant, I
appreciate Dawn sharing his pain with me. I really
needed to hear that
As we were walking to the car I accidentally bumped into
someone..
Her: Eish!!
Me: I'm really sorry
She looked at me and I looked at her, It was Busi and she
was wearing my jacket..
Her: Nazo?
I did think that we were going to meet again. She took off
the jacket...
Her: I.. You know something told me to put on the jacket
She handed it to me..
Me: Thank you... How is everything now?
She shook her head with tears in her eyes..
Her: My.. Things between me and my Mom are now
better, we..
She wiped her tears..
Me: That's good to hear
Her: I said that affirmation everyday, especially when she
was at it and after about three weeks she started
changing. Things started changing I even got a job and
saving up for school next year
Me: I am glad to hear that
She tried kneeling before me but I stopped her..
Her: I.. I owe you my life, if it wasn't for you I would've
committed suicide
Me: Don't thank me.. Thank the God you served who saw
your pain and sufferings, I'm just human I don't deserve
you kneeling down before me
She nodded...
Her: Either way thank you.. You don't.. I mean because of
you God really came through for me when I didn't think
that he would
Me: Don't shift from him anymore
Her: I won't
Dawn cleared his throat..
Me: I have to go.. Stay blessed
Her: Thank you
I smiled and walked away..
Dawn: And that?
Me: Exorcise your demons and let me heal broken souls
He hit me a bit on my shoulder and we both laughed..

54
NOMSA
Danger really got to me with what he said and since the
taxi business was going down I have decided to sell all
our taxis and I'm going to invest the money. JJ didn't
leave much money he only had R500 00, I'm going to use
that money to start a concrete business, one that will
generate more money for me and my kids.
I had told my sister everything that Danger said to me
and she was more scared than I was..
Her: Sis I am not so sure about this
I looked at her, we were sitting outside and having
drinks..
Me: Not sure about what?
Her: What Danger told you means that everything that JJ
had was attained through his Sister's blood, such riches
are dangerous
Me: That's why I'm selling everything and starting afresh
Her: Why don't you just give Nomvelo everything?
Me: And be left with what?.. Ntokozo I don't wanna
move back home.. It's embarrassing. Wena nje just leave
everything to me, things will be better when I have sold
the taxis and started a new business
Her: If you say so
Me: What you need to do now is to get us more
champagne
Her: Whatever you say
She stood up and walked to the house to get champagne.
As I was sitting and minding my own business I saw a
woman standing at the gate, she was wearing a very long
white dress. She was just standing there holding on to
the gate and starring directly at were I was sitting. I
looked at her hoping that she would make her way in but
she didn't, she stood there. I was starring back too until
Ntokozo walked out of the house with a bottle of
champagne..
Ntokozo: This is the last bottle that we have
I looked at her waving the bottle at me then I looked at
the gate again and the woman wasn't there anymore..
Ntokozo: I'll open
She put the bottle ontop of the table and then sat down..
_
MANTWA
Being back at home was somehow a roller coaster of
emotions, looking at that area were I had tied the rope
from made me to be a bit angry with myself. If my little
Brother didn't walk in just in time I wouldn't be here
today, I wouldn't have survived. My Mother walked in..
Her: Are you settling in well?
I nodded..
Her: if you wanna change bedrooms..
Me: No it's fine.. I'm okay
Her: Are you going to go back to work?
Me: Ya I will.. Maybe tomorrow I first need to talk to my
boss and see if I still have a job
Her: Everything is going to be okay.. Let me leave you to
rest a bit
Me: Ma..
She looked at me..
Me: I'm sorry.. I'm sorry about..
Her: It's okay I'm just glad that you okay
Me: I'm glad too
She walked away and didn't close the door..
Her: Let's keep the door open for now
Me: I understand
Her: I'll check up on you
Me: Okay
She walked away..
_
SNAZO
I got home and I found Gugu crying, she was sitting on
the couch that my Grandmother used to sit on it was
practically her favorite couch because it gave her a more
clear view of the TV..
She wiped her tears as I made my way in..
I sat on the arm rest of the couch..
Me: What's wrong?
Her: I don't know.. I don't know what got into my Son
I sighed in frustration..
Me: Niso?
Her: Today I wanted to talk to him and finally tell him the
truth about his father but..
Me: But what?
Her: He didn't wanna hear
Me: That's a first
Speaking of the devil, I heard the kitchen door opening
and closing. When he got to the doorway that separated
the kitchen from the lounge he stopped and looked at us,
then he made his way to the bedroom.
Me: Niso
He stopped..
Him: What?
He said that with his back facing me..
Me: Gugu wants to talk to you
Him: I don't want to talk to her
Me: I wasn't asking you
He turned and looked at me..
Him: You don't get to control me anymore Nazo, you not
my Father!
I got up from the armrest of the couch but Gugu held my
hand..
Me: Boy come and sit your ass down before I do
something that I'm going to regret later
He walked in and then sat down, I sat down too..
Me: You going to sit there and here what your Mother is
going to say if I hear even one word of disrespect coming
from your mouth, you going to be wheeled out of this
everyday in a wheelchair I'm going to break both your
legs! Do I make myself clear?
He nodded..
Me: Good!
Gugu looked at me and smiled..
Her: Thank you
Me: I'll be right back
I already know the story about our father I just never told
Niso, I wanted Gugu to do it
_
NOMVELO
After bathing I had hoped that Danger would be gone but
he was outside cleaning the yard...
Him: Where are you going?
Me: Out
Him: Out where?
Me: Danger leave me alone
Him: Nomvelo we need to talk
Me: About what?
Him: You know about what
Me: I don't wanna talk about it trust me!
I opened the gate and walked out..
_
NISO
Gugu: I want to talk to you about your Father
Me: Ohw
Her: You were right.. To him you and Nazo were a
mistake since he was a married man
Me: I'm not surprised
Her: He.. I was having an affair with my Boss, the white
family that gave me a job as a maid I had an affair with
the man of the house
Me: Where was his wife?
Her: He was a business man.. He did a lot of traveling and
I was not entirely a live in maid he had got me a place to
stay wasn't something fancy though
Me: So he would visit you?
Her: Yes.. When I fell pregnant with you he ended the
affair, told me that he cannot do it anymore and that his
family was more important to him than anything
Me: What were you thinking Gugu? A married man
ontop of that he was white!
Her: Judge me all you want Niso it's okay but know he
never wanted anything to do with you and Nazo, that's
why I never told you about him
I stood up and walked to my room..
Me: Yeah whatever if that makes you sleep better at
night!
_
DETECTIVE ZWANE
I was in my office holding my Daughter's necklace when
one of the lieutenants walked in..
Him: Sir
Me: Yes lieutenant please sit down
He sat down..
Him: Sir I think we might have a break through with the
drug case
Me: Yes?
Him: Other the dead victim we have another one that's
willing to give us a name of the drug lord
I stood up..
Me: Are you serious?
Him: Yes sir
Me: Is the person here right now?
Him: Yes sir
Me: Please prepare an interrogation room for me
Him: Yes Sir
Me: How did you get the person?
Him: breaking in at some convenient store, I think he
wanted money to buy more drugs
Me: That's true.. We can give the person full amunity if
they give the name of the drug lord
Him: Yes Sir
He walked out..
Finally I might get the person who took my baby away
from me..

55
DETECTIVE ZWANE
I Went to the interrogation room and he was sitting at
the table his hands were handcuffed because he seemed
very agitated. I assume that it's been a while since he last
had a fix, after all drugs eat out from your pocket at all
times and when you find yourself broke, you resort into
stealing and other things just so you can get the next fix. I
unbuttoned my shirt sleeves and pulled them, this crack
head is the only chance that I have at nailing the bastard.
I pulled the chair opposite him and sat down, I put the
file down and the tape recorder. Drug addicts are hard to
crack they wouldn't just give up their dealer just like that
so I have to approach this situation with caution..
Me: I am Detective Zwane
I looked at him..
Me: Would you please state your name and surname for
me
He kept quiet for a while..
Him: Andile.. Andile Mavundla
Me: How old are you?
Him: 22
Me: It says here you broke in at a convinient store, why
would you do that?
Him: I was hungry
Me: You were hungry?
Him: Yes
Me: Andile we get a lot of addicts here and according to
me I can see that you have the signs and symptoms. Dry
cracked lips, you very agitated, you keep on scratching
yourself, paranoia and a lot of other things. Seems to me
like the drug you on is very dangerous you even lucky to
still be alive
He kept quiet. Was I on the right track? I think I was
because he hasn't asked for his lawyer as yet and he
seems pretty smart
I took the tape recorder and turned it off, I have one shot
at this and I'm going to use it right..
Me: Okay Andile the judge won't be linient on you, you
seem smart. You don't look like you from a struggling
background so your excuse of "I was hungry" it won't
work, you looking at what 5-10 years? And trust me jail is
not that easy. What you see on TV is real
He didn't know what to say..
Me: I can only help you if you help me.. All I want is a
name, name of your dealer. I know that you might be
scared and think he will come for you but I promise you
that he won't hurt you and we'll make sure of that. I will
personally make sure that your case goes away if you
could do this for us, we have been trying to tail this guy
for a while now
Him: Why should I believe you? How do I know that you
won't still send me to jail?
Me: have to work with trust here, but I assure you that I
will do right by you. I will even make sure that you go to
rehab
A few seconds passed with him still silent...
Me: You way too young to have a criminal record
Him: Why do you want the name of my dealer?
Me: Because.. I lost my Daughter because of him, she
couldn't beat the addiction and in turn it took her to the
grave.. Please
Him: You promise that you will get me out of this mess?
Me: I promise
Him: He's n.. He's name is Niso we usually met at the
mall or in town not really about were he lives but I'm
suspecting the hood.. Could be this one or another one
Me: Niso?
Him: Yes I only know the name
My mind dated back to the lieutenant he told me that he
spoke to Ethan's friend at the mall where Ethan died, if
my mind serves me correctly he said he's name was Niso.
He took his details. If it's really him I will talk to the
Captain and we going to have to protect Andile so that
he can testify against him, this is going to be a serious
trial we need to put this bastard away for a long time
_
SNAZO
I am hoping that the talk between Niso and Gugu went
well because I couldn't check up on them after that,
Shine called me and told me that we have a client
somewhere in the fancy houses of Johannesburg. I was
taken by the neighborhood and the houses when we
drove there, how can someone who lives here want us to
service his house. It just didn't make sense, they usually
get serious professionals People who are experts at this
Shine whistled as he admired the house, it was a very
nice house and it got my attention too...
Me: Shine how did you get this?
Shine: Eyy nami ang'keni kahle mara nje eish it's
complicated nyana (I don't know but it's a bit
complicated)
We were taken to the back of the house were we sat
down with the owner and discussed what we supposed
to do over drinks. Seems like there's hope for our
business..
_
NOMVELO
I came back home after I had a few drinks at Gazibo, I
wasn't drunk just slightly tipsy. I walked in and Danger
was still around, this is the same person I've been trying
to avoid...
I went and checked my Grandmother's room she wasn't
around..
Me: Where is my Grandmother?
Him: She went to church.. Midweek service
Me: Aren't you done? What are you still doing here?
Him: Because we need to talk
Me: I thought we talked
Him: Seems like there's still some things that we need to
talk about that you should make peace with
Me: I don't need to make peace with anything because
the person who owes me answers is not here! He is
dead! And you just let everything be, you knew he
murdered my Mother and you allowed him to just raise
me like nothing happened!
Him: I was in jail! I went to jail for his sins. It's kind of
difficult when your wife dies at your house like that, the
husband always becomes the first suspect and on my
side I couldn't prove my innocence, JJ had already
corrupted the law to his favour and I didn't have a leg to
stand on. Jail is difficult Nomvelo, it's not a walk in the
park. You piss off certain people they make you pay,
when you still new you will feel the heat! You sleep with
one eye open and a toothbrush under your pillow, it's
always fights and a battle for superiority. I was in that
position and I was innocent, innocent and still bleeding
inside for the death of my wife now I could've killed
myself but I didn't! I had to hold on so that I could be out
and make sure that JJ doesn't come for you too. I had
nothing Nomvelo, I only had to work with faith! Praying
everyday that I don't get a harsh sentence so I could
come back for you and you know what? Even the hardest
chains break when you have faith. Yes I didn't come back
when you were young but I did come back, when I got
back life got more harder for me. I couldn't get hired
anywhere who wanted to hire an ex con? A murderer? JJ
played his cards right and he was the only one who gave
me a job. He wanted to keep me close so that he can
know my every move, he wanted to protect you from
knowing the truth and I did keep quiet. Wanna know
why? Because the life he gave you seemed better than
the one I could've given you, he was taking you to school
doing everything for you that I wanted you to have. I
didn't wanna confuse you and I thought protecting you
from the truth was the best way but.. No child deserves
what your Uncle put you through, he kept your sanity by
brainwashing you.
It was hard to process what he was saying, he spoke from
his heart because I saw a tear falling down from him..
Him: I might not have been the best Father but I was
always there, I protected you even when you didn't
realize and I will continue doing so because that's my job.
I promised your Mother that I would do so..
He wiped the tears from his face as I sat down..
(Silence)
Me: How was she like?
He looked at me..
Me: My Mother.. How was she like? My Unc.. JJ always
told me about her but I wanna hear from you because
you know her better
Him: I have some old pictures back at my place that I can
show to you
Me: Exactly where do you live?
Him: I was renting at some house but now.. I have my
own shack by that side were there's shacks.. I don't think
you know it
Me: I would like to see the place
Him: We can go now so that you will know were to find
me if you need me
Me: Okay.. I'd like very much
_
NISO
I got a call from a client who asked to meet up with me,
wasn't at the mall it was at some open field were local
kids usually play soccer
I looked at the time again and the client was 5min late, I
didn't take my car. I actually walked here from home it's
not far. I looked at the time again, I hate it when they do
this.
As I was about to walk going back home a police car
made it's way to me, I turned around and another one
came behind me. I looked around and all in all it was 3 of
them, there's no way I was going to get off easy even if I
run they will open fire..
Me: Shit!!!
The door opened and one of them walked out with his
gun..
Him: get down on your knees, hands were I can see
them
Another officer yelled to him..
Officer: Sir you can't do that he might be armed
He didn't listen, he was determined to get to me..
Him: Down on your knees
I got down on my knees and put my hands on my head..
He got to me and started handcuffing me, he let me
stood up and searched me. He found my pocket knife
and a stack of the drugs in my pocket..
He turned me around and took out his phone, he showed
me a wallpaper of some girl..
Him: I want you to look at her because you stole her
from me you bastard! And I'm going to make you pay!!
He pushed me and started reading me my rights, I was
fucken screwed!

56
NISO
I was being watched at the station while I made my
phone call, I think that I might've done more damage
than I anticipated and pissed off a few people in the
process. People who are clearly on the side of the law.
I started by calling Nazo but he didn't pick up, I then
called Gugu..
Gugu: Hello
Me: Gugu it's me
Her: Niso?
Me: Ya.. Listen I don't have much time
Her: You don't have much time what's happening?
Me: I got arrested
Her: You got what?
Me: I need you to get Nazo to come and see me before
they move me
Her: Niso I don't understand.. What happened? What did
you do?
The officer signaled that time was up, that wasn't even a
minute..
Me: Get Nazo to come see me at the police station
Her: You arr.. You know what I'm coming
Me: Gugu just get Nazo to see me! Stop being stubborn
about this!
The officer took the phone from me..
Him: Asambe sboshwa! (let's go prisoner)
_
NOMVELO
It was a bunch of shacks all around, Danger's shack was a
bit small. It was only the kitchen and the bedroom if
that's how I may put it. There was a curtain dividing the
kitchen and the bedroom. I sat on the chair and looked
around, it was very neat. He really keeps this place
looking good..
Him: It's not fancy but... This is my home
Me: I understand
Him: I doubt I'll stay here for long, Someone is going to
get me a job in Johannesburg as an Uber driver
Me: That's very good
Him: It pays very well too so I've heard
Me: That's very good
Him: Would you like something to drink?
Me: No thanks I'm fine
Him: I know how difficult this life is for you, but I believe
that everything happens for a reason, you can still make
it in life. Your future wasn't tied to JJ
Me: Ya maybe
Him: What are your plans? Do you want to go back to
school?
Me: Yes maybe next year but I would like to do a
different course one that will get me a job.. Maybe
nursing or something like that
Him: That's good.. Nursing is good you will get a job and
I'm sure by then I would've gotten the job and I'll help
you with your fees
Me: That would be great.. Thank you
Him: So what are you going to do this year?
Me: Maybe get a job and help my Grandmother out here
and there.. Plus I need a new phone
Him: What happened to your old phone?
Me: Long story
Him: Well this is not much but..
He took out his phone..
Him: It's a mobicel trendy.. You can use it until you get a
new phone
He took out his sim card and gave it to me
Me: Thank you
Him: Wanna go get something to eat?
Me: Yes
I stood up..
Him: We can get chips and fish then go back to your
Grandmother's place
He went and got the album..
Him: You can have this too
Me: Thank you.. You still have a lot to tell me about her
Him: There's a lot to tell but we'll get there
Me: I hope so
_
SNAZO
Something didn't feel right, I had some feeling more like
the fear of the unknown clouding my heart. My
Grandmother would refer to this feeling as "Uvalo"..
We were still having drinks with Marcus, the owner of
the house and he was about to tell us how he got our
contacts..
Marcus: I saw your add on Gumtree and I thought to
myself that let me try these guys out. I was initially going
to hire some guys from some company but... They very
expensive and I am a person who likes to save
Shine: How much did they charge you?
Marcus: A lot trust me.. I don't know why they were
expensive I mean it's just the garage one garage and I
hope you guys won't charge me a lot too
Shine: What do you want us to do?
Him: Put ceiling.. How much will you charge?
Shine looked at me..
Shine: Can we discuss it?
Marcus: Yes of course
Shine stood up and walked away.. I followed him
Shine: And then wathula? (why were you quiet)
Me: Eish I'm not feeling well
Shine: Smoko? (what's the problem)
Me: Ang'cavi (I don't know)
We leaned against the car..
Shine: Ucabanga ukuthi simbize malini? (how much do
you think we should charge him)
Me: The garage is big so it's going to take up most of our
time worse he wants it done in 3 days
Shine: 3k?
Me: Ya but will first ask him how much he is willing to
offer
I heard my phone ringing inside the car, I unlock and got
it. It was Gugu..
Me: Gugu?
Her: Nazo kunini ngikufonela? (I've been calling you)
Me: I left my phone in the car.. Is everything okay?
Her: No.. Niso called me uthi he got arrested
Me: He got what?
Her: uthi he wants to see you before they move him
I lowered the phone..
Me: Dammit!!
Gugu: Snazo usesekhona? (are you still there)
Me: Ya.. I'll go to the police station right now
Gugu: please pass by the house and get me
Me: Albright.. I'm on my way
Shine: Yini? (what's wrong)
Me: Niso fucked up and got arrested
Shine: Ini? (what)
Me: Let's seal the deal with Marcus and then go down to
the police station
Shine: uNiso edanyanya ya neh kuyamangaza (Niso in jail
that's shocking)
_
NOMSA
I was moving JJ's things from the bedroom to the Garage,
as I was nicely packing the boxes in the garage I felt some
type of way. I felt like someone was standing behind me,
the hairs at the back of my neck stood up. I slowly turned
around and there was no one standing behind me, I
turned back to continue with what I was doing and the
woman that I saw at the gate was standing right in front
of me. She put her hand on my chest and I was sent
flying across the room, I hit the wall and fell..
Voice: Nomsa!!.. Nomsa wake up!!
I opened my eyes and gasped for air, it was my Sister
waking me up. I must've had too much champagne that I
passed out on the couch..
Ntokozo: It was just a dream Sisi..
It didn't feel like a dream though, it felt very real..
_
NAZO
I had to leave Shine behind to finalize the deal since
Marcus had a lot to say, I went and fetched Gugu then
we made our way to the police station. Gugu was very
worried she even brought a Tupperware along, prepared
something to eat for him..
We got to the reception and went to enquire there..
Me: Good afternoon
The officer looked at us..
Me: We here to see me my Brother Niso Buthelezi, I
believe he got arrested a few hours ago
He checked on some book for a while and then came
back to us..
Him: Okay wait here I'm coming
He disappeared for a while leaving us all anxious, He
returned with the most hardcore Detective. Detective
Zwane..
Zwane: Look what the cat dragged in.. Nazo Buthelezi, I
should've known
Me: I believe that you have my little Brother here?
Him: Yes.. The little drug dealer
Gugu: Wait.. What?
Him: He was arrested for dealing drugs
Gugu: I don't know who you talking about but my Son is
not dealing drugs okay?
Him: Clearly you don't know him that well.. He robbed a
lot of parents their children, he deserves to rot in hell
and I'll make sure that he does!
Gugu: Watch it sir! Don't talk about my Son like that
Me: Can I see him?
Zwane: Yes.. This way
I looked at Gugu..
Me: Maybe I should go in alone
She went and sat down as I followed Detective Zwane, he
led me to the holding cell..
Zwane: 5min..
He then walked away, Niso came closer..
Him: Thank you for coming
Me: Zwane is going to crucify you, he got me locked up a
few times I know him
Him: That's why I asked you to come, I want you to get
me a good lawyer. I have money in the bank I'm sure it
can cover legal costs if the case doesn't drag. I have some
documents in the drawer you can check them out there's
a pin there
Me: What the fuck did you get yourself into?
Him: Nazo please this is no time to be pissed at the
situation.. I doubt I'll even get bail, he will make sure I
don't get bail
Me: Zwane is hardcore, I'll try and get you a good lawyer
just.. Just stay alive in there I will check if my crew is still
inside they will protect you
He nodded..
Him: Don't worry about me I'll be fine
Me: Jail is not a walk in the park
I looked around..
Him: And please do me one last favour
Me: What's that?
Him: Chek up on Nomvelo for me.. She's too fragile this
might set her back
Me: Niso..
Him: Please.. I don't want the hood to swallow her
Me: Yeah fine I'll check up on her every now and then
Him: Thank you

57
_
NOMVELO
I was having a good time with my Grandmother and
Danger, they were telling me stories about my Mom, just
dating back to the stories of the past. Experiencing such a
moment proved to me that money is not everything.
There's moments that money cannot buy and this is one
of them, the love and the warmth from those who care
about you. We heard a knock at the door, we all looked
at each other..
Me: I'll get it
I stood up and went to open. We had just finished eating
the chips, bread and Russians. I really found the meal
delicious
I opened the door and it was Nazo, what is he doing
here?
Me: Nazo?
He looked at me..
Him: May I?
Me: Uhm yes.. Please come in
He made his way in. He took off his cap, can't really
separate him from caps..
Grams: Velo.. Ubani? (who is it)
Me: It's Nazo
Him: Sorry to just show up late but I have something to
tell you.. It's about Niso
Me: What about Niso??
Him: He..
My Grandmother showed up..
Grams: Nazo
Nazo: MaNgcobo
Grams: uyaphila kodwa? (are you well)
Nazo: Ngiyaphila (I am well)
Me: He's here to tell me something about Niso
I looked at him..
Him: Niso is.. He got arrested earlier today
Me: He did what?
Grams: What happened? Why did he get arrested?
Nazo: He was.. He was dealing drugs
Grams: He was what?? Niso and drugs?
Me: I don't understand.. How? I mean..
Nazo: It did come as a shock
Danger walked in..
Danger: Is everything okay?
Grams: No.. Umfana kaButhelezi uboshiwe (Niso got
arrested)
Danger: Velo's boyfriend?
Grams: Ya
Danger: What happened?
Grams: Bathi he was dealing drugs
Danger: Errr
Nazo: I just thought I should let you know so that you
don't get worried when you don't see him
Grams: Thank you for letting us know
Nazo: I think I should go
He headed straight to the door and walked out..
I couldn't believe what I heard, Niso was dealing drugs?
How stupid can he be?
_
NISO
I was transported to prison the following day after being
held for the whole night in the holding cell. Zwane is on
to me so bad that he won't let me get bail, he wants me
to rot in prison. I found the things that they do before
you go in very degrading, having to be checked if you
don't have any weapons on you or if you don't have any
drugs with you. Squatting almost naked and coughing
twice, everything about prison was just sickening..
The cells looked crowded, The guard walked me down
the corridor to my cell. Cell 26..
He opened and I walked in, everyone looked at me. It
was a lot of guys in here, how did prisons get soo
crowded now or it's just this one?
Guard: Nidlale kahle bafana (play well boys)
I didn't know which bed was mine, I looked around and
the place was very untidy. I stood there not knowing
what to do or were to go, was I scared? Yes I was these
are real hardcore criminals..
They started whistling, made inappropriate comments
they did make me feel like I was fresh meat indeed. In
the mist of my being verbally attacked I heard a voice
calling out at the back..
Voice: Yey nina voetsek! Thul'umsindo (Everyone keep
quiet)
They kept quiet..
He made his way through and came to me, he did look
somewhat scary. He stood a bit far from me and looked
at me, from head - to- toe. He walked up much closer, I
swallowed..
Him: Niso? Niso Buthelezi?
I nodded..
Him: Khululeka usekhaya la! (Feel free this is home)
I was confused..
He turned and looked at everyone..
Him: Eyakibo Nazo! (He is Nazo's Brother)
They made comments. He turned and looked at me..
Him: Uyabona if le yakini azange ing'bhelele ngabe si
ringa I story esi hlukile manje (If your Brother didn't call,
we would be talking something different right now)
He put his arm around my shoulders..
Him: Khululeka mchana angeke sikwenze nex, into
ek'mele uz'khathaze ngayo yilaba abangekho la (Relax we
won't do anything to you, you just need to worry about
the other inmates that are not in this cell)
We got to my bed and I put the blanket ontop of the
bed..
Him: Sinane TV encane la, sibukela ibhola (We have a
small TV were we watch soccer)
I sat on my bed and he did too..
Him: Ok'mele ukuthi ukwazi ngathi ama26 wukuthi
siyancedana la (what you need to know about us here is
that we help each other)
Me: Ngani? (with what)
Him: Aii sizok'sikela Unga Worry (we will let you know)
He pat me on my shoulder..
Him: ubaluleke Kakhulu kithi (You very important to us)
I was fucked..
_
NAZO
I looked at my number "26" tattoo on my wrist that I
always cover with my wrist rubber band or my watch at
times, it's not really big and it doesn't standout. I never
had it removed because I thought that I was going to fuck
up and go back inside, cell number 26 we were more
than just cell mates. We were a family..
I had contacted Mageba still can't believe he has a
cellphone, that guy hustles a lot while behind bars.
Mageba is doing life in prison, he has been very
problematic throughout his teen years and most of his
adult life. Prison is home for him, he almost rules it. I
know that he will keep Niso safe only if Niso is in his cell.
Gugu disturbed me when she walked into the kitchen, I
moved my wrist band to cover the tattoo. I wanna
remove it but I am uncertain, I am uncertain about my
current life..
Gugu: Morning
Me: Morning
She looked like she didn't get enough sleep..
Me: Did you get enough sleep last night?
Her: No.. I couldn't sleep knowing that Niso is in there,
do you know how dangerous it is in there?
Me: I know.. I was once there remember?
Her: Ya.. Sorry
She sat down..
Me: I'll make you some cup of tea.. Niso is going to be
fine in there, I know a few people who are like family to
me. They will look after him
(Silence)
Her: Where did I go wrong? Where did I fail him?
Me: Don't blame yourself I think the person who needs
to be blamed is me, I wasn't a good role model
Her: You were trying to do what you thought was best to
provide for him and Ma
Me: And in the process I forgot that he was watching,
Niso he.. He took after me, he followed right in my
footsteps
Her: You never sold drugs.. I don't understand he was
going to school I mean he was going to graduate in a few
months time and he had to mess up his life just like
that?
Me: We just going to have to get him a good lawyer, one
that will get him 15 years max
Her: Can he get that?
Me: I'm hoping.. The lawyer is somewhat harsh though
on drugs, rape, and murder to name a few but he is a
first time offender and the lawyer can use me as a bad
role model and hope that the judge will be linient
She was drained.. I have never seen her this drained..
Me: Hey.. I'm going to get him out I promise
Her: In the process of you trying to get him out don't lose
yourself because I can't lose you too
Me: I'll be fine
Her: Is this what Ma had to deal with?
Me: Meaning?
Her: You and Niso? She had to deal with you guys like
this?
Me: Pretty much
Her: I wish I was here more often
Me: We going to get through this, we going to make it
I hope we do make it..
_
NOMVELO
Danger was driving me to my Uncle's place to get the rest
of my things especially important documents so that I
can start looking for a job. Danger had borrowed the car
from a friend who is a mechanic, was nothing fancy it
even made a lot of noise as he was driving.. I was lost
deep in my thoughts, I was thinking about Niso. I won't
survive losing him, I've been through a lot lately my heart
won't be able to survive it..
Danger: Are you okay?
I sighed..
Me: Was thinking about Niso
Him: You and him really have something serious going
on?
Me: You can say that.. I just hope we survive this jail
situation they won't take it lightly
Him: Faith kiddo.. I never thought that I was going to
make it but I did
Me: Do you believe in God?
Him: Why?
Me: You talk about God a lot
Him: Your Mom did
Me: Ohw
Him: Do you believe?
I shrugged my shoulders..
Me: I don't know.. Church wasn't a big thing at JJ's place
Him: Well all that is going to change now, your
Grandmother is a big believer
Me: Ya it seems like that
We finally arrived at the house and we parked at the
driveway, we got out and went to the intercom..
Danger pressed, Someone else attended to us. I'm
guessing it was Nomsa's sister or Thuli.. She opened the
gate and we made our way in, soo many memories are
wondering around here. Memories that I didn't want to
visit again. Nomsa was the one who opened the door for
us..
Her: Wow I can't believe my eyes
Me: I'm here for my things
Her: How are you Nomvelo? I'm well too.. Please come
in
We made our way in..
Her: Father and Daughter.. I never thought I would see
this day
Me: I'll go get my things
Danger: Should I come with you?
Nomsa laughed..
Me: Naa I'm good.. She's harmless
Danger: I'll be in the car
I wait to what I once considered my room to get my
things..
Nomsa: Jonathan has been trying to get a hold of you?
I didn't even notice that she was following me..
Me: He can give the money to you.. I don't want it
Her: It doesn't have to be like this Velo you can come
back home
Me: No thank you.. I don't wanna indulge in riches that
my Mother paid the price for
Her: You know you very ungrateful! After everything that
JJ did for you? I hope you will be happy in the hood!
Working an ordinary job and living an ordinary life
Me: At least I'll be living that life with a clean conscience,
can't say the same for you

58
NOMVELO
ONE YEAR LATER
My biggest plan for this year was that I was going to go
back to school, doesn't necessarily mean that I was going
to do the same course I just wanted something that was
going to afford me a stable job after graduating. Those
were my plans but unfortunately I got so much
comfortable in my job that plans of going back to school
seemed far fetched. I previously worked at clicks as a
sales consultant and I would play more on the makeup
section, one day when I was handling my hustle some
woman got impressed at how I knew much about make
up that we alked a great deal, she realized that I knew a
lot about the world of fashion too so she told me that
she has a shop that sells cosmetics and would like it very
much if I came on board. The offer was very generous I
accepted and she hired me. I make a reasonable salary
every month, and I am very content with my new job. As
much as I didn't want to visit my old life but my best
friend Amandla couldn't lay off on me, she tried her very
outmost best to always keep in contact with me. I got so
tired of pushing her away and we continued with our
friendship. She's currently doing her last year and very
much worried about getting a job next year, at least the
college helps with getting you a job when you done but
provided that you were a good student throughout. I can
say that I am a bit happy with my life, I have a job and I
can afford to provide for me and my Grandmother.
Danger did get the job as an Uber driver, he is no longer
staying at the shack he has moved in with us he is living
in the room outside and he is also helping a lot
financially..
When it comes to Niso I really don't know what to say,
his trial took longer than anticipated and he was given 25
years without the possibility of parole. I was there
throughout his whole trial but surprisingly after he was
sentenced and I tried to visit him he refused to see me, I
go there once a week to see him and each time he has
refused to see me. I don't know why he does that to me,
I don't know why he doesn't want to see me..
Today I had knocked off early as usual and I had gone to
visit him, I always go with Danger. I was at the waiting
area as always and the guard came back alone, please
don't tell me that he has refused again..
Guard: Sorry but he is refusing to see you
I exhaled. I really am trying to be there for him, I'm trying
to save our already struggling relationship but.. I don't
know why he's doing this, I don't know why he's refusing
to see me. I stood up and looked at Danger..
Me: Let's go
He stood up and we went.. I was hurt, there's nothing
more hurtful than holding on to a relationship that you
not even sure of anymore...
_
NAZO
Things have been going well with me. our business really
took off that we had to hire one more person since I had
other commitments and couldn't engage myself in it full
time. It's now a company that gave birth to plumbing, we
have registered it Shine and I we the owners. He is fully
committed to it making sure that everything runs
smoothly because I'm hardly around. With regards to me
and my gift in two days time I will be at Mpumalanga
preaching, Mpumalanga is the province were ill be
residing at soon. I thought that my church was going to
be based in Gauteng, but God had other plans for me. I
have been helping Dawn with exorcisms, I have been
helping out in my business with Shine and helping out
were my gift takes me. It's not easy I should say, my life
has never been this busy. With my business doing well
we have decided to expand, I want us to be based also in
Mpumalanga but the money that I'm going to make
there is no entirely going to be mine. The business
operating in Mpumalanga the money generated from
there is going to help God's People. There more my
business grows the more and more I can help God's
people accordingly as how I'll be instructed from high
above. Unfortunately I won't be financially benefiting
from my church but helping others..
Dawn and I had just got back from our trip. We were at
Kzn for the whole month performing exorcisms, we have
just landed at OR Tambo Airport I was glad to be back at
home. We were still at the airport having lunch while
waiting for the driver to come pick us up. I was on my
laptop, my sermon is in two days and I was nervous, it'll
be my first time preaching infront of a church..
Dawn: You nervous?
I looked at him, then went back to my laptop..
Me: A bit..
(Silence)
Me: Is the GOAT going to be there?
Him: No the GOAT is in New Zealand
Me: That's good
Him: Good that he is New Zealand or good that he won't
be attending your Sermon?
Me: Both
He chuckled..
Him: Zaine is not that scary
Me: He doesn't scare me just that I've watched his videos
online and I don't think my first sermon is going to
impress him, he is the GOAT after all
Him: He wasn't this good when he first started too
Me: Yeah whatever
(Silence)
Him: Have you talked to her?
Me: No
Him: When are-
Me: It's not that easy.. How do I walk up to my Brother's
girlfriend and say "You supposed to my wife, we need to
get married first before I can start my own church in MP"
God is perfect in all ways but I am still sceptical with
Nomvelo being my wife
Him: I thought you had a vision where it was made clear
that she is your wife..
Before I could even move to Mpumalanga and start my
own church there, it was made very clear to me in a
vision that Nomvelo is supposed to be my wife. She was
never intended for Niso, she was always intended for me.
She is my rib and I am very much in denial with the whole
situation.. It can't be, Nomvelo and Niso they have
something serious going on I can't do that to him. The
vision has to be wrong, for the first time heaven has to
be wrong...
Dawn: I'll be right back.. I have to check up on my wife
Dawn's wife is pregnant with their very first child, leaving
was even a challenge for him. He didn't wanna leave her
alone. I'm hoping for such too, a family, a wife but
definitely it can't be Nomvelo. Worse I don't even see her
that way..
_
NOMSA
Life has been very tough my R500 000 that I invested in
starting a new business didn't work out, it turned out to
be fraud. My taxis that I sold only made R200 000,that's
not even enough. 5 taxis amounting to R200 000? This
was pure bad luck. I had tried selling them to some
dealerships but none budged that I was forced to sell
them to some taxi owner who only offered me 200k, that
was mockery at it's best. The money was not enough
considering water&electricity, I don't wanna mention
Thuli's fees. She failed and repeating isn't cheap, it's
eating out of my pocket. I was stressed, I was very
stressed. I had no choice but to consider selling the
house, the real estate agent put R800 000 to it and I'm
only going to get R500 000 from it. Life was tough, life
was extremely tough. We have to be out in the next few
weeks, I don't even know where I'm going to go. My
Mother's house is definitely not an option..
_
MANTWA
Dr Patel and I went from being close friends to ending up
in a relationship, we now engaged to be married and I'm
happy with him. For the first time in my years of dating I
have a man who loves me, who is very much obsessed
with me and I don't mean that in a psycho way. He was
on leave and we were in Durban visiting his family, since
we planning on getting married in a few months time I
have to learn a lot about his culture and he has to learn
about mine. At first I was scared that it wasn't going to
workout, I mean we come from different worlds but to
my surprise his family gave me a very warm welcome. It
has always been him, his mother and his sister, his Father
passed on when he was in varsity. I was happy with him,
he is very sweet, loving, and very caring. It seems as if
like if I had lasted with Nazo then I was going to meet
Emmanuel Patel. God works in mysterious ways indeed..
_
NISO
Mageba was very furious, he was pacing up and down in
the cell. It was just me and him, with a few other guys
who didn't have visitors, well I has a visitor but I refused
to see her. I have been refusing to see her now for a
while..
25 years is a long time for her to wait for me, she has to
move on. Nazo told me that she has a job and that her
life is starting to make sense, I don't wanna confuse her I
want her to be happy with someone else. Maybe not
now but someday she would want to married with kids
and definitely I won't be able to give her that when I'm
locked up in here, having her come here to see me won't
make her move on. She has been through a lot and I
want her to move on..
Mageba: Yazi Entlek nje lendaba angiyitholisisi kahle (I
don't understand this matter very well)
There's a lot of things that one requires to do in prison
for protection, Mageba knowing didn't mean that he was
going to offer me free protection especially when he had
that I was dealing drugs when I was outside. The business
had to go on, we had to operate it from the inside and
everything was going well until our rivals knew about
what we were doing and they stole our drugs. I know
very well that if I can be found they going to add to my
sentence but what can I do? Jail is not easy if I don't get
protection I won't make it..
Me: Obviously we have a rat in our cell
Mageba: A rat? Usho ukuthi kukhona la osithengisayo?
(Are you saying that someone here is selling us out)
I shrugged my shoulders..
He hit the bars with his hand..
Him: Ngimthole nje!! (If I find him)
I laid back on my bed and got her picture under my
pillow, I looked at it for a while..
It hurt, it hurt a lot. I love Nomvelo with all my heart but
since things aren't really looking up for me I have to let
her go..

59
DAWN
I haven't been around home that much was busy doing
exorcisms here and there, sometimes a bit far away from
home that my wife had to go through most of the
pregnancy alone. I did feel bad I wanted to be here for at
all times, wanted to go with her for her Dr's visits and
attend pregnancy classes with her but unfortunately
what I do takes me away from home most of the time. It
was very quiet when I got in, Now that she's very close to
her due date I don't like it when she's alone. My Mom
was supposed to be here with her..
Me: Mom???.. Sway??
I checked the living room first before heading upstairs, it
was also quiet in there. When I walked upstairs to the
bedroom, she was laying on the bed with her eyes closed
and her headsets on. Sway has this habit of not wanting
to wear an underwear, I hope she doesn't go out in
public without wearing one. She had her knees up and
she was wearing one of her short dresses. I dropped my
bag on the floor hoping it would wake her up but it
didn't, so I made my way to her and kissed her..
Her: Hey..
Me: Hey
Her: I didn't hear you come in
Me: I know.. If I was a serial killer you would be in trouble
Her: I'm glad you not one
Me: Still don't like wearing an underwear?
Her: No.. I told you that it makes my cookie very hot
I chuckled..
Me: That's a first.. Did you talk to your Gynae about it?
Her: No it's not like I'm bothering anyone
Me: Do you go out in public not wearing one?
Her: I always wear one.. How was Kzn?
Me: It was okay
Her: You didn't bring home any unexpected visitors
right?
Me: The house is protected.. You good
I put my hands on her tummy..
Me: And how are we doing over here?
Her: We doing okay
Me: What did the Dr say?
Her: That she's big
Me: Ya you do look bigger than the last time I saw you..
Did mom come?
Her: Yes and she left yesterday
Me: She left you all alone?
Her: Ya she had to attend something important back at
home
Me: At least I won't be doing exorcisms up until you give
birth
Her: Really?
Me: Yes but in two days time I'll be going to
Mpumalanga, it's Snazo's first Sermon
Her: That's nice
Me: It is..I have a good feeling about him, he's going to
go far
Her: Are you going alone?
Me: Yes sinc-
My phone rang, I took it out and it was Zaine..
Me: Let me take this.. It's Zaine
I stood up and walked to the balcony to answer the call..
Me: "076" In New Zealand?
Him: I am back.. Landed last night
Me: Thought you were coming back next week
Him: Family emergency
Me: Is everything okay?
Him: Yeah nothing I can't handle but listen.. I wanna
attend his sermon, what's his name again?
Me: Snazo.. And he was praying that you don't come
Him: Why?
Me: He referred to you as a GOAT
Him: Such a title but I am hardly one, that belongs to Ayo
Me: Either way..
Him: You will tell me the venue.. Somehow I have a good
feeling about this kid, was watching the last exorcism you
did with him
Me: Ya there's just something about him
Sway: Honey??
Me: I have to go
Him: Don't forget to give me the name of the the venue
and the time
Me: I'll do that
Him: Stay blessed
Me: Stay clean from possession
He chuckled..
Him: Bye
I hung up..
_
SNAZO
All I wanted to do was to just get home, bath and then
sleep. I was very tired and I felt a bit disoriented, I guess
flying is just not for me..
When I made my way in I heard voices coming from the
living room, I was shocked to see Nomvelo with Gugu all
laughing and talking nice..
Gugu: Haaaa! You back
Put my bag on the dinning table, Gugu stood up and
came to give me a hug..
Her: I'm so glad you back I've missed you
My eyes were fixed on Nomvelo, she ran hers around the
room..
Gugu: How was Kzn??
Me: It was okay
Gugu: You have to tell me all about it
Me: I will but I wanna rest first
Gugu: Okay you can go and rest
Nomvelo stood up..
Nomvelo: I should probably go
Gugu: Thank you for stopping by
She was wearing a black dress with black stalkings and
heels, the dress looked good on her slim body. She
greeted me as she passed through, I turned and looked
at her as she walked out of the room. She wasn't
struggling with those heels and they gave her a sexy
walk. Gugu hit me on the shoulder to get my attention..
Her: Hau tell me a bit about Kzn, and how was flying for
the first time? I am very curious
Me: What was that all about?
Her: What?
Me: You and Nomvelo? Are you guys friends now?
Her: Ohh not entirely, she passes here everyday to greet
when she knocks off
Me: Really?
Her: Ya.. I think I misjudged her
Me: In what way?
Her: Niso was convicted last year and every week she
goes to see him even though he refuses to see her, she
hasn't moved on I think she truly loves him.. Which girl
would stay that committed to someone that she will only
see after 25 years
Me: I guess so but please don't get too attached, see
what happened with Mantwa
Her: I have learned my lesson
Me: Let me go and rest a little.. I'll tell you everything
later when I wake up
Her: Alright go and rest
I took my bag and I searched for my keys then I went to
the door, when I opened Nomvelo and I bumped into
each other. I think she was also trying to open and
somehow when I opened the door handle pulled her in. I
had my hand on the side of her arm was preventing her
from falling..
After a few seconds of awkwardness I lowered my hand..
Me: Sorry I..
Her: No it was my mistake.. I'm sorry
I stepped aside so that she could make her way in..
Her: I forgot my bag
I then walked out to my room..
_
NISO
When we were going outside one of the cell mates from
the 28s accidentally bumped into me. I got very irritated..
I whistled to him
Me: Ekse
He stopped and turned around..
Me: Ung'nyathelile (You stepped on my shoe)
Him: Bekuyi mistake
Me: Still I want that "Sorry"
He shook his head and walked away..
Mageba: Just let it go
I followed him..
Me: Eita bra
I put my hand on his shoulder and forced him to turn
around..
Me: Ithi sorry joe (Say sorry)
Mageba: Eyy iyeke maan (Let it go)
He looked at my sneakers and then spat on them..
Him: Hade mfwethu (Sorry)
I glanced down at my sneakers..
Me: Ku sharp
I turned around and then turned back whith a punch
right across his face, we got into it..
The fight didn't last long, Mageba separated us and now
we had attracted attention to us.
Mageb: Yini inkinga yakho? (What's your problem)
The dude spat out blood..
Him: Sizohlanga futhi poi (We will meet again)
He walked away, Mageba pushed me..
Mageba: Uyahlanya? (Are you crazy)
I clicked my tongue and walked back inside..
Mageba: Yewena mfana kaButhelezi!!!
I ignored him and went back to the cell, I got Nomvelo's
picture and looked at it again. I was missing her very
much..
_
NAZO
I was standing at some roof top, the building seemed
very high. It was cloudy and very chilly. I heard a voice
behind me speaking..
Voice: I know it seems unfair but..
I turned around and it was Helena. I usually see her in my
dreams, that's how we communicate...
Her: When you saw her today.. You felt something didn't
you?
Me: I felt nothing
Her: See Nazo she was always tailored for you, she was
never his to begin with. Their relationship had to happen
so that she could be closer to you, the devil worked hard
to try and intervene but fate worked more harder they
weren't supposed to fall for each other this much
Me: This is wrong..
Her: One's destiny is never wrong, she is your destiny...
Won't be easy but..
Me: I can't do it
Her: Yes you will.. Let fate take it's course
I opened my eyes, I had passed out on my bed...
Me: This cannot be

60
MANTWA
The visit seemed short, but I really enjoyed spending
time with his family. They very good people they
welcomed me with open arms, I never thought that they
would accept me seeing that me and Emmanuel we very
different people. Their culture seems a bit difficult to
adapt too but I hope that as time goes on I will be used
to it. I was in the bedroom making sure that all my things
were packed and that I wasn't leaving anything behind.
He stood at the doorway and looked at me..
Me: What?
Him: You seemed like you enjoyed being here
Me: Yes I did.. Your Mom and your sister they very nice
He made his way to me..
Him: Well then I'm happy that all of you are getting
along
Me: At what time are we leaving tomorrow?
Him: We going to leave very early, it's going to be a long
drive
I was still a bit worried about what's happening, I am
happy and my relationship is healthy. He is an amazing
person who cares a lot for me, when you have been a
victim of bad relationships for too long and then you get
a good man it seems like a fantasty that will end soon..
Him: Something on your mind?
Me: No.. I'm okay
Him: You can talk to me
Me: I know but I'm okay (Smiling)
We heard a soft knock at the door, I turned and looked. It
was his Mom..
Her: I hope I'm not disturbing anything
Patel: No you not. We were just packing
Her: I just wanted to let you know that dinner is ready
Patel: We'll be right there
She smiled and walked away..
Patel: We should go and eat.. We will finish up here later
Me: Alright
He kissed me on my forehead..
Me: I'll be right there just want to freshen up a bit
Him: Okay
He walked out and I sat on the bed trying to let
everything sink in..
_
SNAZO
I met up with Shine at Gazibo, it's been a minute since I
last saw him. We were having dinner and he was telling
me about the company and the clients they have had
since I've been away, I was trying to be attentive but a lot
was on my mind..
Shine: Ngathi kuzomele sicashe futhi (Looks like we will
have to hire again)
(Silence)
Him: Snazo
I looked at him..
Him: Manje? (and now)
Shine and I we very close, I could never lie to him about
anything. I trust him a lot, we have been friends for a
long time now. Even when I told him about the gift he
still stuck with me, I'm very sure that he is here to stay..
Me: I'll be moving to Mpumalanga soon to start my own
church there
Him: Ung'tshelile ngaleyo ndaba (You already told me
that)
Me: Ya but before I can do that.. There's something I
need to accomplish first
Him: Khuluma nami (Talk to me)
Me: I need to get married
He whistled..
Him: Manje ngoba vele since indaba yaka Mantwa
akekho umuntu ohlekisana naye (Since Mantwa's
situation you not seeing anyone)
Me: Ya that's true but I had a vision about the girl that
I'm supposed to marry
Him: Ng'gcwalisele (Tell me)
Me: Nomvelo.. I don't know how but she's part of my
destiny
He looked at me for a while all confused..
Him: Awume kancane.. Nomvelo.. Nomvelo?
Me: Ya that one
His eyes widened..
Him: iCherry yentwana yakho? (Your Brother's girlfriend)
Me: I don't know what's happening Shine
He whistled while shaking his head..
Him: Kanti lezinto zenu zisebenza kanjani? (How do this
things of yours work)
Me: Eish nami angazi (I also don't know) all I know is that
she was always meant for me
Him: Inzima le ndaba.. Manje uzoyenzani? (This is a
difficult matter, what are you going to do)
Me: Ang'keni joe (I don't know)
Shine: Manje ngoba awumncwasanga nex ke lo
mntwana? (You don't even like this girl)
I remained quiet and thought about when I saw her
today..
Shine: Nazo
I looked at him..
Him: Ungang'tsheli ukuthi... Naa Ntwana iMess lento
(Don't tell me.. This is a mess)
Me: One big mess
_
NISO
The guard came and took me from my cell, said that I had
a visitor and that they paid him for this private meeting.
At first I thought that maybe it's Nazo because he hasn't
come to see me in a while. We got to the waiting area
and there was no one there, it was very quiet. I turned
and looked at the guard, then I saw a few guys walking
in. One of them was the one that I attacked earlier..
Shit!!!
One of them looked at the guard..
Him: Ta fader (thanks)
The guard nodded while standing by the door, they made
their way to me. It was 5 of them. The one who seemed
like a ring leader started talking...
Him: Entlek wena mafikizolo ucabanga ukuthi kukini la
neh? (You think this is your house)
I didn't say anything.. He looked at the others..
Him: Mgibeleni (Beat him up)
They started beating me up while he sang..
Him: "Izimali zami kade ngizidla nawe.. Aww' sfebe
ngiyay'funa imali yam"
_
NOMVELO
The following morning I woke up and prepared for work,
I need to be at work exactly at 7:30am. My shift is from
8:00-17:00 but we obliged to go in 30min earlier, and
then on Saturday we do a 09:00-14:00 shift. My
Grandmother walked in as I was eating breakfast..
Her: Good morning
Me: Morning Duchess
She sat down..
Me: Are you okay?
Her: Ya just my knee is troubling me again
Me: I'm sorry to hear that
Her: You know the uniform looks good on you
Me: Thank you
Her: I am very proud of you, you doing very well
Me: Thank you
Her: So tell me does your boyfriend still refuse to see
you?
I exhaled in defeat..
Me: Yes
Her: Mara Velo 25 years is a very long time, are you sure
that you going to wait for him? Phela before I die I wanna
see you married with kids. Before the Lord remembers
me I wanna see my Great Grandchildren
We both laughed..
Her: But on a serious note he threw away his life, it's not
your fault that he made bad decisions and you shouldn't
suffer. Move on with your life, 25 years is a lot you not
getting any younger
_
NOMSA
I was at the kitchen going over my bank statements, our
last money seems to be going a bit faster than expected.
This is bad, this is very bad. Thuli made her way in..
Her: Morning Ma
Me: Morning
She looked at me..
Her: Konke k'hamba kahle (Is everything going well)
Me: No.. We almost broke
She made coff..
Me: Yazi Thuli if only you knew how difficult life is for us
now, you wouldn't be playing around at school
Her: I wasn't playing around Ma
(Silence)
Me: Although JJ had money but uNomvelo used to work
very hard at school, she always got good marks. She
never took advantage of the fact that she was from a
well off home
Her: Wow! So now you going to compare me to her?
Me: I'm just saying.. Futhi nje ngabe uyayeka Konke nje
ufune umsebenzi (I think you should leave school and
look for a job)
Her: What? No!
Me: What's the use because you busy failing? You adding
to our financial problem
Her: I only failed once Ma
Me: It doesn't make a difference Thuli!
Her: I think I should go to school
Me: Enjoy the last few days with that car because soon
I'll be selling it
Her: Yeah whatever Nomsa!

61
SNAZO
Later on I went to see Niso it's been a while since I last
saw him, The last time I saw him was a few days before I
went to Kzn with Dawn. I waited a bit longer this time
around for him, at some point I thought he refused to
see me same way he has been refusing to see Nomvelo.
The guard came with him and I was taken by how he
looked like, he was badly beaten up. He couldn't walk on
his own the guard was helping him walk, and he was
even a bit rough with him. I stood up and looked at him,
his left eye was very swollen, he was badly bruised I was
surprised that he could even walk. The guard let go of
him and walked away, took him a while to sit down..
Him: Hey
Me: What the hell happened?
He paused a bit before answering..
Him: The 28s
Me: What do you mean?
Him: Be a lot easier to tell if you could sit down
I sat down..
Him: I got in an altercation with them
Me: Where was Mageba in all of this? Where did they
attack you?
Him: They bribed the guard to get to me
Me: Of course! They still dirty as hell
He coughed a bit causing himself pain..
Me: Why haven't they given you medical attention?
Him: I'll be fine
Me: Niso you look badly hurt
Him: I think we should spend this time talking about
other things than what they did to me
Me: I would rather take this time and have you checked
than..
I looked at him..
Me: Wait a minute.. You don't want medical attention
because you being suicidal, you was hoping that the 28s
could beat you to death
He didn't say anything..
Me: Dammit Niso!.. You could still get parole
Him: Parole? I'm supposed to do 25 years without the
possibility of parole and Zwane is going to make sure of
that, I am not getting parole and I am not getting out of
here.. Ever!
Me: What does that mean?
Him: Mageba and I we.. There's a lot of things that are
happening inside Nazo that could add up to my sentence
Me: You still pushing the drug business aren't you?
Him: I need protection, I need to do Mageba favours or
else he will have me moved to another cell and I'm not
going to be someone's bitch!! I'd rather die than have
someone drilling my ass, Being Nazo's kid Brother
doesn't afford much protection!
Me: I should've known Mageba was going to use your
crime for his own benefit
(Silence)
Me: Look ill make a plan.. You just need to hold on for a
while
He shook his head..
Him: What you need to do is to accept the situation,
accept that..
Me: No..
Him: You need to let me go.. Don't try anything that
might destroy the life that you have created for yourself
I have been broken down a few times but this, this
moment right here it felt like thousands of needles were
piercing through my heart..
Me: I have always looked out for you, you my brother
Him: You can't protect me from everything, I knew that
what I was doing would have serious consequences.. I've
destroyed lives, I ruined futures and I ruined good
families. Most parents lost their children because of me
these are all their tears
Me: I don't want to hear you talking like this
Him: Just take care of Nomvelo for me, help her through
this she's very fragile
Me: Niso no..
Him: And take care of Gugu too
He stood up and looked at the Guard who made his way
to us..
Him: Bye Bro
Me: I'm going to find a way.. I promise
The guard helped him back to his cell and I sat there
wiping my tears, I'm not going to give up on him..
_
NOMVELO
I was at the kitchen hitting up my lunch, I had bought
streetwise two earlier and put it in the fridge because at
around 13:00 kfc gets very full. I yawned while looking at
the microwave and and hoping it would stop on zero
already, I was very hungry. It eventually did stop on zero
and I opened taking the plate out, I had put the pieces on
a plate. When I closed I noticed something unusual,
something very unusual. I think I saw a woman standing
behind me, I saw her being reflected by the microwave
since it was silver in colour and almost like a mirror
image. I turned around with my heart beating fast and I
saw no one standing behind me, I faced my front again
and looked at the microwave I didn't see her anymore. It
was almost as if like she had just vanished into thin air...
The door opened and I freaked out while dropping the
plate on the floor. Charlene walked in, Charlene is my
boss..
Her: Are you okay? I didn't mean to scare you
I nodded repeatedly..
Me: I'm okay
She glanced down at my chicken pieces on the floor..
Her: We can get you something else to eat
Me: It's okay.. I.. I don't think I'm hungry anymore
Her: Are you sure you okay?
Me: Yes I'm fine.. I.. I just need some fresh air
Her: When you come back please see me in my office I
wanna discuss something with you, something
important
Me: Ohw
Her: Don't look worried my dear it's nothing serious
Me: Oh okay then I'll be right back
I walked out to get fresh air..
_
NISO
I was taken back to my cell and I was in a lot of pain, I
think a few of my ribs were broken. I slowly laid down on
the bed while facing up, I closed my eyes as I struggled to
breath. I started coughing in hopes to open up my chest
walls, though it was extremely painful but I forced
through until I coughed up blood
It was little drops of blood that I wiped off with my
hand...
I heard the bars opening again and it was Mageba, could
hear his voice..
Mageba: vele la ninama favorites, oyi one wethu
ushaywa kanjani nikhoba? (you have favorites around
here, how does one of us get beaten up while you
around)
The guard loud..
Mageba: Aii suka maan Tsek!!
I was struggling to breath, drawing in air hurt a lot...
Mageba: Niso..
Something was wrong.. The beating must've caused a lot
of damage..
Mageba: Niso ugrand? (Are you alright)
I couldn't say anything.. It was a mess
Mageba: Ehh Fader!! Fader!! (Calling the warden)
Mageba: Ungasenzi so Ntwana yam' bekezela bra.. (Don't
do this to us, hold on)
_
SNAZO
I didn't drive out right away, I was in the car with my
head against the wheel. I was helpless, I felt very
helpless. The law can be a bitch sometimes, Niso pisses
off the wrong People. I raised my head up and hit the
stirring wheel a few times out of frustration..
Me: Shit!!!!!!!!!
I have never been this helpless before..
I started the car..
"Beloved..."
I wasn't listening, I didn't wanna listen..
_
NOMVELO
I went back to the store to hear what Charlene wanted to
say to me..
I knocked at her door..
Her: Come in
I made my in and sat down..
Me: You wanted to see me
Her: Yes there's some form I need you to sigh
Me: A form?
Her: You did very good last month Nomvelo and I'm very
impressed so I just wanna give you a R500 clothing
voucher you know it's how we show gratitude to our
employees
Me: Wow uhm.. Thank you
Her: No thank you.. We very happy to have you in our
team

62
NOMVELO
My Grandmother goes to sleep early as long she had
dinner, drank her medication, and watched that local
drama that plays at 18:30 on SABC 1 then she's fine. It
was now around 21:30 and she had already gone to bed,
I was sitting outside with Danger. We were just catching
up. He was having castle lite as usual, and I was having a
fruit juice..
Him: How is work going?
Me: Work is going well today I was given a voucher for
R500, Charlene is very impressed with me
Him: That's very good kiddo
(Silence)
Him: And how's the situation with your boyfriend now?
Me: Still the same.. I'm even debating with myself if I
should again
Him: You know what I think and don't take this the wrong
way
Me: What?
Him: I think he is being distant so that you can forget
about him and move on, after all 25 years is no child's
play
Me: Well you got parole, and if this faith thing works he
might get one too
He chuckled..
Me: I just wish he could talk to me at least, tell me that I
should move on rather than playing hide and seek
Him: If he does tell you are you going to move on?
I shrugged my shoulders..
Me: I don't know, all I know is that I love him and I wanna
be there for him. Same way that he has been there for
me when I couldn't cope with everything that was
happening
Him: Ya that's good.. Starting over is going to take a lot of
your strength, especially nowadays committed is very
scarce relationships and marriages are suffering because
of cheating
Me: That's very true you should see on social media,
almost everyone is complaining.. These days staying
faithful to only one person seems very difficult to
achieve. I don't want to be dealing with a guy that's
everywhere
Him: Just take your time..
Me: Can I tell you something?
Him: Yes
Me: And don't think that I'm crazy
Him: What is it?
Me: Today at work when I was hitting my lunch in the
kitchen I saw..
Him: Saw what?
Me: I think that I saw someone standing behind me it
was a woman, couldn't see her clearly because the
microwave was the one that had her reflection it was a
bit distorted. I turned around and she wasn't there
He kept quiet for a while..
Me: I know it sounds crazy but.. I felt a presence with me
Him: It doesn't sound crazy.. If it happens again tell me
and we will consult someone
Me: Therapist?
Him: No a traditional healer
Me: Isn't that too extreme?
Him: No.. The traditional healer will help us communicate
with the spirit, could be your ancestor
Me: Mom type of ancestor?
He started coughing..
Him: I.. I don't think so, your Mom is resting in peace
Me: Ohw
Him: Just tell me when it happens again
Me: I will
_
NOMSA
I was on the phone with my Mother, Mothers are our
pillar of strength. When life gets tough or when things
don't go right they're always there to help us carry on.
My Mother never liked JJ from the start, she warned me
about him. She once said his presence is too heavy in
translation she was simply meaning that there was too
much cruelty surrounding JJ and that he had too much
blood in his hands. I allowed JJ to make me abandon my
family, especially my kids. I was a bad Mother I won't lie,
I chose the easy way out of life and abandoned my kids..
Me: Akulungi Mama (It's not working Mom)
Her: Ohh mntwana wam' (ohh my child)
Me: I don't know what to do (crying)
Her: I never not even one bit trusted JJ's ways of making
money, there was too much evil that was in his heart.
Everyday I prayed that God would free you from him,
even his death was confusing and very sudden
Me: I don't know what to do Ma
Her: sell the house and come back home Nono, it's going
to be difficult to adjust at first but you can start over
from it's not too late.. Come home sana lwam' (come
home my child)
_
SNAZO
I was laying on the couch watching Tv, I heard the
bedroom door opening and Gugu walked out. I looked at
the time it was 22:45.
She made her way to the lounge and sat down...
Me: Awunabuthongo? (Insomnia)
Her: You can say that.. I tried falling asleep for the past
hour but my heart would start beating very fast..
Nginovalo nje (fear of the unknown)
Me: I'm also struggling to sleep
As we were sitting and talking I saw lights flashing, A car
parked outside by the fence
Gugu and I looked at each other, we heard the gate
opening and I put the Tv on mute as we made our way to
the kitchen waiting for a knock. When someone banged
on the door I unlocked and opened, it was Detective
Zwane he was accompanied by other two officers. We let
them in. Seeing the smirk on his face I already knew what
was happening, something bad happened to Niso..
Gugu: Officers why are you here soo late?
Zwane cleared his throat..
Zwane: Apologies for coming this late but some other
news they can't wait till the morning
Gugu: What news?
Zwane: It's about your Son Niso Buthelezi
Gugu held on to my arm..
Gugu: Wh.. What about him?
Zwane: He was badly beaten last night by other inmates
and it was founded that he kept quiet about it, and his
cell mates didn't notice too
Gugu: Is he okay? Is he at the hospital?
Zwane: He had severe internal bleeding and he had a few
broken ribs so was his rib cage, his vital organs were
affected in the process, his heart and his lungs got
pierced through. When he was taken to the hospital
today in the afternoon, they operated right away but he
went into shock and he died on the operating table
It was silent for a few seconds..
Zwane: I'm sorry.. My deepest condolences
Gugu let out a loud cry while sinking on the floor..
Gugu: No.. No.. No.. Hayi umntwana wam' (not my child)
Zwane: I'm very sorry
Gugu: No... Bring back my baby (Crying)
I looked at them...
Me: You can leave now
Zwane: Ohh uhm..
Me: Just leave Detective, this is no time to gloat
Zwane: Fine
He looked at his colleagues..
Zwane: We can go
They walked out and even left the door opened, I tried
helping Gugu to get..
Gugu: Hayi uNiso!! Bamenzeni umntwana wam' (What
did they do to him)
I was trying to help her up but I was breaking myself, my
eyes filled up with tears..
By now Gugu crying and the cars outside attracted our
neighbours. Sis'Joyce walked in with her Daughter..
Sis'Joyce: Shlobo kwenzakalani? (what's happening)
I looked at Sis'Joyce..
Me: Please can you.. Can you help Gugu to the chair
She came and helped her..
Sis'Joyce: Yini Snazo (What's wrong)
Me: It's Niso he..
Gugu: uNiso usishiyile (Niso is no more)
Sis'Joyce also let out a cry of her own..
Me: Just be here for her until I get back.. Please
I went and took my car keys then left..
_
NOMVELO
I woke up while gasping for air, I don't know what
happened but my heart was beating very fast. I felt
scared, I felt this overwhelming fear and I was also
struggling to breath.. I looked around and my room was
dark, I put my hand on my chest while crying.
Me: Duchess!!! Duchess!!! (shouting)
My Grandmother came rushing in..
Her: Velo..
Me: Duchess something is wrong with me
She switched on the light..
Her: Yini Velo? (what's wrong)
Me: I don't know.. I can't.. I can't breath
Her: Ima let me call Danger we will take you to the
hospital.
I really don't know what was happening, I have never
experienced this type of feeling before..
_
SNAZO
I had bought a few beers and I drove up to an open field,
it was very dark and very quiet. I got out with a few cans
of beers and stood went to sit ontop of the bonnet, I
opened one and drank..
"He died on the operating table.. He died on the
operating table"
I rubbed my eyes and his image was stuck in my head, he
was in excruciating pain when I saw him earlier today..
"You need to let me go.. Don't try anything that might
destroy the life that you have created for yourself"
I put the can down and rubbed my face with my hands..
"You can't protect me from everything, I knew that what
I was doing would have serious consequences"
I took the can and threw it away, I went and started
kicking the Tyre..
Me: Why?? Why?? Why?? Why??
I moved away and looked up at the stars..
Me: I thought we had a deal!!! I thought we..
Tears just started falling...
Me: Why??? This is not what I signed up for! I did more
bad things! He didn't deserve this! He is a good kid!!
What am I supposed to do now? How am I supposed to
live?? You supposed to be the good guy here! You called
me to save lives, save lives from the hand of the devil!! I..
We done!!! Whatever shit hell deal we had, we done!!
I'm done!!

63
NOMVELO
I spent the night at the hospital and this morning I was
feeling a bit better but shadows of that fear still haunted
me. They sedated me last night when I arrived and I slept
through the whole night, this morning very early I had to
bath and eat then the Dr came and asked me some
questions and what not also my blood sample was taken
to the lab for further testing and to rule out any deadly
toxins from my blood..
The Dr came to see me again I think he had my results..
Him: Good morning
Me: Morning
Him: How are you feeling now?
Me: A bit better.. Just wondering when can I go home
Him: You will go home first thing tomorrow morning,
after your blood work has came through
Me: What is wrong with me?
Him: The possible diagnosis for now is a panic attack, all
your symptoms lead to a panic attack
Me: I know what a panic attack is but what I felt last
night.. It was so intense I thought that I was going to die
Him: When it's severe it gets to that point but what's
good about it is that it cannot kill you
Me: Thank God for that
Him: As soon as your blood work comes through, you will
go home tomorrow morning
Me: Thank you
He moved on to my neighbour. I hate hospitals and I
can't wait to be out of here, public hospitals are a mess.
Nurses aren't really friendly, you share the ward with a
lot of other people and just hope that you don't get
haunted. You also pray that no one dies in your ward
during the night. It was even hectic for me to sleep on
this bed, how many people have slept on this bed and
died? It was frustrating..
_
MANTWA
I was shocked to hear that Niso is no more. We got the
news earlier this morning..
Me: I can't believe Niso is no more
Mom: It's very surprising.. He died in jail but then again I
heard the Buthelezi boys are very problematic and that
Nazo has had a lot of encounters with the law, you lucky
that you dodged the bullet
Me: Don't be like that.. Nazo turned his life around and
Niso he was in school, he was doing his last year in
teaching
Her: Then how did he end up in jail? The school thing
must've been just a front
Me: Don't judge
Her: I'm not judging
(Silence)
Me: Nazo must be broken.. He loves his Brother more
than anything and anyone in this world
Her: Sad for him but life is not a walk in the park
Me: I should come with just to see if Gugu is holding up
well and if they need help, I'm sure their relatives haven't
arrived yet. It was a sudden thing
Her: You not coming with Mantwa
Me: Why not?
Her: These are the same people who almost made you to
take your own life, that family I heard they bad news just
be grateful you done with them
Me: Ma don't be like that
Her: Mantwa you have a fiancé that loves you focus on
that, focus on him. He is a good person and educated
don't ruin what you have for a useless family!
Uhmm okay that was a first, My mom doesn't usually
blow up like this..
_
SNAZO
I was woken up by the sun and I realized that I passed
out in my car. I looked over and I had a lot of cans on the
passenger's seat. I threw them out via the window and
started my car then drove home. I was driving a Polo that
I got a few months back, I bought it with my check from
Dawn and the money that our business generated. It
wasn't new, was a good second hand Polo that I got for
120k. I didn't buy it straight away I budget first for a few
months and then I got it, it was red in colour. I felt like
shit, my head was buzzing and I still felt a bit drunk.
When I was on my street I saw Dawn's car parked at my
house, I didn't need any type of fuckery right now..
I parked mine at Sis'Joyce's gate and made my way in on
foot. The backdoor was opened and furniture was being
carried out.
I made my way in through the back door and Dawn
sitting in the lounge with one of my Uncles, he seemed
uncomfortable and my Uncle has a PhD in making people
feel very uncomfortable..
Uncle: Yewena mfana.. Ubuyaphi? (Where have you
been)
Me: Malume (Uncle)
Him: Ungathi Nyalume, Nyalume! Ubuyaphi (Where are
you coming from)
I looked at Dawn..
Me: Dawn
He slightly bowed his head to me..
Me: I'll be back
I walked out to the bathroom and Gugu was sitting on
the mattress with my Uncle's wife. She had a mini
blanket around her shoulders, she had a doek on and she
was looking down while rocking herself back and forth....
Me: Sanibonani (Greetings)
Aunt: Snazo
She was holding the snuff, you can't separate her from
that..
I looked at Gugu..
Me: Unjani? (How is she)
Aunt: Hai kunzima (It's hard) akadli, akafuni nex nje (she's
not eating, she just doesn't want anything)
I looked at her again, then I looked at my Aunt..
Me: I will see you guys later just call me if you need
anything
Aunt: Sizodinga iGrocery ezinye izihlobo zethu
zisendleleni (We will need groceries, our other relatives
are on the way)
Me: You will write me a list
Her: Okay
I went back to the Dawn, we can go and talk in my room.
He stood up..
Me: Malume ngiyabuya (Uncle I am coming back)
When we walked out we bumped into Mantwa and her
Mom at the door, been a while since I last saw her. She
still looked good I just stood there and looked at her for a
minute or two until her Mother cleared her throat, the
eye contact was broken..
Me: Sanibonani (Greetings)
Mantwa's Mom was the first one to respond.
Her: Sicela ukungena (May we please go in)
I shifted..
Me: Ya sorry
They made their way in..
_
NOMVELO
I was so bored that I tried to force myself to sleep but I
couldn't achieve that, my bed was the closest to the
Nurses station and they were making a lot of noise. They
were eating and laughing, just being very annoying..
As I was tossing and turning I saw my Grandmother and
Danger making their way to the Nurses, I was puzzled.
Visiting hours start from 14:00 in the afternoon. They
talked to the Nurses for quiet a while and I saw one of
the Nurses pointing at me then they made their way to
me, they looked somehow drained..
Me: What are you guys doing here?
My Grandmother hugged me..
Her: Velo.. How are you feeling?
Me: I'm feeling well
They had brought food with them...
Danger: What did the Dr say?
Me: Said it was a panic attack
Grams: A panic what?
Me: Nothing serious Duchess, they even discharging me
tomorrow
Danger: That's good
He put the food ontop of my small cabinet..
Danger: We brought you some food.. Chips, ribs, coslow
salad and a 100% fruit juice with some snacks to push
time
Me: Thank you
I could see that something was wrong..
Me: Is everything okay
They looked at each other..
Me: I am not dying guys so relax
Grams: We came early because.. There's something that
we need to tell you
Me: What?
Grams: I believe that what happened to you last night
was a sign
Me: A sign of what?
Her: Velo there's no easy way to tell you this but..
Me: But what?
Grams: uNiso he passed on yesterday, I think you had
that panic thing yakhona because of that.. It was a sign
I didn't understand the statement..
Me: I don't understand
Danger: uNiso passed on yesterday Velo bathi he got into
a fight thad later on took his life
My Grandmother put her hand on my cheek..
Her: I'm so-
I moved my head back a bit...
Her: I'm sorry baby
It's not true...
Her: It is
Me: It's not.. They made a mistake
Danger: Velo
Me: He wouldn't do this to me!! (shouting)
Everyone looked at me..
I calmed down..
Me: When I get discharged tomorrow we will go to the
prison and enquire, they made a mistake. You will see
they made a mistake
They didn't know what to say. I cleared my throat since I
felt like it was dry..
Me: Please pass me my food
Danger passed me the plastic, I struggled a lot to untie it.
My hands were trembling
Danger: Let me help you with that
He took it, I sniffed and tried to block my tears..
Me: Everything is fine you guys will see.. He is fine, they
made a mistake. They humans they make mistakes.. He is
fine
I wiped my tears..
Grams: Velo
She came and hugged me..
Me: He wouldn't do that to me Duchess, he loves me too
much to put me through that.. He wouldn't hurt me like
this (Crying)
Niso is not dead.. It's just not true...
_
NAZO
Dawn: I heard about your Brother.. I'm sorry
Me: Thank you
Dawn: At least you will be back in time from
Mpumalanga for his funeral
I looked at him..
Me: You kidding me right?
Him: You can't bail out, it's tomorrow. They expecting
you
Me: They can go to hell!!
Him: I know you hurting but don't do this
Me: I want nothing to do with religion, exorcisms,
preaching, the gift I have.. I want nothing to do with any
of that! I never was a fan of this religion bullshit!!
Him: Okay I understand that you hurting and as a human-
Me: You don't understand shit!!! You lost a pussy once
that you replaced with another one, and you married this
one! She's pregnant yall are going to be a "beautiful"
multiracial couple! I lost a Brother, you can't replace
that!!
(Silence)
He chuckled..
Him: Okay you hurting, I'm going to give you some time
to collet yourself!!
He walked out while bumping into me on purpose..
I clicked my tongue...
Me: Nx!!!

64
NOMVELO
The following day I was discharged from the hospital and
my Grandmother came to fetch me, we used a taxi to go
back home. I didn't know how I was feeling but from
where the taxi dropped us off, to walking home. I could
see a lot of activity from Niso's house..
Grams: Do you wanna go in?
I looked at his house for a while and then I nodded. I
didn't think I was going to go through pain again, I have
suffered enough mentally and emotionally. I need a
break from hurt, a break from heartache..
We walked in through the back door, it was wide open.
My Grandmother greeted those that we found in the
living room and she asked if we could go to the bedroom,
they allowed us. Gugu was sitting on the mattress with
some woman, seeing her in that state just confirmed
everything. It confirmed that he was gone..
My Grandmother greeted and we sat down on the chairs.
My Grandmother introduced us to the other woman, and
in turn she also introduced herself as Niso's Aunt...
Aunt: Umuhle Sisi (You beautiful)
I just nodded..
Grams: uGugu unjani? (how is Gugu)
Aunt: She's taking it very hard
She turned to her..
Aunt: Gugu uNomvelo no MaNgcobo-
Gugu looked at us, she looked at me to more specific.
Her eyes reflected a lot of sadness and pain, she was
broken and so was I..
Gugu: I'm.. I'm sorry Nomvelo, I know how much you
loved him
I think it was difficult for me because I was the only
person who didn't see him while he was in prison, maybe
it I saw him it would make the pain a bit better. Just a bit
though.
Me: Can I go to his room?
Gugu nodded..
I stood up and made my way to his room, nothing was
touched or moved. It was still as how I remember it
everytime I've been here. I walked to his bed and sat
down, one of his t-shirts was on the bed. I took it and
looked at it, I brought it closer to my noise and it had his
cologne. My eyes filled with tears. I put it on then laid
down on his bed and closed my eyes..
_
SNAZO
She was tired and the condom wasn't doing justice
anymore. We have been at it since from last night, I think
I was going hard on it because it's been a while since I
last had it.
I was having it from the back, pinned her down on the
bed and locked her hands against her back so that she
doesn't disturb me. It's just a random bitch I picked up
last night when I went drinking with an old friend of mine
Senzo, I bought her a few drinks with her friends and I
took her with me to Senzo's place for a night. I wasn't
going to come, at least not as quick as she wanted
because she was in pain. So be fair I opted that she gives
me a blow job for a while to speed up the process. I sat
on the bed and took off the condom, she went for it and I
pulled her her hair back. I forgot how nice this is..
She went on and on and I was close to come, instesd of
telling her I just came in her mouth, she spat them out..
Her: You could've warned me
She got up and wiped her mouth, then started dressing. I
stood up and went to to dress up too..
Her: I have never been with a guy who had such an
appetite just like you, I am burning and in pain
Me: Can you just dress up and go
Her: I'm going to need money for a taxi
I gave her R200 and then she left.. I walked out of the
bedroom to check Senzo and he wasn't around, probably
went to work..
_
NOMSA
Agent: This is a very nice house
Me: Thank you
Her: You selling it with the whole furniture?
Me: Yes
She looked around again..
Her: Okay I am sure that someone is going to buy it
before the end of the month
Me: That would be good
Her: Okay so I would need you out by the end of the
week
Me: I have already started packing
Her: I'll be in touch
Me: For how much are you going to sell it for?
Her: R 900 000
Me: Not bad
Her: Not bad at all
She gave me a handshake..
Her: ill call you
Me: Thank you very much
She smiled and walked out. I looked around and this is no
longer going to be my home, now I am moving back to
poverty and the hood...
_
MANTWA
Patel: I will pick you up at 18:00
Me: Okay
Him: I love you
Me: I love you too
Even though our cultures clash, according to him I was
supposed to have moved in at his place since we
engaged but in my culture he is meant to pay Lobola first.
We meeting up later on so that we can discuss the lobola
thing, I need to explain to him how it's done and what
not then he can give his opinion too, I wonder how it's
going to work out..
My mother walked into my bedroom..
Me: I was on the phone with Patel, we meeting up later
on
She kept quiet and then she sat down on my bed..
Me: Is everything okay?
Her: Mantwa do you know how blessed you are?
Me: Yes
Her: I mean I saw you with your ex and.. I hope that you
won't ruin your relationship with someone who almost
made you kill yourself
Me: Mom-
Her: I'm serious
Me: I won't.. What Nazo and I had it's over
Her: I hope so
My Mom's sudden hate for Nazo is really disturbing..
65
NAZO
SATURDAY
Days went by fast, faster than I wanted them to go
because I didn't look forward to his funeral. Now that the
day was finally here it made the nightmare real, seeing
him in the coffin made it real too. He didn't look the
same I almost couldn't recognize him, the bruises were
still there and his face was very swollen. His lips were dry
and a bit cracked, his eyes were shut permanently. It was
a lot to take in, I didn't have tears no more I've wasted
them all during the week. I don't show my weakness to
People, no matter how broken I was I just couldn't show
it to everyone else. I deal with situations my own way. At
10:30am we left for church, the funeral was gonna take
place at my Grandmother's church. It's funny because
I've been here not so long ago to bid farewell to my
Grandmother, and now it's my Brother.
I don't understand how this life thing works..
Gugu was done, she was hurt when my Grandmother
died but with Niso I have never seen her this broken.
Physically she was here but mentally and emotionally she
was gone, I don't even think she was aware of what was
happening. They had flowers on his coffin, I actually paid
for the whole entire funeral. They had his picture at the
front..
I looked around and Shine was sitting at the back,
Nomvelo's Grandmother was around but I didn't see
Nomvelo. Damn! Nomvelo, I have totally forgotten about
her..
"Ngangiyison' Esibi
(I was a terrible sinner)
Esaya Enkosini
(I came to the Lord)
Kwathi Ngegama Lika Jesu
(By the Name of Jesus)
Ngathol' ukukhululwa
(I found freedom)
Wez' umthandazo wami
(He heard my prayers)
Wangithethelela
(He forgave me)
Wangethula umthwalo
(He took away the burden)
Wangishiya neculo
(He left me with a song)"
A few people stood up and sang along, I looked at his
picture on his obituary he was smiling. Smiling like death
wasn't going to meet up with him anytime soon, he
didn't deserve this. I've done terrible things in my life but
Niso does one mistake and then it's the end? I don't
understand..
"Ngizomethemba njalo
(I will surely trust him)
Ngob' uyayazi indlela
(For he knows the way)
Uzongihola ngeso angisekele impela
(He will lead with his eye and support me indeed)
Ezulwini ngolanda
(When I get to heaven)
Ngibonge phakade
(I will forever thank him)
Wangethula umthwalo
(He took away the burden)
Wangishiya neculo
(He left me with a song)"
_
NOMVELO
I was woken up by a panic attack I've been getting a lot
of those lately and I'm still trying to control them. I
looked around and I still felt a bit wasted, I rose my head
up and it was heavy. I had his mini blanket with me, I
took it with me that day when I was at his place I didn't
steal it they let me have it. We used to sleep with that
blanket when it was hot, it's not big just a small nice
blanket. I didn't go to his funeral, I was even at home. I
was visiting my cousin Nkuli been here since Thursday.
I've developed an addictive relationship with alcohol, I
drink before going to work, I drink at work and I drink
when I knock off. It's something that happens everyday.
Alcohol might not make it all right but when I pass out I
sleep like a dead person, nothing invades my mind. It's
like my mind just shuts down for that time. The only
thing I'm battling with is that it brings about a lot of
depression, I've overdosed on pills but it wasn't
something serious and I become fearless to commit
suicide. I've tried hanging myself, I've tried drinking rat
poison but I couldn't go through with it. Something deep
inside of me didn't want..
I had passed out on the couch, I looked at the time and it
was something to eleven. I got up from the couch and
made my way to the kitchen, I poured myself whiskey
and gulped it down. Not exactly my favorite but I need to
take my mind off what's happening today back in the
hood..
_
SNAZO
His friend spoke well about him, our neighbour Sis'Joyce
even shed a tear or two. It was an emotional service and
now we were off to the cemetery. My Aunties were
talking in the family car but my mind was far away, we
were following the hearse and my eyes were glued on his
coffin at the back of the hearse I didn't take any interest
in what they were saying. The ride was very long..
_
NOMVELO
I was broken and I didn't know how to fix myself, I didn't
see any reason to live anymore. My vision was getting
blurry as I tried putting the glass on the counter, I was
already 40% drunk if not 50%. My broken heart started
all over again. I literally went to the couch to get the
blanket and I made my way to the balcony, all I wanted
was to be rid of the pain..
_
SNAZO
When we got to the cemetery something weird
happened. As I was walking to were we were supposed
to sit I heard the voice deep within..
"Beloved.."
I stopped.. I looked around and cleared my throat then
continued walking..
"Beloved.."
Me: Not today.. Not ever!!
_
NOMVELO
I looked down and it was a long way down, I closed my
eyes with tears falling..
Me: We finally going to be together my love
It was a bit difficult to go through with it, the blanket fell
as I was trying to leap off the edge. I looked at it and
sighed in frustration.
I got down to pick it up and a familiar hand helped me to
pick it up, it was him. He stood in front of me with his
ever beautiful smile..
Me: Niso?
He put the blanket around me..
Him: Here you go
Me: But.. How is this possible?
Him: Anything is possible
He appeared real, he was holding me..
Me: You left me.. (crying) why?
He shook his head no..
Him: I didn't leave you
_
NKULI
I walked out of my bedroom to check up on Nomvelo, I
had checked up on her a few hours ago and she was
sleeping. I don't like how she's burying herself in alcohol
and at the same time I don't know how to help her.
Me: Velo?
It was quiet but the sliding door was wide open, I got
scared. I made my way to the balcony but stopped
halfway. She was standing there and hugging herself,
surprisingly she was smiling through her tears..
Her: I did tell everyone that you not gone, but they don't
believe me. No one believes me
She was talking as if like she sees him, as if like he was
standing there. Right in front of her. I got emotional,
tears burned my eyes. It was a heart breaking moment to
witness..
66
SNAZO
3 MONTHS LATER
It was still difficult to go through life without Niso, I
would go to his room a few times in the morning hoping
that I would find him there but I would find the room
empty. Gugu was trying to make it through every day
without him, what happened has drifted us apart. I am
always out getting up to no good, I'm hardly at home.
With regards to my gift I still heard the holy spirit
communicating with me but I was just too ignorant, I
wanted nothing to do with my calling. I blamed God for
everything, I thought by answering to him and serving
him he would take care of my loved ones guess I was
wrong. How could he sit back and let my Brother die, it's
not fair
I slowly opened my eyes to be welcomed by the presence
of someone who looked very familiar, he was standing
there in my room going through his phone. How did he
get in? I must've been really knocked out to not hear
someone breaking into my room. I rose my head up and
that grabbed his attention..
Him: Finally he is awake, thought I was going to stand
here forever
I was very confused..
Him: Your Mom let me in
Gugu has a spare key to my room..
Me: What are you.. What are you doing here?
Him: I don't know between you drinking and the girl you
supposed to marry also drinking it's just one drinking
problem and it's setting you back
Me: I don't need a lecture
Him: I'm not lecturing you
I chuckled in disbelief..
Me: Zaine Radebe the GOAT standing in my room I guess
I must be important up there
He chuckled..
Him: I could be doing something else right now rather
than being here but..
(Silence)
Him: Why don't you bath so that we can go out for a ride
Me: Cool just give me a few minutes
He gave me a weird look..
Me: What?
Him: I was told that you very arrogant and full of
yourself.. I was expecting a fight or something
I exhaled..
Me: I'm just tired of fighting, that's what I've been doing
ever since.... I'm just tired
He nodded..
Me: There's no escaping it is there?
He nodded..
Me: There's no escaping this right?
Him: You can't escape who you are, no matter how much
you run
I ran my hand on my face..
Him: I'll be in the car
He walked out.
_
NOMVELO
I have been staying with Nkuli for all this long my
Grandmother agreed for me to stay there for this long
because she thought fresh air would do me good, she
thought being away from here a bit will help me.
Unfortunately that was not the case, I sank deeper and
deeper into alcohol that Nkuli couldn't take it no more.
Each time when I get too drunk I would change, I would
become a different person and she couldn't take it
anymore. She couldn't take being my bodyguard. We got
home and I just threw myself on the couch, I was tired
and very hungover. Though the hangover wasn't new.
Nkuli: Gogo nawu umuntu wakho (Grandma here is your
person)
She put my bag on the floor..
Grams: kwenzekeni? (what happened)
Nkuli: Hai mina ngihlulekile (I am defeated)
Grams: Kodwa Velo (but Velo)
Nkuli: She needs professional help Gogo before she really
commits suicide
Grams: Nami angisazi (I also don't know)
Nkuli: I am exhausted, I couldn't sleep peacefully most
nights because I had to wake up and check on her. Check
if she is still breathing, she is drinking like a fish I don't
know anymore. She broke a couple of things at my place,
when she is drunk she becomes a total different person
Grams: I don't know anymore.. I've been praying yazi uze
ulahle nomsebenzi omuhle (she even left a good job)
Me: Eish ngicela nigakhulumi ngami ngathi angikho la
(Please don't talk about me as if like I'm not here)
Nkuli: Hai Gogo let me go to my place so I can sleep
She stood up..
Nkuli: You must consider getting help for Velo gogo..
Professional help
Grams: I'll talk to Danger
She hugged my Grandmother and then looked at me..
Her: Ubengcono mntanasekhaya (get well)
My Grandmother walked her out..
_
SNAZO
When I was done bathing I went to the house to check
on Gugu, she in Niso's room busy folding his clothes...
Me: Hey
She looked at me..
Her: Hey
Me: What are you doing?
Her: It's time we give his clothes away to people who
need them, I'll take them to church
I slightly smiled and nodded..
Me: I'm going out with Zaine I'll be back later, call me if
you need me
She smiled at me..
Her: Thought I lost you too
Me: I'll see you later
Her: Okay
I turned around and started walking away... Gugu: Nazo
I turned and looked at her..
Her: Thank you.. Thank you for not losing yourself
Me: See you later
_
MANTWA
Me: "Matric, at least 2 years experience, compute
literate.."
Patel: Good morning
Me: Morning
He buttoned his shirt around his wrist...
He came and kissed me on my forehead and I put the
iPad on the table..
Him: What are you doing?
Me: Looking for a job
Patel honoured how things are done in my culture, he
paid lobola for me a few weeks ago after almost a month
of convincing his family. After paying Lobola I moved in
with him and next year we planning on getting married,
we still have to budget since weddings ain't cheap. With
the wedding we going to do it his way, the whole
wedding will include his traditions and beliefs. It's only
fair..
Him: Are you succeeding?
Me: Well I got a few posts that I'm going to apply for
Him: That's good
Me: Should I make you something to eat?
Him: No thank you.. I'm already late I'll grab a cup of
coffee on the way
Me: You have a long day ahead of you
Him: I'll get lunch.. I promise
Me: You better
He kissed me..
Him: I'll see you later
Me: later it is then
Him: I love you
Me: I love you too
He took his things and left..
_
SNAZO
I don't even know where we were going, I don't know
why he was even here. I don't think he understands what
I've been through.
Me: Where are we going?
Him: I want you to meet my family
Me: You got me up for that?
Him: Trust me.. It will be worth it
The drive was a bit quiet, I didn't know what to say to
him. I mean what do you say to a person like him? It
seems like God has been good to him. He is very
successful, I wish God could've been this good to me too.
I wish he didn't take my Brother away..
To my surprise we stopped at a cemetery.
Me: I don't understand
Him: You not the only one who lost someone, someone
who was dear to you. When I was in the process of
becoming a prophet, when I answered to my calling. I
lost my Father, then my Mother, and then my Brother. I
lost my whole family. You even blessed to still have your
Mother, I had no one other than the girl that I was
supposed to marry and she was broken. She suffered
sexual abuse from her step father and in the process she
fell pregnant, Her step Father was a cult leader.
This was shocking, I never knew about this.
Him: Come and see my family, I wanna show you their
tombstones their last resting place so you could see how
much I lost when I became a prophet. I don't usually
come here but I will make an exception for you
He opened the door and got out, I opened the door and
got out too..

67
SNAZO
"IN THE LOVING MEMORY OF LEIGHTON RADEBE. A SON,
BROTHER, AND FATHER.
MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE"
Zaine: The remains of my late Brother lie underneath this
tombstone
Me: How did he die?
He remained quiet for a while..
Zaine: He was possessed the day he finally repented, his
soul left his body. I always believe that he died in peace
Me: I'm sorry to hear that
Him: Leigh was perfect, he was the perfect son. He had a
respectable job, he was very religious and my parents
were very proud of him. They thought that he was going
to be the one to get the gift but unfortunately it was
passed on to me and I never understood why. I never
believed in God, I was a music producer and my career
was starting to take off no make that it was taking off.
My artists were winning awards, I had the money, the
fame and the girl. I was happy with who I was, I was
happy with how my life was until..
Me: Until?
Him: Until I started seeing things.. Strange things that I
couldn't understand and that's when my Father realized
that the gift had been passed on to me instead of
Leighton. My Brother was furious and so was my Mother,
he just didn't understood how it worked. He wanted to
be a prophet so bad that he worked very close with the
devil to bring me down. Things got worse when my
Father passed on, My mom and Leighton they became
my enemies my Mom didn't even like Bonolo. It was a
mess, it was a very big mess
(Silence)
Me: You know all along I thought you had it easy, looking
at your life right now I thought that everything was easy
for you
He laughed..
Him: I wish.. There were times I never thought I was
going to make it. I was tested, I endured and the devil
took blows at me but I'm still here today
Me: It's not easy to get over the death of someone close
to you, I wake up everyday blaming myself and wishing
that it could've been me he was young, smart, had a
bright future. He was meant to graduate soon and me on
the other hand my future didn't look so bright, I wish it
was me who died. I know Niso could've handled my
death better
Him: You much stronger than you think, you might never
understand why it had to be him but there's a reason.
Behind everything there's a reason. I might not know
your Brother but if you two were really that tight, I doubt
he would want you to live like this
We started walking away..
Him: He destroyed many souls and it is your destiny to
save a lot of the souls that are remaining, you taking a
stand against hell and doing the opposite of what he did
is the best way to avenge his death. You trying so hard to
destroy yourself, you running away from your gift.. You
can't run away from it, it's who you are and the more you
self destruct there more and more the enemy snatches
many souls. You giving hell the upper hand
I exhaled..
Him: Prophet Ayo Faziel Badru he fights off witchcraft, he
saves families from the curse of witchcraft being passed
on from generation to generation. He faces off
diplomatic witches and powerful witchcraft, he has
earned the right to be called the GOAT, he is the Greatest
Prophet of all time
Me: Then what are you?
Him: He is the greatest Prophet of all time and I'm the
powerful Prophet of this lifetime, we all gifted differently
Badru and I we able to save the physical being of a
person we fight evil on a daily basis but you..
He stopped..
Him: You go as far as healing the soul, what you do is
very remarkable and very special. You save souls from
depression, mental anguish and from the hand of the
devil, you cleanse a mind that is full of confusion, you
mend a broken and bleeding heart. The devil is striking
back, and he is doing it through depression. More and
more broken souls result in suicide because of distorted
thoughts, your are needed. Don't give hell the upper
hand. If your Brother got a second choice he would make
things right but unfortunately he is not, so make things
right for him. First of all you need to get your future wife
right, she is breaking at least that's what Helena said
Me: Helena gossips? I knew she was no good (Laughing)
He laughed too and continued walking..
_
NOMVELO
I found myself in a pure white room. The walls were
painted white, the ceiling was also white and the window
had no curtain. The whitness in this room was
overwhelming, I couldn't see even a small stain..
Me: Hello?
My voice echoed. I was wearing a pure white dress,
something about this scene was not right. What's
happening? Am I dead or something? I looked around
and I couldn't see a door, all I could see was just the
window. I walked up to the window and stared out, the
grass outside was very green and beautiful. There were
sunflowers around and trees. The sun was shining bright,
I even saw doves flying around..
Me: Wow.. What is this place?
As I was taken by the beauty of this unknown place I
heard a voice behind me..
Voice: Nomvelo
I slowly turned around and there she was, My Mother..
Me: Mom?
I recognize her from the pictures, she was glowing and
had this beautiful smile on her face. Her smile just made
my world complete, she was very beautiful..
Her: Hey sweetheart
I didn't know how to react, I had different emotions..
Me: Am I.. Am I dead?
She shook her head no..
Her: You not dead
Me: Then what's going on? What is this place?
She made her way to me..
Her: You very beautiful.. You everything that I imagined
you would be
She gave me a hug. Her hug came with a lot of warmth
and love, the moment felt real. She seemed real..
She broke the hug..
Me: I.. I thought you were hurt
Her: I was hurt.. I was hurt very bad
She brushed my hair back..
Me: I wish I knew you.. I wish that..
She was smiling at me..
Me: You seem so real Ma
Her: I wish I didn't leave you
I wiped my tears..
Her smile vanished and her eyes wondered around..
Me: What's wrong?
Her: She is coming.. We don't have much time
Me: Who is coming?
Her: The reaper.. She has to take my soul to the other
side but, ever since that night when my soul departed
from my body I never left your side I was always with
you. I refused to go because you were holding on to me, I
couldn't leave knowing that you were not okay. What
you see now is not who I am anymore
Me: I don't understand
Her: When I refused to go I became a bitter soul because
I saw him and everyday that I saw him your uncle there
more and more bitter I was, without realizing I became a
bitter soul
Me: Ma..
She held my hand..
Her: It's time for you to let me.. It's time for you to let go
and start your new life
Me: I don't understand
Her: Someone is going to ask for your hand in marriage I
want you to say yes. I saw his heart and he is a very good
person, he is a very special person and your future lies
with his. Together you and him will achieve a lot, you will
have good times with him and if you allow him he is
going to love you in time you will be very happy with
him
Me: I don't understand
Her: I want you to say yes to him, when you say yes I will
be able to rest in peace knowing that you in good hands.
I will be able to move on to the other side
Me: Mom I don't understand
She started shimmering..
Her: Say yes and open your heart to him, allow him to
love you
Me: Ma??
She disappeared..
Me: Ma?? Ma!!
I opened my eyes and looked around the room, I was
dreaming. I remember the dream I remember it very
vividly. I got up and walked out of the bedroom
Me: Duchess??
She wasn't around the house so I made my way to her
bedroom. I was broke and I needed something to drink..
I searched through her things until I found her purse, it
had R500 in it. I took R200 and then put it back, I went
back to the bedroom and put on my shoes then walked
out..
_
SNAZO
Zaine drove me straight home, unfortunately he couldn't
come in..
Him: I have to rush home
Me: Ya thanks for the ride
Him: I hope soon I will be attending one of your sermons
Me: Yeah I hope so too
Him: See you around man and be good
He gave me a handshake and then I opened the door, I
didn't go out of the car as I had one last question for
him..
Me: Exactly how am I going to tackle this situation with
her? What do I say to her?
Him: You tell her truth.. Your relationship with her is
going to start a bit different and it's going to seem weird
at first but I am sure that as time goes on everything will
fall into place
Me: Let me guess Helena told you that?
Him: Well she gossips a lot about you (pun intended)
I chuckled..
Me: See you around
Him: Take care
I got out and closed the door then I waved at him as he
drove off. I turned and looked at my house, I think I
should discuss this with Gugu first..

68
NOMVELO
Later on we were having a very good time at Gazibo, I
had called Groovy and she came over with a few People.
Over the phone she told me that she will come with
someone who has money and that I will just have to play
along and entertain him then he will buy us more and
more booze since my R200 won't take us anywhere. They
did arrive they actually came with a car, the owner of the
car is the one that I'm meant to entertain so that he
could keep on spending. It was just 5 of us, 3 guys and 2
girls. The two girls being me and Groovy. We were having
a really good time, I learned that the Guy's name is Ace.
He wasn't that good looking and he wasn't ugly either,
just a normal person. I was sitting ontop of him and he
really didn't mind spending on us. Ace is a good guy no
lie he was making us laugh with his friends it was a good
night indeed, Better than most nights I spend alone
drunk and crying myself to sleep. The only thing that I
didn't like about him is that he was very touchy, I would
constantly yank his hand off when it goes up to fondle
my breast or when he tries to squeeze it inside my Jean I
would stop him because I'm not about that..
Ace got more alcohol for us, they were having Castle lite,
Groovy and I we were drinking flying fish. I had just
finished my second last can when he got me another 6
pack..
Ace: Kuyabanda (It's cold)
He squeezed me a bit tight..
Him: Awuzwa amakhaza? (Aren't you feeling cold)
Me: Not that much.. I'm good
He tried to kiss me but I pulled back, I could see he was
getting a bit impatient with me giving him a tough time..
"Should I hold on or pass Will you let me crash Should I
hold on or pass Will you let me crash Should I hold on or
pass Will you let me crash Should I hold on or pass (Will
you let me crash"
They were playing Collide by lazy zamar, one of the jams
that has grown in me. I found myself falling inlove with it,
it's a good song to jam too when you having a good
time..
My night was going very well and we were planning to
leave after I had finished the last 6 pack of my beers plus
I was starting to get wasted, maybe halfway through the
last 6 pack I was going to be carried home there was no
way that I was going to walk on my own..
Groovy: Woza so jaiva (come let's to dance)
Me: No I'm good..
Groovy: Sowudakwe ngaleyo ndlela vele?
I nodded..
Ace: Ufuna uku Lala (You want to sleep)
I nodded..
Ace: athi ngiyise uNomvelo kubo (let me drive Nomvelo
to her place)
His friends agreed..
Ace: Asambe (let's go)
Me: Let me finish this can
Ace: Do you want help with it
Me: Okay
I passed it to him and he also drank, as we were sharing
my can there was kissing in between. Now I was just too
vulnerable to even fight off his hand squeezing my
breast.
Since I was sitting ontop of him I could feel that he was
getting hard, really hard that he was squeezing me very
tight to him..
Groovy: Hai akenimeni tuu (please stop)
We stopped..
Ace: Asambe ke (let's go)
Me: Wait it's not finished
Ace: Iyeke moss uwaphethe amanye (leave it you have
other ones)
Me: Hai maan you don't waste alcohol
Ace: Ok qeda ke (finish it then)
I kept on drinking and I don't know why it was hard to
finish, Ace really wanted to leave..
Just as I was about to finish a red Polo pulled up, and
when Ace was holding my waist helping me to stand up
the doors opened Nazo came out, he was with a friend.
My heart immediately sank lower to my knees, I sat on
Ace again..
Ace: Vele udakwe ngaleyo ndlela yokuthi awusa kwazi
nokuma (You that drunk that you can't even stand up)
I don't know why I was this scared, I mean Nazo means
nothing to me. I shouldn't even allow his presence to
make me this uncomfortable...
Friend 1: Ace nceda omunye umntwana (Help her)
Ace: Nomvelo sukuma sambe (Nomvelo stand up, let's
go)
My mind just froze..
Groovy: Yini kanti? (what's wrong)
Me: That's.. That's Niso's Brother
Groovy turned..
Groovy: Kuphi?
Me: The one.. The one wearing a green tshirt
Groovy: Serious? Wuye uNazo lo uNiso bekahlala
akhuluma ngaye (Serious that's the Nazo, Niso has
always talked about)
Me: Yes that's his Brother
Groovy: Akaphenduke phela ngimbone kahle (Can he
turn so that I can see him)
It's more like he heard her, he did turn and saw us..
Groovy: Yiiiii kanti naye muhle so? Kahle kahle umama
walaba fana ubani ye? (So he is also handsome, who is
their Mother)
I saw him saying something to his friend and then they
made their way to us..
Me: Shit!!
I mumbled under my breath..
Ace: And then manje? (and now)
My heart started beating very fast as they got closer,
Nazo didn't seem happy. He has this intimidating look of
his and right now he was about to give me a heart attack.
His friend was the one who started talking..
Friend: Fede majita? Niphethe no Nice ngapha (how are
you guys, you even have a lady in your company)
Then the friend looked at me..
Friend: ngapha Niphethe no Nomvelo (on the other hand
you have Nomvelo)
Nazo's eyes were fixed on me..
Groovy: Sanibonani (Greetings)
The other guys greeted too..
Friend: Mina vele bathi nguShine igama, ngiyaqala
ukunibona la esgodini sethu (they call me shine and it's
my first time seeing you guys here in our section)
Groovy: Vele thina siphuma ngapha emaExt (we from
another hood)
Shine nodded..
Ace: So singanicenda bafethu? (can we help you guys)
Shine: Aii nje besithi... (We were saying)
Ace kissed me on my neck because he saw that I was
uncomfortable..
Ace: uRight? (are you okay)
I faked a smile and nodded...
Shine: Sek'bekwa nama kiss entameni ngathi kuzonyiwa
nje (Now there's kisses on the neck, things are about to
get out of control)
Ace: Kunani umuntu makacabuza umuntu wakhe?
(what's wrong with a guy kissing his girl)
Shine laughed..
Shine: Umuntu wakho? (Your person)
Ace: Yini uyagoloza? (are you saying something)
Shine chuckled and shook his head..
Shine: Ukhuluma nami Skhokho? (are you talking to me)
Nazo's look was still piercing through my skin....
Groovy: Ake nimeni (stop it)
She looked at Shine..
Groovy: bhut'wam asizanga ngokulwa (my Brother we
not here to fight)
One of Ace's friends started talking too..
Friend: Aii asambeni.. (let's go)
Ace: Nje vele kuxabanelwa ukuthi umuntu ubambe
umuntu wakhe (Now we fighting because I am holding
my person close to me)
He kissed me on my cheek..
Ace: Yazini baby Asambe (Babe let's go)
Groovy: Hau akenimeni sisaziwisa (wait we still having
fun)
Ace: No uzwile uBaby ufuna ukuyolala (you heard
Nomvelo wants to go and sleep)
He kissed me again on my cheek while squeezing my
breast, Ace was really trying to show off..
Nazo: Ngathi lento seyizong'bangela iscefe (this thing is
going to irritate me now)
He made his way to us and then he grabbed my arm not
in a rough manner, he pulled me a little from him so that
I could stand up..
Ace: Ayii entlek yini manje? (what's wrong now)
Ace also stood up mad and he looked at Nazo, Nazo gave
him a serious look without saying anything. One of his
friends stood up and Shine sat him down again..
Shine: hayi namahlanje Skhokho (not today)
Ace: Entlek ucabanga ukuthi wenzani? (what do you
think you doing)
The way that Nazo was so serious I thought he was
gonna push me aside and then punch Ace right across
the face, I was keeping the peace by standing in between
them. Ace took out his pocket knife..
Ace: Makushuba Makushube (let it get ugly)
Groovy: Ace ima kancane tuu (Ace wait a minute)
Ace: No angeke amane nje athathe umabhebeza kanjalo
nje, phela ngimbhejile lomuntu (He can't just take her
away, I've spent enough money on her)
Shine: Umbheje ngamalini? (how much did you spend on
her)
Ace: No imali eningi kabi (it's a lot of money)
Nazo looked at me..
Nazo: What did he buy you?
I wanted the ground to swallow me, this was getting out
of control..
Me: 12 pack ye flying fish
Shine: Agh suka ukhalela iR158 (you complaining for
R158)
Nazo: You heard that? You worth R158
He took out his wallet and took out R200, he stretched
his hand to Ace and Ace stretched his hand to take the
money, Nazo let it go before he could take it from him..
Ace: yini manje indaba zok'delela? (why you being
disrespectful)
Nazo: Entlek ithi ngiringe nawe (let me talk to you)
Ace picked up the R200 and they walked away to a more
hidden place to talk, Shine looked at me..
Shine: Hai nawe uyahlupha for iR158 nje (you
problematic just for R158)
Friend 2: Manje siyahamba noma? (Are we leaving or
what)
Groovy: Asimeleni uAce (let's wait for Ace)
They all just engaged in a random conversation while
waiting for Ace..
I was the only one standing now, I was feeling very
ashamed and cold at the same time..
Ace and Nazo came back after a while..
Ace: As'vayeni (let's go)
Groovy: Sekuyahanjwa nje just like that (We leaving just
like that)
They took their alcohol while complaining, Ace also took
the Flying fish that he bought me and they made their
way to his car. Groovy hugged me..
Groovy: Bye mngani (Bye friend)
Me: Bye
They all left..
Shine: Ya neh
Nazo: Let me take this one home ngizok'cava jumpas (let
me take this one home, I'll see you)
We walked to his car. I don't know what was being
discussed but after Nazo said "you worth R158" that's
when it clicked to me that Ace had other plans that what
I had, he wanted to sleep with me. Was he even going to
drive me home?
I was very ashamed and embarrassed, I didn't know what
to say to Snazo. In the car he was playing music but the
volume was very low, and I was sitting there searching
for the right explanation..
Me: I..
I cleared my throat..
Me: I didn't know that he wanted to sleep with me
He didn't say anything..
Me: He knows Groovy, he is Groovy's friend and I
thought that he was being Generous by buy-
Nazo: ng'cela ungang'bangeli umsido Nomvelo (Don't
make noise for me)
It's very difficult to talk to Nazo, he can politely switch
you off with just one line..
69
NOMVELO
Nazo took me home and when I say home he literally
came inside with me, how bad can this situation get? My
Grandmother looked worried, she was so worried that
she was pacing up and down I am without a doubt that
she might've called the police. That's how dramatic she is
sometimes..
Grams: Velo ubuyaphi? (where are you coming from)
I sat down..
Me: I was out with friends
I still felt a bit out of place, but not as serious as how it
was when I was at Gazibo..
Grams: Out with friends? Out with friends yani?
Yokudakwa? (out with friends to get drunk)
I just wanted to go to bed and sleep, but she's not going
to make that easy for me..
Grams: uDanger is driving around looking for you maan!!
Haisuka Nomvelo!!
Snazo must be enjoying this because he was just standing
there by the door with his arms folded..
Grams: Did you take money from my purse?
Me: I borrowed it
Her: You didn't borrow it you stole it because you took it
without asking, ngeka yok'dakwa nje! (just because of
alcohol)
She pulled the chair and sat down while crying..
Her: Mina ang'sazi Nkosi yam' (I don't know anymore my
Lord)
Me: I will pay you back Duchess
She threw the dish swab at me...
Her: Ngani? (with what) you lost a good job ngenxa
yok'dakwa (you lost a good job because of alcohol)
She is just being way too dramatic..
Nazo exhaled..
Nazo: I will make sure that she pays you back every cent,
no make that double what she took because I found her
a job
I turned and looked at him..
Me: You did?
Him: Yes it's a 8:00-17:00 shift, if you lucky you will knock
off at 16:00. You starting tomorrow morning by 7am you
have to be ready I'll pick you up
Grams: Ohh Nkosi yam' ngiyabonga Snazo, ngibonnga
nokuthi umlethe ekhaya (Ohh God thank you Snazo,
thank you for even bringing her back at home)
Me: If I may ask what kind of job is it?
He raised one of his eyebrow..
Grams: Take this job and stop asking a lot of questions!!!
Me: What if..
Grams: What if yani? If Snazo was untrustworthy he
wouldn't have brought you home safe! I know him from
when he was young, his Grandmother was my best friend
Snazo is a very good young man
Snazo: Thank you.. Uhm.. I should go
He looked at me..
Snazo: I'll come and get you tomorrow morning 7am
sharp
He looked at my Grandmother..
Nazo: Senizosala kahle MaNgcobo (Good night
MaNgcobo)
Grams: Uhambe kahle (Go well)
He looked at me..
Him: 7am I don't wanna come here and hear stories
I kept quiet and he walked out while closing the door
behind him..
Grams: Kanti kukhona abak'khonayo (At least there's
people who can handle you)
She stood up and went to lock the door..
Grams: awuhambe uyogeza bese uyadla then uyolala,
uzwile ukuthi bazokulanda ngo 7 ekseni (Go bath then
eat so you can sleep, you heard that he will fetch you at
7am)
Me: You really trust him?
Grams: uNazo is a very good boy though he made bad
decisions in the past mara he is a very good boy, he grew
up right infront of me and he loves his family more than
anything. He has a big heart, he always wants to help
out. According to him he could help out the whole world
if he could, he has respect for elders and he loves his
family more than anything. He treated his Grandmother
and Mother with respect, there way he was with his
Grandmother I am very sure that he will make a good
husband for someone one day. He was blessed with a
very good heart isizukulu sakaButhelezi, no wonder why
his Grandmother's gift was passed on to him. God didn't
make a mistake
Me: What gift?
Her: Awugeza!! (go and bath)
My Grandmother speaks very highly of Snazo, "He
treated his Grandmother and Mother with respect. He is
caring and has good heart" He is this and that, I see none
of that. He is very arrogant, very bossy, and very
intimidating. That's all I know about him..
_
NOMSA
I really thought that maybe selling my house was going to
my financial breakthrough. I had already made plans for
the money and a set back arose. The house was already
bought by a newlywed couple, they bought it through
the bank and they not able to move in because there's a
lot that's happening. It's a problem after a problem.
Apparently the water pipes burst and the house was
flooded, from that 900 000 the house agent took some of
that money to fix the damage. When we had sorted that
issue out another one arose, it was a problem after a
problem that we were now down to R500 000. They
forfeited giving me my share because they say that I
knew very well that the house had problems, hence why
I wanted to sell it. They even treatened to take me to
court should I try something stupid, and that is reporting
them to the authorities. I had to make ends meet, I can't
sit around at home and do nothing. I have to help around
so while I'm still looking for a job I will be selling my
clothes just so that I can be able to buy food at home. My
Mom is no longer working so responsibilities are all
mine..
I was at my station next to the community hall were
people get their sassa money. So far I had made R70, I
arrived here at 6:30am to sell home made vetkoeks to
everyone while they standing in the queue then later at
9am I will start selling the clothes..
Life can really humble you..
_
SNAZO
At 7am I went and fetched Nomvelo to my surprise she
was ready. I haven't found her a job but we will drive to
Dawn's workplace and see if he can't find her something
that will keep her busy up until 17:00. At least when she's
at work she won't have time to drink and act crazy. I
haven't told Gugu about the Nomvelo issue, I still don't
know how to break it down to her without shocking her..
Me: Let's go
I'm trying to be firm with her hoping that she will stop all
this madness, Nomvelo is very stubborn if I could laugh
with her she won't take things serious. I drove off with
her Grandmother waving goodbye to us, she looked
relieve that at least Nomvelo has something that will
keep her busy so that she can stop drinking. As we were
driving to Dawn's place I was thinking of what I'm going
to say to him because our last encounter I was very rude
to him. Nomvelo brought me back from thinking a lot
when she started singing along out loud to the song she
was listening too, through her headsets..
Her: "Santa tell me if you really there.. Don't make me
fall inlove if he won't be here next year"
I looked at her she had her eyes closed and was moving
her head together with her shoulders, she was really into
her songs I let her enjoy the moment while I listened to
her. She wasn't a good singer..
Her: "I'm avoiding any missleto until I know it's true love
that he thinks of, so next Christmas I'm not alone.. Santa
tell me if you really there don't make me fall inlove again
if he won't be here next year"
She opened her eyes and stopped singing, she started
humming and I acted like I didn't hear nothing. She took
the headsets off..
Me: Do you want something to eat?
She ignored me..
Me: Nomvelo??
Her: I don't know if I should answer you the last thing I
want is for you to say "Nomvelo ung'bangela umsindo"
I don't know but I chuckled at that statement. She put
her headsets again..
I noticed that she had Niso's bracelet around her wrist,
she kept on touching it and looking at it. The moment
turned a bit sour, she was very quiet now..
I noticed tears, she turned her head and stared out of the
window. She was listening to one of his old favorite song
"50cent_Ayo Technology" I couldn't hear much but I
heard the beat a little and I knew it was the song. Luckily
I have all his favorite songs on my USB so I played it and
sang along..
As I was jamming to it, while hitting the stirring wheel
every now and then she turned and looked at me. She
took off her headsets.
Me: "Baby this a new age, you like my new craze.. Let's
get together maybe we can start a new phase.. The
smokes got the club all hazy, spotlights don't do you
justice baby
Why don't you come over here, you got me saying.."
Took her long enough to notice, she started singing along
too and I noticed that it lightened her mood a bit..
Us:" Aayooh, I'm tired of using technology, why don't you
sit down on top of me Aayooh,
I'm tired of using technology, I need you right in front of
me"
She kept quiet as I tackled the next part alone..
Me: "Ooh, she wants it, uh uh, she wants it
Ooh, she wants it, (so), I gotta give it to her,
Ooh, she wants it, uh uh, she wants it
Ooh, she wants it, (so), I gotta give it to her,
Your hips, your thighs, you got me hypnotized, let me tell
you.."
She buried her face in her hands while laughing and
shaking her head, I got her hands off..
Her: Gosh stop it!! It's awkward singing this with you
(laughing)
Me: Let me tell you something" Baby this a new age, you
like my new craze.. Let's get together maybe we can start
a new phase"
She continued laughing and avoided eye contact as she
tried to hide herself from blushing, but I had restrained
her hands from doing that..
Her: Stop it!!!! You so annoying right now I don't wanna
hear you sing that.. (laughing)

70
SNAZO
We finally arrived at the studio Nomvelo was in a better
mood now since the whole singing thing in the car. I
opened the door and we walked in, when Zeash the
receptionist saw me she lost it. She came to me running..
Her: Nazo!!
She is a very friendly person and gets along with almost
everyone..
We hugged..
Me: Hey
Her: It's been a while since I last heard from you, are you
okay?
We broke the hug..
Me: Yeah I'm okay
Her: I heard about your Brother.. I'm sorry
Me: It's okay.. Thank you
She looked at Nomvelo..
Me: This is Nomvelo and Nomvelo meet Zeash, she
practically runs the place
Zeash gave her a handshake..
Zeash: You pretty.. Never seen such a pretty dark skinned
girl
Velo: Thank you very much.. You pretty too
Me: Is Dawn around?
Zeash: Yes he is in his office
I looked at Velo..
Me: You can sit down I'll be right back
I then looked at Zeash..
Me: Keep an eye on her for me please
Zeash: I'll do that
I made my way to Dawn's office, his door was open and
he was on the phone.
Dawn: At what time is the Dr's appointment
tomorrow?... No I will definitely be there
I knocked and made my way in..
Dawn: Okay I'll call you back there's someone here to see
me.. I love you too.. Bye
He put the phone down.. It was a very difficult moment I
mean the last time we saw each other it didn't go well, I
offended him..
Me: Zeash let me in
Him: What can I do for you?
Me: Look man that day I.. I wasn't myself but that..
Him: Don't even think about it, apologizing will be more
awkward for me than it will be for you so it's cool I
understand
That was a relief..
Him: How are you holding up?
Me: I'm getting there, taking it one day at a time
Him: So are you officially back?
Me: Yeah.. I'm back
Him: That's good
Me: I'm actually here to ask you for a favour
Him: I'm listening
Me: I am here with Nomvelo and I was wondering if you
could give her a job or something
Him: I don't think I'm following
Me: Ever since she lost Niso she has been struggling a lot
emotionally she has resorted into alcohol as a source of
comfort I need her to keep busy. If she could be away
from temptation everyday from 7:00-16:00 she might
fight this habit of drinking
Him: I don't know what she can do around here plus
she's not even in the budget
Me: Don't worry about that I will pay her, maybe R4 000
a month, make it like it came from you
He laid back on the chair..
Him: I don't know maybe she can be my PA
Me: That's a good idea maybe she can also help you with
exorcisms plus she needs to understand my world a bit
better so that when the time comes it will be easier for
to follow through
Him: That's a good idea, dangerous but it's a good one..
Do you think she will agree?
Me: She has no choice
I stood up..
Me: You can come and meet her
We walked out of the office to the reception..
Me: Velo
She looked at us..
Me: I want you to meet Dawn, he owns this studio.. He is
the boss
She stood up..
Me: Dawn this is Nomvelo
He gave her a handshake..
Dawn: Nice to meet you
Velo: Same here
Me: Let me talk to you
We moved away a bit from Dawn..
Me: I'll come and pick you up later at around 16:00, I'm
going to need you to behave and give it your 100%
She nodded..
Me: I'm serious Velo
Her: I'll be fine Nazo
I turned back and went to Dawn..
Me: I'll come and get her later and she's a bit stubborn
but don't let her get to you
Dawn: We will manage.. Don't worry
I just hope that she will cooperate..
_
NOMSA
I was missing JJ, he was not a good person but life was
better with him around. Much better than what I'm going
through right now.
I was selling my best clothes at a cheaper price, clothes
that I spent a fortune on I was selling them at a very
cheap price and no one was buying as yet. People would
just pick up and look at them, some even wanted me to
reduce the price even more it was a disaster. My phone
rang, it was Thuli..
Me: Thuli
Her: Ma.. My car broke down
Me: What?
Her: I don't know what's wrong it doesn't want to start
I exhaled..
Me: Where are you?
Her: At school.. It's at the parking lot
Me: Well leave it there and take a taxi home
Luckily the school is not far from home..
Me: At some point we will have to sell it so that you can
be able to pay your fees for this year and next year
Her: Can't we get it fixed?
Me: With what money? Haven't you noticed that life has
been very difficult for us?
Her: Fine we can sell it then
Me: See you later at home
Her: Okay
I felt tears coming, how did my life get soo messed up??
_
NOMVELO
I wonder what they do around here, it's a small beautiful
studio. This Dawn of a Person seems like a very decent
man, how does Nazo know someone like this??
Him: You will be my PA, you will run errands for me and
help around here
Me: Okay
Him: You must bring along your Cv
Me: I will
Him: You going to get R4 000 a month, that's your
starting salary since you don't have experience
Me: It's okay and thank you for the opportunity
I ran my eyes around and saw a bottle of whiskey right
across the room..
Me: What exactly do you do around here?
Him: I am an exorcist
Me: A what?
Him: It means thar I ex..
Me: I know what an Exorcist is I just never thought
Exorcists exist, thought it was all in the movies
He chuckled..
Him: We do exist and as a matter of fact we will be
leaving in 10minutes time for an exorcism around the
neighborhood
Me: "We"
Him: Yes as my assistant you have to be there
Me: Okay let's back it up a bit.. I don't even watch horror
movies and now you want me to live one?
Him: Pretty much
Me: What if I get possessed?
Him: I will exorcise you, but make sure that you don't get
possessed
Me: Make sure that I don't get possesed? I am not
comfortable with this at all
Him: You will be fine
He stood up..
Him: Come I'll introduce you to the rest of the team
_
SNAZO
Starting from today I will be spending a lot of time with
Bishop McCarthy at the McCarthy Bible church doing
minor sermons. He is my new mentor and I hope we will
work well together. I will spend about 3 hours here then
when I'm done I'll go and check up on Shine at work. Our
business is growing..
Me: I thought I was coming in for a sermon?
Him: There's a youth service later on today at 15:00 and I
want you to preach to them
Me: A youth service? What am I going to say to such an
age group?
He chuckled..
Him: That's why you here.. I want you to take this time
and pray ask for guidance from the holy spirit because
honestly our young people are going through a lot, I
heard about your Brother's passing and I know it's still a
fresh wound maybe that can be your drive. Do you know
the phrase "A broken heart can touch another broken
heart" and I'm very sorry about your Brother
Me: Thank you
Him: Let me leave you while you connect with heaven..
I'll be right back
He walked out..
_
NOMVELO
I thought that Dawn was joking when he said that he is
an Exorcist, but he wasn't. He introduced me to his whole
crew including the camera man. Apparently they even
have a channel for this, they record some of the Exorcims
and air them. How does he sleep at night?..
Him: These crystals help in trapping the demon, a circle
of salt protects you from the demon and this..
He showed me a sign..
Him: We call this the Devil's trap.. Ohw and we going to
need this too. Holy water and a cross
I packed them..
Him: Don't look so worried you will be fine
Me: I don't think so
Him: You need to know about this incase..
Me: Incase?
Him: You marry an Exorcist or a Preacher or a Prophet
I laughed..
Him: You don't believe?
Me: I'm just imagining myself marrying a Pastor.. That
will never happen
Him: Never say never
I picked up the box..
Him: Let's go put everything in the car
I continued laughing.. I just imagine myself marrying a
Pastor, what a joke..
71
NOMVELO
I seriously don't know what Nazo thinking bringing me to
work here, this was not my cup of tea. I am not a
religious Person, at my Uncle's place church was never
considered there was never a time were we just
prepared ourselves to go to church nor prayed every
night. How does Snazo even fit in all of this? What is he
doing with Exorcists? It doesn't make sense..
We made our way to the place, The whole entire time I
was starring down at Niso's bracelet. I didn't go to his
funeral simply because my being there was going to
make it seem like I had accepted that he was gone, I
didn't wanna accept until days passed by and he wasn't
here. I miss his smile, his stubbornness, there way he
cared for me, the intimate moments that we both
shared. I miss him a lot, he was always there for me.
Dawn: And we are here
He looked at me..
Him: Are you ready?
Me: Can't I just stay in the car?
Him: No come on, let's go
We climbed off and made our way to the yard, it was an
ordinary family house. This is not my thing..
_
DANGER
Nomvelo has been out of control lately and we were
struggling to get her on track. I got into her life already
when she was old, sometimes discipline to a young
woman might bruise our relationship, she will hit me
with that card "You weren't even there" she has a lip.
Though it was affecting me seeing her breaking like that
and being helpless, my Daughter has been through so
much and I wonder if she realizes how strong she is.
Me: Do you think she will commit to this job!
Grams: I hope so, I think she will because Nazo seems to
know how to handle her
(Silence)
Grams: I know this is irrational but he might be what she
needs.. Someone who is grounded
Me: That doesn't sound right she was with her Brother
Grams: And Niso is not here, it wouldn't be cheating or
anything. It is accepted in most black cultures for a man
to marry his Brother's wife, in this case Niso and Velo
weren't even married
Me: You have soo much faith in this boy
Grams: His Grandmother once told me something about
him that he is destined for greater things and the Pastor
was talking about him at church, his past might not be
impressive but he changed his ways. He has God's favour
upon him even when he walks into the room the
atmosphere changes, I don't know why but deep down I
feel assured that Nomvelo will be happy and safe with
him. He is going to get her into the right track and I will
rest in peace the day I die knowing my Grandmother is
taken care off
Danger: At the end I just want to see her happy she has
been through a lot
Grams: She has I also want to see her happy
_
NOMVELO
Dawn: Thank you
The helper put the tray on the coffee table.
The furniture in this house was vintage, it was clean and
seemed very peaceful. The Father of the charge as Dawn
would refer to him was sitting across us, he is a pastor at
some local church around here. Mr Gubler
Dawn: When did you start noticing that your Son's
behavior was changing?
Him: A few months ago actually my eldest Daughter
Cheryl is the one who noticed
Cheryl was standing by the door, her outfit was
depressing. She was wearing a long skirt and a long
sleeve shirt, her hair was neatly tied to a ponytail. I could
see that being in the presence of Mr Gubler while
wearing a Jean didn't sit well with him, it seems like he
practices strict religious rules. Women shouldn't wear
pants, they shouldn't wear jewellery now I have once
watched a documentary about cults and how religion is
used by religious leaders to oppress and discriminate
against women. Maybe that's another reason why I just
never took this religion thing seriously..
Dawn: I would like to see your Son if you don't mind
Mr Gubler: Yes please
We stood up..
Mr Gubler: Uhm please no cameras if you don't mind
Dawn: Yes of course
Dawn turned and looked at his crew..
Dawn: You can wait outside please
They made their way out as we made our way to the
Son's room, I was terrified. Such things cripple my soul, I
am not a fan of horror things. The Father unlocked the
bedroom and the first thing I noticed is that it was too
dark, no sunlight was coming in.
Mr G: We keep the room dark, he says light hurts his
eyes
Dawn: I understand
Mr Gubler went and lit up 3 candles, they provided
partial light. There were marks on the wooden walls
more like scratches and also an unusual writing..
Dawn: Latin
He walked to check out the writing and I followed him..
Mr G: He writes on the walls or used too
Dawn: Et angelum perspiciunt lapsum
Mr G: What does that mean?
Dawn: Lucifer, the fallen angel
Mr G: Can you please help my Son?
Dawn looked at him and nodded..
We just moved around and I noticed some empty plates
and glasses, Dawn kept on reading the writings. As we
were moving around I noticed some pole at the corner of
the room were it was the most darkest, why would they
erect a pole inside a bedroom..
Dawn: So where is your Son?
Mr G: He is right there
I heard a chain being dragged across the room and then I
heard someone groaning right next to me. I froze with
my knees shaking as the groans got more closer, I turned
to my right and he was just right next to me. His eyes
were very red, he had scratches on his face I don't wanna
lie he looked like a monster. I screamed and moved
backwards, I couldn't keep my steps accurate that I fell
and he just got ontop of me..
Mr G: Rueben Stop!!
I was screaming as he was busy smelling me then he got
his disgusting tongue out and licked me on my cheek..
Dawn: Uri!!
I felt a force pushing him off me and he hit the wall then
fell, I crawled my way to Dawn and he helped me up..
Me: I wanna get out of here
Dawn: You alright
Me: No I'm not.. I think I'm possessed (Crying)
Dawn: Velo you fine.. You not possesed
We heard him laughing and the chains were dragged
again, I moved and stood behind Dawn..
Rueben: Come on I was just greeting you! Now I know
better than to harm a Preacher's wife, this whole room
would rain down with Warrior Angels but I look forward
to always make your aquintance your highness
I held on to Dawn..
Rueben: Ohh how lovely it is to be divinely protected
because of your husband while you not even a believer..
It amazes me how G-
Dawn: We are not here for that!
Rueben: Ohh yes Dawn old friend! Glad we meet again
Dawn: Meet again?
He laughed..
Rueben: You don't remember all the fun time we had?
Anna?
Dawn: Anna? Why would you mention my late Fiancé
It was quiet..
Dawn: Amus?
Rueben: In a flash!!!
He then started laughing again..
Dawn walked out of the bedroom again I was face to face
with Reuben, but now he couldn't reach me. The chains
restricted him.
Him: You smell nice.. I'm taking your scent with me
I quickly made my way out with Mr Gubler following me,
Dawn was pacing up and down at the lounge..
Mr G: What's happening?
Dawn: I once had an encounter with this demon twice
Mr G: Yes?
Dawn: It killed my ex fiancé, when it leaves the body of
it's host it leaves too much damage that the soul cannot
contain
Me: Can I borrow your phone?
Dawn: I want to call Nazo
He took it out and dialed his number, I took the phone
and walked out..
It rang at least 3 times before he picked up..
Nazo: Hello?
Me: It's me..
Nazo: Velo?
Me: Please come and fetch me
Nazo: What happened?
Me: I'm possessed
Nazo: You what?
Me: I have demon spit all over my cheek.. I am possessed
I could even feel the demon taking over
He laughed..
Him: Where is Dawn?
Me: Dawn let a demon get ontop of me then lick me and
posses me
Him: Nomvelo you not possessed
Me: Why did you bring me here for? Nazo what's
happening?
Him: It's your new job I told you
Me: How are you into such things?
I saw Dawn approaching..
Me: Just come and get me!
I hung up..
Dawn: We leaving
Me: You not going to help?
Dawn: Not today.. I need to prepare for this demon
I gave him his phone back..
Him: Are you okay?
Me: No
He looked at me..
Me: I think that I might be possesed
Dawn: Yeah right
He walked to the car and I followed him..
Me: I can feel the demon spit taking over, I can feel my
soul being taken over
Dawn: You're not possessed
Me: How sure are you?
Dawn: I'm sure
(silence)
Me: What did he meant that I am a preacher's wife?
He opened the door for me..
Dawn: I don't know.. Demons talk a lot of things that
don't make sense
I got in and closed the door..
I looked back at the crew..
Me: Nobody touches me I think I'm possessed
Camera man: Really?
Me: Yes I have demon spit all over my face the demon
held me down
Dawn: I told you Nomvelo.. You not possessed
He started the car and drove off..

72
NOMVELO
We got back to the studio and Dawn was still down, I
could see that what happened there got him in a very
bad mood. There's a lot that lies behind him and that
demon, seems like he has faced it before. Zeash looked
surprised to see us walking in..
Zeash: Why so early? How did it go?
Me: It didn't go well.. I even think that I'm possessed
Dawn: She's not possessed
He walked straight to his office. I went to the counter at
the reception to talk more to Zeash..
Zeash: what happened?
Me: Well the Demon was all over me, licking me and
smelling me it was very disturbing
Zeash: Where was Dawn when all that happened?
Our Voices were very low because we didn't want him to
hear us..
Me: It seems like he has a personal vendetta with the
demon because he didn't even exorcise it, he just walked
out
Zeash: That's a first he usually d-
Dawn walked in and we pretended as if like we were
getting some work down..
Zeash: So these ones you just file them here and those
ones you put them in that drawer
Me: Okay
Dawn: I'm going out for a bit.. Zeash please let Nomvelo
go through the emails and choose 3 cases for us for our
next Exorcism
Zeash: Ohh uhm yes I'll do that
Dawn: I'll be back
He walked out..
Zeash: Come
We went to Dawn's office and I sat at his desk..
Zeash: So you login and open all the emails then pick 3
cases.. Some other emails are just people being people
some pull stunts and what not
Me: How will I even know which ones to pick?
Zeash: Just go with your gut feeling and then call the
person and find out more that will help you to pick the
right case
I don't know what I was doing..
Zeash: I'll be at the reception if you need anything, the
username and password are at the notice board
Me: Okay
She smiled and then walked away. I looked at the laptop
and didn't even know were to start, my eyes wondered
around until they stopped on the whiskey. I tried to
ignore it but I couldn't, I stood up and went to pour
myself some then I gulped it down quickly. It felt soo
heavenly, something about it that goes straight to the
soul..
_
SNAZO
The Youth gathered at the auditorium at the required
time, it was about 30 of them. I spent almost my entire
morning and half of the afternoon praying and searching
deeper within me for a topic but I came up with nothing,
I didn't know what I was going to say. I didn't know why
the holy spirit had suddenly gone quiet when I needed
him the most. I stood in front of everyone and looked at
them as they were waiting for me to preach for them,
this is a different group of people. At their age they going
through a lot and it is important that I deliver something
that will build them, strengthen and help them to
carrying on...
Me: Good morning
They greeted back..
Me: My name is Snazo and I am conducting today's youth
service I'm standing here because I have to preach I have
to do my duties as a preacher
Bishop McCarthy was sitting at the front..
Me: I haven't been ordained a preacher just as yet
They laughed..
Me: But please do take whatever I'm going to say and let
it stick with you
Them laughing here and there eased the tension up a bit.
I moved from where I was standing and walked around a
little without saying anything, they waited for me to
start.
Me: I am not going to preach today but we going to talk
and you will realize that the talk will be worth more than
preaching for now
I saw a few nodding their heads..
Me: I would like everyone to reflect back on their life,
date back to when you were young up until your current
age. You were born into this world not to increase the
number of human beings, God wasn't bored and decided
that let me keep myself busy by creating this certain
person... You were divinely planned and you exist today
because God wanted you to be here, you were never a
mistake. Whatever happens in your life or whatever is
happening in your life right now and you feel like you
can't make it, you feel like you can't go on anymore
always know that you not a mistake. You don't exist by
mistake. Unfortunately life doesn't come with a manual
and the devil doesn't come with a warning, he's attacks
are always unexpected and they're always straight. You
need to understand you're God's creation, you're the
perfection that he could never achieve and as long as
you're God's perfect image he will always try to destroy
you. That is why the world is what it is today because he
is trying his hardest to destroy you everyday. When it
comes to young people he often attacks the mind,
depression has been his greatest weapon that he is using
so that most souls could end their lives, he wants you to
play God on yourself end a life that was given to you. A
life that you need to nature and preserve everyday.
Committing suicide is simply saying "God I'm giving up on
you, I'm giving up on the dream that you had for me. I
am saying what I'm going through is greater than me,
and it is certainly greater than you, I have given the devil
an upper hand to destroy the perfection that you have
created"..
Everyone was quiet and listening to me..
Me: Not so long ago I lost my Brother, he was very close
to my heart and I gave up on everything. I wanted
nothing anymore to do with God or my gift but then I
realized something I am giving in to what the devil wants,
as long as you still living in this world he will always
attack you. You will always be an enemy to him, the best
way to fight back is waking up everyday and trusting God
that you will get through whatever that you going
through. There's more than one chapter in the Bible
were God says "Fear not" actually living in fear you
disobeying because God says it clearly that "Fear not",
take it as a command obey the command and you will
always conquer. When situations come affirm it "Fear
not, for I am with you" say it everyday until you believe it
deep down, you're bigger than what you going through.
It might seem as if like you will never make it but trust
me when I say "this too shall pass" whatever you do
guard your heart and remember while you waiting on
God, God might be waiting on you too. He is waiting on
you to trust him and be the conquerer that he created,
you can never live a life where you won't experience
storms but God's grace and Favour will always be upon
you. God's silence doesn't mean he has left you, you will
get through the stormy weather. The sun will shine and
you will even forget that it was raining, all you have to do
is to have faith in him. When you feel confused, when
your mind is clouded by negative thoughts, when you
broken look up and trust him for he will never leave you
nor forsake you
By the time my mouth closed the whole auditorium gave
me a standing ovation, deep down I knew that my first
sermon was supposed to come from the bottom of my
heart. I wasn't supposed to prepare it but I was meant to
speak from the bottom of my heart..
"Well done Beloved.."
_
NOMVELO
Zeash knocked at the door, I shifted my eyes from the
laptop and looked at her..
Her: I'm getting everyone lunch can I get you
something?
I was tipsy from the whiskey that I've been stealing. She
made her way in..
Zeash: We have monthly budget here for all the
employees to get lunch everyday, so you can order
anything that's not more than R150
She handed me the Menus, was Roman's pizza,
Debonairs, KFC, steers and Galitos..
Me: I'll just have a burger, chips, and a cool drink from
steers
Her: Alright... Are you winning?
Me: I'm getting there
She looked at me..
Me: What?
Her: Are you okay?
I faked a smile..
Me: Yes I'm okay
She slowly nodded..
Her: I'll be right back then
She walked away, I sighed in relief that was close..
I stood up and went to have more of the whiskey..
_
NOMSA
I went back home I had made R200 today, I have to use
some of that money to buy food buy a braai pack and
other things that we need at home. I went to the mall
with my Sister Ntokozo, she let me keep my R200 and
offered to buy groceries..
Her: Kuya kanjani? (how is it going)
Me: Hai kunzima Ntokozo (it's difficult) I don't even know
what to do anymore
Her: I was thinking yazi
Me: About?
Her: Maybe you should see someone then do a
traditional ceremony to beg the ancestors, hai khona Sisi
this is not normal
Ntokozo might be right, a traditional ceremony might do.
Why didn't I think of that?

73
SNAZO
I was having a small chat with Bishop McCarthy about
where too from here, we were having something to eat
at some restaurant it was just after 16:00..
Him: You did well today didn't expect such a
heartwarming youth service, you spoke directly from the
heart
Me: Thank you, I didn't know what I was going to say unti
I started talking
Him: It was very motivating and I have no doubt that you
going to were called for this, this is where you belong
Me: Thank you
(Silence)
Me: Where too from here?
Him: You meant to proceed with your gift, you need to
start your own church soon and do more sermons while
delivering God's children from the hand of the enemy but
that needs to be done after you have taken a wife, you
need your wife to always be at your right hand side while
you carry on doing God's work
Me: That's going to take a bit of time, Nomvelo is not
ready she's currently going through a lot and.. It's going
to be difficult for her to accept my marriage proposal
Him: I understand but God wouldn't have chosen her for
you if it wasn't meant to be, everything will fall into place
just keep on with your work and your sermons and let
fate do everything else
I looked at the time..
Me: I have to go.. I have to fetch her from work
Him: I will see you tomorrow and thank you again for
today
Tomorrow I meant to go to some hospital, as I was
praying earlier on I had a vision about some particular
hospital that I need to visit tomorrow..
_
NOMSA
Ntokozo kept on looking at me as we were cooking so
that I could go and talk to our Mother about consulting a
sangoma and doing a traditional ceremony just so that
my ancestors can be with me again and be rid of this dark
cloud that has been following me..
It won't be easy talking to my Mother about this
especially considering the fact that she's not into
tradition, she doesn't fully believe in ancestors. I
wouldn't say it's a religious thing for her to deny the
existence of ancestors but her church is very grounded
and they have strict rules that they have to follow..
Ntokozo: You have to talk to her, you know you can't do
the ceremony here without her permission
She was putting me in a very difficult situation but either
way I need to talk to her, I can't do anything around here
without her permission after all it's her house..
I made my way to the living room, she was watching TV
while drinking rooibos tea..
I sat down..
Me: Ma
She looked at me..
Me: Beng'cela ukukhuluma nawe (I would like to discuss
something with you)
She gave me her full attention..
Me: Ma I feel like.. Honestly speaking things haven't been
going well for me ever since my Husband passed on, it's
like I have this dark cloud following me. Nothing of mine
is working out and I am tired of what's happening, I have
a lot on my shoulders and I think it's time I seek help
Her: Seek help?
Me: I would like to see a Sangoma and then do a
traditional ceremony for the ancestors just to cleanse
myself from th-
Her: Heeeeeeee!!!! Imihlolo yami le! Ngaze ngalingeka (I
am being tested)
Me: Ma please...
Her: Nomsa ngakukhuza kudala ngalento yakho no JJ (I
long reprimanded you about your relationship with JJ)
I didn't need a lecture..
Her: Whatever is happening to you is happening because
you invited it into your life, his sins are catching up with
you. You were in union with this man while you didn't
even know how he made his money you enjoyed
everything that he was doing for you and now that you
paying for your sins you wanna disturb the dead resting
peacefully? No sangoma is going to help you, no
traditional ceremony will help you because that's not
where your problem lies. You just need to find the
people you have wronged and ask for forgiveness and
then forgive yourself too so that things can go well with
you too
Me: Ma..
Her: We not going to waste money that we don't even
have for your own mistakes, I warned you but no money
and greed was more important to you now suffer the
consequences
She picked up her cup from the table and drank from it..
Her: If you want to do the ceremony do it outside there
on the street not here in my house!
I knew she was going to be very difficult about this..
_
NOMVELO
I slowly opened my eyes and Dawn was partially leaning
against the table with his arms folded and starring at me.
I didn't even know that I had passed out on the small
couch in his office. I was still feeling a bit out of place, I
must've have went hard on the whiskey. I sat up
straight..
Him: Hi
Me: Hi
This was embarrassing..
Him: Almost finished my whiskey
I kept quiet..
Him: It was a gift from a client, I don't really drink so I
keep it there for the camera crew. After a hectic
Exorcism they drink a bit to taka the edge off and you
just..
He whistled..
Him: You just went hard on it harder than them
I still kept quiet..
Him: Pain is not nice, no one wants to wake up every
morning with their heart heavy and eyes full of tears.
Sometimes you cry so much that you even get tired of
crying and you become numb, you don't have any will to
keep on living. You suffocate and lose your breath, you
just want something to help you whisk you away from
reality something that will make you forget for that time
being because life has become so difficult to face sober
minded. You get scared of what you might do and you
get trapped deep inside thoss negative thoughts, all you
want is for the pain to go away.. That's all you want for
all the nightmare to go away. I'm sorry that you going
through whatever you going through, I understand how
it's like to lose someone that you made your life. When
my Fiancé died I became self destructive, didn't believe
that I will ever love another as much as I loved her but
hey..
He waves his hand..
Him: I'm married to an amazing woman, she might not
be like Anna but she's amazing in her own way and I love
her very much
I wiped my tears..
Her: It might seem as if like I'm just talking a lot of
rubbish but.. Love will find you again and you will even
forget that you once hurt like this, no one will ever take
his place but someone else can love you just as much if
you allow yourself to be loved again
I shook my head..
Me: I'm just tired and I don't think I'll ever be in a
relationship, I don't wanna give my heart away and be
hurt again because the pain is very lethal
Him: I know b-
Nazo knocked once on an already wide open door and
then made his way in. I faced the other way and wiped
my tears..
Nazo: Good evening
Dawn: Hey
Nazo: Everything okay?
Dawn looked at me..
Dawn: Yeah everything is fine was just discussing the
Exorcism with Nomvelo, the demon really got to her
Nazo: How did that go?
Dawn: We didn't do the Exorcism
Nazo buried his hands deep in his pockets, he was
wearing all formal today. He really looked good I never
thought that he had class..
Nazo: What really happened?
Dawn: It's a bit of a long story I'll tell you some other
time
He nodded..
Dawn: And you? How was the serm-
Nazo cleared his throat..
Dawn: I meant how was the service with your client at
work today?
Nazo: Now that doesn't sound right, sounds like I was
prostituting myself
They both laughed..
Nazo: It went well
Dawn: That's good.. That's very good was the GOAT
there?
Nazo: No.. He wasn't
I was lost, they were definitely speaking in codes..
Nazo looked at me..
Him: Are you ready to go?
I nodded while standing up..
Dawn: I'll see you tomorrow
Me: Tomorrow it is and thank you
Dawn: You welcome
Nazo looked at me..
Him: Are you alright?
Me: Yes I'm good.. Let me get my things
I walked out to the reception to get my bag..
Zeash: Leaving already?
Me: Yes
Zeash: What happened with you? When I got back you
had passed out
Me: Ya I.. I don't feel well
She chuckled..
Zeash: I also wouldn't feel well if I almost drank the
whole bottle of whiskey
I looked at her..
Zeash: What were you thinking?
Me: Excuse me?
Her: I..
Me: We not that close for you to be addressing me like
that what? I can hear you judging me from the back of
your head
Her: Ohh my word chill girl what wrong did I say? You did
drink the whiskey didn't you?
Me: How is it any of your business?
Her: Why you so sensitive
Me: I am not sensitive I just don't go well with People
who think they better than others, at the end of the day
you also have your own demons!
Her: Yhooooo!! Bring it down it was not that deep!!
Dawn and Nazo made their way to the reception..
Dawn: What's going on here?
Me: Next time don't judge me because you don't even
know what I'm going through
Zeash: I wasn't judging you sweetness I just said you
almost drank the whole bottle of whiskey where is the lie
in that?
Nazo: What?
I started hitting her with my bag..
Me: Don't do that!! Don't mess with me or I'll hurt you!!
I'll hurt you very bad!!
Zeash: Ohh my word what's wrong with you?
Dawn: Hey.. Hey.. Hey!
Me: I swear I'll hurt you
Dawn got me away from her, Zeash laughed..
Zeash: I don't even know what I did.. Something is wrong
with her
Nazo look at me and shook his head, he then made his
way to the door..
Nazo: Soo disappointing
Dawn: We will discuss this tomorrow
Me: We not discussing anything because I'm never
coming back here!! Ever!!
I walked to the door.. Zeash continued laughing..
Zeash: But what did I do? She has serious issues
I turned and looked at her..
Me: If you trying to impress Nazo dont use me! I've seen
how you were all over him when we walked in this
morning, if you want him get him but don't use me!
That's very low
Zeash: What? (laughing)
I quickly walked outside before I exploded. Everything
appeared blurry because tears were burning my eyes..
I leaned against the wall and looked at my wrist, I
touched his wrist bracelet that I had on. I wish he was
here, I am what I am today because of him. He had to
leave me..
Nazo hooted and I made my way to the car, I don't care
about anything anymore I just wanna be at home in my
bed. To hell with everyone!!

74
SNAZO
Nomvelo's behavior and the fact that she was drinking at
work really upset me. She's very disrespectful, very
childish and has an awful attitude. Sometimes I feel like I
could slap her right across her face so that she can get a
wake up call. Our drive back home was very quiet I was
happy that she didn't say anything because hell would've
broken lose, I don't even know if she can be trusted at
this point she's very irresponsible.
I followed her as she walked in the yard, we made our
way into the house and she just passed her Grandmother
and Nkuli in the kitchen as if like they didn't exist..
Grams: Hau! How was work?
A few seconds later we heard her banging the bedroom
door, something inside of me moved..
Grams: Eish wena!! Uzophula umnyango wam! (you
going to break my door)
She looked at me..
Her: How was work? What happened?
I exhaled..
Me: Nomvelo is very disrespectful
Grams: Don't tell me that she ruined things for herself at
work?
Me: I hope she adjusts. Just please make sure that she is
ready tomorrow morning at 7am, she might need to be
woken up
Grams: I'll make sure that she's ready by then.. Thank
you very much Nazo
Me: You welcome
I looked at Nkuli..
Me: Hey
Her: Hi
Me: I should get going.. Have a good night
Grams: Thank you again, I really appreciate you helping
us out with Nomvelo
Me: It's okay
I walked out and made my way home. I thought I had all
the answers to certain things but with Nomvelo, I don't
know. I don't know what I'm going to do with her...
I got home and made my way inside, I went straight to
the living room and threw myself on the couch..
Gugu: The sermon was that bad?
Me: The sermon was good it went well
Gugu: So why the long face?
I sat up straight..
Me: We need to talk
Gugu: Err okay.. It sounds serious
Me: It is serious
She had worry written all over her face...
Her: What's going on?
Me: I don't even know how to say this
Her: Just say it already
Me: You know that soon I'm going to be ordained a
preacher, I will have to move to Mpumalanga and start
my own church there
Her: Yes I know
Me: That won't happen, not until I get married
Her: I do know that too, as a religious leader you need a
strong woman behind you someone who will help you
and mother the church
Me: Yeah that
Her: Are you seeing someone that you ready to marry?
Me: My situation is a bit different
Her: Ung'lahlile (You have lost me)
Me: I have already been let in on who I should marry
Her eyes widened a little..
Her: Uhm okay.. Who?
(Silence)
Me: Nomvelo
Her: Which one?
I looked at her..
Her: Wait! uNomvelo?
Me: I also don't understand Gugu but it is what it is,
apparently this is how me and her were supposed to
meet. It is by divine plan that we should be in union, and
that wasn't going to happen if she never dated Niso. She
was never his
Her: Wow.. I.. This is...
Me: I know how you feel
Her: What did she say about this?
Me: She doesn't know
Her: Yaah inzima lendaba (This is a difficult matter)
Me: I never asked for this honestly sp-
Her: I know I'm just shocked, but then if it is meant to be
who am I to oppose God's plan and purpose with your
future
I didn't expect that..
Her: I can say no, but that won't change anything
Me: You right I guess
Her: I just don't imagine Nomvelo being a preacher's wife
(laughing)
I laughed too..
Me: It's not that funny
Gugu: It's actually hilarious.. Imagine her infront of the
church speaking, she's just gonna look at everyone and
be like "Agh this is not even my style" (laughing)
Me: Or something like "Really Nazo you brought me here
for this"
Her: Does she even know how to pray?
Me: I don't think so
Her: Do you even see her that way?
I shrugged my shoulders..
Me: They not lying when they say You can never
understand God's ways. I don't know how we going to
make it, she's too broken Gugu. She has dedicated her
entire being to alcohol, she's disrespectful, she has an
attitude, she's too childish. You know she even drank
Dawn's whiskey?
Gugu: We all deal with pain differently, you and I might
be handling Niso's death better but with Nomvelo it's
different. She never saw her in Prison then the next thing
she hears that he is no more, she didn't even come to his
funeral she hasn't gotten closure as yet. It will take a
while, I believe she will make it but it's going to take a
while
Me: We don't have that much time
Her: If it's God's plan then time is always there, you two
have to go through this together when you there for her
at her lowest it will be easier for her to give in when that
time comes
Me: I don't even know how to help her
Her: Nazo there's no scripture in the Bible that's going to
help you win her heart, winning Nomvelo over won't be
biblically based. It will have to be from you as a man, it
might not even be that deep just show her love and
affection and that you care, be there for her especially
now that she's lost and broken
Me: Sounds so easy
Her: I know how firm you are, loosen the grip a little. If
you see her as a wife you will need to stop treating her
like a kid. Start treating her like an adult, if you continue
being this too firm she will see you as a big Brother, or
Niso's big brother who is trying to help her get through
whatever she's going through then she will look for
someone else when she's fine
Me: I have never had this problems with a girl before,
I've always had my way with girls
Her: Not every girl is the same
I laid back on the couch...
Her: You should bring her over for dinner tomorrow
Me: For real?
Her: Yes for real.. She's going to be my future daughter in
law phela
Me: I'll bring her over.. You enjoying this aren't you?
She laughed again..
Her: You guys are way too different I wanna see how
everything is going to work out
Me: This is not a joke
Her: I know baby but for now it is a bit funny
I got up..
Her: Eat so that we can pray, I wanna wake up early
tomorrow morning and clean for my Dau-
Me: Stop it!
I made my way to the kitchen as she continued
laughing..
_
NOMVELO
I heard a knock at the door..
Me: Come in
The door opened and Nkuli walked in..
Her: Hey
Me: Hey
She came and sat on the bed, I stopped playing with
Niso's bracelet to give her my full attention..
Her: How are you holding up?
I shrugged my shoulders..
Her: Grams said you got a job
Me: Ya but I'm not going back there anymore
Her: Why?
Me: I don't like the environment and people who work
there, there's this girl she's very judgemental about
everything and I don't think I like her
Her: Did you at least talk to her about that?
Me: I had a physical altercation with her
Her: A physical what? You fight now? (laughing)
Me: Don't laugh... She really pissed me off
Her: I'm sure it's something that can be fixed
Me: We'll see
(Silence)
Her: So you and Nazo seem pretty close?
Me: We not close he drives me to work and then drives
me back home, he is the one who got me this job that
doesn't even make sense
She nodded..
Her: It's just a work situation right?
Me: Yes what more can it be?
She kept quiet..
Me: Wait.. What? You think that..
Her: Let's face it.. Nazo is Nazo
Me: Yes but I don't see him that way, I'm sure he also
doesn't see me that way
Her: Well I'm glad because it would very awkward, he is
my ex and you my cousin
Me: Nazo is very intimidating I wouldn't be in a
relationship with him, I wouldn't be free at all. He is too
much of a disciplinarian
Her: He comes across like that at first and yes he is a bit
intimidating but trust me he is a good boyfriend. Very
caring, sweet,lots of fun and I think I miss the sex more
than anything.. We used to have the best sex wasn't
always the normal routine type of sex, there was time for
making love you know as usual then there was time for
hardcore fucking, serious fucking with no messy
Me: I don't think I wanna hear that.. Please stop!
Her: Agh you not a kid anymore
Me: I know but it's going to be very awkward the next
time I see him
Her: I think I enjoyed the rough sex more than I-
Me: Okay that's enough get out of my bedroom
Her: I thought we were sharing our sexual experiences
with the guys we've been with
Me: I definitely don't wanna hear such about him
Her: His current girlfriend is very lucky, he is an amazing
guy and very protective
Me: Can we talk about something else?
She looked at me..
Her: Loosen up a bit.. You need to get laid, at least be
addicted to the D instead of alcohol
Me: I don't think I want to be in a relationship
Her: I didn't say be in a relationship just casual fucking
Me: Definitely not that
Her: when was the last time you got laid?
Me: Just days before Niso got arrested
Her: That long?
Me: I'm fine please leave
Her: Where am I going to sleep? Phela I'll be here for a
few days
Me: You can sleep with your Grandmother
Her: Ungadlali ngam' (don't play with me)
I laughed..
Her: Come on
She got up and came to lie next to me, she put my head
on her chest or cleavage rather..
Me: Tell me more about Nazo but not the nasty sex
details
Her: What do you wanna know?
Me: What kind of a person is he when he's out of that
strict shell of his, what kind of a boyfriend is he? How
was your relationship with him? How did he become a
thug? Why is he like this?
Her: Why you so interested all of a sudden?
Me: He is the closest thing I have now to Niso, I wanna
see how much they differ from each other
Her: Creepy but okay..
She brushed my hair back while telling me about him as if
like he was a bedtime story..
_
SNAZO
I woke up the following morning and prepared myself for
the day ahead. Ever since I started acknowledging my gift
I have made a difference in other people's lives, but I
haven't helped a lot of People as yet...
Today it's going to be different, I have never helped more
than just one person in a day. I hope everything goes
well. I was a bit nervous because I don't know how much
evil I will encounter, some other sicknesses are demonic
than natural. The devil doesn't only capture souls
through possession, sometimes he captures souls
through sicknesses and other things. Last night I was
shown a teenage girl about 16 years of age,very well
reserved, still a virgin and suffering from severe bleeding
which occurs randomly even after her periods. The
bleeding is accompanied by very painful cramps, so much
that she is always in and out of the hospital most of the
time. I was shown her lasted medical report where she is
meant to have surgery because Doctors have concluded
that she is at a high risk of developing cervical cancer.
The real cause of her suffering is not what western
medicine has concluded, In actual fact spirituality she has
been captured and married off to a demon. She has a
spiritual husband which. I know how far fetched this is
going to sound to the Doctors who studied medicine and
surgery for 6 years, but just because one doesn't believe
in certain things that don't mean those things don't exist.
As much as good exists so does evil, but they can't exist
alongside each other..
Voice: You know your Mom was right last night
I freaked out a bit, I turned around and it was Helena.
Me: Geez! I could've been naked
Her: Will it make you feel better knowing that I am
always with you even when you bathing
Me: No.. It doesn't make me feel better
Her: There is no sexual connection between Angels and
humans
Me: Don't you have somewhere to be?
Her: I am your guardian Angel where else should I be?
Me: There isn't any other prophet or pastor or preacher
that needs guarding other than me?
Her: You one of a few
Me: One of a few?
Her: Gifted to see in the spiritual world, not everyone can
see us
Me: And the other few?
Her: They have their own guardian Angels
Me: I'm almost going out
Her: I've come to make sure that you ready for today
Me: I'm fine
Her: You seem a bit nervous
Me: I'll be fine Helena you don't have to hold my hand
you could've just sent a good luck text
Her: Angels don't carry cell phones
Me: It was sarcasm
Her: Sarcasm?
I heard a knock at the door..
Me: Bye Helena
Her: No one can see me but you
Me: Bye
I went to open, it was Gugu..
Her: Your shirt is ironed and ready
I let her in..
Me: Thank you
Her: Before you wear it, I don't wanna wrinkle it
She hugged me..
Her: Know that I'm very proud of you
Me: Thank you
She broke the hug..
Her: Go on and make me proud
Me: You not going to cry on me right
I put on the shirt and she buttoned it..
Her: If Ma was here she would be proud too
Me: I know
I do wish that she was here
75
NOMVELO
I was up at 5am the next day that it even surprised my
Grandmother, I had a lot in my mind that I ran out of
sleep in the early hours of the morning. Apart from what
Nkuli and I were talking about I am often disturbed by
unsettling thoughts. I have been through a lot, that
perfect life that I once had came crashing down in an
instant like a plane and at times I struggle to come into
terms with everything that has happened...
Do not be certain about things in your life whether good
or bad as life might take a different turn..
I was sitting at the table and eating soft porridge, my
Grandmother usually wakes up very early in morning and
pray. When she's done praying and reading her Bible she
then takes on the house chores, at around 11am or so
she will rest. This morning she decided to cook soft
porridge for me before I went to work..
Her: You woke up all by yourself this morning.. That's
very good
We heard a knock at the door..
Me: I'll go and open
I went to open and it was Danger, we haven't seen much
of each other lately because of his demanding job. It's
going to be worse now since I also started working..
Him: Hey kiddo
Me: Hey
He greeted my Grandmother too..
Grams: I made some porridge sit down and I'll dish up for
you
He had a Vodacom plastic with him..
Me: What's that?
Him: This is for you
Me: A phone?
Him: Yes.. A better phone
I took the plastic from him..
Him: Something to say we proud of you for getting
another job, I know life is not easy but thank you for
trying and stay strong at all times
I took out the box and it was a Nokia 6..
Me: Wow.. Thank you very much
Him: You welcome.. At least it's better than the mobicel
Me: Way better.. Thank you again
Grams: Here you go
Danger: Thank you
His phone rang..
Him: Excuse me
He stood up and walked out..
Grams: How did work go yesterday?
Me: It was challenging
Her: Nomvelo jobs are very scarce, having grade 12
doesn't help much anymore. It's mostly about
connections and you very blessed to have found a job,
most people would be very grateful if they were in your
position and wena you playing with your job
Me: Grams please
Her: I'm just saying don't play with your job
Me: I won't
Danger came back..
Danger: That was Nomsa
Grams: What does she want?
Danger: I don't know said she come by today
Me: To do what?
Danger: Not really sure
Grams: Can't she just stay wherever she is, and enjoy my
Son's fortune that she stole from Nomvelo
Danger: I don't know what her problem is
We heard another knock at the door, I had no doubt that
it was Snazo..
Grams: Come in
The door opened and it was indeed Snazo. Lately he
rocks formal and it looks very good on him. You know
Gugu must've been involved with a very handsome for
her to have such good looking boys, she must be very
proud..
Nazo: Good morning
When I looked at him I remembered my talk with Nkuli
last night about him, I drifted into a world of my own
that I never knew existed. You know that Yuna in me
surfaced and all I could hear was:
" I feel a little rush, I think I've got a little crush on you. I
hope it's not too much"
It was a breath taking moment..
Grams: Velo
I looked at her and she signaled that I should stand up, I
looked at Nazo and he was looking at me. That all black
formal outfit looked really good on him, it added soo
much class on him..
Me: I'll go get my bag
I stood up and went to get my bag, I closed my eyes and
spoke to myself...
Me: Come on Velo.. He is Niso's brother (whispering)
Nkuli was gone and her sleeping positions aren't very
pleasant, she was facing up with her legs wide open. I
shook my head and walked out..
Grams: Behave today
Me: I will
I walked to the door and since he was standing next to it,
our hands both reached for the door handle. When his
touched mine, it sent electrical impulses throughout my
body. It was an awkward moment, I lowered mine and he
opened for me..
Me: Thank you
I walked out and he followed me, his nice smell also
followed me all the way to the car. He unlocked and we
got in, I just faced the front and avoided more awkward
moments. He started playing music at least that's going
to kill the awkwardness, Alicia keys came on as we took
off. He didn't say anything and I also didn't say anything, I
would just steal glances at him here and there as he
focused on the road...
"You give me a feeling that I never felt before, it's
something that's impossible to ignore. I was wondering
maybe could I make you my baby, if we do the
unthinkable would it make us look crazy.. If you ask me
I'm ready"
Actually he was becoming something that's impossible to
ignore, and he was making things very difficult for me..
I was only brought back to the land of the living when he
touched my wrist, made me wonder if I missed anything
that he said..
I looked at him..
Him: You not wearing his bracelet today
I looked at my wrist and I didn't put it on this morning..
Me: I forgot
I did forget.. How can I forget?
Him: You forgot?
Me: Yes
Him: I want us to pass somewhere first, already spoke to
Dawn that you going to be late
Me: Where are we going?
Him: You will see
_
MANTWA
Patel was involved in a car accident last night on his way
home from the hospital. I wanted to go to the hospital
right away but it was late and I didn't have transportation
so the following day I made my way there. I was very
worried, I hope he is not badly hurt. My Mother
accompanied me to the hospital to go and see him, at
the reception they didn't give me a tough time. One of
the nurses offered to take us to his ward..
_
NOMVELO
Snazo drove straight to the cemetery, he didn't have to
explain anything I knew exactly why we were here. I felt
emotions taking over as the car drove in, I felt some
heaviness in my heart and I also felt a lump stuck on my
throat..
Me: Why are we here?
He parked a bit far from the gate and got out, I didn't
wanna be here. I would rather be anywhere but here, I
don't know why he brought me here. He came and
opened my side of the door..
Him: Come
I looked around at all those graves and tombstones..
Me: No
He crouched next to me and held my hand..
Him: You can't run away from this forever
My whole body trembled and my eyes filled with tears..
Me: I don't wanna be here
Him: You won't be able to move on until you find closure,
I just want you to see were he's resting place is that's all
and then we will go
They don't understand, they don't understand how
difficult this is for me..
Him: Come
He helped me to get out of the car and then he held my
hand as he led me to his grave. With every grave that we
passed my heart died a little knowing that we were
nearing to his.. We finally got to the side were there was
countable tombstones, the graves still looked fresh
indicating that it hasn't been long since they were laid to
rest. He stopped at a certain grave, I glanced down at it.
Nazo: This is where he is resting, next month a
tombstone is supposed to be erected but I wanted you to
see his grave first raw as it before the tombstone rests on
it
There was flowers ontop of it, and it was clean. Maybe
that's because it hasn't been long since he was buried..
Nazo: He didn't just leave you, he left me too
I held on to him as I cried, he hugged me..
Him: I lost him too
It hurt, it hurt really bad..
Me: He's never.. He's never coming back
Him: No.. He's never coming back
I have been in denial for far too long, seeing his grave
just made me realize that he is gone. He is gone forever
and he is not coming back, what I need to do now is pick
up the broken pieces of my heart and move on. I will
forever hold on to his memories though..
76
NOMVELO
"You wipe away all tears, you mend the broken heart,
You the answer to all it Jesus. You wipe away all tears,
you mend the broken heart, you the answer to it all
Jesus.
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper. Light in the
darkness my God that is who are.. "
Driving to Dawn's studio from the cemetery, the choice
of songs were mixed from his USB and somehow that
song came up. I didn't know who the artist was but I
listened to it carefully and somehow the words just got
to me, they got to me deeply which was funny because
gospel music isn't my choice of music at all. I was feeling
numb now, I wanted it to hurt like always but at that
moment it didn't. It didn't hurt as how it hurts everyday...
We arrived at the studio and he parked the car, I got my
bag and got out he did too. We both made our way
inside..
Zeash was at the counter as always, when she saw us her
face lit up or should I say her face lit up when she saw
Nazo..
Zeash: Nazo.. Nazoke.. Nazo (singing)
I don't wanna lie Zeash was award winning irritating, I
felt irritated by her especially after what happened
yesterday..
Nazo: How are you?
Her: Now that I've seen your cute face I'm good sugar
and how are you?
Nazo: I'm good
Her: You look nice
Nazo: Thank you
Her: And good luck for today.. Dawn told me
Nazo: Thank you again.. Where is he?
Her: He is around here somewhere
She looked at me..
Her: Hi Velo
I ignored her and made my way straight to Dawn's office,
Dawn wasn't in his office..
I put my bag on his desk and stared at the window, I
could say that his view wasn't so bad..
Nazo: You okay?
I turned and looked at him, I thought he was still busy
entertaining Zeash..
Me: I'm okay
He walked up to me..
Him: Come here
I walked up to him and he hugged me..
Him: Can I trust you today not to mess up?
Me: I have no intentions of messing up, I don't have the
energy today
He broke the hug..
Him: So if you had the energy you would mess up?
I shrugged my shoulders..
Me: Maybe
He looked at me..
Him: I'll come and get you later
Me: Okay
He put his hand around my waist and then kissed me on
my forehead, that was what I needed. To feel his
warmth, his closeness, and the feel of his lips anywhere
in my body.
This wasn't right but the feelings felt right, we haven't
even spent that much time together for me to feel
something other than him being my late boyfriend's
brother. It certainly wasn't love but deep down there
were feelings that were betraying me, betraying how I
should see him. After the kiss on my forehead I thought
that he was going to let go and then leave but I guess it
was difficult for him too, we shouldn't even be doing this.
It's not right. As if things couldn't get more weird, here I
was standing on my toes to meet him halfway as our lips
met he is a bit taller than me. His other hand found it's
way too around my small waist, I wasn't too comfortable
with the kiss or relaxed so my hands just held on to his
arms as we kissed. You know when something is wrong
but deep you don't wanna stop, you so wrapped around
the moment that you just pray it escalates to something
more. Something more than just the connection started
by exchanging spit, I don't even have the right words to
explain the moment..
A voice interrupted us, I quickly let go and wiped my lips.
It was Dawn clearing his throat. I was a bit embarrassed
and Nazo seemed chilled about the situation, it didn't
bother him that Dawn just walked in on us kissing..
Dawn: Good morning
Me: Morning
Nazo: Morning
He made his way in. Nazo looked at his wrist watch..
Nazo: I have to go
Dawn: Good luck for today
Nazo: Thank you
Seems like he had a big day ahead of him, everyone knew
what it was about except for me. He wiped my lower lip
with his thumb..
Him: I'll see you later
I was too ashamed to say anything so I just nodded..
He looked at Dawn..
Nazo: Later
Dawn: Later it is
He walked out..
Dawn: How are you doing this morning?
Me: I'm doing..
I cleared my throat, the kiss still got me feeling a bit
dizzy..
Me: I'm doing good
Dawn chuckled..
Dawn: You know the drill we have an exorcism to
prepare for
Me: Yes Sir
_
MANTWA
I was happy to see that Patel had minor injuries, just a
bruise on his forehead and a broken arm. I can take that
than him being in a critical condition...
Him: Okay you hurting my arm now
I broke the hug..
Me: I'm sorry
I don't wanna lie I was scared, I was very scared..
Me: What happened?
Him: Some drunk driver ran the red light and hit me from
my side
Me: You could've been seriously hurt
Him: Yeah I know but thank goodness I didn't
Me: Thank goodness you didn't
Him: They'll discharge me tomorrow and I'll only be back
at work after two weeks, I'll be doing consultations no
surgery until my arm heals
Me: I'm happy to hear that.. You can just relax while I
take care of you
Him: I was thinking that we can take a mini vacation
Me: You supposed to be at home relaxing.. We not going
anywhere
Him: Come on, it's just my arm
Me: I am not taking that risk, do you know how worried I
was? I didn't even sleep last night
Him: I'm sorry
Me: Don't be.. It's not your fault, I should leave so that
you can rest.. I'll come back again later
Him: Or you can just wait for me at home, I'm coming
back tomorrow morning just one day
Me: Okay I'll come and fetch you
Him: That's better
He pulled me closer to him with his other hand and
kissed me..
_
NOMSA
I took what my Mother said seriously maybe she is right,
maybe I just need to apologize so that I can be rid of my
guilt and the curse. I don't know how JJ's family is going
to react to my asking for forgiveness especially his
Mother, she can be hardcore at times. I was with my
Sister, she is the one who drove me here. The most
important person that I wanted to ask forgiveness from
was Nomvelo, she is the one that I hurt a lot..
I knocked at the door and there was no reply.
Ntokozo: knocked harder
I knocked harder..
MaNgcobo: Ngiyeza! (I'm coming)
My heart sank lower to my knees...
She opened the door after a few seconds..
Her: Ufunani? (what do you want)
Me: Ma..
Her: Ngithe Ufunani? (what do you want)
Me: May we please come in?
Her: How dare you show up at my house after everything
that you have done?
Me: If you could just allow me to explain
Her: Explain what? Explain stealing my Granddaughter's
fortune? She is trying to move on from what happened
so don't come here and confuse her! Don't ever set your
foot here or else I'll pour you with hot water!
She clicked her tongue and then banged the door right in
our faces..
_
SNAZO
Bishop Mccarthy and I made our way to the hospital that
I was shown in my vision, it was a local hospital in some
hood. It was a bit bigger than I had thought "Phomolong
hospital". The hospital catered to the community and I
heard that even other people from different hoods do
come to this hospital and last year unfortunately it had
more deaths than any other hospital. I thought that we
were going to have a difficult time getting around, having
to explain ourselves and then having these highly
educated personnels frowning at us or criticizing us
because of our different beliefs but that was not the
case. Higher management welcomed us in with the
utmost respect, Bishop McCarthy's reputation goes a
long way. At that moment I felt important, I was shown
respect by people who were older than me. People who
held serious professions, people who were more
educated than I was. When God chooses you for his
work, even those who are above you when it comes to
education they will respect you.. Dr Nhlapho the chief
surgeon at the hospital was the one who insisted in
taking us around, he was in his mid 60s and I heard that
he went to Harvard. Well his English says so. I like the
fact that he was open minded, he didn't criticize us
particularly me because I'm the one with the gift instead
he spoke words that were accompanied by great respect.
I thought science ruled the world of medicine, it's good
to know that there other professionals out there who do
believe in God. The first patient that I was meant to see
was that young girl, she has been on my mind since I had
that vision. Before we left Bishop McCarthy and I prayed
first, the holy spirit was with me. The whole of heaven
was with me. I could feel it..
We got to the ward, ward 7A. Bishop McCarthy and Dr
Nhlapho went to talk to the Nurses at their station as I
looked around. Too much sorrow filled this ward, these
young girls and women were victims of their own
womanhood turning on them. Some were due for serious
surgeries having their ovaries, and fallopian tubes
removed. Some had miscarried, it was a lot that they
were going through. With a blink of an eye, her cries
drew me to her. Deep down she was broken and had lost
all hope. Her inner voice that was crying almost made my
ears bleed, I walked around until I was in her row. Other
girls were sitting up straight and talking to each other,
she was the only one who was sleeping and seemed to
be in distress. As I walked up to her the other girls kept
quiet and looked at me, some gave me shallow smiles
some signaled to each other with their looks. I greeted
them..
Me: With how you ladies are looking at me I'm guessing
that you don't get much male visitors
The one who seemed to be their spokesperson was the
one who answered first...
Her: We do get male visitors just not as hot as you
After that comment most of them blushed and made
funny noises..
Nurse: Ladies let's behave
I made my way to her bed, the spokesperson said
something again..
Her: Whoa!! Zanele akasasho ukuthi wazi uBrother
obaba kanje (Zanele didn't mention that she knows such
a handsome guy)
Nurse: Ntombi.. Shh..
She kept quiet..
I looked at the Nurse and she made her way to me, Dr
Nhlapho and Bishop McCarthy stood at a far distance..
Nurse: Zanele sisi
She opened her eyes and they were a bit swollen, seems
like all she does is just cry.
Nurse: Someone is here to see you
She looked at me and I smiled at her..
Nurse: let me help you to sit up
straight
The Nurse helped her and I could see that she was in
pain, the Nurse put pillows behind her to support her
back..
Nurse: I will be at my station
Me: Don't leave.. We might need you
I rubbed my hands together and then stretched my hand
to her for a handshake..
Me: Good morning.. My name is Snazo
She slowly stretched hers to mine, she was weak and her
hand was shaking very bad..
Her: H.. Hello
She touched my hand and I gently held it, she looked at
me and she started crying..
Me: It's okay..
She shook her head no..
Me: It's okay, you have been crying for a long time now
and God finally heard you. Heaven came to visit you
Her cry was painful, it pierced through the hearts of the
ones who were in the ward. I even saw the Nurse taking
off her glasses and wiping her tears.. That is what
happens when you think God has forgotten you, the devil
takes a few steps back and hell trembles with fear. You
go as far as questioning if it's true or not..

77
SNAZO
I mean what do you do when all you have known is
nothing but Pain and sorrow? What do you do when you
have prayed and showed God your wounded heart only
to wake up the next morning and go through the same
thing again? That human part of you losses hope, losses
faith, and losses the will to live. You start to question the
existence of God, your ears start to open wider to those
who speak ill about God, you start to question yourself if
really whom they say is the almighty does exist. Pain can
strip you naked to a point were you lose yourself and
start doubting what you know and believe..
Me: I know that this is going to come as a shock to you,
you have been through so many prophets and you have
been prayed for soo much that you just don't believe
anymore. You don't know what it is and what is not, let
your heart be at ease because I am no Prophet. I bring
with me no physical substance that you can drink and put
all your hope in for a healing, I come in the name of the
self existence one Jehova Sebawoth. To you at this
present moment he comes as Jehova Raphah, God your
healer.
I sat down at the edge of her bed while still holding her
hand and she was still wet with tears..
Me: It's sad that your Mother is not here to witness her
prayers being answered, Day and night she has been
crying to God for your healing. When you gave up all
hope, she refused to give up hope. Each time when you
rolled on the floor crying in pain, deep down she silently
prayed because God was her only hope. When those pain
killers seemed to be working for that little while and you
finally rested, she would throw herself on the floor and
start weeping but to her she wasn't throwing herself on
the ground she would imagine throwing herself at
Jesus'feet and crying. Crying for her Daughter's healing.
She prayed according to Luke 10 verse 39, Mary
Magdalene. Mary Magdalene was one of the women
who supported Jesus'ministry. She traveled with him
greatly and always sat at his feet listening to his
teachings, Your Mother put herself in Mary's shoes but
with her she threw herself at Jesus'feet for your healing.
She had faith that one day you will be healed and that
one day is today. God is never early and he is never late,
when this sickness started two years ago you thought
that it was how a woman should be relieved every
month, you thought it was normal seeing that your
friends also went through the same but with you as
months went by it started being abnormal. As much as
biology tells you otherwise but spiritually you go through
cleansing every month to be reminded that when God
created you, He had to come in contact with blood. He
didn't create a woman from dust but he created a
woman from a man's rib and after today when it's that
time of the month don't see it as a curse ever again but
see it as a reminder, as an honour to your creation. See it
as God reminding you that his hands came in contact
with blood when he created you, it was never his
intention for you to feel this much pain when you go
through that process. Everything that God has created
through his perfection the Devil always tries to destroy
and 2 years ago when you and your friend went to that
antique shop to buy a few things and you saw that charm
ring and you bought it, know that the ring was cursed.
When you placed it in your left finger it opened a
spiritual marriage between you and a certain demon that
has been visiting you most nights, when you sleep every
night and you felt that certain pleasure and warmth in
your womanhood know that it wasn't normal for you
because you had gotten yourself into a spiritual marriage
with a certain demon known as "Baphomet" and we here
today to end that union. When your Mom comes later on
I want you to tell her to take the ring to your pastor so
that he can unchant it and burn it.
I looked at the Nurse and she got closer..
Me: Can you please put your hand in her womb
She did so..
Me: Please do press a bit harder
She did..
Me: I'm just a healer, I'm going to pray for your healing
and Bishop McCarthy is going to pray for you too and
break the marriage, I'm breaking the sexual bond that
exists between you and the demon. God is restoring you
back to having a normal cleansing every month one that
won't land you in hospital all the time, you will be able to
be normal like your peers. You will be healthy and have
kids of your own, that cervical cancer diagnosis exists not
anymore it has been written off. You will never go
through this ever again..
I put my hand on the Nurse's shoulder as she closed her
eyes and I did too, when I closed my eyes I saw
Baphomet standing right next to Zanele's bed and when I
opened my eyes I could feel his presence in the ward he
has been by his "wife's side" that's why she has been
compressed soo much and not able to do anything..
Me: "Lord let your will be done in this body, by divine
power let her be healed by the stripes of Jesus. His blood
was spilled so that hers shouldn't be, his flesh was ripped
so that hers shouldn't. When he endured those beating,
when his flesh split and his blood was spilled he endured
that so that through his stripes and his blood your
children will be healed. There is no operating table where
her body is going to lie still while a piece of her is being
taken away, only your hands filled with blood when you
created her so no devil will come in between that. Let
not the sin of her ancestor (Eve) follow her, it was never
your will for a woman to bear so much pain not until the
enemy tricked her. Restore her back to her health, let the
spiritual connection of unhealthy intercourse be broken!
Let your will only be done in her life. She is set free! Free!
Free! Free! Free! Free!
As I continued saying that she started screaming..
Me: Let the blood of Jesus cleanse her, never again will
she experience such pain and misery. Happiness and joy
will follow her, you knew her from since she was in her
mother's womb therfore her future stays bright with you.
No cervical cancer will torment her, she will be healthy
up until the time comes for her to bear her offspring.
Bless her future generation and bless her future marriage
that will be brought into her life as a blessing by you. I
ask all this in the name of Jesus christ of Nazareth.
Amen..
Nurse: Amen
I looked at the nurse..
Me: Could you please get her a glass of water?
She walked away..
Me: How do you feel?
Zanele: Better
She removed the covers and got down from the bed, she
stood up straight and I saw most of the other girls
shocked..
Zanele: I couldn't even stand straight, I had to be helped
all the time. If I had to bath a wheelchair would be
brought that's how much in pain I was.. Thank you very
much
Me: You welcome
I held her hand and walked her to Bishop McCarthy who
placed his hand on her head and prayed for her to break
the marriage..
_
NOMVELO
I put the crystals in the box..
Me: All done Dawn
Zeash: Hey
I turned and looked at her..
Me: Hey
I turned around again and continued with what I was
doing as she made her way in..
Her: How are you?
Me: I'm good
Her: Nomvelo please know that I am not a person who
likes tension, I don't like fighting and arguing and what
happened yesterday shouldn't have happened.. I just like
to joke around a lot and sometimes that rubs people off
the wrong way, I'm really sorry if I offended you in
anyway. It wasn't my intention
Me: It's okay.. I'm also sorry that I hit you with my bag
Her: You lucky I let you be I could've beaten you up black
and blue
Me: You wish
We both laughed..
Her: Anyway not to be forward or anything but what's
the deal between you and Nazo?
Me: Why? Do you like him?
Her: Not entirely.. Me and him are just good friends
that's all
Me: Same here
Her: Are you sure?
Me: Yes I am
She folded her arms and nodded..
Dawn walked in..
Him: Everything ready?
Me: Err yes..
Him: Good because you sitting this one out
Me: I am?
Him: Yes.. This one is dangerous can't afford to have you
getting possessed for real
Me: Uhm okay
Him: Ya unfortunately being a preacher's wife won't help
you this time around
Me: What?
He looked at me..
Him: Huh?
Me: You said something about me being a preacher's
wife
Him: Was pulling your leg, I'm acting on what the demon
said to you the other day
He took the box..
Him: See you later ladies
He walked out..
Zeash: Uhm what is going on?
Me: I don't know but we going to find out.. Come on, do
you have Nazo's number?
Her: Yes I do
Me: What a close friendship
Her: Don't be jelly it's strictly for professional reasons, I
onced booked him a plane ticket and I-
Me: It's okay Zeash you don't have to explain yourself
_
SNAZO
Dr Nhlapho: Whatever doubts I might've about you, they
completely went out of the window. It's not everyday a
Pastor comes here and heals the sick, though we health
professionals and try our best at all times but we also
need a miracle here and there
I looked at Zanele as she now had the confidence to sit
with the other girls in the ward and talk. She was smiling
and laughing it was a beautiful moment to witness, for a
change she was happy. She wasn't crying and broken.
The Nurse called her Mother to come over hoping I will
meet her before I am done with what I came here for..
Dr: We can proceed
Me: The next P-
My phone vibrated and I took it out, I have to take this.
It's Dawn's office..
Dr: You can't ignore it?
Me: Unfortunately no could be about my Nomvelo
Bishop: When it involves the wife you should attend to it
pretty fast
We laughed as I moved away from them to answer..
Me: Hello?
Velo: Nazo what's going on?
Me: With?
Velo: With everything.. Exactly what is going on? Why am
I here? What is it that you not telling me?
Me: Can we do this later? I am very busy right now
Her: Busy? Alright I see where this is going later I'll be
gone, you won't find me here!!!
She hung up, I tried not to let her tantrum get to me. I
went to the Dr..
Me: Can I quickly find an empty room?
Him: Empty room?
Me: Yes even if it's were they keep their cleaning
material just an empty room
He looked around..
Bishop: Is everything okay?
Me: No but everything will be okay
He directed me to a room not far away that looked like
an empty single ward, I closed the door and leaned
against it..
Me: Helena
I looked around..
Me: I know you around
She appeared..
Me: I need your help
Her: With what?
Me: I need you to restrain Nomvelo for me just for a
while until I'm done here
Her: I am not supposed to leave you
Me: I'll be fine
Her: Nomvelo is not my responsibility.. You're my
responsibility
Me: Just for a while.. Hurry up because she might leave
I opened the door and then closed it again... Me: One last
thing.. Please shook her a bit for me, for the fact that she
yelled at me
I opened the door and Walked out..
_
NOMVELO
Me: I'm leaving
Zeash: Why? What happened?
Me: Screw this!!
I took my bag and walked to the door..
Zeash: Nomvelo wait!
The door violently closed on it's own, I freaked out a little
and so did Zeash. I stretched my hand to open and as
soon as I touched the handle I don't know what
happened, was almost as if like the handle had an
electrical charge because it sent me flying across the
room and I came in contact with the wall then fell on the
floor, I swear that I saw what looked like a giant angel
with a sword standing at the door before I blacked out..
Zeash: Nomvelo!!!!
78
SNAZO
I was able to get to a lot of patients in a short period of
time, some didn't need to be prayed for they just needed
a touch of heaven. During my minor breaks I realized that
I had a few missed calls from Dawn's office, I called back
but no one picked up so I just let the situation be. The
next stop was at the TB ward, right at the entrance it was
written that no one is allowed inside without putting on
a mask which you will get at the Nurses station. We
made our way in and as always when the chief of
surgeon and Bishop McCarthy went to explain to the
Nurses what we were here to do I made my way in, I
didn't get that far until the Nurse called out..
Her: I'm sorry Sir you can't go in without a mask
I smiled at her..
Me: Thank you very much but I'll be fine
Her: Unfortunately it's compulsory if you refuse to wear
one then I won't be able to let you in
I walked up to her and gently pulled her on the side..
Me: I don't need one
She looked young, I think it hasn't been long since she
started working. She looks like she's fresh from school..
Her: We do get Pastors and Prophets who come to pray
for our patients all the time and they put on the masks
too
Me: I don't think you understand, if I put on the mask
then what I'm here for won't be achieved. No patient will
believe in my words nor the healing they supposed to
receive if I wear a mask, it will seem like I also don't
believe in the one who sent me
She kept quiet...
Me: I understand that you doing your job and I respect
that but I really don't need the mask
Another Nurse walked up us..
Her: It's okay Sir you can go ahead
I looked at both of them..
Me: Thank you
I turned and then made my way to the patients. I was in
the male section of the ward and I was walking while
scanning every patient. I noticed one patient in
particular, he was the only one who had a mask on and I
made my way to him..
Me: Good day
He nodded as to reply to my greeting..
Me: May I?
I reached for the mask and he held my hand..
Me: It's okay
I took the mask off..
Me: How are you?
He coughed..
Him: I'm well thank you
Me: You don't have TB now do you?
Him: No Sir.. I have lung cancer. One of my lungs has
collapsed and the other one is about to collapse too,
unfortunately Doctors can't help I only have months to
live.
He chuckled..
Him: I'm dying a stupid death.. I'm a heavy smoker I
should've stopped the minute I found out that my other
lung had collapsed
Me: And you still smoking aren't you?
Him: Only because I heard I'm dying in a months time so
let me die by my own sword though Nurses don't know
that I smoke
I pulled the chair and sat down..
Me: You a teacher, you teach at some secondary school
am I right? You take your job seriously and your students
admire you very much and since you have been at the
school, matric students are now acing the subject you
teach which is Mathematics
He looked a bit surprised..
Him: Yes that's true
Me: Not only that but you started a program for all those
naughty students who attack teachers, by organizing a
trip for them to the nearest prison and having them
know that if they don't change that's where they'll end
up
Him: Yes.. How do you know? Does anyone from your
house go to the school where I teach?
Me: No Sir.. I also know that you're a bread winner at
home. You and your wife only have one child but when
her sister passed on years ago from Aids you and your
wife took in her 3 kids since no one in your wife's family
wanted to take them. By then your wife wasn't working,
you were the only one working and your salary wasn't
enough to cater to 4 kids but you tried your best.
Unfortunately you lost your only child he was gunned
down and then you brought the other 3 very much close
to your heart, since your wife couldn't convince
anymore. One of them is at a tertiary level now, one of
them is doing matric and the youngest is still in primary
Him: Who are you? How do you know soo much?
Me: my name is Snazo and I know that you not that
much of a spiritual man but God remembered you today
sir. Your wife still needs you and the kids need you too
Him: Huh?
Me: In the world that we live in now some orphans are
being mistreated. Most people take them in only to
abuse them or to gain financially from them but you Sir,
you one of a few people who cared for them and gave
them a good life. Not only did you do a good deed but
you touched God's heart, and now heaven is showing
favour unto you
He just couldn't believe what I was saying to him..
Him: You are doing a good job both at school and at
home, because your selfless deed that's why God is
giving you a second chance. It is not your time as yet
I stood up and put my hand on his chest..
Me: Recieve your healing today through the touch of
heaven. You have been given a second chance in life, use
it wisely and completely stop smoking
I removed my hand..
Me: May you continue being blessed
He was speechless, didn't know how to react nor what to
say. Most people don't know that their hearts is what
connects them to heaven sometimes, God doesn't have
an eye of a human being. He doesn't look at the outward
appearance but he looks at the heart, whatever happens
keep thy heart pure at all times. On my way out to get
fresh air whilst Bishop McCarthy blessed the whole ward
with prayer, I saw Helena standing at some door she
signaled that I should come and I went in there. It was
like a store room, a lot of things were kept there..
Her: We have a problem
Me: Problem?
Her: Nomvelo is at the hospital
Me: What?
Her: When you asked me to go and distract her I sent Uri
Me: You sent a warrior Angel to my wife? I mean my
future wife?
Her: You said to shake her a bit
Me: Yes shake her a bit not send her to the damn
hospital!!
"Beloved.."
I closed my eyes and regained my composure..
Me: What did Uri do?
Her: He pushed her a bit and I opened her spiritual eyes
so that she could see him, I thought that would shake her
up more
Me: Dammit Helena!!
"Beloved you still under ministry"
Me: She's supposed to have dinner with us tonight what
am I going to tell my Mom? I sent an Angel to attack my..
To attack Nomvelo?
Her: I was only following orders
Me: How is she?
Her: I don't know
Me: Let me think for a second
"Beloved.."
The holy spirit just made contact at the right time, maybe
just maybe this can be sorted..
"Beloved I will not engage myself in a situation that I
wasn't consulted with, you cannot use a warrior Angel
for personal gain. A warrior Angel's touch to a human
being can be deadly, they were specifically created to
fight evil and the enemy"
Humbling myself and apologizing for that stupid act was
the only thing in my mind right now..
"All in all she will be okay her being at the hospital will
gain you time to complete what you here for, she will be
fine"
Me: Thank you
"Helena will go and erase her memory of seeing Uri and
what happened, in the meantime we have more work to
do Beloved"
I looked at Helena..
Me: If you do more than what you required to do I sw-
"Beloved don't use God's name in vain.."
Me: We will continue this discussion later
I walked out, I can't believe Helena did that..
_
NOMVELO
My arm was extremely painful and swollen, I felt pain
when I tried to move it an surprisingly I had this weird
colour now. I don't know what happened, all I know is
that I woke up at the hospital with a swollen and painful
arm. Zeash was standing next to me.
Nurse: There...
Me: It's still painful (crying)
Zeash: Why has it changed colour?
Nurse: It's Hematoma has to do with trauma, it's nothing
too serious.. Exactly what happened?
Me: I don't know..
I looked at Zeash..
Zeash: She fell
The Dr walked in..
Him: Hello I am Dr Chauke
Zeash greeted him back..
Nurse: Patient's name is Nomvelo, Nomvelo Ngcobo
she's 22 years old and presented with a bruised arm
He came and looked at my arm..
Him: What happened here?
He squeezed a bit and I felt excruciating pain
Nurse: Hematoma, I think it's trauma from an injury. It is
said that the patient fell
The Dr shook his head..
Dr: No this is a large petechiae, seems like a blood vessel
ruptured hence soo much internal bleeding in this area
and the reason why she's feeling soo much pain. Do an
Xray and let's see how much damage is done but the
patient will definitely need a small surgery
Me: Surgery?
Him: Everything is going to be okay don't worry, it's just a
minor surgery to repair the damage. It's really nothing to
worry about, I must say though that it was a pretty bad
fall
I looked at Zeash..
Me: Did you call Snazo?
Her: Yes voicemail
Dr: When you done with the Xray come and show me
and we'll take it from there
Nurse: Yes Doc
He smiled and walked out..
Me: Ohh my word what happened to me Zeash??
(Crying)
Zeash: Don't worry the Dr said you going to be fine
Nurse: You really have nothing to worry about
Me: If you can't get a hold of Nazo please call my cousin
and tell her what's happening her number is
0834732285, her name is Nkuli please tell her to come
over
Zeash: Okay I'll do that
Nurse: Come.. Let's go and do the Xray
She helped me to down from the bed..
_
NOMSA
I was defeated, very defeated that MaNgcobo didn't
want to hear anything from me. On the other hand I did
expect this from her, after all she has never liked me not
even when JJ and I were still married. My Mom walked in
and found me crying. She sat next to me on the bed..
Her: Nomsa be honest with me please, why is all of this
happening to you? There has to be something that you
did for all of this to be happening to you
I wiped my tears..
Her: I cannot help you if you don't talk to me
Me: Why? So that you can judge me?
Her: That's what you think I've been doing?
(Silence)
Her: Everything can be fixed, nothing is too hard for God
Me: I did what you said I should do but MaNgcobo hates
me, she doesn't want to hear me out
Her: At times we hurt People so much that "sorry"
cannot repair the damage that was done but then
sometimes acknowledging your wrongdoings and asking
for forgiveness is all that you can offer, if you sincerely
sorry it doesn't matter if your offender forgives you or
not but God sees deep down your heart that you
sincerely sorry. Give it time and give them time Pray to
God that they forgive you and then start over, you will
see everything will fall into place. Konke kuzodlula (This
too shall pass)
_
SNAZO
We took a break and drove to town to get something to
eat, it feels good deep down knowing that I'm making a
difference in other people's lives. I took out my phone
and I had missed calls from a number that I didn't know, I
called..
Zeash: Snazo hello
Me: Zeash?
Her: Yes I called you with the landline phone at work
earlier and you weren't picking up
Me: I was busy.. What's happening?
Her: Nomvelo is at the hospital, she hurt her arm really
bad and now they have to operate
Me: Operate? How bad is it?
Her: We waiting for the Xray so that the Dr can look at it
Me: Where is Nomvelo?
Her: Hold on a bit
(After 10seconds)
Velo: Hello
Me: Hey sweetheart how are you?
Velo: I hurt my arm and................ (Crying)
All I heard was "I hurt my arm and" I couldn't hear the
rest cause she started crying..
Me: Calm down I can't hear you
She continued crying..
Me: Calm down a bit I'm sure it's not that bad doll
Her: I'm in a lot of pain Nazo.. (Crying)
Me: I know and I'm sorry but you'll be fine
Her: But I don't want to be operated (Crying)
Me: If the Dr says you need one then you have to allow
them to operate you, I'll make sure that I'm the first
person you going to see after the operation
Her: You promise?
Me: I promise... Give Zeash the phone so she can update
me because it's a bit difficult communicating with you
when you crying this much
She gave Zeash the phone..
Zeash: Hello?
Me: When is she going under?
Zeash: I'm not sure and I've been trying to call Dawn I
think he's busy.. Snazo I need to go back to work there's
no one there
Me: Okay text me the name of the hospital and I'll see
what I can do, I'll probably send my Mother there
Zeash: Okay..
Me: Just don't go as yet until she gets there
Zeash: Alright
I put my phone on the table..
Bishop: Everything okay?
Me: Nomvelo is in Hospital
Him: What happened?
Me: It's a bit of a long story..
Him: So what you going to do? You wanna go to the
hospital?
Me: I'll call my Mom to go there and when I'm done with
the remaining patients I'll go
Him: I hope it's not something serious
Me: Me too
Helena messed up big time..
_
NOMVELO
I scare easily so to hear that I needed surgery was scary
to me. I was now in a hospital gown and we were waiting
for the Dr to come look at my Xray and then hear from
him what's going to happen next, The Nurse said that I
might not be able to go home today because of the
surgery..
Zeash: How are you?
I shrugged my shoulders..
Her: I have to go
Me: Go? No who is going to be here with me
Her: I got a hold of your cousin she's on her way, I'll leave
when she gets here and I think Snazo is also sending
someone over
That was a bit of a relief too..
Me: Okay
She sat down..
Me: Zeash what really happened?
Her: I don't know too Velo, what happened was very
strange
I had no memory of what happened to me

79
NKULI
I was supposed to have arrived at the Hospital about an
hour ago or so but my Grandmother wanted to tag along
too and she passed by somewhere first before we could
go to the hospital. The girl who called me told me
something about Velo falling at work and hurting her arm
really bad, It was a confusing story so I hope that she will
explain further when we get there. I am worried about
Nomvelo, my cousin has been through a lot and it seems
like more and more bad things are still happening to her.
When she gets discharged we should do a ceremony for
her because seriously, this is not normal. We arrived at
the Hospital and made our way in, we didn't know were
to go so we made our way to the reception..
Me: Hello
The receptionist looked at us..
Me: We here to see my cousin, her name is Nomvelo
Ngcobo. I believe she was brought in this morning, she
had an injured arm or something like that
Her: Okay give me a few minutes to check
We waited for her to check and then I ran my eyes
around until I saw a familiar face sitting at the waiting
area, it was Gugu...
Me: I'm coming
I walked up to her..
Me: Gugu?
She moved her eyes from her phone and looked at me..
Her: Nkuli
She stood up and we hugged..
Me: Hi.. Uhm wow it's been a while
Her: it's been a while indeed, how are you? You look
great by the way
Me: I'm good and thank you very much
We sat down..
Me: You here to see someone?
Her: Yes I'm here to see Nomvelo
Me: Really?
My Grandmother made her way to us..
Gugu: Yes.. Snazo called me and told me that Velo was
brought in this morning so I had to come because the girl
who brought her in had to go back to work
Grams: Gugu kunjani? (how are you)
Gugu: Ngiyaphila MaNgcobo wena unjani? (I am well and
how are you)
She sat down on the other side, Gugu was in the middle..
Me: uGugu naye uze kuVelo (Gugu is here to see Velo)
Grams: Bathi unjani? (how is she)
Gugu: The Dr said she's going to be fine she just needs a
minor operation on her arm since it is badly hurt
Grams: Kahle kahle kwenzakaleni? (what happened)
Gugu: The lady said she slipped and fell then hurt her
arm
Me: Bekadakiwe? (was she drunk)
Gugu gave me a weird look..
Gugu: No I saw her before the operation she wasn't
drunk, she's fine
Nkuli: uNomvelo unamabhadi straight (Nomvelo has bad
luck)
Grams: Nkuli!!!
I kept quiet..
Grams: I'm just glad she's okay eish Velo wam' bantu
Gugu: I'm going to get water.. MaNgcobo would you like
some?
Grams: Yes
Me: I would like some too
Gugu: what happened to your legs? I'm only getting
MaNgcobo ngoba umuntu omdala (I'm only getting for
MaNgcobo because she's old)
She stood up and walked away..
Grams: Kanti yini ngawe? (What's wrong with you)
I turned and looked at her..
Me: Koko vele what's happening between Nomvelo and
Snazo? Bayajola yini? (are they dating)
Grams: Haibo I am not with Velo all the time I don't know
who she is dating, and we don't talk about such
Me: So you find everything that's happening okay? For
the fact that Gugu is here, it means that there's
something happening between them. Why would she be
here?
Her: Yey! Nkuli noma bayajola inkinga ikuphi? (Even if
they dating where is the problem)
Me: It's not right what Velo is doing, it's not right that
she's fooling around with my ex!
Her: Why do you care? You and Snazo are no longer
dating! Plus I wouldn't mind if they date because he
really cares about her and Nomvelo seems to be
comfortable with him buka manje he even got her a job
Me: It's not right Koko.. Mina my feelings don't matter?
Every time you always defending her
Her: You still inlove with him?
Me: Of course I am.. Nazo and I didn't really break up he
just went to jail and I gave up waiting for him, plus
Nomvelo is way too young for him! She won't handle
Nazo she is not woman enough for him!
Her: He has changed, he is no longer that that old Nazo
that you once knew
Gugu came back..
Gugu: Here you go MaNgcobo
Grams: Thank you
I seriously couldn't believe this, Nomvelo and Snazo??
_
SNAZO
I thought that we were never going to finish but we did,
it was indeed a long and tiring day. We finished at
around 15:00, now it was time for me to go and see Velo
after dropping off Bishop McCarthy at his place. I really
have to be there when she wakes up or else I'm not going
to hear the end of it..
On my way to the hospital I received a call from Shine..
Me: Shine
Him: Snazo fede? (how are you)
Me: Ngi grand wena? ( I'm good and you)
Him: Ngi sharp Ntwana (I'm good)
It's been a while since I last spoke to him..
Him: Cava khona amaphepha nyana that you have to sign
(There's papers that you have to sign)
Me: Now?
Him: Ya kuyaphuthuma (yes it's an emergency)
I exhaled..
Him: Sharp ngiyazwakala (I'm on my way)
Things are becoming a bit difficult for me now, juggling
everything at once is becoming a bit too much..
_
NOMVELO
It seems like I was scared for nothing because the
operation was a success and it was a minor incision,
though my whole arm was numb. I couldn't feel anything
and I was a bit drowsy. I wasn't put under general
Anaesthia, they did something called Regional Anaesthia
where they numb that area that needs to be operated by
doing a nerve block. Seeing that I was scared they
sedated me so that they could work efficiently, and finish
in due time. The swelling hasn't gone down and the
petechiae was still there too I hope I do recover soon,
thank God it is my none dominant arm. I would be
worried if it was my right arm..
Dr: Can you feel that?
Me: No
He was poking my arm with a pen..
Him: We will see when the Anaesthia wears off
My Grandmother walked in, she was with Nkuli and
Gugu..
Gugu: There she is
I was completely out of it, I just wanted to rest some
more..
They were even scared to hug me..
Gugu: How are you feeling?
Me: Tired
Dr: The surgery went well I would like to keep her here
for two more days just up until she gets sensation on her
arm
Grams: Your arm looks bad.. Is it painful?
Me: I can't feel anything
Gugu brushed my hair back..
Gugu: You even look tired
Me: I am.. Just a bit
Dr: Please don't tire her some more, after 10mim I want
to see her resting
He walked out..
Gugu: What happened? Nazo said you fell
Me: I am not really sure.. That's what Zeash said too that
I fell and blacked out
Nkuli: Where you drunk?
I looked at her..
Me: No I wasn't drunk
Grams: Nkuli awume kancane.. (Nkuli wait a minute)
Gugu: I brought you something to eat, do you want to
eat?
Me: Not now
She kissed me on the cheek..
Gugu: Agh shame bantu.. You did great I'm proud of you
She kissed me on the cheek again..
Gugu: Maybe we should go so that you can rest
Me: I am scared of Hospitals, can one of you stay?
Nkuli: I'll stay
Gugu looked at me..
Me: It's okay
Grams: Manje mina ngizohanjiswa ubani? (who will drive
me)
Gugu: I'll give you a lift
Me: You drive?
Gugu: Yes I.. I'm using Niso's car
I nodded..
Gugu: I'll see you tomorrow angithi?
Me: Okay
Gugu: Get some well deserved rest
Grams: Ube ngcono yeva Velo? (get well)
Me: I will duchess
Gugu looked at Nkuli..
Gugu: Make sure that she eats.. I bought her some
burger and chips
Nkuli: I will
Gugu hugged me..
Gugu: Bye baby.. See you tomorrow
Me: Bye
Gugu: I love you
Gugu had a problem with me in the early days of my
relationship with Niso, halfway through she warmed up
to me and we became good people. Now she's being way
too nice and it's making me very uncomfortable..
Grams: Bye Velo.. I'll see you tomorrow
Me: Bye Duchess
They walked to the door..
Grams: Unayo nje ne License Gugu (do you even have a
license)
Gugu: Asambe MaNgcobo noma ufuna ukugibela iTaxi
yini? (Let's go or do you want to catch a cab)
Grams: I'm only asking because I never heard that you
went to a driving school
I laughed at their petty argument..
Nkuli was being somehow, I was sensing an attitude from
her..
Her: Do you want to eat?
Me: Not now.. Maybe later
Her: Okay
Me: Thank you for coming
Her: We family
I smiled..
Her: Get some rest I'll be back.. I'm going out for a smoke
Me: Okay
She took out a pack of cigarettes from her bag and a
lighter then she walked out..
_
NOMSA
I called Danger to come so that we can talk and honestly
speaking I didn't even think that he was going to show up
but he did..
Me: Thank you for coming.. Would you like something to
drink?
Him: No.. I don't have all day.. Ungibizeleni? (why did you
call me here)
Me: Danger I want to talk to Nomvelo
Danger: About what?
Me: I just.. Please I want to talk to her, I went to
MaNgcobo and she slammed the at my face
Him: What were you expecting?
Me: I know that what I did caused the Ngcobo family a
lot of pain especially Nomvelo and MaNgcobo, I wouldn't
have called you if this was not important. Please Danger I
need to talk to Nomvelo
He looked at me..
Me: Please
Him: I'll see what I can do
Me: Thank you
Him: I'm not promising you anything though
Me: I understand and thank you.. Thank you very much
_
NOMVELO
I tried to sleep but it was difficult, I would close my eyes
for a while and then open them again. Something about
hospitals that creeps me out, being alone in the ward
made matters worse. I closed my eyes again this time for
longer than the last time and when I felt like now I was
going to fall asleep I opened them again, this time
around Nazo was standing at the door and starring at
me..
He was holding a small white teddy bear, he waved it
around..
Him: I come in peace
He made his way in..
Me: You said that your face was the first thing that I was
going to see when I was done with the operation
Him: Look at you.. You look drained, was the operation
necessary? Should we sue the hospital? What if it was a
minor bruise?
He was trying to be extra as always and shift my
attention from being upset that he didn't keep his
promise..
Me: You said that your face was the first thing that I was
going to see
He put the teddy bear away..
Him: I know Nana.. Unfortunately I got held up
somewhere but at least I'm here now
Me: Whatever you were doing was more important than
you keeping your promise?
He raised one of his eyebrows..
Him: I'm sorry Mrs Buthelezi I didn't know that we were
married for you to be on my throat like this
I kept quiet..
He sighed..
Him: I'm sorry that I didn't keep my promise ke, are we
cool now?
I shrugged my shoulders..
He leaned over and kissed me on my neck..
Him: Even if I do this?
Me: Stop it
He gently sucked my neck which was a bit ticklish, I
laughed..
Me: Stop it Nazo
He continued and I was just laughing, until we heard
someone coughing. He stopped, it was Nkuli. I felt very
somehow..
She made her way in while holding some paper..
Her: Snazo
Nazo: Nkuli
She handed me the paper..
Her: Your hospital bill
I took it and looked at it..
Me: R7 000?
Her: The next two days are also included.. What did you
expect? It's a private hospital they will charge you for
almost everything. The food, the treatment, the water
you going to use when you shower that's even nothing
for a 3 days stay including the operation
I looked at the paper again..
Her: So what you going to do? Duchess won't be able to
pay and I don't see you earning that much unless Danger
has 7 000 just lying around
I was exhausted.. I didn't need this..
Nazo: I'll settle the bill first thing tomorrow morning
Nkuli: Of course you will settle the bill why didn't I even
think of that
Nazo: ukhuluma nam' kanjalo? (are you talking to me like
that)
Me: Nazo you don't have too
Him: I want too, let me handle the bill and you focus on
getting better
Nkuli: Well then I probably should go.. I'll see you when
you get discharged
Me: You won't come tomorrow?
Her: Do you really need me?
Me: Come on..
Her: Fine I'll come with Duchess
Me: Thank you
She gave Nazo a very nasty look, she then took her bag
and walked out..
Nazo: Petty as always!
I looked at him...
Him: Was expected from her
Me: Do you think she's upset because of what she saw?
He took the paper and looked at it..
Him: I don't really care Nomvelo if she's upset or not, it
won't change anything
I couldn't help myself I found myself laughing. Forgot
how arrogant the Buthelezi boys are..
Him: Come on get some rest
Me: Can you stay for a while up until I fall asleep?
Him: I'll stay
He sat at the edge of the bed and he looked at me..
Me: Can't you find something to do than starring at me?
Him: What can I do?
Me: I don't know read a magazine, play with your phone
just find something
He chuckled..
Him: I have a better idea
Me: What is that?
He took off his shoes and then came the other way
around and got in bed with me, I shifted a bit to give him
some space. I laid my head on his chest..
Him: Now you can try and fall asleep
I closed my eyes..
Him: Wait.. Give me a kiss
I raised my head and looked at him..
Him: What?
Me: You very weird
Him: I didn't hear you say No
He kissed me, we kissed for a while that I even forgot we
were laying in a hospital bed.
It was a tense and yet a very passionate moment. I broke
the kiss and still close like that I stared at his lips, he ran
his thumb on my lower lip. This was soo wrong but
somehow it's like we getting very much drawn to each
other. A part of me was embracing the moment and
another part of me felt like I was betraying Niso, but I
just couldn't stop myself from falling for Nazo. Am I really
falling for him? I think I am and it seems I'm falling for
him very hard..
_
NKULI
I didn't really go I hung around a little in the corridor just
observing them through the window the whole time, and
seeing them all cosy like that and kissing confirmed
everything. A tear escaped my eye, I can't believe Snazo
would be go that low as to getting back at me with my
own cousin! I know that I've hurt him but he has no right
to do me like this..
80
SNAZO
Today I didn't have anything to do other than going down
to the company and see how everything is going then go
and settle Nomvelo's Hospital bill. I even woke up a bit
late today, I needed the rest. I was at the kitchen on my
laptop busy checking how the website is going for our
company and if everything is still going smooth, the
business is booming that now we need to hire more
people. Tomorrow I'll be putting out posts, we need to
hire at least 3 more people with or without experience...
Her: The package was sent Sir, here is your reference
number "N0082561"
Me: Thank you very much
Her: Have a good day Sir
Me: You too
I sent Nomvelo a little gift at the hospital, I hope she will
love it. Gugu walked in..
Her: Good morning
Me: Morning
Her: Have you seen my car keys?
I looked around at the counter and they were laying next
to the bread tin, I took them..
Me: Here
I didn't really look her when she walked in, I only
managed to look at her when I was about to give her the
car keys..
Her: Thank you
I retracted my hand back..
Me: Hold on Mama Bear.. Where are you going?
Her: I'm going to the mall to get groceries
Me: Dressed like that?
Her: I didn't know it was a sin to dress up, Now give me
my keys!
Me: I am too old to have a step father you do know that
right
Her: Who said anything about.. Yeka uk'phapha! (Stop
being forward)
She snatched the keys from me..
Her: If you bored go see Nomvelo at the hospital
She walked to the door..
Me: I hope you not going to be bringing him around here
Her: Stay out of my business
She opened the door and I went back to what I was
doing, she didn't go out I heard her talking to someone.
Then Nkuli walked in, I closed my laptop. She closed the
door and looked at me..
Me: Can I help you?
She walked up to me and then she slapped me, she tried
to slap me again but I held her arm..
Me: Stop it!!
She managed to escape that tight grip and she picked up
anything that her hand could land on and started
throwing it at me..
Me: Nkuli stop it!!!
She just threw things at me..
Her: You a bastard!!! I hate you!!!
I went up to her and held her tight, as she cried..
Her: Why Nazo, why would you do this to me? (Crying)
The last time I saw her this broken was when I got
arrested, the first time she came to visit me..
_
NOMVELO
It was very difficult eating with one hand, my other hand
was still numb. I couldn't use it...
I was eating cereal, they also brought me a fruit salad, a
plain yogurt and orange juice.
I was supposed to have eaten this at 7am but I woke up
late, and showering was also another struggle. I couldn't
get Nazo off my mind and the beautiful moment that we
had last night, I don't even know at what time he left. It
was good falling asleep in his arms..
The Nurse walked in..
Her: You have a gift
It was a small box small box that was wrapped in silver
and had a white ribbon..
She gave me the box...
Me: Who is it from?
Her: I have no idea.. It didn't come with a card
I unwrapped and opened it, it was a wedding gutter..
Nurse: Wow are you getting married soon?
I was confused but the small card inside cleared the
confusion..
"Keep this safe because I'm not going to buy another
one
-Snazo"
She took the card and read it..
Her: Wow most guys would propose with a ring and he
sent you a wedding gutter I am impressed he is different
Me: It's just a practical joke.. Nothing serious
Her: Is he the one that you were all cosy in bed with last
night?
Me: Where you spying on us?
Her: Never!.. But he is an eye candy, he is very fine and
now he sends you a gutter hmmmmm he is bold!! I like
that
I looked at the gutter..
Her: Practice phela, show him that you accept the
proposal and put it on your thigh
Me: Stop it really it's just a practical joke nothing more..
We not even dating
Her: To me it seems like you two are in a relationship and
you just don't know it yet
That got me thinking..
Her: What? You don't want him? He is married?
Me: No it's not that.. Just that..
Her: Just what ?
Me: Nothing.. It's nothing
She took the gutter from me and looked at it..
Her: It's very beautiful
Me: I guess so
What exactly is Nazo playing at? What does the gutter
mean..
_
SNAZO
When she had calmed down I let her go..
Her: Why are you doing this? For how long have you
been sleeping with my cousin?
Me: I'm not sleeping with Nomvelo
Her: Then what is happening because I am confused!
Me: Nkuli I don't have to explain myself to you
Her: Yes you do! Couldn't you find another way to get
back at me? My own cousin Snazo?
Me: You think all of this is about getting back at you?
She looked at me..
Me: Nkuli if I remember correctly you left me! You left
me because you couldn't wait and you buried yourself in
guys that had money and I'm the bad guy??
Her: You could have any girl that you want why my
cousin? Nomvelo is way too young for you! You what?
28? She's 21! She's not woman enough for you she is still
a child!
Me: And you are?
Her: I love you and yes I have accepted that you and I
cannot be together anymore but to go and date my
cousin? Why not some random girl! I don't wanna be
slapped in the face with your perfect little romance with
Nomvelo, she's my cousin and yes she's always going to
talk about you and you expect me to be okay with that?
Really Nazo? It hasn't even been that long since Niso
passed on an-
Me: Don't you dare bring my Brother into
this! Nkuli what's happening between Me and Nomvelo
is beyond human understanding
Her: So there is something happening between you two?
Me: Don't do this.. Not right now I thought you were
happy with your new life
Her: Look me in the eye right now and tell me that you
don't love me anymore
Me: Don't
She got very close..
Her: Please don't do this to me
She wrapped her hands around my neck..
Her: Please
She kissed me and then she lowered her other hand
down on my crotch and she squeezed me..
Her: I still love you and I want you
The door opened..
Gugu: I for-
I pushed Nkuli away from me..
Gugu: I forgot my purse
Nkuli cleared her throat and made her way to the door,
Gugu was blocking the door..
Nkuli: Do you mind?
I knew deep down Gugu wanted to strangle her. Gugu
shifted a bit and tripped her on purpose..
Gugu: Watch your step.. Don't fall
Gugu closed the door and looked at me..
Me: It's not what you think it is
She looked at me and then her eyes went down on me,
she chuckled and then shook her head no. She walked
out to the bedroom.
_
NOMVELO
I was lost deep in my thoughts while holding the gutter, I
mean definitely something has been happening between
me and Nazo. There's this connection that I can't explain
between us and I'm afraid that I might be falling for him,
falling a bit hard. On the other hand there's a lot to
consider, I still feel like I will be betraying Niso. I heard a
knock at the door, it was Zeash and Dawn. She was
holding my bag..
Zeash: There's our patient
I smiled at them..
Zeash walked up to me and hugged me..
Zeash: How are you feeling?
Me: Better
She snatched the gutter from me..
Dawn came to hug me too..
Zeash: Is this a wedding gutter?
Dawn: How are you feeling? Heard what happened.. I'm
sorry
Me: It's okay I'll be okay
Zeash held the gutter at me..
Dawn: Are you getting married soon?
Me: No Snazo sent me that as a practical joke
Zeash: Who sends a gutter as a practical joke? It's like
sending someone an engagement ring as a joke
Me: Stop asking a lot of questions and help me unzip my
bag
She unzipped the bag for me and I took out my phone..
Me: Put his number for me
She looked at me..
Me: I wanna ask about the gutter stop being forward
Dawn: They going to discharge you when?
Me: After two days
Dawn: How is your arm?
Me: It's still numb
Dawn: That's strange.. Wasn't the operation yesterday?
It was..
Zeash: Here
Me: Thank you
I sent him a text:
"A gutter?
-Nomvelo"
Dawn: And your arm is still numb?
Me: Should I be worried
He looked at it..
Him: Well we will hear from the Dr
Snazo replied to my text:
"Are you smiling?"
I literally smiled at that text...
I replied back..
"I'm confused"
Zeash: And now?
She took my phone from me..
Me: Zeash!!
Zeash: Are you and Snazo dating?
Me: You too forward
Zeash: The Preacher's wife!! Hmmmmm girl are you
ready to be a Preacher's wife?
Dawn: Zeash!
Me: What are you talking about?
Her facial expression changed..
Zeash: I.. Did I say something wrong?
Me: What do you mean Preacher's wife?
She kept quiet..
Me: Nazo is a preacher?
Zeash: I thought you knew
My phone beeped indicating that a text came through,
Zeash gave it to me. It was Nazo:
"I'll unconfuse you when I get there"
I put the phone next to me..
Zeash: I thought you knew.. I'm sorry
She looked at Dawn..
Zeash: I thought she knew

81
NOMVELO
Everything was very confusing, Dawn and Zeash left me
very confused. Snazo walked in after a while, today he
was in casual wear and he had his hat on. Everytime
when I see him I get butterflies in my tummy, his
presence is very soothing. He pulled the chair and sat
down..
Him: How are you feeling today?
Me: I'm tired of laying in bed and doing nothing, just
starring at the wall most of the time and thinking. It's
very boring I just wanna go home
Him: You will go home
He is usually very extra but today he was very reversed
which is not like him, it was more like something was
bothering him..
Me: Are you okay?
He played with my fingers..
Him: Dawn told me what Zeash said to you
Me: I'm confused.. What is going on? She said you a
preacher
Him: That's not entirely who I am
Me: I don't understand
Him: I am..
I waited for him to find the strength to tell me
Him: I think it will be better if I show you
He started poking my arm..
Him: Do you feel anything?
Me: No
He rubbed his hands together and then placed them on
my small arm, he looked at me..
Him: Can you feel that?
Me: Feel what?
Him: Wait
I waited and after a few seconds I felt the warmth of his
hands..
Me: How?.. How did you do that?
I then felt a tingling sensation. He gently squeezed my
arm and I felt it, my sensation was starting to come back
to me..
Me: How did you do that?
He moved his arms..
Him: Try to move your arm
I tried moving it and it moved though it was trembling a
bit but I could move it, I could even move my fingers..
Him: This is who I am
I looked t him dumbfounded..
Him: I am actually a healer, I heal with words and with
the touch of my hands
I didn't know what to say..
Him: It's a gift that has been passed on from generations,
my Grandmother had it and between me and Niso one of
us had to get it. It was Me, I got the gift
I wanted to say something but I didn't know what to say..
Him: I understand if you speechless, it's a lot to take in
He held my hand..
Him: I never asked for this and at first it was difficult to
accept. Velo all that I have known was the life of crime
and hustling, that was who I am but fate had it
otherwise. I am currently happy with who I am right now
and it would mean a lot to me if you could be a part of
my life, I know for a fact that you feel the same way that
I do. It's not going to be an easy road and I'm not going to
use any tactics to get you to be with me, I want it to
come from you. All that I'm trying to say is that I think I
love you Nomvelo Ngcobo. It would mean a lot to me if
you could agree to marry me
He looked at the gutter..
Him: That's why I sent you this
He took it and gave it to me..
Him: You can keep it until you have made a decision, you
don't have to make the decision now you can think about
it
He stood up..
Him: I will give you some space up until you have an
answer for me
He kissed me on my forehead..
Him: I settled your hospital bill by the way and you will
still have a job at Dawn's studio though I will no longer be
driving you, I'll ask a friend of mine to drive you
He kissed me again but this time on the lips..
Him: Get well
He then left. I always have an answer to everything but
this, I searched deeper for an answer but I came back
with nothing..
_
MANTWA
Me: Room number 3B, here are your keys and please
enjoy your stay
Customer: Thank you very much
I got a new job at some fancy hotel, Patel knew someone
who knew someone who got me the job. I am the
receptionist and my shift for the next two weeks is going
to be from 10:00-19:00. The pay is very good though the
contract is going to run for 3-5 years, but at least it's
good experience..
I liked the uniform more, Grey & white with a touch of
black here and there. I work with a gentleman called
Bruno at the reception, he is very nice and very forward
I'm suspecting that he is gay but then again let me not
just assume..
Bruno: My green grapes we in trouble
Me: What trouble?
Him: We have a large group checking in tonight for some
function around here
Me: Large group?
Him: A very large group please check how many free
rooms we have currently and those who are meant to
check out at.. What's the time now
Me: 13:30
Him: There's ones that are supposed to check out at
16:00, call them and see if they can check out an hour
before so that we can send the cleaning crew to go and
clean
Me: Okay I'll do that
Him: Thank you Darling you came at the right time
I went to the computer and checked..
_
NOMVELO
I wiped my tears and hid the gutter as Danger walked in,
he had food with him.
Him: Hey kiddo
Me: Hey
Him: I didn't know what to get you so I got you a bit of
everything
Me: Thank you
He put the plastic ontop of the cabinet..
Him: Do you wanna eat something?
Me: I ate lunch at 12:00
Him: Are you full because I got you really delicious food
Me: Yall just want to get me fat.. What do you have?
Him: KFC, McDonald's, and I got you a home cooked meal
from some traditional restaurant and snacks then juice
Me: I'll have KFC for a change, I'm now tired of burgers
He took it out and then gave me..
Him: Streetwise two
Me: Thank you
Him: How are you feeling?
Me: Better.. At least now I can move my arm
Him: When are they discharging you?
Me: Not sure
(Silence)
Him: So why were you crying
I looked at him..
Me: It's nothing
Him: Talk to me
Me: Err..
Him: What's wrong?
Me: I think I am in love with Snazo.. You know Niso's
Brother
Him: I know who he is... So what's the problem?
Did he hear me?
Me: I.. It won't feel right if we date
Him: Why? Because you were dating his Brother who is
no longer no more?
Me: Apparently he is a healer and a preacher, he is now a
religious being.. I don't know much about religion, all I
know is that it's strict and then there's Nkuli it's a lot
Danger and Nazo is not looking for just a girlfriend he
wants a wife.. He proposed with a wedding gutter
I took it out and showed him..
Him: So fast?
Me: See what I mean? Religion is too strict
Him: But you love him and not the religion
Me: I don't know Danger it's just a lot.. He said he will
give me some space, I miss him already
Him: All I can say is that he looks very responsible and
mature, he seems like a good guy
Me: He is a great guy, he knows how to boyfriend too.. I
don't know, I really don't know
Him: If you in love with him and wanna be with him go
for it before someone else snatches him, he might be a
preacher and all those things but he is still a man
I laid back and closed my eyes..
_
SNAZO
"We 5 minutes from freedom
Somebody tell my mom I'll be back when I'm cleaner
I'm really close to my dream up
Bebengenandaba, manje iyindaba zami ziyaziwa
Kuyafiwa, tell them I'm a believer
Long walk is not a boy riding out in a Bhima
Nare patlela ao'bena
Bathi akuna space manje izinja zami ziyagiga
Ama Visa, sigijimisa umadiba
Sabela impilo e-right iyabiza"
Me: Eyy Shine awuyicime leyonto, ing'phathisa intloko
(Shine switch that thing off it's giving me a headache)
He switched it off..
Him: Yini indaba manje (what's wrong)
I ignored him and went back to the records..
Him: Entlek iBusiness ivaya grand mele ngabe we
celebrating (the business is doing well we should be
celebrating)
He was right, the business was indeed doing well. Last
month we made a lot of money..
Him: Phuma nayo.. Udliwa yini? (Out with it, what's
eating you)
I looked at him. We might be different now but Shine has
always been my home boy, he has been down for me for
a long time..
Me: I came clean to Nomvelo
Him: Umshele ngey'ndaba zeNcwadi engcwele? (did you
hit on her by using the Bible)
Me: No.. Shine be serious
Him: Ngi serious Ntwana beng'zokgabha strait (I'm
serious, I was going to turn on you)
Me: I don't know what I'm going to do, ung'hleli ku
oxygen lomntwana (I don't know what I'm going to do,
she can't let me breath)
Him: ungasabi uzozwakala (she will come around)
Me: You sound so confident
Him: Phela wena uyimpintshi yam' (You my friend)
Me: Anyway I need a favour
He looked at me..
Me: She's going to be out soon so she's going to need
someone who is going to drive her to work and pick her
up
Him: Manje ubheka mina? (You looking at me)
Me: You just gonna drive her nje just for a while
Him: Aii Nazo uNomvelo uyahlupha ushaya islungu aze
as'khipe ngamakhala (She is very fluent in English)
I laughed..
Him: Into zabo.. "Why this.. Why that" ungazodlala ngami
(don't play with me)
Me: Thank you Shine.. I owe you one
Shine: Ehh..
82
NOMVELO
2 WEEKS LATER
He opened the can of beer and started drinking..
Me: Excuse me you know better than to drink and drive
Him: Excuse me ngizovele ngikushiye la estradini (I will
leave you here on the road)
I kept quiet and glanced down at the Wedding gutter,
ever since he gave to me I've been wearing it around my
wrist. I will admit that I miss him a lot, we haven't kept in
contact ever since that day at the hospital. He just only
sent his friend to be my driver and Shine is a headache,
me and him don't get along at all. It was a Saturday
morning and he was driving me to have my stitches taken
off, then later Nkuli and I we going to the mall to get a
few things. Our relationship is a bit better now since she
realized that things between Nazo and I are tense..
Me: Shine
Him: Yini? (what)
Me: Does Nazo talk about me?
Him: Ngizowazelaphi mina? Uyabona akekho la (How
would I know because he is not here)
Me: You don't have to be rude I was just asking a simple
question
Him: Ndaba ubheda Kakhulu nawe! (problem you full of
it)
Nazo was not around, he is at Mpumalanga so Gugu said.
He has been gone for almost a week now, I don't know
when he's going to come back. He is only on WhatsApp
and at times I find myself typing to him when he is online
but I then I never send the message, I miss him a lot
though...
Shine: Ngizok'mela la (I'll wait for you here)
Me: You not coming in with me?
Him: For ini manje? (what for)
Me: I heard it's painful
Him: Nomvelo anginalanga lonke, i Saturday namhlanje
umuntu mele alungiselele ukudakwa (Nomvelo it's
Saturday today, a person should be preparing to get
drunk)
I rolled my eyes and got out of the car..
I banged the door..
Him: Uzobuyela kini ngeyinyawo wena dodi uyezwa?
Tsek! (You will walk back home)
Out of everyone Nazo got me Shine to be my chauffeur,
we always at each other's throats. I'm surprised we
haven't killed each other..
_
SNAZO
Me: What you don't understand is that God sometimes
can send a frustration to save you from another
frustration, for instance say you all dressed up for an
interview. You even woke up very early to catch the first
taxi so that you don't get there late because this happens
to be your first interview from all the posts that you have
been applying for. You catch the first taxi and
unfortunately it breaks down in the middle of nowhere,
the driver tries to call the taxi Marshall but he can't get
through. You keep on looking at the time and realize that
now you getting late and it's frustrating you, if you don't
get to the interview and you miss this opportunity it's
going to send you back to square one. Frustrated as you
are, you put pressure on the driver and both of you end
up clashing because of your frustration. A few hours later
an alternative means of transportation comes by, at that
time you don't wanna hear nothing! You wet with tears
because your interview was at 11am and now it's 12. You
have missed the opportunity and you don't feel like going
there anymore but deep down you don't wanna give up,
something deep inside says "go it's better showing up
late than never" you get there and you hear that the
building had caught fire, more than 20 people died in
there who came for the interview because there was no
way out. When you enquire you realize that it happened
exactly at 11am, the same that you were supposed to be
there. God saved you from a death that was premature,
and the following day you get called from another
company and they become so impressed that they hire
you straight away after the interview. What happened?
God saved you from a bigger frustration. Here's the thing
how God thinks is not how we think, if he thought exactly
like how human beings think then he wouldn't be God.
Let what's happening into your life right now become
your testimony one day, and in everything that you do
guard your heart.. May everyone have a blessed day
They started clapping. I didn't expect such a crowd, there
was a conference at some church known as "The
Apostles of Christ" I was invited to preach there up until
the conference finishes, and also I need to heal a lot of
people. The conference wasn't held at their church but
they hired a hall because not only was it their church
members who attended but they also had visitors, so
they had to get a bigger accommodation. Zaine came
through so did Dawn and they had a guest with them
that they wanted me to meet. Right after I preached
their Pastor went to the pullpit to close the intersection,
we will meet again at 13:00 for the last service. I will be
continuing with my topic from then. I went to take my
seat next to Dawn, Ziane had arrived a bit late he is the
one who came with the guest. Dawn was the one who
told me that Zaine will bring someone..
Pastor: Thank you Rev Nazo, I'm only addressing him as
that because he is not entirely a Pastor but he is a
preacher and a healer so the title "Reverend" seems fit. I
am sure that most of the ladies in here wanna know if he
is married or not
The ladies made some noise which was very awkward..
Him: Don't worry Rev I'm here to protect you and I'll
make sure that no one bothers you when you walk out of
here. Don't worry ladies he is going to have his own
church around here you can all go there and fill it up
We all laughed..
Pastor: On a more serious note thank you Rev Nazo, may
God bless you more and we cannot wait to hear more
from you. We can all stand up and I will close the service
so that we can go and eat and then come back later for
the last service
_
NOMVELO
It was painful taking off the stitches that I even bled a
little, so they had to put a gauze and gave me pain killers
and an antiseptic.
I wish Nazo was around, he knows how to make
everything okay. Shine dropped me off at home, and
Nkuli was already waiting for me so we went to the mall.
We were going to do our own mini braai you know just
have some fun since the festive is approaching.
Everything was on her since her blesser sent her 5000 to
spend for the weekend..
Her: Uzophuzani? (what are you going to drink)
Me: Anything will do
Her: Kungcono you no longer depressed so you won't be
trying to commit suicide
She gave me the bottle of Gin, we got tonic water, Bernin
ciders, and a bottle of Amarula. She went as far as
getting 3 liters of 4th street too
Her: Do you think it's going to be enough? Phela it's not
even 13:00 yet
Me: it'll be enough
Her: I'll get some more Bernin, if we don't finish today
we'll finish tomorrow
We got the alcohol and then when we were done we
went to buy meat at Pnp..
_
SNAZO
Zaine: That was a good sermon, you really called for this
Me: Thank you
Zaine: Snazo I want you to meet the real GOAT, Meet
Prophet Faziel Badru
He turned to the Prophet..
Zaine: This is Snazo he is one of us but not a prophet
though, he is a healer and a preacher
We shook hands..
Me: It's good to meet you
Badru: I've heard a lot about you
Dawn: Let's go and get something to eat boys, maybe we
can use this time to talk about how we going to cheat on
our wives
We all laughed..
Zaine: Nazo can ride with Badru, they need to get to
know each other and if you thought our wives were
strange wait until Badru tells you about his wife
Badru: Are you married?
Me: Not yet
Zaine: His soon to be wife is very heavy on the bottle, it's
a bit of a complicated situation
Badru: That's better.. My wife was supposed to be a
diplomatic witch
I chuckled..
Me: What?
Him: I'll tell you on the way
We all walked out..
_
NOMVELO
As we were driving back home I kept on typing a message
for Snazo:
"I miss you a lot, I want you to come back so that we can
talk" I erased the message..
Nkuli: Yazi I'm glad that we didn't let this yaka Nazo to
get to us, we family after all and family means
everything.
I faked a smile..
Her: We going to have a very good time today
Me: Yes we will.. We going to have a very good time
I'm willing to let lose today, just forget about everything
that's happening..
83
SNAZO
We were at some restaurant eating before we go back to
the conference. My life has always circled around friends
who were corrupt, if we sitting together we thinking
about the next crime that we must do or entirely talking
about things that won't get us anywhere just land us in
jail. This current change in my life sharing the table with
the big guns was remarkable, we talked about random
things..
Me: I heard you mentioning something about your wife
being a "Diplomatic witch"
Badru: She once showed up in one of my sermons drunk
Dawn laughed...
Badru: She completely blacked out and by then the holy
spirit had hinted that she was the girl that I was
supposed to marry
Zaine: I'm sure you were like God I've handled a lot of
things from witches to demons but this.. This is another
form of demon
We all laughed..
Badru: I looked around and said maybe it's a classic
mistake but each time my eyes landed on her
Dawn: What happened next?
Badru: You know when it's meant to be.. It's meant to be,
we started a relationship and that's when I realized that I
had to help her. She came from a family of riches, her
family used witchcraft for riches and in turn they put a
curse on her. They put a curse on her that if she sleeps
with any man that man will not wake up the following
day, basically Mercy was a..
Dawn: Sexual murderer
We laughed..
Dawn: I remember when Sway and I met she was just too
messed up. She had a spiritual husband, her brother was
a ritualist it was a lot that was going on
Zaine: I'm thinking Nazo you have it easy
Dawn: Maybe because he's the last born
Zaine: I mean yes Nomvelo went through great tragedy
but she doesn't come with much other than a drinking
problem
Dawn: She's actually a very nice girl but she's a headache
Me: Don't even mention it
Dawn: She has a lot of growing up to do she is still a child
and still trapped in childish behavior
Badru: How old is she?
Me: 21
Zaine: I think Bonolo was 19 when we first started going
out
Me: I just hope that this break I'm giving her will actually
make a difference
Some ladies walked up to up..
Lady: Good day
We greeted back..
Lady: Me and my friends were sitting right there and we
saw Prophet Zaine, I just want you to know that every
Sunday I tune into your channel and you have helped me
soo much
She started getting emotional..
Her: And I also noticed Dawn Baker the Exorcist, I also
watch your videos on YouTube though their scary but I
am so blessed to be in a restaurant with such Powerful
men.. Can we please get a picture with the both of you?
Me: I'll take the picture
She gave me her phone and I waited for them to pose
then I took the picture, when I was done I handed her
back her phone..
Her: Thank you
Right there after handing her the phone I felt a bit weak,
I looked at her and noticed that she was limping..
Badru: I think it's time to go
Zaine: I think so too
I went up to her as she said down..
I greeted her friends before talking to her...
Me: I'm sorry but can I ask you something?
Her: Yes
Me: How long ago did that heavy box full of toothpastes
fall on you at work?
She was shocked..
Her: Excuse me?
Me: Some time at work when you were at the back, a
box full of toothpastes fell on your foot
Her: How did you know?
Me: I'm sorry.. I'm a spiritual healer and when I handed
you your phone back suddenly I felt a bit weak which
signified your emotion and mental being, you feel weak
most of the time because you emotionally tired. You
even stopped going to work because your foot doesn't
want to heal. Doctors keep on saying there's nothing
wrong with you, but every night you feel a lot of pain
that you can't even sleep
She wiped her tears as one of her friends pat her on the
shoulder..
Me: Know that what happened that accident was
demonic, Tha devil wanted you to lose your job so that
you can suffer to provide for your kids since you a single
parent.. Know that today you healed and you can go back
to work, I crouched and massaged her swollen foot. As I
squeezed a bit harder she flinched.
I then stood up and asked her to do the same, she stood
but was still scared to completely put her foot down...
Me: Come on put more pressure on it
She closed her eyes and started walking, she put more of
her balance on it and she realized that it wasn't painful
anymore, she lost it. She sank down on the floor crying.
Her friends were also shocked, I walked back to the guys
so that we could leave..
_
NOMVELO
At first I wasn't all for the braai but as we started
preparing, I had about 2-3 glasses of wine and my mood
changed. I was now more into the braai and drinking, you
know just having a good time. It was still me and Nkuli
around, my Grandmother is coming back tomorrow she
had gone to see some relative of ours that was said to be
sick..
Nkuli was preparing the fire outside so that she could
braai the meant and I was busy preparing salads. We had
the front and the kitchen door open, as we playing
music. We were playing our favourite songs..
"These friends keep talkin' way too much
Say I should give you up
Can't hear them, no, 'cause I...
I've been here all night
I've been here all day
And boy, got me walkin' side to side
I've been here all night
I've been here all day
And boy, got me walkin' side to side"
Nkuli walked back in while singing..
Her: How far are you?
Me: I'm getting there
Her: You know this song kind of reminds me when I first
started dating Nazo, I was all naive and innocent and my
friends would constantly warn me like "He is not your
type of guy, he is too rough and hardcore"
She talks a lot about Nazo lately which I don't understand
why..
I let her be and continued with what I was doing..
Her: Let me go and pour the charcoal
I took my glass and drank from it then I went to my
bedroom and got my phone, at that point I got the
courage to text him. No make that I sent him a VN..
Me: "You left and you didn't even tell me where you
going or what you going to do, I only heard that you
somewhere in Mpumalanga. Did you leave because of
me? Are you planning on now being far away from me?
Please come back home. I miss you a lot and I love you,
come back home to me so that we can talk. I am hurt
that you doing this to me, you Nkuli is even doing this
braai for us and already I'm getting drunk"
I wiped my tears..
Me: "Come back home Nazo.. I miss you a lot"
I sent it and it delivered, was only one tick. I called him
and his phone was on voicemail..
Me: Nazo come on!!!!
I sent him another VN..
Me: If you with something else there or fucking some
random bitches just tell me because really I can't!!! I
can't deal with that type of shit you hear me???
(Shouting)
Nkuli: Nomvelo!!
Me: I'm coming!!
I went back to the VN...
Me: Get your shit together you hear?
I sent the VN then I walked out of the bedroom..
_
SNAZO
If was now full, full than how it was earlier on and I was
already about 10min into my preaching..
Me: There's something that we cannot run away from
and that is our emotions, we have no control over our
emotions at times and that's just simply being a human
being. You were created with love, but because the devil
will always destroy the perfection that God has made he
planted certain seeds of his own and that is Jealousy,
anger, and hatred. You were created with love so you
should put nothing out there but love. Remember life is a
game of boomarangs whatever you put out will always
come back to you. "Do unto others as you would have
them do unto you" you cannot spend your time hating
other people and being wishing them bad things and
expect good things to come your way? No that's not how
it works. You will always get what you put out. I was
talking to someone outside a few minutes ago before the
sermon started and she said "Me and this other girl have
been best friends for a very long time, lately things
haven't been soo good between us. I fell pregnant right
after matric and unfortunately I couldn't continue with
school anymore, those dreams that me and her shared of
going to varsity together stayed a dream to me since
reality kicked in and I had to get a job so that I could care
for my child. My baby daddy forced me to abort and at
times when life got difficult I wish I did. I didn't
understand why my Parents were punishing me soo
much, my Father stopped talking to me altogether and
my Mom told me that now that I have a child I am no
longer their responsibility, If I can make babies then that
means I am adult and adults take care of themselves.
This year my Friend bought a car, she went to varsity and
graduated then got a job at the bank. She doesn't have a
child and she is said to get married next year. I have
stopped communicating with her because her life is a
thorn to me, she is moving forward while I'm stuck. My
Mother tells me about her everyday and reminds me that
I'm a failure, if it wasn't for my baby I would have long
committed suicide. Her friend succeeding in life is a thorn
to her, those are strong feelings and emotions that she
cannot control because she feels like she failed herself.
She is living a life full of regrets. In such situations I tend
to say that suppress those emotions with an affirmation.
Affirm that "What God does for others, he now does for
me and more" see other people's success and prosperity
not as a thorn in your heart but as an encouragement
that if God can do it for others, he will also do it for me.
Let their success not break you but strengthen your faith.
Remember our journey is not the same, life is no
different from distant traveling. Most people travel by
planes and most they take the bus, taxis, or they drive.
Whatever the choice of traveling but we all reach our
destinations, those flying may reach there faster but who
said the view at the top is pleasant? The one in the bus
might even have the best view while traveling to their
destination than those who are flying even though they
will reach their destination faster. All that traveling have
one thing in common, be it a driver or a pilot they
All wanna get you there safely and they will make sure
that they get you there. You fall asleep along the way but
they don't, they control the vehicle with caution to make
sure that you get there safely that's the main goal and
that's how it is with our God. No matter how bumpy the
road may seem but he will get you there, others may
reach their success before you but at the end of the day
you will get to your destination too, and trust me when
you get there you will even forget that the ride wasn't
pleasant at times..
_
NOMVELO
By now I must've sent him about 20 voice notes and a
couple of messages, I didn't understand why he wasn't
getting back to me. So this is how it ends? This is how he
does me? I was very mad and the alcohol wasn't helping
either..
Nkuli is strong I don't know how she does it but she
wasn't my state of drunk. She was tipsy. We were having
soo much fun just dancing around and hugging each
other while laughing and falling..
Us: "I've been drinking, I've been drinking
I get filthy when that liquor get into me
I've been thinking, I've been thinking
Why can't I keep my fingers off it, baby?
I want you, na na
Why can't I keep my fingers off it, baby?
I want you, na na"
Nkuli: Drunk in love!!!!
Me: Wait wait wait.. Come take a video of me dancing
I took off my shirt and I got on top of my Grandmother's
dinning table, I was only left with my bra and my denim
shorts. I untied my hair and started dancing while Nkuli
recorded me..
Me: We woke up in the kitchen saying,
"How the hell did this shit happen?"
Oh baby, drunk in love we be all night
Last thing I remember is our beautiful bodies grinding up
in the club
Drunk in love
We be all night, love, love
We be all night, love, love
Nkuli: You go girl!!
After dancing I got down...
Her: Here
Me: Thank you
I immediately sent it to Nazo..
Nkuli: Drunk in love baby
She put her hand around my shoulders..
Her: I love you cuz
Me: I love you too
I started jumping around..
Her: What is it?
Me: I have to tell you something
Her: Okay what is it?
Me: Nazo asked me to marry him and I'm going to say
yes
She looked at me and then laughed..
Me: You too drunk.. See you play a lot, that was funny
Me: I'm not joking look.. He gave me the gutter I've been
wearing it around my wrist
Her: Nomvelo that's not funny
Me: I am not joking... I'm going to say yes
I heard a familiar voice calling out my name..
Me: Is that?
She walked in the lounge..
Me: Grovvy?!
Her: Mpintshi yam!!!
How the hell did she find out where I live..

84
SNAZO
Church came out very late I didn't think that the service
was going to drag that much, the afternoon service
started at 13:30-16:30. Then we took an hour break so,
the last service was from 18:00-22:00. During my hour
break that's when the holy spirit showed me a lot of
People that needed to be healed and others needed a
deliverance, this time around I worked hand in hand with
Prophet Badru. Most people were binded from reaching
their success because of witchcraft, a lot was happening
and a lot of people needed the deliverance. When the
serv finally came out I stayed behind for a couple of
people that needed to be prayed for and I got into my
hotel room at around 00:00, I was very tired that I went
straight to bed. Fortunately the following day I was going
to attend the morning service only, then at 13:00 in the
afternoon I'll be driving back home. The morning service
was to start at 10:00am, I'll be preaching at 11am up
until at 12:30 or 13:00 in the afternoon..
I woke up at 6:00am to pray then at 7am I was able to
hold my phone and check who contacted me last night.
To my surprise I received a lot of Voice notes from
Nomvelo, and also a certain video that I couldn't stop
watching. I wasn't very happy with the fact that she was
drunk and for her to even mention that Nkuli is the
reason behind her acting like this, it truly rubbed me off
the wrong way. I know very well that Nkuli is doing this
out of spite and Nomvelo doesn't see that. After
watching the video and listening to the VNs I called her
right away and she didn't pick up, I checked her last seen
on WhatsApp and it was at 01:00am she's probably still
sleeping so I called my Mother instead..
Her: Good morning Baby
Me: Good morning
Her: How are you? And how is everything going?
Me: Everything is going well
Her: Yazi I can't wait to hear you preach
Me: I'll get you the tape, they going to be selling them for
R100 at the church
Her: Thank you very much.. I can't wait
Me: I'll set a reminder so that I don't forget
Her: Okay.. Is everything okay? Why are you calling me
so early in the morning?
Me: I need to talk to you
Her: I'm listening
Me: Nomvelo sent me some VNs talking about she loves
me and that I should come back home so that we can
talk
Her: Okay what's the problem?
Me: She was drunk Ma... Apparently Nkuli did some braai
and she made Nomvelo drink, I know she's doing it out of
Spite
Her: Obviously she's doing it out of spite, she's trying to
break what you two have even though it hasn't started
yet, and wena Nazo I'm disappointed in you! That day
when I walked in and you two were kissing, were you
going to sleep with her?
Me: No.. I would've stopped it before it went further
Her: Baby if Nomvelo is really meant for you then you
will have to be serious with her, she has been through a
lot and if you going to hurt her more then leave her
Nazo. If you still feel like there's unfinished business
between you and Nkuli then leave Nomvelo, don't hurt
her. She's been through a lot
Me: I don't have anything to do with Nkuli Gugu, what
you saw that day was just.. Look she's my past and
Nomvelo is my future
Her: Then dont hurt her! You should know better and I'm
very disappointed in you I don't wanna lie
I know that when Gugu starts, she's never going to
stop...
Me: Okay Gugu I have to go
Her: It's okay baleka (run away)
Me: I'm not running away I'm just late for my service
Her: Baleka phela ngiyakwazi wena (Run away.. I know
you)
Me: Bye Gugu.. I love you
Her: I love you too Nazo
_
NOMVELO
Somehow this place looked familiar, I've been here
before. The pure white room, the small window, the
white dress that I was wearing. I have been here before..
Voice: Velo
I turned around and there she was, My Mother. She has
the most beautiful smile that I have ever seen before.
Her smile makes everything okay somehow..
Me: Am I dreaming again?
Her: Yes but this time you here because I want to say
goodbye
She walked up to me..
Her: Remember what I said before?
Me: That someone was going to ask for my hand in
marriage and that I should say yes?
She put her hands on the sides of my shoulders and
smiled..
Me: You were talking about Snazo weren't you?
She smiled and nodded..
Her: Yes I was
Me: Mom..
Her: He loves you Nomvelo and I know you don't
understand what's happening but.. Believe in the love
that he has for you and trust your heart then you will see
everything else will be easy
Me: It's complicated Mom
Her: No it's not
She put her hands on my cheeks..
Her: I've been waiting for this day for a very long time
and it has finally arrived, you very blessed baby. You
don't know how blessed you are
I smiled..
Her: I love you Nomvelo and you have been my joy ever
since I found out that I was pregnant, I wish that we had
more time to spend together
Me: Me too
She kissed me on my cheek..
Her: I'll always be watching over you
Me: You leaving?
Her: Yes.. It's time for me to go now
Letting go was difficult, I wish she would stay and we
meet in my dreams always.
Her: I am very proud of you
I felt my heart breaking..
Her: I love you Velo
Me: I love you too
She stepped back and held my hand until she
disappeared, that was difficult to digest. Knowing that
this will be the last time that we ever meet. I was woken
up from that dream by my phone ringing, I got it and
checked who it was. It was Nazo, I didn't answer I just let
it rang until it stopped. Then I sent him a message..
****************WHATSAPP*************
Me: I got your missed call
Him: More like you ignored my call
I wasn't in the mood, my heart felt heavy..
Me: What did you want to say
Him: I'm going to call again
Me: No.. Please don't
Him: Okay.. I'll be home later today, sizoyiqeda (I'll be
home later today, we will discuss this)
Me: Okay
He didn't respond again
*******************
I had a massive headache and I felt like sleeping more,
that's what I hate about drinking. The hangover is shit!!
I got out of bed and made my way out of my bedroom,
Groovy was passed out on the couch. I went and woke
her up..
Me: Groovy!
I started shaking her until she woke up..
Me: What are you doing here?
She looked at me..
Her: Aii awume tuu (Wait a minute)
Me: What are you doing here?
Her: Haibo ngoba besijaiva sonke izolo (We were dancing
together last night)
Me: How do you even know where I live?
Her: Izolo bengise Gazibo, then ngabuza ukuthi uhlalaphi,
awaziwa Velo nginenhlahla that I knew your surname
(Yesterday I was at Gazibo then I asked around. No one
knows you, I'm lucky that I know your surname)
I sat down on the couch next to her..
Her: Bhabhalazi? (hangover)
Me: A terrible one
Her: Drink water then sleep again
Me: I'll do
(Silence)
Me: Have you seen my cousin?
Her: uNkuli?
Me: Ya
Her: maybe usalele (maybe she's still sleeping)
Me: Let me look for her
I looked for Nkuli all around but I couldn't find her, it was
very weird..
_
NOMSA
My Mom took me to church with her at first I was against
the idea but then again if I attend church what do I have
to loose? It's just church...
Ma: Are you ready?
I looked at myself in the mirror one last time...
Me: I'm ready
Her: Don't worry I promise you that everything is going
to be alright
Me: I hope so
Her: Trust me.. I am your Mom, I will never lead you
astray. You have tried by yourself and you failed, let's try
it my way now
I nodded.. After all she's my Mother..
_
NOMVELO
My Grandmother came back earlier than I had
anticipated, when she learned about what happened she
was so angry she couldn't stop yelling at me and Groovy.
We were cleaning the house and washing dishes Her:
Mara ngiyahlolelwa ukudakwa okungaka? (I am being
tested with soo much alcohol)
You know when you have a hangover and someone yells
at you, it makes your headache worse..
Her: Mara Nomvelo tell me, uzimisele ngani? (Tell me
something what are your plans in your life)
I kept quiet and she looked at Groovy...
Her: Sowuhlangana nabantu aba so? (You now mixing
with this type of people)
Groovy: Yooh Aii Velo ngizok'bona (Velo I'll see you)
Grams: Ungaphide ubuye la (Don't ever come back here)
Groovy left..
My Grandmother looked at me..
Grams: Ang'sazi mina manje (I don't know anymore)
Me: I'm sorry
Her: Sorry? Nomvelo you can't live like this! I'm old I'm
going to die soon and I don't want lo leave you in this
state! Just tell me how-
Me: Nazo asked for my hand in marriage and I'm going to
say yes
She looked at me and said nothing..
Me: I'll be in good hands so you don't have to worry
about me
I went to my bedroom and threw myself on the bed, I
took my phone and went through my call log. I bumped
into Nazo's number, I wish he was around. I miss
spending time with him, especially when I'm down like
this.
85
NOMVELO
My Grandmother woke me up, didn't even realize that I
had fallen asleep...
Her: Sit up we have to talk
I figured that out.. I sat up straight so that we could talk..
Her: Earlier you mentioned that Snazo asked for your
hand in marriage, now I don't know if it was a joke or you
were serious
Me: I was serious, he did ask for my hand in marriage
Her: Are you going to say yes because of what I said?
Me: No I was just talking I didn't mean that
Her: Please don't take what I said the wrong way because
it didn't come from a bad place, I just want you to be
happy and with everything that you have been through
you deserve all the happiness in the world. I want to rest
in peace one day knowing that you in good hands and
you have a good future
Me: I understand
Her: How did you and Nazo even happen?
Me: I am not sure just..I can't even explain it Duchess
I exhaled..
Me: Nazo is an amazing Person, he is very caring, full of
love, a bit of a strict disciplinarian but he makes me
wanna keep on living. A few months ago I didn't see the
use of waking up in the morning but with him in my life
everything is different, he gives me a reason to wanna
keep on going
Her: Do love him?
Me: I think I do
Her: Nazo is a very good soul, even when he was still up
to no good, his Grandmother spoke very highly of him,
said he was special and he is
Me: He is a healer and a preacher
Her: I know.. His Grandmother always said it
Me: He is very special, my heart melts everytime when I
think of him. I have never been this sure about a guy
before
Her: If you take that decision to be with him then there's
a few things that you need to change. Being a Preacher's
wife might require a lot from you, and if you love him as
much as you say you do then adapting to a new life will
come naturally. What you need to understand is that
Nazo is not looking for a girlfriend, he is way pass that
stage. He is looking for a wife someone that is going to go
through this journey with him, he needs a strong woman
behind him
Me: I know Duchess
Her: Can you do that? Are you ready for marriage? Can
you be a wife to him
Me: I don't know about all of that but I just want to be
with him
She laughed..
Her: You will be fine baby and Gugu is a great woman
Me: She is..We get along very well
She hugged me..
Her: I am very proud of you
Me: Thank you
She broke the hug..
Her: If you going to say yes to the proposal then there's a
lot that I still have to teach you, helpers are good but
don't let another woman cook for your husband or wash
your Husband's clothes. The helper can help around but
your husband must always be your first priority at all
times
Me: That's very true.. I wouldn't be comfortable with
another woman taking care of my Husband
Her: And the drinking must completely stop Velo
Me: I'll get there
Her: Come on.. Let's go to the mall
She stood up and then walked out, I looked at the gutter
on my hand. I hope that everything is going to workout
well..
_
SNAZO
I was glad to be back at home, I was very exhausted and
all that I wanted to do was to just sleep. Gugu was happy
to see me..
Gugu: He is back
She hugged me..
Her: How was your trip?
I sat down..
Me: It was good just tiring
Him: Ohhh you poor thing I can tell by your voice
Me: How are you?
Her: I'm good baby no complaints
Me: That's good to hear
Her: So where is the tape?
Me: We going to need a DVD player for that
Her: I don't even know where it is
Me: We'll look for it
I took out my phone..
Me: Look at this
I showed her Nomvelo's video and also made her listen
to the VNs. She couldn't help but laugh..
Me: It's not funny Gugu
Her: What is this all about?
Me: I don't know but it has everything to do with Nkuli
Her: Nomvelo should stop drinking clearly utshwala
buyamhlula (alcohol is not for her)but then again I think
she has hearts for you, after all there's some truth
behind a drunk person
She gave me my phone back...
Her: Thatha Mam'fundisi maan!.. Maybe we can have
that dinner tonight
Me: Are you sure?
Her: I'm very sure
Me: I'll call her
Her: Nomvelo should really watch out for her cousin,
Nkuli doesn't have Nomvelo's best interest at heart.
She's being very spiteful and she will stop at nothing to
ruin you guys, ruin what you starting. A bitter ex is very
dangerous
Me: I know and I'm not even going to confront her about
this, this is what she wants. A reaction I don't have time
to entertain Nkuli's pettiness
Her: Nomvelo will just have to be careful, I know it's her
cousin and what not but she has to be very careful
Me: I'll talk to Nomvelo
Her: Do that
(Silence)
Her: We have to talk baby
Me: About?
She didn't say anything, I looked at her..
Me: You seeing someone aren't you?
Her: Not entirely it's a uhm..
Me: What is it?
She sighed..
Her: Your Father wants to meet you
My mind froze for a few seconds..
Me: What?
Her: He made contact and he wants to meet you
Me: Just like that?
Her: Well I've been meeting up with him remember that
trip to the "mall" I went to meet up with him, he wanted
me to tell him about You and Niso when he heard that
Niso is no more he asked if he could meet up with you
Me: Are you sleeping with him?
Him: Ini? (what)
Something about this story that doesn't make sense..
Her: I am not sleeping with him
Me: Gugu..
Her: Nazo I am still your Mother
I let her be..
Me: What kind of a person is he?
Her: He is very handsome, that's why he gave me such
cute boys
She started squeezing my cheek..
Me: Stop it..
Her: My nunununu..
Me: Gugu stop it!
Her: Ohhh I'm sorry Mr Preacher now you too good for
me to toy with you
Me: I'm 28
Her: Then you and Nomvelo should hurry up and give me
Grandkids to toy with
She chuckled..
Her: I'm just imagining Nomvelo bei-
Me: Don't start...
Her: Don't worry I'll teach her a few things especially how
to prepare your favourite dish, dumplings and chicken
curry
Me: Now you talking
Her: So are you going to meet him?
Me: I'll see
Her: You don't hate him do you?
Me: No.. I gave up that hate long time ago but don't
expect any relationship between me and him, I don't
know him and he has been absent for 28 years of my life
Her: I know and I understand
Me: Let me go and rest a little
Her: I'll start preparing dinner
Me: Thank you
Her: Don't forget to call Nomvelo
Me: I won't
I called Nomvelo while I went out to my room
Her: Hello
Me: Thought you didn't want to talk to me
Her: You exaggerating
Me: Am I?
Her: Ah Nazo, I didn't say that
Me: Anyway what are you doing?
Her: Waiting for my Grandmother.. We going to the mall
Me: Walking?
Her: Yes
Me: I'll come and get you guys
Her: You don't have too.. We need the exercise
Me: Mara angik'celi moss (I wasn't asking you)
Her: Abusive tendencies have started
Me: Abusi... I want to hear you say that in my face
She laughed..
Her: You sound a bit tired
Me: Ya I am but I'll be fine.. Are you guys ready
Her: Yes we are
Me: Okay I'm on my way
Her: Okay
I hung up..
_
NOMVELO
The butterflies started again, Talking to him just does
things to me..
My Grandmother walked in..
Her: Let's go
I turned and looked at her..
Me: Do I look okay?
Her: What do you mean?
Me: Am I dressed fine is my hair good?
Her: Why?
Me: Nazo is coming.. He is going to drive us to the mall
Her: Is it?
Me: Yes.. I hope you don't mind
Her: I don't mind just that he shouldn't get too
comfortable he still has to pay Lobola and I hope you
haven't slept with him yet
Me: Duchess!
Her: What? Are you sleeping with him?
Me: No.. If course not
Her: Good keep it that way.. He might be a preacher but
he is still a man
Me: I hope you won't say such things when he comes
Her: If you not sleeping with him then you got nothing to
be embarrassed about
Me: Please don't say such things
Her: Anyway where is Nkuli?
Me: I don't know.. When I woke up she wasn't around
but her car and clothes are still here
Her: That's odd.. Unless she went to one of her
boyfriends
Me: Maybe
Her: Let me go get my phone and call her
Me: Okay
I heard a knock at the door.. I went to open and it was
Nazo, I let him in..
Me: Agh shame you do look tired
Him: I'm fine thanks and how are you?
Me: I'm good
He came and kissed me while grabbing my ass..
Me: I missed you
Him: I've missed you too sweetheart
He squeezed my butt a bit harder..
Him: And someone has been misbehaving while I was
gone
Me: That was very embarrassing.. I'm sorry you weren't
supposed to see nor hear that
Him: Who took the video?
Me: Nkuli
Him: Where is She?
Me: I'm not sure where she went
Him: May that Neve-
My Grandmother walked in, Snazo let go of me..
Grams: Snazo
Snazo: MaNgcobo
Grams: We would've walked to the mall it's not far
Snazo: I don't mind
Grams: How sweet.. Just don't think we'll go easy on you
when it comes to the Lobola negotiations just because
you driving us to the mall
Snazo looked at me..
Grams: Yes I know she told me about the proposal
Me: Duchess
Grams: I didn't know it was a secret
Snazo: I'm just surprised that's she's telling everyone
while she hasn't even given me an answer
They both looked at me..
Me: Can we go already?
Nazo: And here we go
He walked out..
Grams: Aii Nomvelo, that's not what you said earlier on
Snazo: Before I forget my Mother said I should invite you
for dinner tonight at my place
Grams: Thank you for the invitation, and tell Gugu we will
be there
Me: We?
Grams: Yes we will be there
My Grandmother is just way too forward with this
situation..

86
NOMVELO
I was so nervous about the dinner so I kept on trying out
a few dresses and a few skirts, I just didn't know what to
wear. I finally found an outfit that I was comfortable
with, my navy blue mermaid skirt. White vest that was
tucked in and blue heels, I tied my hair into a bun and I
didn't put much makeup. Just an eye liner, I did my
eyebrows, and put on a lipstick. I hope I was not over
dressed but at the same time I don't want Nazo's eyes to
wonder around, I want him to always find me attractive.
My Grandmother was yapping as always up until we
arrived at Snazo's place, we were right on time and Gugu
was still setting up she was alone..
Gugu: Velo noMangcobo
She was surprised to see my Grandmother..
Gugu: Bengithi kuza uVelo kphela (I thought only Velo
was coming)
Grams: Aww cha ngiyakwazi ukuthi uyalishaya bhodi
manje ngizimemile (I know that you a good cook so I
invited myself)
Gugu: There's no problem.. I'm glad ukuthi nizile (I'm glad
you guys came)
She looked at me..
Gugu: Akamuhle yena bakithi (You look very beautiful)
Gugu is very extra and now she was making me blush..
Gugu: MaNgcobo ungangena uyohlala phantsi, sizoletha
ukudla (MaNgcobo you can go and sit down we will bring
the food)
My Grandmother walked to the living..
Gugu: Come and help me with this bhabha
I went and helped her..
Me: It smells nice
Her:
Wait until you taste it..
You can take that to the dinning table..
Me: Okay.. Uhm is Nazo going to be joining us?
Her: Yes he just went out he will be back
Me: I thought he said he wanted to rest a bit
Her: Nazo doesn't sleep for that long during the day, he is
not a fan of sleeping at all
Me: Okay
I took the food to the lounge..
Gugu: Nice gutter
Me: Thank you
Her: Getting married anytime soon?
Me: I.. Well..
The door opened, Snazo walked in with Shine. They
saved me from an awkward moment. Shine was holding
a 6 pack of beer, well now it was a 5 pack and Snazo was
holding a can of appetizer.. They walked in all laughing
and all that laughter and talking too much siezed when
they found us in the kitchen. Out of everyone Snazo
brought Shine, the most annoying person on earth..
Gugu: Ngathi sekuzoba yi party neh? (Are we having a
party)
Shine: MaGuguz!
Gugu: Weee Shine angisiyo intanga yakho (I'm not your
age mate)
He looked at me...
Shine: Bengithi nje sizodla kodwa manje ang'sazi kahle
uma uNomvelo akhiphe eze Christmas (I thought this was
just a dinner but now I don't know since Nomvelo is
wearing her Christmas clothes)
Nazo chuckled...
Me: Ugezile nje? (Did you even bath)
Gugu: Ake nimeni (wait a minute)
She looked at Shine..
Gugu: Shine take let's go to the living room take the
plates
Shine took the plates and they went to the living room,
living me and Nazo in the kitchen..
Him: Umuhle kanjani.. With your Christmas outfit
I attempted to walk away but he gently grabbed my
arm..
Him: Ngiyadlala (I'm just kidding)
He put the can on the table and bit his lower lip, while
starring at mine..
Him: Umuhle njani (You very beautiful)
Me: Thank you
He is my weakness and I can say that I'm his weakness,
when we alone he can't keep his hands to himself. We
found ourselves kissing, he then picked me up and placed
me on the kitchen counter. He came in between my legs
and we continued kissing, he went down to my neck and
started giving me love bites. Every bite paralyzed me, I
can't even explain how he makes me feel because words
aren't just enough. My hand was at the back of his head,
he forced his hands under my vest..
Me: There's .. There's.. There's elders in the living room
He continued kissing me and someone disturbed us..
Voice: Hai nina siyabeka ukudla lapho.. Nomvelo hlika
(we put food there, Nomvelo get down)
It was Gugu, Snazo helped me to get down..
She looked at us..
Gugu: we waiting for you bese nina.. Yazini eLiving room
manje! (go to the living room now)
I was a bit embarrassed..
Gugu: Anisakhoni nje nokuzibamba! (You can't even hold
yourselves)
We walked to the living room and sat down..
We started dishing up..
Gugu: Nomvelo will say grace
I looked at everyone..
Me: Let's close our eyes
Grams: Awususe iBeer etafuleni mntaka Pinky!! (Remove
the beer from the table)
Shine removed his beer from the table..
We all closed our eyes..
Me: "With grateful thanks, love, and care. We bow our
heads in gratitude, for the joyful blessing of our food..
Amen"
Everyone: Amen..
Shine: Is'lungu esingaka (such and english)
Gugu: I didn't know that you can pray
Snazo winked at me and I just looked away, not trying to
show everyone that I was blushing..
We started dishing up..
Grams: I think I know what brings us here
There she goes again..
She looked at me..
Grams: Velo.. I think Nazo has been waiting long enough
All eyes were on me..
I swallowed and looked at him..
Him: Yes.. Yes I will marry you
He smiled..
Gugu: Finally!! Kunini silindile (we have been waiting for
a while now)
Me: Wait you knew?
Gugu: Baby I gave birth to him, of course he told me
Shine: Sifile (we are dead)
Me: Drink your beer Shine
Grams: This moment is very blessed
Gugu: I agree.. Umakoti wami omuhle kangaka mara (Our
beautiful bride)
I swear that my cheeks were now red from all that
blushing..
_
NOMSA
There was a knock at the door, I looked at the time and it
was 20:00. We were all sitting at lounge watching TV..
The person knocked again, we all looked at each other..
Me: I'll get it
I stood up went to open, it was our Neighbour NaTwala..
Me: NaTwala
Her: Nomsa
Me: What are you doing here so late?
She made her way in..
Her: Ngiyaxolisa ukuningenela ebusuku so (I apologize for
coming here so late)
Me: Is everything okay?
My Mom walked in..
Ma: Hau.. NaTwala, konke kuyakahle? (is everything
okay)
Her: Shlobo Ngiyaxolisa ukunihlasela ebusuku so (Sorry
for just showing up so late)
Ma: What seems to be the matter?
Her: Hai akukho lutho wena Shlobo (It's nothing serious
my friend)
We looked at her hoping that she will eventually come
out with it..
Her: I wanted to ask Nomsa if she will be able to help
around at the joint, one of my Employees is on maternity
leave
NaTwala has a fast food joint somewhere in town and it's
making a lot of money for her.
Her: I know it's short notice but it would mean a lot to
me if you can start tomorrow morning at 8am sharp
I didn't expect this..
I looked at my Mom and she nodded..
Me: Uhm yes.. I would love too, thank you very much
Her: kubonga mina (I'm the one that's thankful)
I know it's not much but it's a great start..
_
MANTWA
Patel was back home and everything going well between
us, my life seems to be very peaceful. I sat ontop of him, I
had just taken a shower and my body was still a bit wet
and I had a towel wrapped around me, I wrapped my
arms around his neck..
Him: Let's get married
Me: Huh?
Him: Next year is far, let's get married this festive just a
private wedding
Me: Are you sure?
Him: I know it's short notice but I'm sure
Me: Okay let's get married (Smiling)
I kissed him..
_
NOMVELO
The dinner was amazingly nice, Gugu can cook I don't
wanna lie. After the dinner we drove my Grandmother
and Shine home then after Snazo took me to this open
field..
Him: I come here most of the time to look at the stars
and the moon
He was leaning against the car and I was warm in his
arms..
Me: They beautiful
Him: Not as beautiful as the one that I'm holding right
now
I looked at him..
Him: I love you Nomvelo
Me: I love you too
Him: Are you sure? Do you really want to marry me?
Me: I do
He kissed me...
Him: Let me take you home.. It's getting a bit cold
Me: Okay
He kissed me again..
Nazo is just soo sweet and I'm very blessed to have him.
Nkuli wasn't lying when she said underneath it all he is a
big teddy bear.

87
NOMVELO
I was glad that Nazo was going to be the one to drive me
to work, Shine can be very draining at times and it's not
even funny..
I woke up in the morning as always and prepared for
work, out of all the alcohol that we consumed over the
weekend the wine was the only one left so I decided to
have a glass before leaving for work, I needed that one
glass or maybe two. My Grandmother just invited herself
into my room without even knocking..
Me: Grams you supposed to knock first
Her: Why?
Me: It's polite
She saw the glass of wine on the dressing table..
Her: Ohh
Me: It's not like that
Her: It's 6:45 in the morning, you going to work
Me: I know Duchess and right now I really don't want to
be judged
Her: Lobola negotiations are this coming Saturday you
said that you ready to be a wife, you agreed last night at
the dinner table when Nazo and Gugu mentioned that
and in two days time they will be sending a letter to
confirm
Me: It's just one glass of of wine Duchess
Her: At 6:45 while you going to work?
I kept quiet..
Her: Nomvelo if you not ready then don't marry Nazo
Me: What does me having a glass of wine have to do with
me being his wife?
She looked at me..
Me: I just woke up feeling a bit depressed and it happens
that I had wine and I'm having just one glass nothing
serious, don't treat me like I'm an alcoholic because I'm
not one!
Her: Anyway I tried calling Nkuli and she's not picking up,
I'm starting to get a bit worried
Me: She will be back
I looked at the time..
Me: Nazo is going to be here any minute
Her: Okay enjoy work
Me: Thank you
_
MANTWA
I was starting my shift a bit late today, I swapped shifts
with one of my colleagues. I was going to clock in at
13:00 in the afternoon so In the meantime I decided to
go and visit my Mother and my Brother, Though my
brother wasn't around he was at school writing.
Nevertheless I was happy to see my Mother mostly
because I want her to help me plan the wedding,
together with Patel's Mother since we going to
accommodate the Indian culture..
Mom: How many guests are you guys going to have?
Me: Patel said about 20 from his side and we can do 30
from our side
Her: We have a big family Mantwa.. 30 is little
Me: It's a private wedding Ma, we can't invite everyone
it's going to be expensive
Her: Okay it's your wedding as long as you happy
(Silence)
Me: I wanna invite Nazo
Her: We can't get all our relatives to the wedding but
there's space for an ex con who almost made you take
your life?
Me: Ma..
Her: What am I supposed to say? I hate that boy with
everything in me and I can't wait for karma to hit him
Me: You shouldn't talk like that
Her: What should I say? He had a good girl and he played
you! He left you with a broken heart knowing your
history with relationships cha! awungiyeke kancane nje!
(leave me alone)
Clearly my Mom has strong feelings of hate towards
Nazo that I didn't know existed but I feel like inviting him,
so I'm going to invite him
_
NOMVELO
Nazo came to fetch me at 7:00am my Grandmother was
able to keep her mouth shut about me having a glass or
two of wine. Not everyday is joyful, there are times when
I just wake up very broken and today was one of those
days, I wasn't feeling well..
Nazo: You very quiet this morning.. Which is very unlike
you
Me: I'm fine
Him: Should we go get breakfast so that you can tell me
what's eating you?
Me: I'm okay.. I'm not hungry
He held my hand..
Him: Nervous about the negotiations this coming
weekend? I know it's too soon but..
Me: Are you sure that you want me to be your wife? I
mean there are a lot of girls out there that you can
marry
Him: I wanna marry you
Me: Nazo
He pulled over..
Him: What's wrong kanti?
Me: I don't know.. I just feel like I'm a big screw up in the
world, you don't need someone like me especially since
your gift means so much to you I don't know I feel like
I'm not good enough
Me: You marrying me not who I have become, I know
that it won't be easy for you to just wake up one day and
change everything that you know that's why we going to
take it one day at a time. I love you and I want you just as
you are
He always has the right thing to say and deep down I love
him but there's just too much doubts..
He squeezed my cheek..
Him: You going to be fine.. You'll see
I smiled..
Me: Maybe we can go and have breakfast
Him: You said no already... I don't do second hand
responses
I laughed..
Me: Get over yourself
He joined the road again..
Me: What are your plans for today?
Him: I'll be checking a few things at work
I was surprised to learn that his business makes him soo
much money Gugu told us about it last night over dinner,
I checked their Facebook page too when I got home and
they have good reviews. Their ceiling designs are out of
this world, they also put tiles and now they even do a bit
of plumbing here and there. Nazo is truly blessed, not
everyone excells in such a business and with him it seems
like everything he touches turns into gold. We went to
eat breakfast at Wimpy, he told me to order anything
that I wanted in the menu so I compiled my own
breakfast with the help of the waitress..
I looked at him as he was busy talking to the waitress
putting in order, apart from him being extremely cute I
still don't understand why he went for me. Nazo could
have any girl that he wants why Me? I have no doubt
that I'm way too childish for him and he wants to make
me his wife..
Waitress: Should I bring you anything to drink in the
meantime?
Nazo: You can bring the drinks together with our order
Waitress: No problem
He walked away..
Him: I'll be going to Mpumalanga soon and I want you to
come with me
Me: To do what?
Him: My business is expanding so we want to have
another branch at Mpumalanga
Me: I'd like that very much.. I can't wait
Him: Before I forget you have to pick a ring
Me: Really?
Him: Yes because we not going to have a white wedding
soon
Me: Why?
Him: I wanna give you the wedding of your dreams only
when I know that you ready.. Right now you not ready,
you ready to be my wife but you not completely ready to
be a married woman. After the negotiations we going to
sign and we going to have a big lunch for both our
families, Bishop McCarthy is going to bless our union but
a white wedding that will be determined by you as time
goes on, I don't want to overwhelm you that much
I thought for a while..
Me: I understand and I respect your decision Him: I'm
glad that we on the same page
Me: While we on the same page with that I want you to
be on the same page with me about something
Him: Talk to me
Me: I also feel like you ready to be a husband but you not
ready to be a Father, so we won't have any kids until I
feel that you ready.. I don't wanna overwhelm you
He laughed..
Him: That.. That is off the table
Me: It's on the table
He laid back and gave me a side smile..
Him: Just so we clear I'm not going to use a condom
Me: Didn't say you should
Him: I'm not pulling out either
Me: Suit yourself
Him: And you not going to use contraception
Me: Now that's up to me
He remained quiet for a while while looking at me..
Him: Okay fair enough and sex everyday is on the table
Me: Fine by me
He raised his eyebrow..
Him: When I say sex, with me it's in two ways.. There will
be time for making love and then there will time for..
He leaned over while biting his lower lip..
Him: Tearing that pussy up without having any mercy
I put my hand on my face..
Me: Are you even allowed to say such things? You
shouldn't say such things
Him: I can't wait.. Plus I have a big appetite
Me: Where is the waitress with our food? This
conversation is really starting to get out of hand
He laughed and took his phone..
Him: Let me check my Emails quickly
Honestly speaking the conversation was making me very
horny and you know wine isn't really helping, it's been a
while since I last got laid and right now I was looking
forward to the negotiations mainly because I wanna get
laid. Another thing that makes me to fall very much
inlove with him is the fact that he saw fit to do things the
right way first before we could give ourselves to each
other in that manner. I love him so so much and I
couldn't ask for better redemption than him..
Him: Stop starring at me that much you going to end up
melting, I know I'm that hot
I laughed.. Just to think that I woke up in a very bad
mood and now I'm all laughing, I am very grateful to have
him and I hope he is here to stay. I'm not ready for
another heartbreak..
Me: I love you so much
He put his phone down..
Him: I love you too Nana
The waitress brought our breakfast..

88
NOMVELO
After breakfast he drove me to work, I must say that my
day went from bad to being good in a matter of an hour.
I love Nazo and I love spending time with him, if it was up
to me I would be with him 24/7. There was no one at the
reception so that gave us time to be all touchy, as
always..
Me: What are your plans for today?
Him: Gugu and I we going to fetch my Grandfather for
the Lobola negotiations this coming weekend
Me: Well with us, we have demons to exorcize
Him: You saying that as if like you enjoy working here
now
Me: I think I do enjoy working here now, it's a very
unique experience and it's an eye opener. I never
thought that such things really existed
He kissed me..
Him: I'm glad you enjoying
Zeash: I knew that something was going on between you
two
Nazo: Hey Zeash
Zeash: Hi sugar how are you?
Nazo: I am well and you?
Zeash: I am goood
Nazo: I will see you later
Me: Okay
He kissed me again..
Nazo: What do you guys usually eat during lunch?
Zeash: We eat food
Nazo gave her a weird look..
Zeash: Don't worry we a small family so the company
provides
Nazo: Okay that's good
Me: I'll see you later
Nazo: Later it is
He walke up to the door..
Zeash: Bye Sugar
Nazo: Bye
Zeash turned and looked at me..
Me: What?
Zeash: Spill it out Dearie I wanna hear everything.. How
did it happen? Are you guys really a couple now?
Me: Yes we are a couple
Zeash: You two look sweet together but know that he
will remain my crush
I laughed..
Zeash: Not that I'm going to steal him but he is my crush
and will remain one
Me: Noted..
Dawn made his way in..
Dawn: Good morning ladies
Zeash: Morning Boss
Me: Morning
Dawn: Welcome back Velo
Me: Thank you
Dawn: Is everyone around?
Zeash: Yes I think so
Dawn: Seminar room
Zeash: Meeting?
Dawn: Yes
Zeash and I looked at each other, sounds so serious..
_
NAZO
I drove back home to fetch Gugu so that we can go get
my Grandfather..
Gugu: Almost done
She always takes forever..
Me: Is makeup even necessary?
She looked at me...
Her: Yes it is
I shook my head..
Her: So when are you going to meet your Father?
Me: I am busy
Her: Thought we talked about this
Me: You talked Gugu and I listened
Her: So you don't wanna meet him?
Me: I don't even know his name
Her: You can get to know him
Me: I will don't push
My phone rang, it was an unsaved number...
Me: Hello?
I didn't hear anyone from the other end..
Me: Hello?
I heard something breathing..
Me: Who is this?
Voice: Nazo it's me!! Please help me!!! (Crying)
Me: Nkuli?
It sounded like Nkuli..
Her: Please help me or he is going to kill me!!!
Me: What is going on?
Then I heard a voice at the background, a male voice..
Voice: Who are you talking too? How did you get access
to the phone?
I heard a struggle and then I heard Nkuli screaming
before the line went dead..
Me: Hello? Nkuli?
Gugu: What is going on?
Me: I don't know..
I called the number again but no one picked up..
Gugu: Nazo what's going on?
Me: That was Nkuli.. I think she is being held hostage or
something
Gugu: Really? and the kidnappers gave her a phone?
How nice..
Me: It sounded serious Gugu
Her: With Nkuli you will never know
_
NKULI
Me: And?
Jabu: Sounded a bit convincing
Me: A bit?
Him: I don't know Nkuli.. I have never faked a kidnap
before I just hope that this is not going to come and bite
me in the ass
Jabu is a good friend of mine and right now he is helping
me fake my own kidnap..
Jabu: You really love this guy don't you?
Me: Yes I do and I'll be damned is he marries my cousin
I picked up the glass of wine..
Me: He could have any girl that he wants I don't know
why he went for her, worse she was dating his Brother
who passed on a few months ago I just don't know
what's going on. Something is not right, They seem very
much inlove obviously whatever is going on started a
long time ago but Nazo is not like that. He loved his
Brother more than anything he wouldn't date Nomvelo
while Nomvelo was still with Niso and if they started
dating recently why would he propose so quickly if he's
not really trying to spite me..
Jabu: You think he is getting married to spite you?
Marriage a big step I don't think he would do it to spite
you
Me: Either way Jabu I'm broken. Nomvelo is going to live
my dream
Him: Nkuli weren't you and the guy done? You looked
like you moved on
Me: Nazo was in and out of jail, the last time he got
locked up I didn't think that he was going to come out
because he had soo many charges. I thought I was going
to wait forever and I couldn't because things at home
were not good. My Mother married another man who
didn't want me, I didn't wanna live at my Grandmother's
forever. When I finally went to school I struggled
financially, I had to do what I had to do for my fees to be
paid so I can get my qualification it was never about love.
It was all about money and now I hear he has a booming
business and Nomvelo is just going to cash in on
everything that's not right. I love Nazo with all my heart
and him being this financial stable was going to be a
bonus
Jabu: My ex left me for my best friend because he had
money and I was down, I loved her and I wanted revenge
but it was not worth it. Please don't do something that's
going to ruin your future, to ruin what you have
Me: Nomvelo and I we have a close relationship she's my
little sister and I don't understand why she would do this,
I seriously don't understand why she would be a part of
Nazo's plan to get back to me. I refuse to let this be.. It's
not right at all
Him: I know that you hurt but this is crazy Nkuli, let them
be.. Fighting them you'll only be hurting yourself, they
sound like they truly inlove.. Anyway how did you even
get his number?
Me: I stole it from Nomvelo's phone while she was
sleeping
Jabu: Aii Nkuli, izinto ozenzayo (things that you do)
_
NAZO
Gugu: Are you okay?
Me: I'm good
Her: In a few days you will be making Nomvelo your wife,
I've seen her with Niso. Then I've seen her with you. I will
be honest I was in denial about your relationship with
her but after seeing you guys together. I wish I had that
when I was your age, you two are beautiful together. You
make love seem so easy and now I'm without a doubt
that it was meant to be so please don't ruin it with Nkuli.
That ex of yours has always been tricky, Nkuli is conniving
Nazo and this is one of her plans
Me: So you saying I should let it go?
Her: That's exactly what I'm saying, if she is really
kidnapped why would she call you? Why not call her
family? It doesn't make sense at all and where did she
get your number from? Nkuli is up on one of her tricks as
always
Me: For her sake I hope not because nothing is going to
change, I'm still going to marry Nomvelo
_
NOMVELO
Dawn: We will be leaving in 5min time.. Did you get all
the details from Zeash?
Me: Yes I did
He looked at me..
Him: Is there something that you want to tell us?
Me: I don't think so
Him: Big day on Saturday
Me: Ahh Nazo already told you
Him: Congratulations
Me: Thank you
My phone rang..
Me: Excuse me
I went and answered, the number looked a bit familiar..
Me: Hello
Nomsa: Hello Velo
Me: Nomsa?
Her: How are you?
Me: What do you want?
Her: I got your number from Danger.. I would like to
meet up with you so that we can talk
Me: About what?
Her: Please Velo
I sighed..
Me: Fine we can meet up and talk
Her: Thank you very much
She was extremely humble, which is unlike her..
Her: You will let me know which day suits you best
Me: Okay
Her: Bye
Me: Bye

89
NOMVELO
FRIDAY NIGHT
It was like the week just went by very fast, before I
realized it was one day before the negotiations. I was
nervous about tomorrow, Danger will be handling the
negotiations with one of my hardcore Uncles and also
our neighbour's husband. I hope that everything goes
well, I pray that no external force will intervene. I had
contacted my friends from school Tori and Power and
told them about the negotiations, they have been trying
to contact me for a while now and I kept on ignoring
them. The reason that I cut all contact with them was
that, they were a painful reminder of what I could've
achieved. Being a fashion designer was my highest calling
and after my Uncle passed on that dream died and I had
to drop out. I was shocked when they responded
positively to the news, they were very excited for me
that they planned a "Bridal shower". Talk about being
dramatic, while it's not even a white wedding. We were
going to sleep over at some hotel for the night and then
drive back home very early in the morning, Nazo paid for
our stay at the hotel when I told him about the bridal
shower and I also invited Zeash. My Grandmother was a
bit against the whole idea at first but then she ended up
agreeing. I was so glad to see Tori and Power again..
Me: Thank you guys for being here and thank you for this
Zeash: We should be thanking you because he paid for
everything
Tori: Ladies we have Tanqueray that will go well with
Tonic, strawberries and lemon. Then we have Moet, and
we also have a bottle of two oceans sauvignon blanc.. So
who is drinking what?
Tori and Power don't know about my current relationship
with alcohol and I don't think I wanna tell them. They
have done very well for themselves, next year they
graduating and this Dec they be attending a fashion show
in the UK. I am in no position to be laying down my
failures, this is our reunion and I want us to enjoy. We
were wearing silk pajamas that were white in colour, not
that ancient type of design and definitely the pants
weren't long. Power had brought along bunny ears just
to make it more fun..
Power: While we on the drinks and I'll have tonic water
with ice only..
She turned to me..
Her: Tori and I got you a gift
Tori came with the box...
Me: What is it?
Power: Open it
I opened it and it was a very sexy black lingerie
accompanied by an expensive perfume..
Tori: To spice up things in the bedroom
Zeash: You should try it on
Me: I am not going to try it on
Tori: Just know that if he can't f** you 3 times a day then
we want it back
We all laughed..
Tori: And drinks are served
Zeash: I got you something too
Me: You guys shouldn't have
I opened Zeash's present and it was also steamy..
Tori: Handcuffs and a whip, I should've thought about
getting you that
Me: This is just on another level I'm not going to use
them
Zeash: Come on.. They really cost me a lot of money
Power: Are you even allowed to get that much dirty I
mean you mentioned something about him being a
preacher
Me: We definitely not going to use the handcuffs and
what not
Tori: Never in a million years did I think you would date
someone who is religious
Me: Well I also surprise myself at times
Zeash: He is actually not that strict when it comes to
religion, he is a very cool guy and you wouldn't even tell
that he is a preacher
Power: Can we see him?
Me: Ya I guess so
I took my phone and showed them his picture..
Power: Wow that's him?
Tori: Let me see that
He took my phone and looked at the picture..
Tori: He is very yummy
Zeash: I told you guys
Tori: Can you video call him? At least on WhatsApp?
Power: Tori!
Tori: What? I wanna see him maybe Velocity is playing
us
Me: You always up talking bull (laughing)
Tori: Come on
Me: Fine give me my phone
They came and stood behind me..
I video called him.. I didn't think he was going to respond
but he did, he caught us off guard...
Me: Hey.. Hi.. Didn't think you were going to respond
Him: Why wouldn't I?
Me: Thought you were with the guys
Him: I am
Me: What are you guys doing?
Him: Are you checking up on me?
Me: Not entirely
Him: We discussing the Bible.. Zaine is holding down the
sermon
I laughed..
Me: Really?
Him: Ya he is a prophet after all
Power: Wait Zaine? I mean as in like Prophet Zaine
Radebe?
Power is obsessed with Prophet Zaine Radebe, even back
at school she would be watching his Sermons on
YouTube..
Zeash: You know him?
Power: Who doesn't know Prophet Zaine?
Nazo: And who are you?
Me: Ohh these are my friends Amandla and Tori, the
ones I told you about and you know Zeash.. Yall this is my
husband
Zeash: Excuse us miss thang
Tori: We just wanted to see if you really as handsome as
how we saw you in the pic
Nazo: And?
Tori: I am getting an erection right now so I think the
statement speaks for itself
Nazo: What???
Trust Tori to say such things..
Me: Never mind Tori he is very extra
Power: Tori behave!
Tori: What? I'm being serious
We then heard another voice calling out..
Nazo: I have to go ladies
Me: Okay enjoy your night
Nazo: You too.. I love you
Me: I love you too
Tori: All of a sudden the temperature in this room just
increased.. I'm going to get the drinks
Zeash: How about we make this whole thing a game?
We looked at her..
Zeash: Why don't we challenge them? Do the Kupe
challenge send him the video and have them do the
same
Power: You seriously gonna ask Prophet Zaine to do the
Kupe challenge?
Me: You even heard they holding down a Sermon
Zeash: Trust me.. Where there is Dawn there's no
sermon
Tori: It's actually a good idea
Me: I don't know guys
Zeash: Come on it's a harmless song and I have the song
I really felt some type of way about this..
_
SNAZO
I looked at the dealer..
Me: Fold
I put my cards upside down on the table..
Dawn: Hit me
Me: Do you have a good hand?
Dawn: Trust me
The dealer hit him up and it turned out that Dawn didn't
have a good hand, it was a flop..
Dawn: I almost had it!
I shook my head..
Zaine: Maybe if you boys could go slow on the beer it will
help
Dawn and I we were the only ones drinking beer, Zaine
and Badru were drinking ginger ale. Badru was the one
hosting us, we were having our mini bachelor party at
the back of his house by the pool..
Badru: Are you guys even supposed to be drinking?
Me: I'm going to be someone's husband tomorrow and in
a week's time I'll be ordained a Preacher, this is my last
encounter with beer after this our relationship is over.
Plus I'm only having 2 or 3, I prayed on this..
I then looked at Dawn..
Me: I don't know what his excuse is
Dawn: I am an exorcist.. I don't do sermons and what
not, I'm a different spiritual breed
Zaine: You just turned in your chip.. How long has it
been?
Dawn: 3-4 years
Zaine: It has been a journey
Dawn: A long and good journey plus we gambling isn't
that out of hand Prophets?
Badru: It's not gambling if there's no money involved
Me: Excuses.. Excuses...
We all laughed..
Me: Thank you very much for this night
Zaine: You welcome.. You won't get this night ever again
so enjoy
My phone beeped.. I checked it and it was a video from
Nomvelo, my heart sank a bit. I was worried because the
last time she sent me a video it wasn't so good. I
downloaded it and played it, it was actually not so bad. It
was good to see that she was having fun with her friends
and I saw no evidence of alcohol..
Me: Ohw so this is a challenge
Dawn: Challenge?
I showed him the video since it wasn't violating
anything..
Dawn: They want us to do that?
Me: Apparently
Zaine: Do what?
I passed him the phone, he watched it and then
laughed...
Zaine: I am not doing that
Badru: I'm definitely also not doing that
Me: I'll deliver the sad news
I video called her..
Her: Hey you got it?
Me: I got it
Her: Totally a dumb ass idea from my friends
Me: We not going to do that
Her: I knew you weren't (laughing)
I turned my phone to Zaine..
Me: Wanna explain?
Zaine: I got cold feet.. And my age no longer allows me
Velo: Power come and see its Prophet Zaine
I handed him my phone, I was a bit surprised to hear
Nomvelo saying that I didn't think that she knew Zaine,
considering the fact that she's not that spiritual..
Power: Ohhh my word it's Prophet Zaine!! I am so
blessed
Zaine: See that hype I'm getting.. That's the exact hype
that the video will generate and it will be a problem for
me because no one will take me serious anymore as a
prophet but I guess Dawn can do it, he is an Exorcist he
has nothing to lose
I laughed..
Dawn: Sorry ladies.. My reputation is on the line, demons
won't take me seriously anymore
We all laughed as Zaine handed me back my phone..
Me: I have to go I'll call you tomorrow morning
Her: Okay enjoy
Me: I love you soo much
Her: I love you too
Zaine: The endless "I love you so much" When the
relationship is still new and fresh reminds me back then
when my relationship was still new with Bonolo
Me: everything changed?
Zaine: I have 4 kids and a granddaughter who always
wants her Grandmother's attention, life at home has
changed
Me: You have a Granddaughter?
Him: Yes from my first born blessing.. He travels a lot so
his Daughter lives with us and my other 3 are in varsity
but they always showing up at home
Me: Can't wait to have my own soccer team
Badru: Excuse me I have to take this call
He excused himself from the table..
_
NOMVELO
"I wanna last, wanna last forever I wanna dance, wanna
dance all night I wanna last, wanna last forever I wanna
dance, dance, dance all night Baby bend over, baby bend
over Baby bend over, let me see you do that yoga Baby
bend over, baby bend over Baby bend over, let your
booty do that yoga"
I forgot how much fun the girls can be and I was so happy
that I didn't drink that much,
Though I was tempted to have more but I restrained
myself. Tori and Zeash were a bit out of it and Power is
not a big fan of alcohol, so while they were being crazy
Power and I went to stand at the balcony just to catch up
a bit..
Her: I am so proud of you.. Tomorrow you officially going
to be someone's wife
I smiled..
Me: I know
Her: You don't seem happy
Me: I am happy just that..
Her: What?
Me: What am I going to be? A preacher's wife for the rest
of my life?
Her: What do you mean
Me: You know that going to design school was my
dream, I want to be a designer so bad Power
Her: You can still go back to college, you can still be a
designer. Being a preacher's wife won't change that
Me: I don't think that's how it works, most of them are
housewives you really think I can still travel the world as
a designer while I'm a preacher's wife? Won't be my
commitments change?
She exhaled..
Her: Did you talk to Nazo about this?
Me: No
Her: You should and he seems like a good person I don't
think he will forbid you from achieving your goals
Me: I hope not
Tori came up to us..
Tori: Come on you two Grandmothers! This is the last
time we going to have this much fun
Power: Come on let's go
She held my hand and we went back in. I sat down and
watched them busy dancing around, after tomorrow this
part of my life won't exist anymore. Design school will
always remain a dream to me..

90
NOMVELO
SATURDAY
We left the hotel very early in the morning Power and
Tori dropped me off at my place so that I could prepare
for the day ahead, My intentions were to sleep a bit
seeing that last night I hardly slept because my mind was
wondering around and a lot of thoughts kept me awake.
Being married be it traditionally or in a white dress is not
an easy step to take, and marriage is definitely not an
easy journey. There are things that you need to give up,
Things that you required to do and most of the time
compromising is always required. I have dreams and I
have aspirations, I love Nazo and I am willing to be his
wife but at the same time I am not sure if I'm going to be
the wife that he needs. His life has changed and a lot is
going to be required of me, let's face it I am not even a
spiritual Person..
My Grandmother seemed happy, Nkuli's Mom was
around to help she will be fully hands on the pots and
our neighbour MaSthole was also here to help with the
cleaning. Nkuli has since disappeared knowing the type
of person that she is, we not even sure if she's missing or
just went to one of her rich boyfriends. My Grandmother
and her Mother said we will see the matter right after
the negotiations..
Aunty: And here is your dress together with your doek,
the mini blanket and the flat shoes that you supposed to
wear
I looked at it, it was a beautiful traditional dress. It wasn't
an ancient design and I liked it a lot..
Me: Thank you
Her: Are you okay?
Me: Yes I am
She closed the door of my bedroom and then sat down
on the bed. A few seconds passed without us saying
anything..
Me: I'm just a bit scared, I mean I do love Nazo and
everything but I don't know if I'm ready for marriage
Her: I understand.. I mean you young and you at an age
were you wanna enjoy life
Me: I wanna achieve a lot of things, I wanna go back to
design school at some point. I just want a lot of things for
myself and I don't know if I'll be able to do all of that
when I'm tied down. If I'm married I will have limited
freedom and Nazo is now very complicated since he took
a spiritual path
Her: Marriage doesn't necessarily mean that your love is
over, not all marriages are a nightmare. Yes some Men
might use Lobola to control you and every aspect of your
life but not all of them are like that, Nazo is young and I
doubt he would be a nightmare. You guys need to talk
about your independency and see how he feels about
you doing certain things like going back to school and
everything. Ma speaks highly of him and I know that he is
going to make you happy, she told me there has been a
lot of change in you since he came into your life. She says
you have been laughing more, smiling more, she says
your life has taken a different direction from that dark
place that you were in. You have been through a lot Velo,
you found out things that no one should ever know
about their parent. I want you to know that we were also
blindsided, JJ blindsided all of us. Look this is your chance
at experiencing true love and happiness, I know Gugu
very well we grew up together and she is a bit of a tough
cookie but she is a very good person and she might not
fill that void of Veronica but she will always be there. She
will always be the Mother that you never had. Love is a
beautiful thing and not all girls are this lucky, take this
opportunity and embrace it. This is God blessing you and
I wish you nothing but happiness, now listen to your
heart and believe in the love that you both share and
turn a deaf ear to the whispers of fear
That was a mouthful, I needed to hear that.
Me: Wow
I felt myself getting a bit emotional..
Her: Now come on help us to prepare everything
because time moves fast before you know it his Uncles
will be here.. Come on get up
Me: Have you heard anything from Nkuli?
Her: No... Nothing, Nkuli is not a child and she needs to
start acting her age because this life will only produce
deadly results. She can't live like this forever
Me: A part of me wishes that she was here
Her: She would've been dramatic about everything,
maybe this is fate saving us from her ruining things for
you.. Come help me cook so that you can learn a few
things, I must send you a few of my recipes
Me: I would like that very much
Her: Let's go and get to it then
_
NAZO
I spent about 2 hours at the church compound, most of
that time went to praying and meditation. I couldn't feel
any external evil force that might wanna intervene and
prevent the negotiations, it seems like everything is going
to go well. I am proud of this part of my life. After Nkuli
commitment never really crossed my mind but today I
am starting on a new path with someone who is very
dear to my heart. I chuckled at the thought of how my
life has turned out, it's amazing how not so long ago right
now we would be formulating a plan on how to pull out a
perfect heist. And today, I am saving souls. I still don't
know why God chose me for this type of ministry while I
never even believed in him, I never believed in his
existence. It's amazing how life turns out, I believe now
that God has a plan for all of us. If he could change a
hardcore criminal like myself then there's no telling what
he can do for you, tomorrow your life might change for
the better. All that's needed is to have faith and believe
in him, God will do it for you according to your faith. If he
can do it for me then he can certainly do it for you too.. I
was now waiting for Prophet Badru, he called and said
that he will fetch me and that we have to go somewhere.
I wondered where we going at this time of the morning.
He sent me a text that he is outside, I stood up and made
my way out. We were going to take his car and leave
mine behind..
I gave him a handshake..
Him: How are you man are you good?
Me: Yeah I'm good
Him: Praying for everything to go smoothly?
I looked at the sky, it was a bit cloudy but it looked like
during the day it will be hot..
Me: Naa I'm good
Him: Ready to go?
Me: Where are we even going? and how long will it take
Him: You'll see
I looked at him..
Him: Don't worry it won't take that long
I wonder where he was taking me..
_
NOMVELO
I looked at myself in the mirror again, I wasn't wearing
any make-up not by choice but my family insisted that I
don't wear any make up. I looked at the mini blanket that
balanced very well around my shoulders held together in
the middle by a safety pin, I looked at the doek my Aunty
was the one who helped me to tie it. I wasn't used to this
look, it just showed that my old life is gone. The old
Nomvelo is gone, I heard a knock at the door..
Me: Come in
The door opened my Grandmother walked in.
Her: Wow ave umuhle (you look beautiful)
Me: Thank you
Her: Our little Nomvelo is gone, today you going to
become someone's wife
For the first time were my life is involved she had tears of
joy, I have longed for someone to be proud of me..
Her: I am so happy and so proud of you Velo and I am
grateful that God remembered you in the depths of your
pain and suffering
I blocked my own tears from falling..
Me: Soo much tears today
She wiped hers as someone else knocked again..
Grams: Come in
Danger walked in..
Danger: Good morning
We greeted him back..
Him: Wow you look different and very beautiful
Grams: That's what I was telling her
Danger: They going to be here in an hour's time.. Are you
ready?
I nodded repeatedly..
Grams: I'll give you two some space
She walked up to the door..
Grams: Ohw Velo before I forget.. Gugu called she says
you not supposed to have that mini blanket around your
shoulders, they have one at their place and she will put
around your shoulders later when you go to their place.
That's how they going to welcome you as their bride
Me: Okay
Danger: We haven't even started and already they
coming with rules
Grams: It's how they do things Danger it's not so serious
She opened the door..
Her: And don't be stubborn about anything, this is
Nomvelo's day
Danger: We will try not too
My Grandmother walked out..
Him: Look at you, your Mom would be so proud
Me: Thank you
Him: Are you sure that you wanna do this? Are you ready
to do this?
Me: Yes I am
Him: Okay then long as you sure
Me: You look good with the jacket and everything
He laughed..
Him: Not really my style but they need to see that we
serious
My phone beeped, I went to check it and it was a
WhatsApp message from Power..
Me: It's my friend
Danger: Okay let me go and make sure that your Uncle is
not getting drunk already
Me: He is drinking?
Danger: He started very early, he might passed out while
we having the negotiations
I laughed..
Him: I think this is appropriate now
He came and gave me a hug..
Him: as long as you happy that's all that matters, all I
want is to always see you happy
He broke the hug..
Him: I heard he is a pastor, Prophet what is he again?
Me: A preacher
Him: Yes that.. So there's no reason to threaten him
Me: I doubt
Him: As long as he treats you right then me and him
won't have any awful altercations
Me: I'm sure he will
My drunk called out..
Danger: That's my queue to go
Me: Just monitor him
Danger: I will
He walked out..
I checked the WhatsApp message from Power and it
read:
"I hope today goes all well, you deserve his love to the
fullest" her message was accompanied by an audio. I
played it
"K'dala ndilindile to say how much I love you, I got this
message for you. Ndithi I do ngiyavuma I.. K'dala
ndilindile nhliziyo yami yonke, I got this message for you
Ndithi I do, ngiyavuma I"
I forwarded it to Nazo and then sat down on the bed
waiting for his reply, took him a while before he was
online. I saw him typing but then he stopped, I noticed
that he was now recording something.. Then he sent the
VN, with him he was actually singing when I played the
song and he started the song in the middle:
"You already waited up for hours
Just to spend a little time alone with me,
And I can say I've never bought you flowers
I can't work out what the mean,
I never thought that I'd love someone,
That was someone else's dream.
'Cause you give me something
That makes me scared, alright,
This could be nothing
But I'm willing to give it a try"
I blushed alone because I used love this song by James
Morris, you give me something. He text me again..
************WhatsApp**********
Him: If my Uncles and my Grandfather mess up we
eloping, we going to get married in Vegas
Me: Lol that's insane
Him: Typing....
Me: I was nervous but now that you texted me I feel
better
Him: I feel relaxed because I'm literally going to kill them
if they mess this up... Literally!
Me: Hahaha ya that's funny
Him: I love you soo much and I can't wait to see you
later
Me: That's if your Uncles don't mess up
Him: I still have some Gangster left in me they better not
Me: I have to go love
Him: Bye MaButhelezi jnr
Me: Bye Mr Buthelezi
Talking to him made me feel a whole lot better..
_
SNAZO
Badru: Okay we here
I put my phone in my pocket, I realized that we were in a
car dealership..
Me: What exactly is going on?
Him: Let's go in
We got out of his Jaguar and we made our way in..
Me: Is this what I think it is?
Him: I don't know what you thinking
When we walked in it was almost as if like they were
already expecting us, some woman met us halfway..
Her: Good morning Prophet
She also greeted me too..
Badru: Is it here?
Her: Yes Sir.. This way
She led the way and we followed...
Her: Here it is
It was a red Range Rover evoque..
Badru: Since you be doing a lot of traveling, Dawn,
myself, and Zaine thought that it would be most
convenient if you and Madam felt comfortable when you
travel. So we got you this
I was speechless, I didn't know what to say..
Badru: Dawn and Zaine couldn't be here though they
really wanted to be here
This was beyond the word "Amazing" I didn't know what
to say for real..
_
NOMVELO
I was pacing up and down..
Aunty: Calm down.. Danger and your uncle know what
they doing
I starred out of the window and they were waiting at the
gate..
Me: Aunty they be waiting there for 30min now, what if
they get tired of waiting and go?
Her: They won't
Me: This is ridiculous
I walked to the door and she stopped me..
Her: Velo don't..
Me: But..
Her: Let the elders handle this
I looked at them and they looked lost shame standing at
the gate not knowing what to say anymore because they
done been saying a lot of things and no one was
attending to them, this was frustrating..

91
NAZO
(Excuse any errors)
Later on I decided to spend a bit of time with Shine, we
went to some pub&grill not far from where we stay. I
was still shocked that Dawn, Badru, and Zaine bought me
a Range. It's quite an expensive car and I'm very grateful
to have them be this influential in my life. They have
been doing this more than me, I am thankful that even
though that pain of losing Niso won't go away but
through them I am experiencing again how it feels like to
have that brotherhood. They might not be Niso but they
the type of bunch that I need right now now as Brothers,
and not forgetting Shine. We were watching soccer and
eating grilled meat, Pap, and chakalaka on the side. He
was drinking beer and I was stuck on appetizer..
Me: You know Shine thank you for sticking with me even
when you found out that I am no longer that old Nazo,
let's face it we lost our crew and you the only one who
remained
Him: Akuna stress nja yam' (there's no stress)
The waitress brought us drinks again..
Her: 6 pack ye Heineken, and another appetizer
Shine: Siyabonga Ngwana (thank you)
I took out my wallet, then took out R500 from it to tip
her..
Me: Thank you.. Ever since we got here you have been a
very good waitress
She counted it..
Her: Wow!! R500.. Ngiyabona (thank you)
Shine: R500?. Sisi sorry kancane
She came back..
Shine: Ithi ng'bone (let me see)
He took the R500 from her then kept R200 and gave her
R300..
Shine: Nazo sis'wam' Nazo mntanasekhaya (Here you go
my sister)
She looked at him very confused..
Shine: Hamba mntaka gogo, Hamba mntaka Ma (you can
now leave)
She walked away with her mouth slightly opened, I
looked at Shine as he sat down..
Him: Nginceda wena gaz'lam' ksasa labantu
bazokusogolisa bacabanga ukuthi udilika imali (I am
helping you because tomorrow these girls will trouble
you thinking that you minister of finance"
I shook my head. My phone vibrated, I checked and it
was Nomvelo..
Me: I'll be right back
It was a bit noisy inside so I went outside..
Me: MaButhelezi
Her: Too early to call me that
Me: Sekwenzakaleni manje? (what's happening now)
Her: They finally let them in, after 2 hours of waiting
Me: 2 hours? ekini bayahlupha serious (Your family is
troublesome)
Her: I hope that everything will go well now
Him: We have plan B..
Her: Don't say that.. I want plan A to work
Him: Don't stress.. Everything is going to go well
Her: Okay I'll try to relax.. What are you doing?
Me: Nothing much.. I'm at the pub&grill with Shine
Her: At least you having fine.. Wish I was you
Me: Ungaqali (don't start)
Her: I have to go.. Hopefully I'll see you later
Me: I lo-
She had hung up. I clicked my tongue and went back
inside...
Me: That was Nomvelo
Shine: K'hamba njani? (how is it going)
Me: They made my Uncles and Grandfather wait for 2
hours
He laughed..
Him: 2 hours? Kube yimi bengeke sime ngisho ne 30min
(2 hours? If it was Me we wouldn't wait for even 30min)
Me: I'm just glad they let them in
Him: Makuhamba kahle gaz'lam umdlele nokuthi bamise
zakini for 2 hours (If it all goes well, f** her for the fact
that they made your Uncles wait for 2 hours)
We both laughed..
Him: Ngiyak'shayela, makabhadalele le 2 hours (I'm
telling you, let her pay for the 2 hours)
Trust Shine to say something like this..
_
DANGER
For a minute or so there was silence between both
parties, no one said anything. They put a bottle of Grant's
whiskey on the small table together with a few R100
notes.
Nomvelo's drunk Uncle reached for the bottle, him taking
the bottle clearly indicated to the Buthelezi family that
we ready to talk.
Him: Ungachuba umncimbi (we can proceed)
One of the uncle's from the Buthelezi family started
talking..
Buthelezi Un: Sibonga ukusiyamukela la ekhaya, ngoba
siza nje sithunyiwe (thank you for welcoming us, we were
sent here)
He cleared his throat..
Buthelezi Un: kwenza kele ukuthi kukhona intombi yala
ekhaya ekuthiwa uNomvelo, kusho ukuthi uNomvelo lo
uthinte intliziyo yomshana wam' uSnazo (It happened
that one of the girls here, her name is Nomvelo. She
touched my Nephew's heart)
(Silence)
Me: akenimchaze uNomvelo lo enikhuluma ngaye ngoba
kungenzeka kanti ningene endlini eWrong (Describe her
because it might happen that you entered at the wrong
house)
They all looked at each other, the Uncle spoke again..
Buthelezi Un: ukukhuluma iqiniso sitshelwe nje igama
nesbongo, nokuthi uhlalaphi (we were only told her
name and surname, and also where she lives)
I stood up..
Me: Uma ningamazi sicela ukuthi nibone indlela.. Miningi
imizi kangcobo les'godi zamani ezinye (If you don't know
her then try another Ngcobo household around here)
Buthelezi Unc: ngathi sesizo dlalana manje,
ningakhohlwa ukuthi you made us wait for 2 hours (It
looks like we going to play each other now, don't forget
that you made us wait for 2 hours)
Me: Bonani indlela (you can leave)
Buthelezi Un: Nxx ayisuka! Asambeni ziningi iyintombi
langaphandle (Let's go there's a lot of girls out there)
Me: Landani zona lezo ezingaphandle (go get the other
ones outside)
What was supposed to be a peaceful negotiation turned
into an altercation, that The Grandfather tried to cool
down the situation..
Grandpa: Aww mfo kaNgcobo ayidle phela iyishiyele
(Calm down)
We all kept quiet but between me and the uncle, we
wanted to kill each other..
Grandpa: Asikhumbuleni ukuthi size ngabantwana la,
akusiwo umcibi wethu (don't forget that we came for the
kids, this has nothing to do with us)
We sat down again..
Grandpa: Ngixolise ngalendlela izongxoxo eziqale ngayo,
asizanga ngokulwa futhi asizanga ngokudelela (I
apologize for how the negotiations have started, we not
here to disrespect)
Nomvelo's Uncle opened the whiskey and took a sip. I'm
glad I'm heading this negotiations because he has no idea
what's going on..
Grandpa: USnazo umzukuluwami ukhule phambi kwam,
umfana obekade nje elungile. Angifuni ukumkhuluma
Kakhulu kuyoze kubonakale ngathi sengiyazifakela nje
(Snazo is my Grandson he grew up right infront of my
eyes, I don't want to speak much about him because it
will seem like I'm exaggerating on other things)
(Silence)
Grandpa: Umfana ubone kukuhle ukuthi asibize asicele
kuthi sizomumela namhlanje ngoba efuna ukuthatha
intombi yenu ngentlonipho. Uma sibheka eskhathini
samanje intsha iyaphithizela, amasiko ethu
awasahlonishwa ngokuphelele. Abafana bamanje badlala
amantombazana kakhulu, thina sibonga ukuthi umfana
uhloniphe nathi ngokuthi amlethe untombazana endlini
ngentlonipho angamjampisi ama fence amfake ngama
backdoor (Our Son saw fit to call us so that we can come
here today and represent him. If we can look at what's
happening today, our young people are all over. We are
also grateful that our son respected us so much that he
didn't sneak her into the house but wants her to come in
respectfully)
We looked at them..
Me: Hayi I agree and I must say that we can proceed with
the negotiations
_
NKULI
The punch that went across my face was very painful, I
even thought that I broke my nose. As if like that wasn't
painful enough he threw a few more until I fell. I felt very
dizzy.
Him: After everything that I have done for you?? You go
and sleep with your ex! And now you pregnant by him! I
am going to kill you Nkuli!
What's happening now is part of the plan, painful and
gruesome as it may sound but I need evidence of physical
torture to make the kidnap look real. What I did was that
I lied to my current minister of finance, he is very
possessive and very jealous so I used my being away as if
like I hooked up with my ex. I hope that my plan won't
take a different turn, I hope he won't kill me..
_
DANGER
Me: Sizocela izinkomo eziyi 5 uma sithi inkomo eyi one
ngu R8 000, bese ngaphezulu sicele inkomo eyi one ezoya
ku gogo kaNomvelo. Kusho ukuthi izinkomo ezizokhishwa
namhlanje zoyenza uR48 000 (we want 5 cows,
estimating that one cow is R8 000. We also want one cow
ontop of that will go to her Grandmother, meaning
collectively it's going to be R48 000)
Uncle Bu: Ngaphambi kokuthi sikhiphe leyo mali sicela
ukumbona kqala uKoti (before we take out that kind of
money can we see her)
Me: I thought you were never going to ask
I sent word that Nomvelo should be come and she did,
her Aunt accompanied her..
Me: eeeh Velo
She was looking down..
Me: These gentlemen are Snazo's Uncles and Granfather.
They here on behalf of him to ask for your hand in
marriage, do you know about them? And this?
She slightly nodded..
Her: Yes I know about this
The Aunt started Ululating as she sent her back to the
bedroom. Snazo's uncles came closer to each other and
started whispering then after they looked at us..
Grandpa: sinesikhalo la (we have a complaint)
We looked at them..
Grandpa: uKoti usidelelile ukuthi ame phambi kwethu
akhulume isingesi, futhi ngokubona kwethu ngathi ulwini
Lethu akalwazi kahle ngakho inkomo eyi one uhambile
(our bride has disrespected us, she stood in our presence
and spoke English therefore we subtracting one cow)
I knew they were going to do that..
Granpa: Kanti neyaka gogo ihambile umntwana ungena
emendweni mele afundiswe, usivezele amahlombe kanti
futhi akabingelelanga (even the Grandmother's cow we
subtracting it because she was supposed to teach her
how to handle herself, she didn't greet and she was
wearing a sleeveless traditional dress she should've
covered up)
So two cows gone, now we left with 4..
Buthelezi Unc: futhi uMshana wethu kuyobe kunguye
oyenza konke makuza ezindabeni zezimali (our nephew
will do a lot financially)
Me: Asiybuyeleni ezinkomeni eziyi 4 ngoba uVelo wethu
uza kaButhelezi engana ngane, wuye ozowandisa
umndeni wakwa Buthelezi (let's stick to 4 cows because
our Velo comes to the Buthelezi family without a child,
she will be the one extend the Buthelezi family)
They looked at each other and agreed..
Grandpa: Isicelo sokugcina, kusho ukuthi angeke asidle la
ekhaya. Asisho loku ngokudelela kodwa sicela ukuhamba
noKoti ayosiphekela ekhaya kwaButhelezi, asifuni
ukubuyela lapho sivela khona singaka sizwa isandla
sakhe. Futhi sifuna ukwazi ukuthi umntwana wethu
ngeke alambe (we have one request, we won't eat here
not because we being disrespectful but we want our
bride to go home with us so that she can cook for us, we
wanna taste her food seeing that we leaving soon. We
also wanna know that our Son won't be starved)
We granted their request but asked them to at least have
a bit of whiskey as a celebration to seal the negotiations,
I hope they will treat my Daughter well..

92
NOMVELO
My Aunt and my Grandmother were in my bedroom
looking at me busy packing..
Aunty: You will have to leave the clothes for now, you
will come back later and get them. We should go, already
we are a few minutes late
Grams: They expect her to cook a full meal for them?
Kanti banjani labantu bakwa Buthelezi? (They expect her
to cook a full meal, what kind of People are they)
Aunty: Don't worry I spoke to Gugu she said she will help
her
Grams: After we went all out cooking for them? Yazi
bayadelela (they disrespectful)
Aunty: Asambeni before they start complaining (let's go
before they complain)
We walked out to my Aunt's car as she was the one who
was going to drive me to the Buthelezi household..
Grams: I want you to have all your lobola money so that
you can go back to school with it
Me: All of it?
Her: Yes
Me: You can take half and I'll take half, I can't have all of
it
Her: Are you sure?
Me: Yes I'm sure
We finally arrived and already the uncles were standing
at the gate, Gugu was standing with them. She was
holding the mini blanket. It's funny how most people
were out and standing at their gates to see what's going
on. We got out of the car and approached them, I was a
bit nervous because it seems like his Uncles are full of
shit. I hope that they won't give me a tough time...
Uncle: Siyakwamukela kaButhelezi. Sicela wazi ukuthi
izinto zakwa Ngcobo uzishiya kwaNgcobo, noma
umshando omkhulu ungeka yenzeki kodwa hlala wazi
ukuthi owusiyena wakwa Ngcoba, ongowaka Buthelezi
manje (We welcome you to the Buthelezi household.
Please note that everything that belongs to the Ngcobo
family you must leave them there since you are no longer
a Ngcobo. Despite not having a white wedding as yet but
you are now a Buthelezi)
Gugu came and put the mini blanket over my shoulders
as my Aunt and my Grandmother started Ululating. We
made our way in with them singing, it was really a
beautiful moment. The Uncles took chairs from inside the
house and then they sat outside..
Gugu: How did everything go? I'm glad you're here I was
a bit worried. Negotiations can get ugly at times
Aunty: They took longer than expected but everything
went well.. Noma nje abomalume bakho basogolisa
(even though your Uncles were trouble)
They laughed..
Gugu: They had to come back with her or else Nazo was
going to strangle them
They laughed again..
Gugu: Let's start cooking before they start irritating me
Grams: Let us not keep you then
Gugu: Thank you for bringing her home
Aunty: It's okay angisho vele besenimufuna namanhlanje
(You wanted her today)
The mini blanket was a bit uncomfortable for me, I kept
on positioning it well..
Gugu: Kuzomele uyijwayele ke Sisi ngoba you will be
having it around your shoulders for 6 months
Me: 6 months?
Her: 6 months my sweetheart, you can't leave this house
without the mini blanket and a doek, that's how things
are done here. Everyone must know that you taken
I looked at my Grandmother..
Grams: What can we say? You're no longer a Ngcobo
I looked at Gugu...
Me: Does it mean I also have to wear such dresses for 6
months?
She chuckled..
Her: You can wear anything but those two things are a
must, you can't wear like that always shame uNazo
uzok'shiya (Nazo will leave)
One of the Uncles walked in..
Him: Siyabuya sisayo thenga ama beer (We will be right
back, we going to buy beers)
Gugu: Okay
Him: Koti
I looked at him..
Him: I can't wait to taste your food
I faked a smile..
Grams: ithi nathi sihambe (let us go too)
Aunty: Velo we will see you later when you come to get
your clothes
Me: Okay
They both hugged me..
Grams: Uzoba right? (are you going to be alright)
I nodded..
Grams: Gugu
Gugu: Nihambe kahle Ma (go well)
They walked out..
Gugu: Asqale sthandwa sam' (let's start)
Me: Okay
Gugu: I'm soo happy at least now I'll have someone to
talk too everyday
Me: Where is Snazo?
Her: He said he is coming.. He should even be here by
now
I nodded..
Me: What are we cooking?
Her: Beef stew is going to take a while I'm sure they very
hungry, we just gonna do chops, cook Pap, and fry
cabbage for them mixed with carrots.. You can start
peeling the carrots
Me: Okay
Her: Do you know how to cook?
I shrugged my shoulders..
Her: Ohh mara uNazo wam' uzolamba la (my Nazo is
going to be starved)
I laughed...
Me: Ahhh
I started peeling the carrots..
Me: Can I be excused for a while?
Her: Uhm okay
Me: I wanna go to Niso's room
Her: Alright but don't take long.. His Uncles are using that
bedroom
Me: You took out his things?
Her: No.. I can never do that, I want his things there
because I also visit that room once in a while
Me: Okay
Her: Do you miss him?
Me: At times I do but it doesn't hurt like before anymore
Her: That's good to hear.. You learning to live with his
passing
Me: I guess so.. I'll be right back
Her: Okay baby
_
NKULI
I slowly opened my eyes and I was glad to notice that I
was in the hospital, though I was a bit dizzy. This plan
needs to work because I have risked it all, he was the
only blesser that I had currently and after this our
relationship is going to be affected. He might not even
provide for me for a while but at least I have money to
maintain myself, but that money will only maintain me
for a short period of time and not forever..
I don't even know how I was brought in or what
happened that time he was beating me, I must've passed
out. The only reason why he brought me in here is
because he knows I won't report him, he has done this
before and I didn't. Despite the fact that I need money,
he is a very influential person and he knows people in
high places the case wont go anywhere..
_
NOMVELO
Everything of his was still here in his room, from his
toiletries all the way to his clothes. I took some white
tshirt that he used to wear frequently, it was one of his
favorites. I looked at it for a while and then I took his
cologne too and sprayed it a little on my wrist. The smell
reminded me of him, it was almost as if like he was here
in the room with Me..
Snazo: I miss him too
I looked at him as he made his way in..
Me: What do you think was going to happen if he was
still around?
Him: I don't know maybe he was going to kill you and
then I was going to kill him for killing you, and I'll be
locked up now
I chuckled..
Him: All I know is that if he was here, then I wouldn't be
standing here right now looking at my wife
Me: Ya.. None of this would've happened
I put his tshirt back..
Him: You look beautiful
Me: Thank you, I'm just not used to the blanket
Him: For how long are you supposed to have it around
your shoulders?
Me: 6 months
He whistled..
Me: I know
He kissed me on my forehead..
Him: I'm not complaining though
Me: I know you wouldn't
Him: Come I wanna show you something
He held my hand and then we walked out.
Gugu was singing while busy cooking..
Snazo: Gugu come I wanna show you something
Gugu: What is it?
Nazo: Come you'll see
We all walked out to the front and a range rover was
parked next to the fence..
Gugu: What is it?
Nazo: I got a new car
Me: A range?
Nazo: Yeap
Gugu: Haibo!
Me: You got a range?
Nazo: Not entirely
He unlocked it. The seats were red&black, they were
engraved "Niso"
Nazo: Actually Dawn, Zaine, and Badru got it for me. The
number plates are also going to be his name
Gugu: Why?
Nazo: Though I lost my only brother but I gained 3 more
Gugu: Ncoooh that's very sweet baby
Me: It's really beautiful
Nazo: Wanna tag along for a spin?
Me: Yes.. Why not
Gugu: Excuse me.. We have pots to attend too
Nazo: Pots?
Me: I'm cooking for your Uncles
He mocked me with a chuckle..
Nazo: You what?
I sighed...
Nazo: I mean you can't even fry an egg and they expect
you to cook a full meal for them
Me: I can fry an egg
Him: of course you can
He pulled me closer for a hug..
Him: I was just playing with you
Gugu: Let's go finish up MaButhelezi jr
Nazo: This I have to see
We all walked back in..
_
NKULI
Dr: What is your name?
Me: Nkululeko Ngcobo
He was shining a little light in my eyes..
Him: Do you know why you here?
Me: Not exactly
Him: Do you know how you ended up here?
Me: No
Him: Do you know who did this to you?
I shook my head no..
Him: What do you remember?
Me: I.. I remember doing a braai with my cousin then her
friend showed up and we were all having a good time
and drinking. My cousin passed out and it was me and
her friend left, halfway through our drinking some guys
showed up and..
(Silence)
Me: They invaded the whole house and they wanted to
take my cousin but I told them to take me instead, I
couldn't have her be violated anyhow. She has been
through a lot
I closed my eyes..
Me: Is she okay?
Dr: Your cousin?
Me: Yes
Dr: I don't know you were found at the entrance last
night, someone dropped you off at the entrance and left
I nodded..
Me: I don't care about what happened to me, all I wanna
know is if my cousin is okay that's all

93
SNAZO
Gugu and Nomvelo were busy cooking and I had nothing
to do around the house so I decided to go and see Dawn,
my intuition strongly suggested that I should go and see
him. My intentions were to thank him for the car, Zaine is
a busy person so I will call him and thank him over the
phone or maybe plan when we going to meet....
Dawn opened the kitchen door for me, he is another one
that has a very beautiful house..
Him: Hey welcome
We had spoken over the phone and he directed me. I
made my way in..
Him: You didn't get lost?
Me: No.. Not exactly
He closed the door..
Me: Badru and I went to collect my car earlier today
Him: And do you like it?
Me: It's a Range Rover what's there not to like?
Him: Then it's good that you like it.. We chose the right
car
Me: Thank you Man
Him: You welcome.. Come this side I want you to meet
my wife
We walked out to the backyard, they were having some
sort of a mini braai or something. Meat was on the grill
and some lady who seemed very pregnant was sitting on
the chair right by the sliding door..
Dawn: Sway I want you to meet someone.. I want you to
meet Snazo
Her: Finally I can put the face behind the name
Dawn: This is my wife Sway
She got up from the chair very slowly..
Me: You don't have to get up
Her: I'm pregnant not paralyzed
She extended her hand to me..
Her: It's nice to meet you
Me: Nice to meet you too
Her: Would you like to join us?
Me: Uhm.. I..
Dawn: Well he is a married man now so..
Sway: Heard about the negotiations, I hope they went
well
Me: They did
Her: Can't wait for the white wedding then, at least I'm
giving birth in a week's time so..
Me: I'm sure you can't wait
Her: You right about that.. I can't wait to meet her
Some woman made her way in..
Her: Mr Dawn.. Here's the bowl you wanted for the meat
Dawn took the bowl..
Dawn: Thank you.. Thank you Keke
She smiled and walked away..
Sway: Ohh Keke.. Meet out guest
She came back..
Sway: Meet Snazo and Snazo this is our helper Keke
I gave her a handshake..
Me: Nice to meet you
When she shook my hand I felt my strength leaving me, it
was like I was being drained of my strength and suddenly
felt a bit weak. Usually when that happens it
symbololizes emotional weakness...
Keke: I'll be at the kitchen
Me: uhm I'm sorry.. Can I talk to you for a second?
She looked at me..
Me: Can you please give me your hand
She looked puzzled..
Me: I know it's weird
She extended her hand to me and I held it, then looking
at her I could see that she was emotionally broken and
tired..
Me: You going to be okay
She kept quiet..
Me: I know you have been waiting to hear someone say
those words to you "You going to be okay"
Her eyes immediately filled with tears..
Me: for how long have you been married?
She cleared her throat
Her: 4 years
Me: And you live with your Mother in law and your sister
in law together with her child?
Her: Yes
Me: Your husband is not always around because he
works far from home?
She nodded...
Her: Yes
Me: Know that it's not your fault. There way that his
Mother teats you is not your fault, you didn't do anything
wrong. There's no excuse for someone to treat another
person in a cruel manner especially when you have done
nothing wrong to her. All you ever wanted was her
approval and acceptance since your own mother passed
on but instead she just hates you. The problem is with
her and not you, what you going through know that God
is with you he hasn't abandoned you. And know that you
going to be okay, you going to be okay. You have cried
soo many tears and you even scared to tell your Husband
about how his Mother is treating you because you don't
want to be the reason that they going to fight
Her: That's true
Me: I'm giving you an affirmation today, everyday before
you go to sleep and every morning when you wake up
tell yourself that you going to be okay, don't lose your
faith in God..
Her: Thank you
She wiped her tears and went to the kitchen, Sway stood
up and followed her..
Dawn: Keke has been with us for a while now, she is part
of our family and not even once did I notice that she was
going through something
Me: Just because you see someone smiling everyday
doesn't necessarily mean that they happy. There's a lot
of pain and tears behind many smiles
Looked at the time..
Me: I have to go.. I think I had to come here for her
Him: Thank you for stopping by
Me: You welcome
_
VELO
After serving the Uncles Gugu was supposed to drive me
home so that we could get my things but surprisingly we
didn't go straight home..
Her: We have to make a stop somewhere before we go
to your house
Me: Where are we going
Her: We are going to meet someone
Me: A friend? A relative?
(Silence)
Her: Nazo's father
Me: Really?
Her: Yes
I didn't understand why I was meeting Nazo's father with
her and not Nazo..
Her: I need a favour from you
Me: Okay
Her: Sometimes the only person that a man can listen
too is his wife so I would appreciate it if you could talk to
him, about meeting his Father
Me: Does he wanna meet him?
Her: Well the last time we spoke he wasn't clear
Me: I don't know.. I mean he is not Niso stubborn but
Nazo is very intimidating and I don't think he is going to
be happy about this
Her: You his Velo.. You know which buttons to push and
even if it means getting on the kitchen counter then I'll
allow it
We both laughed..
Her: If he says no to you then I'll stop pushing.. I want
you to meet his Father so you can see the kind of person
that he is
_
NKULI
I had asked at the hospital for them to call my
Grandmother so that she can come and see me and she
didn't come alone, she showed up with my Mother. I
didn't know why my Mother was here because she is a
person who hardly visits home. My Grandmother hugged
me, in the state that I was in, her heart broke a little..
Her: What happened Nkuli?
Me: It's a long story Koko but it happened that weekend
when you were away, Nomvelo and I had a small nyana
braai and some guys invaded our space. They were
brought by Nomvelo's unsavory friend, they wanted to
take Nomvelo but I.. I offered myself to them instead
because I wanted to protect my cousin, she has been
through the most
Grams: Ohh Nkosi yam' Nkuli (Ohh my God)
Me: I'm okay Grandmother.. Ngizoba right
Grams: I'm glad you okay
Me: Where is Velo? Is she alright?
Grams: Yes she is
Me: Where is she? Why didn't you come with her?
Grams: uVelo is..
Me: She is what?
Mom: uVelo bebamukhiphela amalobola namhlanje,
uVelo uMakoti Waka Buthelezi manje (Today they were
paying dowry for Nomvelo, she is now a bride to the
Buthelezi family)
Me: I don't follow.. Niso is dead, unless she's marrying
him from the grave
Grams: uShada uSnazo (she's getting married to Snazo)
So it was true, that day when Velo said Nazo proposed it
was true..
Grams: Ngiyazi kubuhlungu Nkuli Kodwa (I know it's
painful but)
Me: Ningayivumela kanjani into enje Gogo? (how can you
allow something like this to happen)
Grams: Nkuli
Me: No!! uVelo was dating uNiso and now she's marrying
the Brother, how is that right? She slept with Niso now
she's sleeping with Nazo how does that not spell
"Whore"
Mom: Hai wena!! You are in no position to be judging
uVelo. At least she doesn't give herself away to men for
money, at least she respected herself even after
everything that she went through
Me: Yazi nikhohlakele (you're evil)
Grams: Nkuli...
Me: Ngicela ngihambe, futhi ningasabuyi (please leave
and don't come back)
Mom: Ma asambe
My Grandmother looked at me..
Me: Hambani! (leave)
Mom: Asambe Ma (let's go)
How can Nomvelo do this to me..
_
NOMVELO
We met him at some restaurant, he was already waiting
for us when we walked in. Talk about being punctual..
Gugu: Richard
He got up as we approached the table. He was wearing a
suit and he was very good looking, you know those good
looking old men. I think that he could be in his mid or
late 50s..
Gugu hugged him..
Gugu: Have you been waiting for too long?
Him: No I wasn't..
Gugu: Ohh.. This is Nomvelo
Him: Hi Nom...
Gugu: You can just call her Velo and Velo this is Richard,
Snazo and Niso's Father
Me: Nice to meet you Sir
Him: Likewise
Gugu: Velo is Snazo's wife
Him: Really? That's nice.. When did it happen?
Gugu: Today.. He was paying her dowry
We all sat down..
Him: That's nice.. I wish I was there
My phone rang, it was Snazo...
Me: Excuse me.. It's Snazo
I walked away to answer..
Me: Hello?
Him: MaButhelezi where are you?
I looked at Gugu and Richard..
Me: Around
Him: Around kuphi? (Around where)
Me: Just around
Him: I'm going to ask you again and I need you to give me
a straight answer.. Where are you? And don't say you
fetching your clothes
I kept quiet..
Him: We now lying to each other?
Me: No..
Him: Where are you?
Me: Just around
Him: sizoxabana uyezwa? (we going to fight)
Me: I'm with Gugu.. We passed by to meet a friend of
hers before going to get my things at home
He kept quiet..
Him: kuGrand sizoyixoxa mowubuya (it's fine we will
discuss it when you get back)
He hung up..
Gugu is putting me in a lot of trouble..

94
NOMVELO
[They're first time]
Gugu and I drove back home after we had a meal with
Nazo's Father. There way that they were so cosy it was
just a bit suspicious, I think that something is going on
between them. It was clear that Gugu still had hearts for
him, I don't blame her though he is handsome. Nazo
didn't call again I knew that he was fuming wherever he
was which made me uncomfortable and uneasy, I
wanted to go home. When we were done we went home
to get my things, my Aunt wasn't around only my
Grandmother was around and then we finally drove
home. It was 21:00 when we got there...
Gugu: You want me to go in with you?
Me: No I'll be fine
Her: Thank you again for coming with me
Me: You welcome
She went inside the house and I went to the room. I had
noticed earlier that he extended it, he took parts of the
storeroom next to it and turned it into a bathroom. It's
good that we have a bathroom now and we had a mini
lounge too our long couch in the bedroom was facing the
big ass flat screen.. I opened the door and walked in, he
was sitting on the couch while watching TV. He had on
his briefs only, can't blame him though it was a bit hot
and he had the fan on...
I closed the door and leaned against it.. He pretended as
if like he didn't see me, Nazo is difficult but at the end of
the day he is a man.
I took off the mini blanket and threw it on the bed and
then made my way to him, I was a bit nervous what if he
turns me down? After all Nazo is a bit of a different
Breed, he is his own person. I made my way to him, he
was leaning forward with his arms balancing on his
knees. I pulled my dress up a bit and pushed him back a
little then I sat ontop of him. He gave me a serious look
and it made me more uncomfortable, but then after all
like I've said before he is a man. Haven't heard one
saying no to a pussy. I put my hand at the back of his
head and kissed him, at first he didn't follow through but
then after a few seconds his strong hands were already
moving up my thighs and pulling my dress more further
up...
We continued kissing and his grip became a bit tight
around my tiny waist. I gasped for air and he broke the
kiss. He kissed me again and then he helped me to take
off the dress and the doek, One thing that I have been
blessed with is long natural hair. My hair is long so I
hardly do weaves, I mostly like do braid it half and then
do a bun. He ran his hand on my hair while his other
hand squeezed me closer to him. I think we both have
been waiting for this day, our breathing was unstable and
all that we wanted was each other. He got up from the
couch while picking me up and then he threw me on the
bed, he came ontop of me and continued kissing me. He
went down to my neck and left a few love bites there, he
got my bra off and then his tongue circled around my
nipple which made pleasure to kick in. He further went
down to my belly button and then down on my
honeypot. He ate my cookie first while my underwear
was still on, just gently biting it through my underwear
and when I tried closing my legs he parted them and I
couldn't close them..
_
NKULI
My Mother came alone this time around, she made her
way in. My mom and I we not the best of friends, we
spend most of our time fighting, what am I saying? We
have always spent most of our time fighting. We don't
have that Mother and Daughter bond...
Her: Nkuli
Me: What are you doing here?
She walked closer..
Her: I know you and I know what you about
I kept quiet..
Her: You chose your own path, you thought giving those
men your body in exchange for money will make you
happy?
Me: What are you doing here?
She unzipped her bag and took out a picture, she then
showed it to me. It was a picture of me when I was
around 16 or so..
Her: This is my Daughter... This is the Daughter that I
had. Not what you're today
When I started having blessers that's when I changed my
looks here and there, I got butt injections and I bleached
my skin a bit just so that I can keep my image perfect at
all times. If my image is perfect then I get more blessers, I
mean if I don't get more then I won't be able to afford
rent nor keep on paying my car installment..
Her: Don't you dare think of ruining things for Velo
Me: Why do you care so much? Nomvelo is not your
Daughter you should care about me!
Her: You very conniving and cold hearted! Remember
how you almost ruined things between me and my
husband? Nkuli stop! This evil heart won't take you
anywhere
Me: Go!! I don't need you!! I have never needed you and
I won't start today! You have never been a Mother to
me! Koko was always there and you weren't!
Her: I feel sorry for you
Me: Leave!! Or should I beep the Nurse?
Her: Don't ruin things for your cousin just because you
chose an easy way out of life, see with all this fake
physical image that you got going on now, it still didn't
bring Nazo back. Baby understand that Men don't always
get possessed by your big ass and thick thighs, if you
can't respec yourself forget about marriage. You will
always be a sex object, a one night stand. Learn to
respect yourself and men will respect you too
I swallowed..
Her: Nazo is madly inlove with Velo if you go after them
you will only be hurting yourself because I don't see him
leaving her. He loves her and she loves him
She left the picture on the counter and then she walked
away..
_
NOMVELO
Been a while since I last been sexual and Nazo stretched
me a bit, or a bit more. I pushed him a bit with my hand
and instead he took both my hands and pinned them
against the bed. Was a bit painful when he penetrated
me but as he went along I started enjoying. It was a pain
mixed with pleasure, a part of me wanted him to stop
but another part wanted him to carry on. He was
vulnerable ontop of me, while his one hand pinned both
my tiny hands against the bed his other hand was
caressing my body. I felt his warm breath against my
neck, as more of my juices produced he started moaning.
It was an intensifying feeling, I couldn't explain it. I can't
put it into words what was happening. He let my hands
go from that tight grip and as he increased his pace his
grabbed my hair. Our lips were very close to each other,
our breaths were still uncontrollable and I wanted him
just as much as he wanted me. By the look of things, we
probably gonna go the whole night...

95
SNAZO
The following day it was a Sunday and I wanted to take
Nomvelo to church, I wanted us to visit Purgatory Zaine's
church. Last night was epic, I don't even know at what we
slept I have never been this intimate with a girl just for
one night. It was an amazing experience and I can't wait
for us to keep on having more and more of such
experiences..
Gugu: Good morning
Me: Good morning
Gugu: How are you?
Me: I'm good
Her: Where is Nomvelo? Aren't we supposed to go to
church?
Gugu was meant to tag along too with us...
Me: She's still sleeping
Her: It's 8am the service starts at 10am
Me: I am not sure if we will be able to go to church
Her: Why?
Me: She needs the rest.. She's very tired
Her: Tired? Tired from what?
I looked at her..
Her: Ohw she's very tired now I get it and I don't think I
wanna discuss that with you
Me: Definitely not.. What we should be discussing is you
taking my wife yesterday to see your baby daddy
Her: I know that you have issues with him and I took
Nomvelo with in hopes that maybe she could convince
you to meet him
Me: Why are you pushing?
Her: I thought you said you don't hate him
Me: I don't but at the same time not hating him doesn't
mean that I want to know him, Gugu respect the fact
that I don't wanna meet up with him and we can all
move on! And stop using my wife for your own sinister
acts
Her: Okay listen here.. Just because you a preacher and
just because now you have a wife doesn't change the fact
that you still my son and there's nothing stopping me
right now from getting there and whooping your Ass!..
Talk to me like you got some sense you understand boy?
I didn't say anything..
She took the broom and pointed it at me..
Her: I said you understand?
Me: Yes Mam'
Her: Good
She put the broom back..
Her: Now I'll be watching Prophet Zaine his morning
service on TV then yall decide if we going or not
Me: Okay
She poi her finger at me..
Her: I'll whoop your ass talking to me like you ain't got
sense
I forget how crazy she can be at times, I don't know how
many brooms sticks she used to break on me and Niso a
few years back..
_
NKULI
Nurse: Excuse me? What are you doing?
Me: I'm leaving
She put the tray of food on the small table..
Her: Going where?
Me: Home
I was putting my bloody clothes on..
Her: You can't discharge yourself
Me: Yes I can
Her: No Mam' you can't
Me: Listen I need to get home
Her: You're in no state to get home, if the Dr didn't
discharge you that means you not fit to go home
Me: My.. My husband is having an affair and if I don't get
home to save my marriage I'll be filing for divorce
Her: You have a husband?
Me: Yes I do
Her: I'm sorry
Me: Between you and I, I wasn't kidnapped. I was trying
to get back at him I was off to meet some guy that I met
via the internet and it didn't turn out good
Her: So why didn't you tell the Doctor?
Me: I was ashamed
Her: I'm truly sorry.. Infedility in a marriage can break
you
I wiped my tears..
Her: Do you guys have kids?
Me: Not yet
Her: Do you think that you guys can work things out?
Me: I hope so because I truly love him
Her: Has he always been unfaithful?
Me: No.. This is the first time
Her: I don't even know what to say
Me: I need to get home
Her: I totally understand.. I'll get the discharge forms
even though even though I might end up in trouble
tomorrow
Me: Thank you
Her: You can have breakfast first before you go
Me: Thank you.. Thank you very much
She walked out..
_
NOMVELO
I felt someone giving me endless kisses all over my face..
Nazo: Wake up sweetheart
I was still very sleepy, we hardly slept last night. We only
slept when my honeypot started burning really bad, even
this morning it's still burning and very sore..
Me: I don't wanna wake up
He pat me on my butt..
Him: You need too.. We have to go to church
Me: But I don't wanna go to church
Him: You don't have a choice.. You married a preacher, I
can't show up alone
Me: No
Him: Come on I already got your things from Gugu's car
Me: I'm not going
Him: The service starts at 10:00am we going to be late
Me: No......
Him: This is the first time I'm gonna see Zaine preaching
I opened my eyes..
Me: We going to Purgatory?
Him: Yes
Me: I'll go but only on one condition
Him: Yeah?
Me: I don't wanna wear the blanket
He chuckled..
Him: That's not even up for discussion
Me: Purgatory is a big church I really don't wanna show
up wearing the blanket
Him: You not there for People moss
I looked at him..
Me: Do you wanna have sex again?
Him: That's unfair..
Me: You choose
(Silence)
Him: Fine only for today
I smiled...
He tapped me on my ass..
Him: Wake up and get ready then because you'll take
longer than me
He kissed me...
Him: How are you?
Me: In pain.. In real pain
Him: Eish askies
Me: It was worth it though
He raised one of his eyebrows..
Him: Really?
I got ontop of him..
Me: Yes really
I was about to kiss him when he stopped me...
Me: What?
Him: You got to be kidding me!
Me: What?
He smiled at me..
Him: Uhm.. There's something that I need to do
Me: What is it?
Him: I'll be back
He tossed me on the side..
Him: I'll be right back
Me: Well you ain't getting none anymore
Him: We not going to sleep at church
He walked out..
_
SNAZO
Uri just had to show up in my room. I got inside the
house and went straight to Niso's room..
Gugu: Are we still going to go?
Me: Give me 5min
I got to the room and closed the door, I looked around
and he appeared. He wasn't alone, he was holding
Helena who couldn't even stand on her own..
Me: Helena?
He put her down..
I went to her..
Me: What happened?
She had an arrow on her right side..
Me: Talk to me what happened?
I looked at Uri..
Me: What happened?
He didn't say anything..
"Beloved.."
Me: What happened?
"Uri's voice is too deep, it might tremble down the whole
place"
Me: What happened to Helena?
"last night she was shot with an arrow specially designed
to kill angels, she was shot by an angel of darkness. She
doesn't have much time"
Her tears were glowing, they didn't look like normal
tears. I wiped her tears and they still glowed on my
hand..
Me: Can she be saved?
"Yes.. The arrow needs to be pulled out and it can be
pulled out by one person"
Me: Who?
"You.."
Me: I'll put it out
"Beloved you need to heal her right after pulling it.. You
have only been able to heal human beings but you
haven't been able to do it with an Angel"
Me: How do I heal her?
"Tomorrow very early in the morning you must leave and
go to the wilderness.. At the highest point of a certain
mountain there's a sacred place were you will come face
to face with Me, that's were you will be able to hear Me
Cleary"
Me: Face to face?
"Not literally.. Uri will be with you, by the time light
comes up you should be able to heal Helena"
I heard a knock at the door and then the door opened,
Uri moved like a speed of lightning. He took Helena with
him and his fastidious movement knocked down a
painting..
Gugu: Where you praying? Did I disturd?
Me: No
I got up..
Her: Are you okay?
I looked at Helena's tears on my hand..
Me: I'm good
I approached the door..
Me: We should be leaving in no time
_
NKULI
The Nurse even borrowed me her phone so that I can call
my Grandmother and have her pick me up...
Her: Why would they discharge you on a Sunday?
Me: I don't know Koko
We were walking to get a taxi..
Her: How are you feeling?
Me: I'll be fine
Her: You should've told me to bring you along clean
clothes
Me: I'll be fine I just wanna get home
If Nomvelo thinks that I'm going to take this lying down,
she has another thing coming..
96
NOMVELO
I didn't know that Purgatory could get this full, they don't
entirely show the whole audience on his channel on TV
when he preaches. We were a bit late so from the door
we were ushered to the front by one of the Ushers. We
literally sat at the front just very close to the pulpit. I felt
somewhat important, I mean Ushers just greet People at
the door and let them go inside to find a place to sit on
their own but with us it was different. And to also get a
front row sit to watch and listen to Prophet Zaine
preaching was cherry on top, my friend Power is going to
be very jealous. I don't really follow him but I know that
he is a very influential person when it comes to religion,
he is very admired by many and also hated by many. All
in all I'm grateful to be here and be a part of such
greatness. Gugu was extremely excited about everything,
she couldn't even sit down she participated in the singing
and dancing.
I didn't know the songs that they were singing so I was
glued to my sit, Nazo sang along too but he didn't stand
up. I was wearing a long dress and a doek with my
favourite pair of heels, thank goodness dresses and I we
have never been enemies now they coming in very
handy. I think about 30min into the service I saw two
Ushers, Ushering Zaine to his sit. He was followed by a
woman who was holding a very cute baby girl, It was
definitely his wife. They were holding his Bible for him
and also his wife's bag. He greeted starting from the
corner of our row with handshskes up until he got to us,
Nazo stood up and they hugged. They whispered a few
things to each other and laughed here and there, he also
hugged Zaine's wife. When he got to me I stood up, Since
it was noisy with all the singing and cheering Nazo
whispered something to him and he smiled at me then
gave me a hug..
Zaine: It's nice to finally meet you
Me: Nice to meet you too
He let go of my hand and moved on to Gugu and the rest
of the people who were in our row, his wife hugged me
too. Literally Zaine's touch left me trembling a bit, there's
just something about him that I can't quite explain. The
Ushers put a small table infront of us and they put drinks
ontop of it, they did the same thing on Zaine's side. He
walked to the front but didn't get to the pulpit and they
handed him his mic, he also followed through with the
singing and with him he made it very fun. He was dancing
and they were following his lead, it was just a beautiful
moment to witness. I never knew church could also be
this fun. Gugu was forcing me to dance and I was shy
about it mainly because I didn't even know the songs..
After a few songs the congregation sat down
Zaine walked up to the pulpit..
Zaine: I greet you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ.. May we please stand on our feet again so
that we can worship the Lord
The congregation stood up again and he looked at the
band and the chorus leaders, one chorus leader started a
song and the band followed through..
_
NKULI
Nomvelo's room was empty, her clothes weren't here
most of her things were gone including the makeup on
her dressing table. It was true, Nomvelo was gone. Nazo
took her, he paid Lobola and he took her..
I sat on the bed as my tears betrayed me. I mean I can
get any guy that I want, Yes maybe when guys see me
they see a sex object because of how I present myself.
Old men see a sugar baby or a blessee that they can
spend money on and in turn I give them a good time, I
entertain them in a way that their wives can't entertain
them. I wiped my tears. What Nazo and I used to share
wasn't just another ordinary relationship, it was
something special. Our love was very deep for each other
and I always thought that we would find our way to each
other and now Nomvelo is going to live my dream. I
could've changed for him, I could've been the wife that
he wanted. I could've left this life for him. It made me
sick to my stomach to even think that all the things that
we used to do to me when we were intimate he was now
doing them with her. I couldn't even bring myself to think
about them in that way because it made me very angry..
The door opened and my Grandmother walked in..
Her: Should I make you something to eat?
Me: No thanks I ate at the hospital
She closed the door and came to sit next to me..
Her: I know how you feel
I chuckled, I doubt she knows how I feel or else she
wouldn't have allowed this shame of Lobola negotiations
to happen...
Her: Nkuli uNazo has changed he is no longer that old
Nazo that you once knew
Me: And him changing his life also included marrying my
cousin?
Her: Nkuli
Me: Don't Nkuli me Koko.. It wouldn't hurt this much if
he married another girl, just a random girl but my own
cousin? (Crying)
She sighed..
Me: Nomvelo is more than just a cousin to me, she's my
little sister and it hurts Koko. It's like my heart had been
ripped out of my chest, I also deserve to be loved. I also
deserve some happiness, to have a family. He was mine
Koko... He is mine
She hugged me as I cried..
_
NOMVELO
I thought nothing could go beyond worshiping but when
he started praying I heard cries, I saw a lot of members
falling. I can't explain what was happening but something
was happening, the atmosphere was different. Indeed
religion goes deeper than what I anticipated. He waited
for everyone to settle down before he could start
speaking. When it was quiet he started talking..
Zaine: Today we very blessed if you thought that was
extreme, wait until you find out what God has in store for
Purgatory today. I did mention last week that we going to
have a special guest today, I thought I could do
everything until I met him. He is heavenly blessed with a
gift that you wouldn't understand nor believe until he
touches you
The church started clapping..
Zaine: he is a healer and a preacher. It is my honour this
morning to present to you Reverend Buthelezi
They clapped again as Nazo stood up, he walked to the
pulpit. The whole church gave him a standing ovation, I
stood up too..
Gugu: That's my baby!!!
Zaine hugged him again and then gave him the mic, he
then went down to sit next to his wife. Nazo also waited
for the congregation to settle down before talking..
Nazo: Such a warm welcome I feel very blessed, I have
never stood in front of such a huge crowd and..
He paged through Zaine's Bible..
Nazo: I was caught of guard, I was never told that today I
would be the one leading the service. I got an invite to
come and visit only to be ambushed by Prophet Radebe
and the holy spirit. As the church was worshiping the
holy spirit spoke to me and said I will be preaching this
morning, I'm sure Prophet Radebe was ambushed too
They laughed again..
Nazo: A while back when I was doing sermons I was a
single man, and today I am here with my beautiful wife
My heart skipped when he said that..
Nazo: I'm blessed that God matched me with a chocolate
muffin that I love very much
I started blushing..
Nazo: She compliments me since I'm the one who is a
yellow bone
He looked directly at were I was sitting and I felt hot
flushes..
Nazo: I thought that maybe should would be on her feet
now
Gugu leaned over..
Gugu: Stand up
Me: No
Gugu: Stand up Velo
I slowly stood up and waved as the church clapped for
me..
Nazo: She is very shy and I'm sure that we going to have
an altercation when we get home about this but it's
nothing that a credit card can't fix
The church laughed again..
Nazo: I am also here with someone else who means the
world to me, I know that she could've neglected me a
long time ago but she had no choice. She was stuck with
me because she carried me for 9 months, and
surprisingly she threatened me with a broom this
morning
We laughed..
Nazo: This is her first time that she's going to witness me
preaching and I'm very happy that she's here, welcome
Ma
Gugu stood up too and waved..
Nazo: Without wasting any time I greet the whole
congregation in the name of Jesus and Prophet Radebe
thank you for trusting me today with your congregation
He paged through the Bible..
Him: I think I'll be more comfortable if I use my own
Bible
He looked at me..
Him: Nana can you please bring me my Bible
Really now??
I stood up and took his Bible then walked up to hand it to
him, my dress was a bit long I was pulling it up a bit with
my other hand so that it doesn't trip me..
I handed him the Bible and I gave him a deadly look..
Him: Thank you
He took Zaine's Bible and he walked me back to my sit,
he was holding my hand..
Nazo: I saw how she struggled to get here with her dress
being a barrier, need to make sure she doesn't fall
He waited for me to sit down and then he knelt on one
knee and fixed my dress at the bottom..
Him: You okay?
I nodded..
He got up and went to give Zaine his Bible..
Nazo: Forgive me but you know how it's like in the early
days of your marriage, probably after 6 months I'll be
asking why you wore a long dress now you making it my
problem
The church laughed..
Nazo: I'm just joking.. My job will forever be to take care
of her, making sure that she's always happy because my
happiness comes from seeing her smiling everyday
I looked down and covered my face with my hand while
Gugu ran her hand on my shoulder..
Nazo: without wasting more time can we open our bibles
to the book of Psalms 91 verse 1 & 2 for now
Gugu helped me with it, she had borrowed me one of the
bibles at home.. Tomorrow I'll get my own..
Nazo: Psalms 91 verse 1 & 2
He looked at me.. I swear if he says I should read it, I'm
walking out of the door he can't put me on the spot like
that..
97
SNAZO
The service was now coming to an end..
Me: Quit relying on what you think you know, trust the
one who created your life. Psalms 91 puts it clear that
God is your Defender, make him the center of your life at
all times. He will never leave you nor forsake you, what
you going through might seem as if it's bigger than you
but it's not bigger than the one who created you. Trust
your defender and lean on him at all times, God is not
only God when things are going good in your life. God is
God too when things are going bad. When you confused
and don't know what to do leave it all to him, God's got
this...
I closed my Bible as they clapped their hands. I walked
down from the pulpit and closer to the were the
congregation was sitting. I moved to were the holy spirit
directed me..
Me: In this row there.. There's a Vanessa sitting in this
row
They all remained..
Me: A Vanessa that had an accident last year with her 3
friends, though it seemed like a minor accident but it
killed all your friends and you were the only survivor.
Everyday you keep on questioning God why? Why did
you survive and why did your friends die. You don't
understand how the accident happened, and you don't
understand how a minor accident might be that lethal
She slowly stood up crying with her hand around her
mouth shaking, I made my way to her..
Me: That accidental was meant to kill you too but God
said no with your life, the devil meant to steal your life
that day. Ever since that accident you been having
something in your chest that prevents you from
breathing at times
She nodded..
Me: The devil hasn't left you alone but he will today
I turned around..
Me: Can I have my wife come up here, can she quickly
locate us I'll put my hand up.. You can see us on the big
screen
Nomvelo seemed a bit scared at first, she didn't wanna
participate in anything even the singing and dancing but
now she's loosening up, she seems to be enjoying the
service.
Me: Can you please put your hand on her chest
She did..
Me: Maybe put both of them because they very small
She put both her hands on her chest as I put my hand
ontop of her hands, healer or not that part of a woman's
body should always be respected. Putting my hand there
might land me with a sexual harras case..
Me: "Receive your healing today, may this pain leave
your chest today. The cloud of death that's upon you I
come against it in the name of Jesus christ! Even when
you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, fear
no evil for the Lord is with you always. Amen"
Immediately when we removed our hands from her she
fell, I moved along to the next person..
_
NKULI
Grams: Thank you God!!! Thank you Jesus!
I have been standing at the doorway for the past 2min or
so, she was watching Prophet's Zaine channel on Tv. I
was shocked to see Nazo praying for people but what
was more shocking was his "wife" that he kept on calling
every now and then "Nomvelo"..
I mean Purgatory is the biggest religious channel on TV
followed by Dawn's channel the Exorcism. I used to
watch them at my place every Sunday before going to
church..
I limped my way in and then sat down..
Me: What is Nazo doing?
Grams: I told you Nazo has changed from the old Nazo
that you knew
Me: So this is why he left me? He wanted Nomvelo
because she is more reserved and she might not be virgin
innocent but she is innocent and naive
Grams: Nkuli don't start
Me: Nazo knows Prophet Zaine??
Grams: He knows a lot of people because Nazo's family
they have a gift of healing, when his Grandmother
passed on it was passed on to him
I clapped my hands once..
Me: Wow! I could've been all of this and probably more
I looked at her..
Me: He knows Dawn too?
Grams: Yes.. He got Nomvelo a job working with Dawn
Me: What?
I looked at the screen again, He took his jacket off and
went to give it to Nomvelo. The camera showed Nomvelo
and Gugu talking for a brief moment then Nomvelo
smiled and looked at the big screen, I don't wanna lie she
looked beautiful in that dress and matching doek. The
camera moved and I noticed that they were sitting in the
same row as Prophet Zaine and his wife Bonolo
Me: Mxm!
I took the remote and changed the channel..
Grams: Wenzani? (what are you doing)
Me: Nathi sifuna ukubukela.. The kardashians are on (we
also want to watch the kardashians are on)
Grams: Khulula intliziyo yakho Nkuli (free your heart)
_
NOMSA
After church I met up with the real estate agent, during
the week I couldn't meet up with her because she was
busy. My life has been a bit better lately, things have
been somewhat peaceful..
Her: I thought that we were not going to end up with any
money considering the fact that a lot had to be fixed in
that house
Me: I'm even surprised that you called I mean I thought
that it was done with that house, it took a lot of money
to fix and honestly speaking when we were living there I
didn't have such problems
Her: I'm glad that the people who bought it understood
or else they would've sued us that we sold them a faulty
house
Me: That's very true
She passed me the papers..
Her: All in all after everything at least you still gonna walk
away with R250 000
It's not a lot of money but it's something, it would help
me a lot. Though I'm not going to pocket it, I'm going to
give it to Nomvelo together with the money that's in JJ's
account. It's the right thing to do
Me: Thank you.. Thank you very much
Her: You welcome
_
NOMVELO
It was a very good service and I was speechless and very
much astonished to see that side of Nazo's life. He
literally healed sick people, and his sermon was very
beautiful. I don't know much about religion but this God
or his God truly exist and I am honored to have been
chosen to share in this life with him. Though I'm still
asking myself how God saw fit to choose me for him..
After church we didn't go straight home, before he could
even take two steps down from the pulpit a lot of the
church members were there crowding him mostly
women. We in church so I probably have nothing to
worry about. On our side too it was a bit suffocating,
since Bonolo was sitting next to us most church members
surrounded her and others came up to me and told me
how blessed I am to have him, most were already telling
me about their problems and others were even asking
me to pray for them I mean it was overwhelming
because I'm not the one with the gift. I'm just the wife
here, so really I didn't know what to do or how to react
It got better when Bonolo moved closer to us, Zaine had
climbed up to the pulpit to join Nazo.. Bonolo literally
held my hand..
Her: You're blessed.. Nazo is a very special being, what
he did today will go down in history. Seeing so much
people healed not only physical but spiritually and
emotionally too, he has a way with words. He is Godly
gifted
Me: Thank you very much
She then held Gugu's hand..
Bonolo: Your womb is blessed to have carried him
Gugu was so proud of her Son she couldn't stop the
tears, I was so proud of him too. I know thad my life is
going to change from here on and I don't mind, it seems
like the life in God is better than the one I have been
living...
Finally he came down and Gugu hugged him..
Gugu: I am so proud of you
Nazo wiped her tears..
Nazo: I know you're
He moved on to me..
Me: That was great
He kissed me on my forehead..
Him: Welcome to my world
Bonolo: Love birds can we go and have lunch, I'm sure
my Granddaughter is tired and hungry
It's such an honour to meet Bonolo, she is a great woman
and has written a lot
of spiritual books. I haven't read any but I'll start soon..
This is going to be my new life and I'm very satisfied with
it, I wished I had known this life while I was still broken
then alcohol wouldn't have been my comfort but then
not all is lost I can still make changes..

98
NOMVELO
I had an amazing day from being at church to being
invited to Prophet Zaine's house for lunch, it was a
beautiful experience we Literally shared the table with
him and his amazing wife I am will forever cheerish this
experience.....
Nazo was very exhausted, when we got back home he
just bathe and attempted to sleep but with me busy
annoying him he couldn't sleep right away. I looked at
him as he slowly closed his eyes, he was laying on the
bed on his back and I was sitting on top of him. I leaned
over and kissed him, he smiled and squeezed my thighs. I
was wearing nothing but one of his tshirts..
Me: You that tired?
He opened his eyes..
Him: Yes and I have to be up by 1am or 2am
Me: Why?
Him: I'm going to pray somewhere
Me: Where? Can I come along?
He gave me a weird look..
Him: It's not an ordinary praying session an angel will be
involved
Me: You can see Angels?
Him: Yes
Me: Like we can go out now and you would see them in
the sky?
He chuckled..
Him: No.. I've only seen two, two that hold a significance
into my life
Me: Wow.. Can I see them too?
He gave me another weird look..
Him: Most people would call me crazy and you wanna
see one
I leaned over and kissed him again..
Me: You anything but crazy
He kept quiet..
Me: So am I invited?
He nodded
Him: Ya
He closed his eyes again while I tried to kiss him..
Me: Ahhh....
My phone rang and I got off him to answer it, it was my
Grandmother..
Me: Duchess
There was no answer..
Me: Hello?
Nkuli: Velo.. It's me
Me: Nkuli?
Her: Yes it's me
Me: My wor.. Are you okay? Where are you?
Her: I'm at home and I'm recovering
Me: What happened?
Her: Long story.. Think you come for a visit so we can
talk
Me: I'll definitely do that
Her: How about tomorrow?
Me: Yes tomorrow after work I'll pass by
Her: Congratulations.. Koko told me and I saw you on TV
at Purgatory
Me: Thank you
Her: See you then
Me: Bye
Her: I love you cuz
Me: I love you too
That last part was very weird..
_
NOMSA
I looked at my phone and then looked at the documents
that were infront of me. I picked up my phone and then
called Nomvelo, I know it's late but I felt like telling her
now..
Her: Hello?
I didn't expect her to pick up..
Me: Hi.. Hi Velo it's Nomsa
Her: Ohh hey how are you doing?
Me: I'm doing well and you?
Her: I'm okay
Me: Sorry to call you this late but I have something
important to discuss with you
Her: Okay I'm all ears
Me: The money for the house finally came through,
though it's lesser than what we put up the house for
because of fixing a few things but.. I want you to have it,
together with the remaining 100 000 from his bank.
Collectively it will be 350 000
Her: That's sweet but.. You can have it
Me: Huh?
Her: I think I need it more than I do, you have a big
responsibility with Thuli and I know that you never
committed yourself to the world of employment so
maybe sit down and think of a business plan and start a
business that will help you financially and your family
Me: I.. I don't know what to say
Her: Thank you
Me: Thank you.. Thank you very much
Her: We should meet up sometime
Me: That would be very nice
Her: I have to go.. Bye
Me: Bye
I put the phone down.. I really didn't expect that..
_
SNAZO
I woke up at 1am, the first thing I did was to pray and
though the initial plan was a mountain but now the plan
had changed. I was meant to drive to an open field, a
very sacred place were there won't be any disturbances.
The whole healing has to take place before the sun
comes up.. Nomvelo was still fast asleep, I still can't
believe that she wants to take this journey with me..
I went and woke her up..
Me: Wake up sweetheart
Her: Nooooooo
Waking her up is always a process..
Me: Come on we have to go
Her: I don't wanna wake up
Me: Velo come on you going to make me late
She pulled the duvet up..
Me: Okay that's it
I pulled the bed covers down and then picked her up, I
put her over my shoulder..
Her: Stooooop
I walked to the bathroom and put her down..
Me: 5min
I made the bed while she prepared herself, to my shock
she adhered to the 5min time frame that I gave her
though she still looked mad sleepy..
Me: Ready to go?
Her: I'm ready
I took the car keys..
Me: Good morning by the way sleepy head
I kissed her on her forehead. I thought that it was going
to be difficult to have Nomvelo accept the person that I
am today, but she seems to be following through very
swiftly. I couldn't be more happier. We drove out at
those early hours of the morning to the sacred place, it
was still very dark and cold. The drive was approximately
1hr30min and the holy spirit was the one leading me
through...
When we arrived at the field it looked more like a
dessert, just sand, rocks, and a bit of grass here and
there. It was a very isolated place, the roads were a bit
far and it was in the middle of nowhere..
Nomvelo: Where are we?
Me: Are you warm enough?
Her: Yes I am
From a far distance I spotted Uri and Helena was laying
on the ground not moving an at all, she still had the
arrow on her right side..
I glanced down at her, I didn't know where to start. Uri
looked up and then his wings started flapping, he went
up to stand guard incase we have unwanted guests. I
wonder if Helena was still alive, I hope she is still alive.
Nomvelo: I can't see anything
Me: I know.. You will see her but not in this state, the
only angel that you won't be able to see is Uri
Her: Why?
Me: He is a warrior Angel, most warrior angels don't look
pleasant though you've once seen him but you won't
remember
Her: When was that?
Me: a long time ago
I knelt down on one knee next to Helena..
"Beloved.."
I didn't hear the voice from within as always, I heard
coming from around here. It came with a blast of wind
and a minor tremor, Nomvelo held on to my shoulder..
Nomvelo: Did you feel that?
Me: Yes
Her: Okay this was probably not a good idea
Me: I need to concentrate sweetheart
She got her hand off my shoulder and stepped back a
bit..
"Beloved.."
Me: I'm here.. I'm listening
"You preach about faith most of the time, healing Helena
is a test of your faith. There's no special prayer needed,
your faith will be the one that's going to heal her.
Hebrews 11 vers 3"
Me: "By faith we understand that the worlds were
framed by the word of God, so that the things which are
seen were not made of things which are visible" NKJV
I took a deep breath and placed my hand on the arrow,
when I remove it I have to heal her right away or else she
won't make it..
An Angel is not an earthly being and for me to be trusted
with such a big test proves that I can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me, that is my
affirmation at this instant and my faith needs to act on
it..
I pulled out the arrow and placed my hand on her but
nothing happened..
Me: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens
me"
I might've repeated that affirmation for more than 10
times and nothing happened, my brain was trying to be
logic about this. Convincing me that I won't do it, I'm
human I cannot heal what is not flesh but deep down I
had faith that I can do it, I will do that..
Time passed while nothing was happening..
Velo: Babe
She walked closer..
Her: You have been kneeling here for some time now,
what exactly are you meant to achieve?
No matter how much I said that affirmation nothing
happened, Helena didn't wake up.
I got up feeling defeated, I was disappointed in myself
and I was ready to give up..
Me: Come let's go
Velo: We done?
Me: Yes
I started walking away..
Velo: So you giving up?
I turned and looked at her..
Me: Excuse me?
Her: I haven't seen the angel so that means whatever you
were meant to do you didn't do it and now you just going
to give up
I glanced down at Helena..
Me: I was meant to heal an Angel, something that I have
never done before. Something that is beyond me
She kept quiet..
Me: Come on let's go
Her: Snazo
Me: Not now Velo.. Let's go
Her: You a hypocrite
Me: Askies?
Her: If you were sent here then that means you can do it,
you can't preach something that you don't believe in. If
you walk away without fulfilling what you came here for,
you might as well never preach again
I looked at Helena again and went back to her, I knelt
down for the last time..
I put my both my hands on the wound and pressed
harder..
Me: If I can't heal you then my gift is useless, I can't
preach what I don't believe in. I believe in my gift, I
believe in who I am and I believe that I can do all things
through christ who strengthens me, I don't have faith I
am faith!
Maybe a minute passed and then she opened her eyes, I
removed my hands..
I can't believe that I did it, can't believe I healed an angel.
She looked at me..
Her: I knew that you could do it
She got up as my hands were glowing, she looked at
Nomvelo and then looked at me. She slightly nodded..
I went up Nomvelo..
Nomvelo: You did it.. Didn't you?
Me: I did it
Her: I knew that you could do it
I stood behind her and covered her eyes with my hands..
Me: Thank you
Her: What are you doing?
Me: I'm opening your spiritual eyes to seeing an Angel
_
NKULI
I saw a human figure that was wearing a black robe. I
couldn't see his face but he was tall and he was standing
by the door, it was very dark in the bedroom only the
moon provided partial light..
Me: Who are you?
I felt darkness and fear as the figure approached me, I
was in bed and I couldn't move nor scream..
It came closer and closer and..
******
I opened my eyes and looked around, I looked at the
door and the was no there, I was breathing heavy and
sweating. What I dream, it felt very real..
_
NOMVELO
He removed his hands from my eyes and at first
everything appeared blurry, I rubbed my eyes for a few
seconds and what stood before us was something that I
have never seen before. It was indeed an angel, a female
with very big wings and taller than a normal human
height. Her wings were pretty big.
I freaked and went to stand behind Nazo..
Him: She is a guardian angel.. She's very harmless
I moved a bit to look at her and then hid again..
Her: By tomorrow you won't have any memory of this, it
will be bits and pieces
Me: It's a real Angel
Nazo: Really? I didn't realize
In my mind I kept on repeating the words "It's a fucken
Angel"
Her: I can hear your thoughts and the language is very
offensive
I wasn't preps for this.. Is this what Nazo sees? He's gift is
really something far beyond human understanding..
99
SNAZO
Nomvelo walked back to the car because she was
freezing her warm clothes didn't quite kick in or she
didn't wear warm enough, plus Helena's presence was
too overwhelming for her. Helena looked at her as she
opened the passenger's door..
Helena: The first time I had an encounter with her she
was meant to be involved in a terrible car accident, that
night I had to push back her car from starting
Me: Wait.. You have had an encounter with her? You've
always known her?
Her: It was written long time ago that both your destinies
had to collide to bring about one destiny, as soon as the
world of darkness knew about that both your lives were
always in danger. You had to be protected at all times.
See, most things happened so that what it is today can
come true. Fate is not always favourible some things
weren't pleasant but they had to happen. Your Brother
had to be a vessel that brings Nomvelo to you, if it wasn't
for him you wouldn't have known her and she would've
killed herself right after she learned the truth about her
Uncle and what he did. Nkuli was never tailored for you,
none of those girls you were involved with before were
tailored for you. Nkuli is a slave to money, she would've
use this to her own advantage and her own selfish
desires. Most of all, she was still not going to be faith but
her... The most important reason that Nomvelo was
chosen for you is because of her faithfulness, she has
always known how to commit to only one person and
despite how she grew up she always had a good heart.
She has self respect, she's strong and she's just what you
need to go forward. Never regret the mistakes you made,
some of them needed to happen so that they can lead
you to your destiny. You were chosen Nazo so that the
scripture I Corinthians 1 verse 27 could come into pass
Me: "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world
to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak
things in the world to put to shame the things which are
mighty"
Her: Yes
Me: So I was foolish?
Her: Not in so many words
Me: I should go
Her: Remember you and Nomvelo are not immune to
being attacked by the enemy and Nomvelo she needs to
start being spiritually and emotionally strong, she's going
to get there but it won't be easy. She was here for you
today when you almost gave up, you need to be there for
her especially on this spiritual journey because it won't
always be easy
Me: I know
Her: But we will always be there for you, as always
I started walking to the car..
Me: See you around Helena
Her: I always see you though you don't always see me
Me: I know and it still creeps me out
I am very proud of Nomvelo and what she did today,
everyday she makes me fall more more harder for her.
She had passed out on the seat, I looked at the time and
it was 4:45 we have been here for quite a while..
_
NOMSA
I hardly slept last night I was thinking about Nomvelo
giving me all the money, honestly speaking I thought she
wouldn't want anything to do with me after everything
that I've done to her. It amazes me at how she has grown
and at the same time it amazes me how my life is starting
to change, light is shinning through in what was my dark
world. I owe it all to my Mother, sometimes I would hear
her praying for me at 00:00am. When I started to church
I learned to forgive myself back because the regrets that I
had were holding me back too, now that I have forgiven
myself and have prayed for God to touch the ones I've
done wrong into forgiving me, I am glad that my self
healing is worth it. I wiped my tears and glanced down at
the book, I have jotted down a few business ideas. It
would've been nice if Nomvelo could partner with me, I
will run it through her...
_
NOMVELO
I was so sleepy when we got home all I wanted to do was
to rest for a while. Nazo threw me on the bed, he had
actually put me on his back for the fun of it..
I yawned..
Him: Look at that.. That means a person won't be getting
any morning glory this morning
Me: I just wanna rest a bit but I wanna send Zeash a
message that I won't come to work today I'm really tired
Him: It's very nice to be you, you can just decide that you
don't wanna show up at work and it's fine, if you worked
for me I would've long fired you.. So you going to sleep
all day?
Me: That was the plan until I remembered that someone
mentioned something about a credit card yesterday at
church
He raised his eyebrow..
Him: What credit card?
Me: Have you no shame?
Him: I don't know anything about a credit card, but
there's something that I didn't mention
He went to drawers and took out some car keys and
threw them on the bed..
Him: You can have my Polo
Me: Are you serious?
Him: I'm serious
I got off of the bed and went to hug him..
Me: Thank you soo much
Him: Now you can drive yourself to work
Me: Thank you very much babe
I kissed him..
He picked me up..
Him: And my credit card doesn't come for free
Me: Prostitution.. What kind of a preacher are you?
Him: One that just doesn't give away his credit card for
free
Me: You going to exhaust me more
Him: I'll be very quick
_
NKULI
Grams: Good morning
Me: Morning
Her: Why are you up so early?
Me: I just had a bad dream that's all
She sat down..
Her: Wanna tell me about it?
Me: No.. I'd rather not.. It's okay
Her: What are you going to do today?
Me: Nomvelo is coming over we going to spend some
time together
Her: Should I be worried?
Me: No you have nothing to worry about, we just going
to talk and catch up that's all
I picked up the mug and drank my coffee..
_
NOMVELO
Okay this wasn't like the last time when we were
intimate, today was completely a different scenario. The
last time he was gentle and we engaged in passionate
love making but today, he was ripping me apart..
I could feel him very deep inside of me and though I tried
to concentrate much on the pleasure but it was a bit
uncomfortable in a sense, being that deep was
uncomfortable.
He was behind me and kneeling on the bed was better
than kneeling on a rough surface, it was going to make
everything more uncomfortable. While my other hand
was balancing on the bed, my other one tried to push
him away but he held both of them and pinned them
behind my back, making my upper body to come into
contact with the bed, and my face was buried deep in the
pillow and the pillow helped to trap my loud screaming.
With my hands pinned down I couldn't escape even if I
wanted too, he was really going hard so hard I could hear
his loud breathing. Not in my life of being sexual active
have I ever received it this hard, it wasn't a total horrific
experience was just new. Basically this is his way of
showing his dominant side and it's like the more I
screamed his name, the more harder he went. When my
screaming was seizing he would use his one hand to lock
my hands were small and then with his other hand he
would grab my hair not too rough though..
Me: Babe please I'm tired!!!
I wanted to blackmail him with tears but they weren't
there. He was moaning and very much enjoying himself,
he wasn't lying about having a big appetite after all..
Me: I swear I'm not ever going to talk to you when we
done!!
Him: The more reason then I should rip you more apart if
it's going to be like that
Me: Nazo please it's burning real bad.. Babe please..
After this, I swear I'm not going to talk to him anymore..

100
SNAZO
I only slept for a few hours and then at 12pm I went to
work to check how things were going, we doing soo well
that we now have an office in town. First thing I did was
to buy redbull, I needed a bit of kick to function for the
time being that I'll be at the office..
Tumi: Why don't you just go back home and rest boss,
we have everything under control
Tumi is our receptionist. She started a few months ago.
When I'm not around Shine is the one who is in charge
but he is mostly in the field with workers and supervising
them, we have 5 guys now working for us each earning R
8000. I even feel like that's not enough considering the
work that they do and how committed they are, I also
pay them for overtime. Shine gets around 17k a month, if
a contract pays more he gets more and I also bless my
other employees with more. Me being the CEO and
everything I get a bit more, well I get a lot more.
Expanding our business to Mpumalanga is something
that's going to start very soon, very soon as in like next
month the latest. I was also thinking of other businesses
to venture in.
Starting from next month some of the money that we
will be making will go into helping others, God didn't
bless me to gain on my own but I should give back to the
less fortunate. There more that the business will be
getting, there more than we could give back. That's what
Jesus would do if he was here..
Mpumi knocked..
Me: Come in
Her: If I remember correctly you said that starting from
next year we will be giving back to the less fortunate
Me: That's true
Her: I would also like to offer a suggestion
Me: I'm listening
Her: Maybe we could supply high schools with sanitary
pads, for girls who can't afford and maybe also go to a
few clinics around rural areas and ask them to give the
girls around that area
Me: Sounds like a good idea
Her: You don't know how painful it is for a girl to be on
her periods and not have a sanitary pad, some will go as
far as not going to school
Me: I understand what you saying, you and my wife will
definitely look into that
Her: Thank you very much
Me: You welcome.. How many contracts do we have?
Her: You can come and see
We both went to the reception..
Her: About 5 clients and it's big clients
I yawned while rubbing my eyes..
Her: You are truly blessed Boss, I have never seen a
business doing this well before. The Lord's favour is
definitely upon you
Me: Thank you, Tumi and thank you for being a part of
the family
The door opened and Shine walked in, he was holding his
Daughter Mpumi..
Me: Ehhh look who came to visit us today
He put her on top of the counter and exhaled
Tumi: Who is this little cutie?
Me: Shine's Daughter Mpumi
I picked her up..
Tumi: Wow Shine you never told me that you have such
an adorable Daughter
Shine: Kanti yindaba ye South Africa yonke na? (The
whole of SA must know)
Tumi: Haibo don't be rude I was just asking
Me: Still wondering how a bastard like him could have
such a cute Daughter
Tumi came the other way around..
Tumi: How old is she?
Shine: 8 months
I have picked it up I think a month back or so that Tumi
likes Shine a lot, and Shine being Shine he doesn't
notice..
Me: Where is Sbosh?
Shine: Yazi leskhekhe sing'jwayela kabi (That bitch is
messing with me)
Tumi took Mpumi from me..
Tumi: Did you even come with her bottle?
Shine: Ang'keni straight (I'm not sure)
Tumi: What is she going to eat?
Shine: ngidlule ema shop ngathenga izinto nyana (I
passed by at the shops and bought a few things)
Shine gave her his car keys...
Shine: You can check in the car
Okay that was unexpected, all of a sudden Shine is a fan
of English? Maybe I'm missing something here. Maybe he
also likes her..
Tumi: Let's go get check what we have in the car
I turned to Shine..
Me: K'hambani? (what's going on)
Him: uSbosh bekangekho kubo iWeekend yonke (She
wasn't at her house for the whole weekend)
Me: What? Her Mom was is on a wheelchair who was
looking after Mpumi?
Him: Yinto eng'yenza ukuthi ng'hlanye leyo ushiye
uMpumi noMamakhe (That makes me mad because she
left the baby with her Mom)
I shook my head while whistling..
Shine: Aze alethe lama boyfriend nyana wakhe a useless
engcosini yami, stru kuyonetha ama bullet (If she hell
dares bring her useless boyfriends infront of my child, it
will rain bullets)
Me: Stepfathers
Shine: Cabanga (Imagine)
Tumi came back and gave Shine a weird look
Shine: Yini? (what)
Tumi: You bought the whole store? Boss you should
come and see this
We all went outside and his trunk was full. Different
brands of nappies, different brands of milk formula,
bottles. You name it and it was there..
Shine: Eyy aningiyekeni bengazi ukuthi ng'thengeni (leave
me alone I didn't know what to buy)
I'm clueless about babies but Shine is worse.
_
NOMVELO
I heard a knock at the door it was faint until it started
getting louder..
Nkuli: Velo ukhona (Velo are you around)
I took my phone and checked it, I had missed calls from
Nkuli..
Nkuli: Velo!!!
I dragged myself out of bed in my still sleepy state to go
and open for her, I first wrapped a towel around my
naked body..
It was still burning and very sore, but at least I can walk. I
unlocked and opened..
Her: Hau!!!
She made her way in..
Her: Did you see what time it is?
I ignored her..
Her: Open the windows it's a bit stuffy in here kanti
what's wrong?
Me: I'm not feeling well
I went and sat down on the bed, sitting down was a
mission..
Her: Ohhh eish now I see.. Askies shame you should've
taken a cold bath, just sit there for at least 5min or so
and then get yourself a Canex T cream. That used to help
me a lot
She went and opened the windows..
Me: Thank you for the tip Nkuli (sarcasm)
Her: What did you do? He usually uses that as a form of
punishment
Me: I didn't do anything
Her: Eish mara.. Yazi uNazo yena he forgets that you just
a baby, maybe he forgot ukuthi we no longer fucking
because I used to like it a bit rough manje eish he is still
trapped in the past
Nkuli was irritating me even more..
Me: let me go and pee
Her: It's going to make the situation worse
Me: Manje ng'hlale ngiz'chamele? (so I must just pee on
myself)
Her: Haibo sisi! I'm not fighting you I'm just giving you
tips! You don't know how he is like when it comes to sex
so I'm helping you here as your big sister
I stood up and went to pee..
Her: Should I make the bed for you?
I stopped and looked at her..
Me: No!.. Yazi Nkuli today nje I'm not in the mood please
Her: Fine ke ngizohamba! (I'll leave)
Me: Thank you!
Her: You didn't even ask how I am after I got kidnapped
and I was protecting you!!
Me: What?
Her: Bye Velo
She walked out and I went to lock..
_
SNAZO
I was trying to keep up with everything that was
happening but I was just too tired..
Shine: So ucabangani ngale ndaba? (what do you think
about this matter)
(Silence)
Shine: Snazo!!
I opened my eyes..
Me: Ya?
Him: Zkhiphani ngawe? (what's wrong with you)
Me: Nex I'm just tired
Him: Then vaya uyogidla nyana (go and rest a bit)
Me: Ya eish I'll see you tomorrow
I took my car keys and walked out of the office to the
reception, Tumi was still occupied with entertaining
Mpumi..
Me: I'll see you guys tomorrow
Tumi: Okay Bye
I held Mpumi's small hand..
Me: Bye Nana
Tumi: She is such a sweetheart she hardly cries
I made my way to the door and I bumped into Sbosh..
Her: Snazo!! Siphi les'lima ebathi uShine? (Where is that
fool called Shine)
Me: I think you need to calm down, you going to scare
the baby
Her: Anginandaba! (I don't care)
Sbosh is a very beautiful attractive girl, she is very loose
and Shine was supposed to smash and pass but he
fucked up and got her pregnant..
She pushed me out of the way..
Her: Yazini ng'cela usuke endleleni (please get out of my
way)
Not forgetting that she's very crazy..
_
NKULI
I cannot even put it into words how livid I was, I really
thought that I could live with this things of Nazo and
Nomvelo being together but I can't! To even think that
he touched her makes me very angry, angry to a point
were I feel like killing both of them right now!
_
NOMVELO
Although Nkuli and I had an altercation earlier on but her
advice worked a bit, Just a bit. I did take a cold bath and I
felt a bit better and all that feeling of feeling tired and
sleepy left me. I seriously don't know what she meant
when she said that she was protecting me, what really
happened that night. The door was wide open when
Nazo made his way in, I was making the bed..
It did show that he was tired..
Him: At what time did you wake up?
I ignored him, he took out his wallet and then got his
credit card out and handed it to me..
Me: I don't want it
Him: What do you want ke?
Me: For you to sleep in your brother's bedroom until
further notice
He chuckled..
Him: Ya that's not happening
Me: Okay then I'll go and spend a few nights at my
Grandmother's house
He gently grabbed my arm and made me to look at him..
Him: I'm sorry about this morning.. Look me in the eye
and tell me that you didn't enjoy
Me: That's beside the point
Him: Then what is the point?
I looked at him..
Him: Okay Nomvelo ufunani ke? (what do you want)
Me: Nkuli was here?
Him: bekazile la? (he was here)
I nodded..
Him: I thought she got kidnapped
Me: How do you know?
Him: Never mind
Me: No Nazo how do you know that she was kidnapped?
He sighed..
Him: She called me
Me: When?
Him: Before the negotiations to tell me that she was
kidnapped
Me: And you never told me?
Him: I didn't tell you because I didn't think it was serious,
I still don't think it's serious
Me: So that's your excuse? I thought you said we
shouldn't lie to each other
Him: I didn't lie.. I just didn't tell you
Me: And that's supposed to make me feel better?
Him: Let's just leave it because it's going to make us fight
and I'm very exhausted
Me: Ya let's leave it vele nje ngoba even this morning
when we were having sex she was on your mind
Him: Ini? (what)
Me: When we were having sex this morning she was
definitely on your mind because she even knew what I
should've done when we were finished to help ease the
soreness and the burning sensation
Him: Eyy kanti ukhuluma ngani? (what are you talking
about)
I kept quiet and continued fixing the bed..
Him: Ngathi uzong'hlala ku Oxygen, uzong'cika
straight(you going to annoy me)
He started walking away and I don't know what came
over but I clicked my tongue..
Me: Nx!!
I don't know when he got hold of the small pillow and he
just hit me with across my face..
Him: click your tongue at me again and see how this is
going to end up
I kept quiet because he was very angry..
Him: Anzange ngithi siyeke lento kaNkuli? (Didn't I say
let's leave this thing with Nkuli)
He stepped closer and I stepped back..
Him: Ngizok'shaya Nomvelo uyezwa? (I will hit you)
I still remained quiet.. He threw the pillow on the bed
and walked out to the house, while banging the door
behind him..

101
NAZO
"You made me a, you made me a believer, believer
Pain!
You break me down, you build me up, believer, believer
Pain!
Oh let the bullets fly, oh let them rain
My life, my love, my drive, it came from...
Pain!
You made me a, you made me a believer"
I was laying back on Niso's bed while listening to one the
songs that he made me fall in love with because he used
to play it almost everyday, I was playing it on my phone...
[Imagine Dragons_Believer]
My eyes were closed and though I was dead tired I just
couldn't fall asleep, a lot of things were running through
my mind the major one being my fight with Nomvelo. I
don't think that I've ever been this angry with her, she
really angered me today with all that Nkuli nonsense.
Nkuli pisses me off to the core, why can't she just be like
Mantwa and move on..
"I was broken from a young age Taking my sulking to the
masses Write down my poems for the few That looked at
me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me"
The door flung open, I opened my eyes and it was Gugu.
She was holding a broom with her, she wasn't around
when I got in, I wonder where she went. She was very
mad she started hitting me with the broom..
Me: What are you doing? Stop!
I got up and held the broom..
Me: Damn Gugu!!
Her: Uyahlanya wena? (are are you crazy)
I let go of the broom..
Me: Yini kanti? (what's wrong)
She hit me on my shoulder and I felt something cracking..
Me: Gugu yeka maan eish!! (stop it) think you dislocated
my shoulder
Her: I will do more than that!!.. Yini ngawe Nazo?
Sowunesandla wena ebafazini? (what's wrong with you,
so now you beat women)
Me: Gugu angim'thintanga uNomvelo (I didn't touch
Nomvelo)
Her: Ohw so what? She's crazy to be laying on the bed
and crying?
Me: I didn't beat her, I have never raised my hand on a
woman and I'm not going to start today
Her: Manje uhlanya uVelo? (so Velo is crazy)
Me: I didn't do anything! Nomvelo takes whatever shit
Nkuli says and then she fights with me
Gugu: uNkuli futhi? (Nkuli again)
Me: Nomvelo must stop listening to her cousin or else
akayoshada naye (she must go and marry her)
Gugu: I'm tired of this Nkuli serious! She walked out but
then stopped and looked at me..
Her: Go fix it.. By tomorrow I wanna see you guys all
touchy touchy and inlove as always
I sat down on the bed and put my hand on my shoulder..
Gugu: Ngeke nje sizodlalwa uNkuli! (I won't let Nkuli play
us)
_
NOMVELO
"Tell me what you say now?
Tell me what you say
Come again?
If you cannot stay down
Then you do not have to pretend
Like there is no way out
I shoulda never let you in
Cause you got me face down
And don't take this personal
But you're the worst
You know what you've done to me
And although it hurts I know
I just can't keep runnin' away"
I was laying on the bed listening to The worst by Jhene
aiko, never knew that fights could hurt this much. I have
dealt with a lot in my life and drama in my marriage is
the last thing I want, literally right now my fight with
Nazo triggered things that I thought I had buried. Those
old scars started bleeding again. Nazo can be too much at
times, he needs to really loosen up because I can't deal
with his intimidating side. Niso was once physical with
me and I don't wanna go through that again, I don't
wanna be a victim of domestic violence. The door
opened and he walked in, My heart skipped a bit. I
stopped the song from playing as he sat on the armrest
of the couch, the couch is a bit close to our bed. I didn't
even look at him, I avoided eye contact at all costs..
Him: You told Gugu that I hit you? Ngik'shayile Velo? (Did
I beat you)
Nazo has a very nice voice, it's just a bit deep and it
becomes very intimidating when he's mad. Literally you
will shake in your boots..
Him: You take whatever you and your cousin talk about
and then you bring it into our relationship! Am I
supposed to be happy with that? I don't even know what
you two talk about and I don't wanna know! But
somehow I'm caught up in the middle
This was not going to end well and I just don't wanna
fight anymore, it's too emotionally draining. I got out of
bed and put on my flops and then took my phone and
walked to the door, unfortunately he beat me to it and
then locked it...
Me: I don't wanna fight Nazo
Him: Running away what is it going to solve?
I went sat on the armrest of the couch were he was
sitting and tried by all means to block my tears from
falling. I really didn't wanna fight and my tears fell
anyway, I couldn't hold back. He came and crouched
infront of me, he held my hand and kissed it..
Him: I love you soo much and I would never raise my
hand on you no matter how much you piss me off, I
might've lost my cool but I'll never hit you
He ran his thumb next to my eye and wiped my tears, he
did the same thing on the other side..
Him: I know that uNkuli is your cousin, she's your family
but she's also my ex. Sometimes Exes can be messy and I
know her she rains revenge on anything and anyone who
hurts her. I would appreciate it if your relationship with
her ends at your Grandmother's house and over the
phone, I don't want to see her here because I have no
business with her. She is nothing but trouble
I understand what he was saying, Nkuli can
be very bitter..
Him: Nkuli is my past and you my future, I don't even
think of her until you bring her name up and I definitely
don't think about her when I'm making love to you. I
don't want anything to do with her, and I don't want her.
If I wanted Nkuli I would be marrying Nkuli
He squeezed my cheek..
Him: I'm marrying the most delicious and tasty chocolate
muffin that I've ever tasted
There he goes making me blush..
Him: I love you MaButhelezi
Me: I love you too
He kissed my hand again..
Him: Know that I never wanna see you cry because it
hurts me a lot, I'm not saying things are always going to
be perfect but if we fight can it not include Nkuli?
I nodded..
Me: Okay
Him: Promise?
Me: I Promise
He got up and then balanced both his hand
hands on my thighs, he then kissed me..
Me: Im still owed a credit card
Him: Thought you didn't want it anymore
Me: That was before
He took out his wallet and gave it to me, I opened it..
Him: R5 000 limit
Me: If I overspend?
Him: It's coming out from your paycheck
Me: Dawn would never do me like that
Him: Dawn is not the one signing your paycheck.. I am
Me: Huh?
Him: If you overspend it's coming out from your
paycheck
He stood up straight..
Him: I'm going to bath and then rest a bit I'm tired
Me: Okay I'll prepare dinner
He stopped..
Me: What?
Him: Is Gugu helping?
Me: Nope..
He cleared his throat..
Him: Uhm.. I can't wait for dinner
I smiled at him..
Me: I'll make sure dinner is ready when you wake up
Him: I hope I won't wake up tomorrow morning, I'm just
saying because I'm really exhausted
Me: I'll wake you up Babe don't worry
Him: I bet you will
I laughed as he went to the bathroom..
_
NKULI
We heard someone knocking at the door..
Grams: Come in
The door opened and Gugu walked in, she was holding a
sjambok..
Gugu: Sawubona MaNgcobo (Greetings MaNgcobo)
Grams: Sawubona nawe (Greetings to you too)
Gugu: Ngiyaxolisa kakhulu MaNgcobo kodwa lokhu mele
kwenzeke (I am very sorry but this has to be done)
She charged at me and started whooping me with the
sjambok..
Grams: Hai Gugu!!
My Grandmother got in between us..
Gugu: Ngizok'fundisa abantu! (I'll teach you a lesson)
Me: Usangene yini? (are you insane)
Grams: Yini Gugu? (what's wrong Gugu)
Gugu: Yeka uNomvelo! (leave Nomvelo alone)
Me: uyagula serious!! (you are sick)
Gugu: uphinde nje ubeke unyawo lwakho lapha kwami
uzobona (if you step your foot again at my house you will
see)
She clicked her tongue and then walked away..
Me: I'll get you arrested!
Her: Hamba! Lokho angeke kwenze uNazo ak'thande!
(Go ahead that won't make Nazo to love you)
Grams: Sowenzeni manje? (What did you do now)
I clicked my tongue and walked to my bedroom...
_
TUMI
When Shine and his Baby Mama started going back and
forth with shouting, I took Mpumi and went to Nazo's
office because she was crying. All that shouting scared
her. That girl was beautiful to be acting all crazy, I don't
like to judge People but she looked like one of those wild
girls. I tried to calm Mpumi down, I gave her a pacifier
and she kept quiet though she had hiccups from all that
crying.
Me: You alright baby.. Shhhhhh
Shine stood and the door and looked at us with his hands
in his pockets..
Me: Is she gone?
He nodded, when Mpumi saw him she stretched her
hands to him while crying and dropping her pacifier.
Shine took her from me and then I picked up the
pacifier.
She laid her head on her father's chest, Shine put his
hand on her back and kissed her on her forehead..
Him: Shhhhh
When he ran his hand on her back she calmed down, I
was really enjoying the moment..
He looked at me and looked at the Pacifier, I handed it to
him..
Him: Ta ngwana (Thank you)
He walked away leaving me still caught up in that
adorable moment, I can tell that he is a good father. He
just makes my heart melt..
_
NOMVELO
Snazo was sitting on the bed and I was behind him busy
massaging his shoulder, was a bit red and swollen..
Me: I'm sorry Babe.. Didn't think she was going to attack
you
Him: It's not your fault.. She's always been this crazy
I laughed..
Me: She reminds me of Cookie Lyon, she doesn't take
shit from no one
Him: she's always been like this
Me: Are you ready for this coming Sunday?
Him: Are you ready?
Me: I'm ready
Him: I can't wait
This coming Sunday we are going to exchange rings at
church and the bishop is going to bless our union infront
of the whole church, and then the next Sunday Nazo is
going to be officially ordained a preacher with me right
next to her. I can't wait!
102
NOMVELO
2 MONTHS LATER
Where do I even begin? Since that time when Nazo and I
had that disturbing fight I thought that things were going
to spiral out of control between us but honestly that was
never the case. I have been so genuinely happy within
this period of 2 months I don't even think it's normal for
someone to just keep on experiencing happiness and
happiness on a daily basis. Our union was a success and a
blessing, we exchanged rings infront of our close families
and the the congregation. Nazo's mentor Bishop
McCarthy was the one who blessed our union and our
rings, It was a very beautiful moment. It wasn't a white
wedding Nazo still stood on his words that he is going to
give me a white wedding when he thinks that I'm ready,
quite frankly I don't understand his reasoning but it
makes sense to him. We had the union and then I
officially changed my surname at home affairs from
Ngcobo to being Buthelezi, we were officially married
and we still owe our families and close friends a little
ceremony with regards to that. Not only did our union
happen but Nazo was ordained a Preacher too I mean
how perfect can things get? Our lives were just too
peaceful without the presence of anyone opposing us,
not even Nkuli. Nazo has made a name for himself he has
been invited to a lot of church functions, he has been
preaching and doing a lot of motivational speaking, he is
frequent on the Purgatory channel that now People were
acknowledging his presence. People would stop us at the
mall or in town, he was really becoming a very important
somebody...
So it's a new year and the plan was to go back to school
but I applied late because I have been feeling sick lately
and unfortunately I was not considered, seems like I'll
have to apply again around June the college do take new
applicants on the second semester. I could say that my
sickness started about last month and it got worse when
I started with the contraceptive pills. I have been feeling
very nauseated, I am drained most of the time, I have no
interest in a lot of things and I get dizzy every now and
then. My breasts become tender and sensitive most of
the time, it's just a mess and I don't know what's wrong
but I believe it's the after effects from the contraceptive
pills. He knocked again..
Nazo: Nana you have been there for a while now, I'm
starting to get worried
I was kneeling at the toilet with my head almost buried
inside, I woke with feeling woozy again. I was trying so
hard to vomit maybe I'll feel better but all I could do was
just retch and spit. I got up and flushed the toilet, then I
went and rinsed my mouth before walking out of the
bathroom. I never knew contraceptive pills could be this
hectic, It's been long now the effects should be seizing. I
stood at the door of the bathroom and looked at him, he
was fixing his cufflinks
It was a early Saturday morning and I was supposed to
accompany him to Pretoria he was invited to do some
motivational speaking alongside Prophet Badru but with
my state of health I don't think I'll be able to go with
him..
Him: Maybe I should stay
Me: No.. Please don't
I walked and sat on the bed next to my Bible, I had
woken up to say my prayers and the sickness started
right when I was supposed to be reading my morning
scripture. I am content with my spiritual life currently, I
am born again I've accepted Jesus as my Lord and
Personal saviour I enjoy reading the Bible and some
spiritual books. I do a lot of reading. I am even reading
some book that Dawn gave me to learn more about the
nature of demons, to make Exorcisms more easier for
me..
Him: Didn't the Dr said that the side effects of the pills is
just a temporary thing?
Me: He did
Him: It's been long now MaButhelezi, don't you think
that we should go back?
Me: I'll be fine
He said next to me and I laid my head on his chest..
Him: Let's make a deal.. If you not fine by Monday
morning we going back to the Dr, maybe the pills aren't
for you
Me: Okay
His cologne was smelling nice that I didn't want to move.
He kissed me on my forehead.
Me: You should go, wouldn't be nice if you arrive there
late
Him: I'm good.. There's 3 people before me
Somehow his deep voice was soothing..
We heard a knock at the door..
Him: let me get that
He got up and went to open..
Gugu: Good thing you still here
She walked in.. Nazo closed the door..
Gugu: Did Nomvelo iron your shirt?
She fixed his collar..
Nazo: Yes
Gugu: I'm impressed.. This is good
Me: What can I say? You a good teacher
Nazo: I want you to check up on her, she's sick
Gugu: You still sick?
I nodded..
She came and felt my temperature..
Gugu: Hai are you sure it's the pills?
Me: I can't find another explanation for this.. It has to be
the pills. The side effects are common and they will go
Nazo: But they not going
Gugu looked at Nazo..
Gugu: Aren't you late?
He looked at his watch..
Him: Ya I should get going
He took his things..
Gugu: Don't worry about Velo.. I'll take care of her
Nazo: Thank you.. I'll see you guys later
He put his hand on my chin and kissed me..
Him: Get some rest.. I'll call you
Me: Okay
Him: I love you
Me: I love you too
He kissed Gugu on the cheek..
Nazo: See you later
Gugu: Bye baby
He walked out..
Gugu folded her arms and looked at me..
Her: Okay when was the last time you had your period?
Me: Last month I think
Her: You think?
Me: I wouldn't even call it a period, it was just spotting
and very mild cramps. Not like period pains, I really don't
know maybe my cycle is changing
Her: When did you start using the contraceptives?
Me: I don't remember.. 2 weeks ago maybe?
Her: Where are they?
Me: They in the drawer
She went and got them..
Him: That's all of them?
Me: Yes
Her: Good
She took them and went to the bathroom, after a while I
heard the toilet flushing..
Me: Gugu what are you doing?
Her: I'm getting rid of them
I got up from the bed..
Me: What? Why?
I walked to the bathroom..
Me: Why would you do that? That's not right you
invading my space and my privacy
Her: Nywe Nywe my space and my privacy, Nomvelo
your cycle is not changing.. You pregnant
I froze..
Her: Before you started taking contraceptives were you
guys using any other form of contraception?
I shook my head no..
Her: You pregnant Baby and I think you have been for a
while now
I walked back to the main room and slowly sat on bed..
Her: We can go to the Dr and confirm but I'm very sure
that you pregnant
This was unexpected, I didn't know what to think..
_
TUMI
I took the documents and walked to the office, he was
sitting back on the chair and looking at some document. I
knocked..
He looked at me and then put the document down. I
made my way in..
Me: Nazo's signature is needed on some few documents
but since he's not here, you can do the honours
Him: athi sibone (let's see)
I handed him the documents..
Me: It's a few supplies
He looked at me..
Him: I can read, ungazong'phaphela (don't be too
forward)
Shine's personality is confusing, sometimes he can be
nice and then the next moment he is switching you off.. I
let him read and then after he took the pen and signed.
He handed me the documents again..
Me: Thank you
I walked away...
Him: Cava (look)
I stopped and looked at him...
Him: Grand sharp uzoyenzani after work? (what will you
be doing after work)
Me: Why?
He shrugged his shoulders...
Me: I'll be at my place chilled
Him: Ngizobe ngiye kwenye iPub & grill (I'll be at some
pub&grill)
Me: So what does have to do with me?
He chuckled and shook his head while rubbing his hands
together..
Him: Neh ku grand.. (it's cool)
He went back to what he was doing..
(Silence)
Me: Did that statement have any significance?
Him: ekhoneni lakho (at your station)
Me: I-
Him: Manje (now)
Me: Of course
I walked out..
_
NKULI
I have been staying at my Grandmother's place for a
while now, the rent was up at my place for 2 months
now and my landlord has been sending me endless
Smses. The last Sms he sent me was telling me that I'll be
evicted. I had no money to pay for rent plus where I live
is very expensive and since I had a fallout with my blesser
things have been very hard for me. Definitely chasing
after Nazo is not helping, it's not maintaining my lifestyle
and definitely not paying my bills.
Grams: Nkuli
I looked at her..
Her: You know that I love you and I don't mind having
you around
Me: but?
Her: Vele uzimisele ngani? (what are your intentions)
Me: With what?
Her: I don't think you have any plans of doing anything,
you expensive and you want expensive things. I am old, I
am a pensioner
Me: I am not working because jobs are scarce plus kanti
isn't Nomvelo helping?
Her: uNomvelo is not an atm yala ekhaya (Nomvelo is not
our ATM)
Me: uDanger is renting he has to help too
Her: Nkuli ngikubuza ngawe.. Wena ungitshela ngabanye
abantu (I am asking about you and you telling me about
other people)
I stood up..
Her: uyaphi manje? (where are you going)
Me: to get fresh air
_
NOMVELO
Gugu drove me to the Dr. I was very nervous, what if I am
really pregnant? I just hope it's the pills or my cycle
changing. I am not ready for a baby. The Dr asked me a
lot of questions including when I last went on my
periods, he asked me about my symptoms just a lot of
questions that confused me..
Him: I will do two tests, one is a normal pregnancy test
and then the other one I'll send your sample to the lab
and you will get the results next week Tuesday or so
He got the pregnancy test..
Him: You can go to the toilet, pee in this cup and put the
test in and then we will wait for the results
I took the test and the cup and went to the toilet, I did
the test as instructed and then went back to the
consulting room. He put on a latex glove and took the
test from me, I sat down and waited for the results..
Him: Are you nervous?
I nodded..
Him: Unplanned?
Me: Yes
Him: Baby Daddy?
Me: He is not around
Him: But you two are still together?
Me: Yes
Him: That's nice.. At least you will have someone should
you test positive
I wish he could stop talking, he was making me more
nervous..
After a while he looked at the test..
Him: You wanna see?
Me: Yes
I cleared my throat..
He handed me the test..
Him: one line means you not pregnant, two lines means
you pregnant
I took it and looked at it..

103
NOMVELO
The ride home was a very quiet one, I didn't even tell
Gugu what the results said I'm just gonna tell her when
we get home plus the Dr allowed me to keep the
pregnancy test.
When we got home that's when I showed her the
pregnancy test, I was still in shock with the whole
situation.. She has been nagging me about seeing it
Gugu: Two lines.. Hau Velo you pregnant kwamampela
Nothing was sinking in as yet..
She started tickling me on my tummy..
Her: Soon I'll have two small feet running around the
house and breaking my things
She stopped tickling me..
Me: Can we not tell anyone about this please
Her: Not tell anyone? You're going to tell Nazo right?
Me: Yes I will tell him but other people I don't want them
knowing just as yet
Her: I understand
Me: I probably shouldn't even consider applying anymore
She sat next to me..
Her: Now don't make me angry.. Ungaqali (don't start)
Me: How will I handle a baby and studying at the same
time, let alone being a preacher's wife?
Her: I am here and I will look after the baby while you
focus on your studies, you're going to go to school
nothing is going to change. You still young, you need to
achieve your dreams it's not like the olden days anymore
and I'm sure Nazo is going to support you
I nodded..
Me: I'm scared.. I mean I don't know anything about
pregnancy and now I have someone growing inside of me
Her: Pregnancy has it's ups and downs, but it's a very
beautiful experience. When the baby starts moving and
kicking, it's a joyful feeling. It's a bit overwhelming but a
joyful feeling, an unbreakable bond is going to be created
between you and your baby and when she/he finally
arrives it's going to be the best feeling ever and we going
to be here for you every step of the way, never feel alone
Me: Thank you
Her: Let's go inside the house I wanna start baking
Me: I'll help
Her: You can sit on the couch and watch tv
Me: I'm not even showing yet
Her: You in your first trimester, you very much prone to a
miscarriage so I really don't want you stressing or
handling a lot of things and tiring house chores
Me: Gu-
Her: Hai phela angeke sishone le nale ngalento (We
won't keep on arguing about this)
I exhaled..
Her: This is my first Grandchild Nomvelo please kill me
for being a concerned Grandmother
My phone started ringing..
Me: I have to take this.. It's Nazo
Her: I'll be in the house
She walked out..
Me: Babe
Him: At least she's still alive
I chuckled..
Me: That's not funny
Him: How are you feeling?
Me: I'm a bit better now
Him: Are you resting?
Me: I'm fine
Him: Are you resting?
Me: I'm fine
Him: MaButhelezi are you resting?
Me: I'm fine
Him: Uyayidaz' inkani ngane kaNgcobo uzobuyela kini
(You very stubborn, I'll send you back home)
I laughed..
Me: Aren't you supposed to be on the stage now
motivating?
Him: I'm going up in 5min
Me: Okay
Him: I'll see you later
Me: See you later
Him: Ngi tops ngawe yezwa? (I love you)
Me: Bye Babe (Laughing)
I hung up and took my Bible then went to the house, I
have been reading Genesis 37 Joseph's story. Nazo
recommended it to me and I must say that I am falling
inlove with it so far..
_
TUMI
I am originally from Botswana, born and bred in
Botswana. My little sister and I we moved to South Africa
a few years ago right after the death of our Mother. We
used to live in a family house, my Grandmother died first
then my Mom followed and my Uncle put us out.
We had no choice but come this side and live with our
Aunt. My Aunt is a very good person, she used to take
care of us until she started getting sick and she couldn't
work anymore that's when I had to step up and get a job.
It's not easy being a breadwinner and I don't mind taking
care of my little sister and my Aunt the problem is that
my Aunt is very costly because she has to see Doctors
and specialists every now and then. It is not clear what's
wrong with her hence why she's seeing a lot of Doctors
hoping for a more clear diagnosis. My little sister
Rethabile is 16 years old, or turning 16 rather in a few
months time and she demands a lot. She is in a private
school, School fees is R1100 a month now that she's
doing grade 10 all the way up to grade 12, she wants me
throw her a sweet 16 birthday party ontop of that rent
and groceries are on me because we live in a 2 bedroom
flat. I am not a person that talks a lot, I hate fighting and
arguments so sometimes I just sacrifice a lot for the sake
of peace because my little sister is a devil. The last time I
refused to buy her a phone she told me she's going to go
and sleep with different men so that they can buy her
the phone. I just wish my Mom was here or my Aunt
wasn't sick so that they could help me out. We have
different Fathers and they both not a part of our lives, so
it's just me and her.. Shine tapped on my counter, I didn't
even realize that I was lost deep in my thoughts. I looked
at him as he offered me a tissue, I wiped my tears..
Me: Thank you
I like Shine a lot and that's not because he has a good
paying job, we have spent a lot of time together in the
workplace and feelings just started developing. Let's be
honest it is difficult to find guys who are well off, I am not
sure about Shine being faithful and committed in a
relationship but I like him a lot. I wouldn't wanna be with
a guy who is going to be a financial burden on me..
He looked at the time..
Him: Seng'qedile singavala (I'm done.. We can close)
Me: Okay
On Saturdays we only open to do filing and we only open
from 09:00-14:00
He wanted to walk away and go back to his office but his
conscience didn't allow him..
Him: kwenzakalani? (What's wrong)
Me: It's nothing
Him: Cava ke.. Take this deal ye lunch ePub&Grill then
uzong'shayela ukuthi uhlushwa yini (Take this lunch deal
at the pub and grill and you can tell me what's troubling
you)
Me: Why do you care?
Him: I don't
Me: Very well
Him: Ok ok ok bheka yeka ukuflopa, ngicela uzobloma
nami lapha ePub&Grill (Can you please come and chill
with me at the pub&grill)
I looked at him..
Him: Ngiyak'cela Ngwanas (Please babe)
Me: Okay I'll come
He tapped on the counter while smiling..
Him: Get your things ready sphume kulendawo (get your
things so that we can be out of here)
He walked back to the office, I sorted out the files with a
smile on my face..
_
SNAZO
Me: Someone said to me this other time "Rev everytime
when I think about something bad it happens and it
happens quicker, but when I think about something
positive nothing happens. It's like I'm a magnet that
attracts bad things only"
It was a crowd of about 150 people or so, everyone was
just listening attentively..
Me: I am not standing here and talking to you in a
religious perspective because people who are gathered
here have different beliefs, I am standing here and
speaking in general. If you sitting here and you don't
believe in God then you have to be believe in something,
a power that is beyond you. You cannot be here as a non-
believer for the mere fact that you here now and wanna
get something from this talk it means you believe, you
cannot go through life without faith. Faith is what gets
you through difficult situations, faith speak things into
existence. Faith works with a divine power, faith works
with spiritual law. The reason why negative things
happen more quicker is because you put more thought
and passion into it. If you constantly thinking about
failure, you give that thought power and that thought
will manifest and failure is what you going to get.
Remember "As a man thinkenth in his heart, so is he"
your life is shaped by your thoughts. If you give too much
faith into failure then failure is what you always going to
get, you creating a life that is full of failure and spiritual
law is going to grant you failure after failure. Change how
you think and see if your life won't change, putting more
faith in positive thoughts won't rob you of anything. The
Bible says "Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on
what happened long ago" because there's no future
there. Bringing your past into your future will do nothing
but destroy you and hinder you from achieving what
you've always wanted to achieve. I feel very strongly
about affirmations, write an affirmation down say it over
and over everyday until you believe it and your faith will
bring it into pass. Now mind you, please don't write an
affirmation that you also won't believe, don't affirm
something like "I'm a millionaire" while deep down you
don't believe it, rather affirm "I have a good relationship
with money and financial prosperity follows me at all
times" if you affirm "I'm a millionaire" but don't even
believe it then you going to get exactly what you
expecting than what you have affirmed. You can't affirm
something and then have doubts, your doubts are going
to give you a different result because that's what you
expect. One would say but money is evil, money is not
evil. People who love money make it evil, remember it's
your love for money that makes it evil because if you love
money soo much then you won't even hesitate to shed
blood so that you can get it. Money is the answer to
everything but the love for money is the root of all evil.
You don't have to affirm money, affirm anything that is a
need to you. Some of us here need food for the soul. We
need peace, love, kindness, forgiveness and so forth.
Affirm whatever it is that will break the chains that are
holding your heart captive and your soul from breathing.
If we had more time I would dwell much on affirmations
but unfortunately we don't have time but I do hope we
meet again. I am Rev Buthelezi and it was a blessing to to
stand in front of you today, thank you.
They gave me a standing ovation while I went down..
_
NKULI
I knocked at my Grandmother's bedroom..
Her: Come in
She was reading her Bible..
Me: Can I talk to you?
She closed it..
I went and sat down next to her..
Me: First of all Koko I would like to apologize for being
disrespectful to you
She kept quiet..
Me: I wanna stop fighting with everyone, I wanna stop
being an enemy of everyone in the family
She still kept quiet..
Me: I would like to start going to church with you and
also I wanna make peace with Nomvelo
Her: Nkuli..
Me: Please Koko.. Yes I might've been against her and
Nazo but not anymore, holding on to hate and anger it's
only going to destroy me
Her: Nkuli I don't want trouble anymore, I don't want you
giving Nomvelo any trouble
Me: I know that I'm not to be trusted but I'll prove to
everyone that I mean no harm
Her: Sizobona ngawe (we will see)
Me: Can I make you a cup of tea?
Her: That would be lovely thank you
I stood up and went to the kitchen to make her tea, as I
was busy making tea I felt a presence behind me. I felt
like someone was standing behind me, I turned around
and I was right. That figure I once saw was standing
behind me, I tried to move but I couldn't. I tried to
scream but it was as if like my voice was blocked. He
walked closer and put his long finger on my forehead..
Him: Denbora da (it is time)
His long nail cut me a little on my forehead and that's all I
could remember before going down..

104
TUMI
At first things were awkward between me and Shilne we
didn't know what to talk about because most lyrics our
conversations revolve around work, we have never been
together like this out of the office.. He was surprised that
I was drinking cool drink instead of an alcoholic
beverage..
Me: Can I ask you something?
Him: Sho?
Me: Are you this shy around women?
He chuckled..
Him: Eyy angikho shy (I'm not shy)
Me: I beg to differ
Him: Ok inkinga ukuthi this thing yama relationship
akusiyizinto zam' (Relationships are not my things)
Me: have you been in a relationship before?
Him: bekungasiyinto eSerious (It wasn't something
serious)
Me: I don't understand
Him: I've always went for lama ntombazana nje
angahlaliseki, nakhona nje bekuyizinto za mzukwana (I've
always went for wild girls, and it was always a temporary
thing)
Me: Izinto zamzukwana? (Temporary things)
Him: Uyazi maan (You know)
Me: Angazi (I don't know)
He scratched his head..
Him: Just good sex nje lapho nalapho
Me: Ohw more like friends with benefits?
Him: Ya zona lezo.. Committed nje aii, ama relationship
ane stress sawo (relationships come with a lot of stress)
I sipped on my cool drink..
Me: I understand
Him: Wena? (what about you)
Me: My Exes have never been faithful, after my last
boyfriend I just took a break from dating
Him: Serious?
Me: Serious
Him: Ke moss umuntu angazibekela amagama (A person
can hit on you)
I laughed..
Me: Eat your food
Him: How are you finding yours?
Me: So you can say more three words?
Him: Yabo?? Uzozibhadalela (you see.. You will pay for
yourself)
I laughed again..
Him: Kanti ucabanga ukuthi ang'gelezanga? Fede nje vele
uyang'scanna usho ukuthi nayi lebhari ebulawa utshwala
(You think I didn't go to school? I'm sure you look at me
and think I'm a fool that's addicted to alcohol)
Me: Haaa! I didn't say that (Laughing)
Him: Ngeke umuntu azi (A person wouldn't know)
We continued eating..
(Silence)
Him: New earrings?
I touched them..
Me: Ya got them not so long ago.. How did you know?
Him: Ngoba you always match your earrings with a dress
or a t-shirt that you wearing, manje lawa awangeni kule
skipa os'shayile vandag (the ones you wearing don't
match with the tshirt that you wearing)
That was fluttering..
Me: What else do you notice about me?
He looked at me..
Him: Izinto ezibhaya (it's a lot of things)
Me: Like?
Him: Ok..
He put the piece of wors back on the plate and took the
saviette to wipe his fingers..
Him: Sometimes awufaki iMake-up so it can be easy for
you to cry without messing up your face, nakunjalo it
means khona okwenzekile (When it's like that it means
that something happened)
I was really taken by what he was saying..
Him: You smile a lot nje hayi ngoba ufuna, but to pretend
as if like uright ukusisusa nje emehlweni (You smile just
to fool us and make us think that you okay)
His phone rang, he looked at it..
Him: Ngiyeza (I'm coming)
He stood up and picked it up from the table then walked
out..
I was speechless, I didn't know what to say..
_
NKULI
I heard my Grandmother's voice calling out to me, I also
felt her touch..
Her: Nkuli vuka! (wake up)
I slowly opened my eyes and she was sitting next to me..
Her: Are you okay? Ungithusile (you scared me)
I got up..
Me: What happened?
Her: I don't know I heard a sound then when I came to
check, you were on the floor
She helped me to get up..
Her: Why are you so cold?
Me: I'm not sure
Her: Are you okay? Don't you wanna go to the hospital?
Me: No I'm good Grams
All of a sudden I sensed certain movements from outside,
I looked at the door..
Me: Someone is going to open (whispering)
Indeed the door opened, Danger walked in. That was
weird, how is it possible that I could hear footsteps from
outside while I'm inside the house??
Danger: Sanibonani (greetings)
Grams: Danger is supposed to drive me to the mall
Me: Okay
Her: Nkuli are you sure that you okay?
I faked a smile..
Me: I'm fine Grams
Her: If something happens call me
Me: I will
She went to the bedroom..
Danger: Uyagula yini? (are you sick)
Me: Not exactly
I pulled the chair and sat down..
Him: You got eye contacts?
Me: eye contacts?
Him: Your eyes.. They look different
Me: Uhm.. Ya I think I did
My Grandmother came back..
Her: Ngiyabuya (I'm coming back)
Me: Okay
They walked out..
_
NOMVELO
I felt someone kissing me all over my face..
I smiled first before opening my eyes..
Me: You such a nuisance
Him: When I'm sleeping and you bother me it's okay but
when I do it, I'm a nuisance
Me: Weren't you the one who said I need some rest
Him: Heard you been napping for hours
Me: That's not true
Him: Then what's true?
Me: I just needed the rest
Him: I'm glad that you had the rest
He kissed me again..
Me: How did it go?
Him: It went well
Me: I'm glad to hear that
He kissed me on the cheek..
Him: Gugu baked some scones.. I'll make coffee
Me: Not for me
Him: That's a first.. You saying no to coffee?
I cleared my throat..
Me: I need to tell you something
He looked at me..
Him: Sounds serious
Me: It is
Him: What is it?
Me: or maybe I should just show you
I got up from the couch and I had a serious dizzy spell, he
held me..
Him: Easy.. Think you got up way too fast
Me: Ya maybe
Him: Are you okay?
Me: I'm okay
He let me go and then we walked out of the house to our
room..
Me: Sit down
Him: MaButhelezi khuluma (Talk)
I put my hands on his shoulders and forced him to sit
down..
Him: Ugcwele ukudlala yazi (you full of games)
I got the pregnancy and handed it to him..
He looked at it and then looked at me..
Me: It's a pregnancy test
He looked at it..
Me: Two lines
Him: Two lines what?
I didn't say anything..
Him: Wait.. You pregnant?
Me: I'm pregnant
He chuckled in disbelief..
Him: Okay I know you full of games so don't play me like
that
Me: Gugu took me to the Dr and he did tests, he also
sent samples to the lab I'll get the results next week
Him: So the reason why you been feeling sick is because
you pregnant? I mean we pregnant?
I nodded..
Him: My baby is having a baby?
Me: We having a baby
He stood up and kissed me..
Me: You excited?
Him: shocked and excited at the same time I'm
overwhelmed with different emotions
Me: I know I was too
He put his hand on my tummy..
Him: Can the baby even breath there? Seems like there's
not enough space
Me: I'm not even sure how far long I am
Him: I didn't expect such good news
Me: I wanted to go back to school
Him: but?
Me: There's too much stress there I don't wanna stress
the baby and end up with a miscarriage
Him: You be fine nothing is going to happen to the baby,
you won't miscarry
Me: You seem sure about that
Him: I am.. I'm a healer remember so relax nothing is
going to happen to our baby
He squeezed my cheek and then kissed me..
Him: I promise you, the baby has too much protection
I wrapped my arms around his neck..
Him: There's me a healer, then there's Dawn an Exorcist,
then there's Zaine and also Badru. Don't forget I always
have a warrior Angel hanging around and a guardian
angel
Me: What about physical harm?
Him: There's Shine
We both laughed..
Me: Keep him away from my baby please
Him: I love you
Me: I love you too
_
NKULI
I heard different voices going around the room, I then
saw shadows just moving around very fast. I moved
around in circles trying to understand what was
happening, they were making me dizzy. I closed my eyes
Me: Stop
I closed my ears too..
Me: Stop!!!!!
I did that for a while and then I opened my eyes, I didn't
see the shadows anymore nor did I hear the voices..
I sat down on the couch and took the remote, the
Purgatory channel was on. They were repeating Snazo's
sermon. As soon as the camera landed on Nomvelo
something deep inside of me moved, I can't believe that
my Grandmother even thought that I was being sincere
with my speech earlier. I was faking everything, there's
no way in hell that I'll humble myself to that bitch and
apologize, no way!!! She should apologize to me..

105
NKULI
I couldn't fall asleep I kept checking the time and it was
2:30am. I am not a person who suffers from insomnia but
lately I have been having problems with falling asleep,
especially in the early hours of the morning. As I tossed
and turned, that black figure with a black robe appeared
again. I sat up straight
Him: Don't be scared
I was scared..
Him: I am not here to hurt you
Me: Who are you?
Him: I am Lucifer the fallen angel
That came to me as a shock and it also scared me, my
heart started beating very fast..
Me: Leave me alone or I'll scream!
He approached me..
Me: My Grandmother prays and she goes to church
He stopped and didn't come any further..
Him: Trust me not everything is black and white
Me: What do you mean?
Him: Your Grandmother is a joke of a Christian
Me: What?
Him: She is a hypocrite.. She stands firm in the presence
of God and praise him while she has a lot of hate deep
inside her, that hate is for your Uncle's ex wife
I kept quiet..
Him: She's not even transparent to God about that, it
would weaken me if she could confess to him about this.
Transpecy weakens me
Me: What do you want?
Him: You right it's not fair. What fate or destiny supports
disgrace? How can Nomvelo marry her boyfriend's
brother? It's sickening, what destiny is that? Why would
God allow such a disgrace? Unless of course he is not as
good as they make him out to be
I let him continue..
Him: I was not shown fairness in heaven, I was thrown
down like trash by my own Brother, Archangel Michael.
My righteousness was ripped from me and that's when I
lost the pureness of an Angel. I deserved a second
chance, If God could give these filth of human beings
second chances over and over again why not me too? My
own family turned against me and even today they still
persue me! I have no peace, they have turned me into
what I am today. A serpent! I was thrown down to Earth
and I made this world my own, it's always going to be a
battle of Good and Bad. It's very crucial to pick the right
side. My side is the truth, my side seeks revenge, my side
you see things clear. My side has riches, power and
everything that you can think off. I am the king of this
world, it would be beneficial to pick my side because if
you don't I will persecute you, you will never have
peace.
I didn't know what to say..
Him: You very special, you can be a vessel for my queen.
Nira and together we can get the revenge that we both
want
Me: Nira?
Him: You and Nira share the same traits, Anger and Hate
if you two become one in that body you will be
unstoppable
Me: I don't know
Him: All you have to do is to say yet to your true form,
you have been chosen and selected. You will enjoy the
riches of life, say yes to being my queen say yes to Nira
Me: I can't even see you
Him: I need a body to express myself but unfortunately
so far there's no body that's appropriate for me
This was just too much..
Me: I'm going to need time to think
Him: Time is what we don't have my Queen, I will find a
body and we will be together again. Have you wondered
why you can't sleep at this hour? That's because it's
considered a witchful hour that's when demons, devil
worshipers, and them work. Those who are on our
opposing team they wake up and pray, they try to
oppose us with everything that they have bloody beings!
Me: I don't know about this
Him: Think about it my Queen
He then disappeared..
_
DAWN
I was woken up by a heavy cloud of darkness, I opened
my eyes and checked the time it was exactly 3am. The
witchful hour..
My wife is not around, she is close to giving birth so she
was admitted yesterday. Tomorrow she might go to
labour or some time next week, Sway didn't want any
complications so she checked herself in..
I got out of bed and went to the balcony, I wasn't
wearing anything on my upper body and it was a bit cold.
I saw an Angel flying flying my way, I stepped back a bit
as it landed on my balcony. It was archangel Gabriel the
messenger, Gabriel holds revelations especially for
religious leaders. When Gabriel himself makes your
acquaintance it means that shit has heat the fan!..
Me: Gabriel
Him: Dawn
Me: What is it
Him: It's not good at all
Me: Talk to me
Him: Nira has been unleashed
Me: What?
Him: The Queen of hell Nira has been unleashed and
they might've found her a vessel
Me: Who is the vessel?
Him: That's the problem.. We can't see they shielded her
from us
Me: So what do we do? Just wait and hope for an
exorcism?
Him: We both know an Exorcism won't work on Nira,
unlike other demons Nira doesn't forcefully possess her
vessel she needs permission and for an exorcism to work
her vessel must agree to it and give permission for her to
leave
Me: Why now? Nira has been locked away for centuries
she's an upper rank and upper level demon
Him: This is a personal war against one of our own
Me: Of course.. Nazo
Him: Nazo is saving many souls and he is standing in the
way of the Lucifer
Me: But to unleash Nira?
Him: War is coming we must prepare for it, might not be
easy to get to Nazo but it will be easy to get to him
through his wife. She has just started realizing her
spiritual life and Lucifer might use that to cripple her
faith
Me: I understand.. I totally understand
Him: We need to be prepared at all costs, I will go and let
others know
As always, I knew that when Gabriel comes personally it
means serious war..
_
SNAZO
I turned on my side, Nomvelo was peacefully sleeping. I
was very wide awake, I woke up at around 01:00am and I
couldn't sleep until now. I looked at her as she peacefully
slept, the room was dark yes but a little light was
provided by the moon through the curtains.
I got up and went outside to get fresh air, it was a bit
cold...
Voice: Snazo
I turned around and an Angel was standing behind me,
one that I've never seen before
Him: It is good to finally meet you
Me: Who are you?
Him: Archangel Gabriel
Me: The messenger
Him: Yes
Me: If you here where is Helena?
Him: I did hear a bit about your arrogancy and now I see
it, it's nothing to worry about unless of course it changes
who you are or what you've become
Me: Something is wrong, I can feel it
Him: You right something is wrong
Me: What's happening?
Him: Nazo there's a lot that happens in the spiritual
realm, things that the human eye or human knowledge
doesn't know of
Me: I'm still listening
Him: There's upper rank demons, demons that have been
locked away for many centuries so that they have no
contact with humans. Demons that a mere exorcism
won't usually work, Demons that have been locked away
by God himself
Me: If so then how can they be defeated?
Him: Archangel Michael and a few upper rank warrior
angels that fight alongside with Michael
Me: if the demons have been locked away then there's
nothing to worry about right?
Him: I wouldn't say so. One of the seals that is meant to
keep one demon locked away has been broken, Queen
Nira of hell has been unleashed and broken free. I
believe that they have found her a vessel
Me: I don't understand
A war is coming Nazo, and the war is very destructive and
personal. The war is aimed at you, through the ones that
you love and care about the most because their faith is
not that strong as yet
Nomvelo walked out..
Velo: Babe?
Gabriel looked at her..
Him: Congratulations
Her: your phone is ringing none stop, what are you doing
outside?
Gabriel: Her womb is blessed and we need to protect
every offspring that it carries because she is going to
carry a healer that's going to succeed you one day
I made my way to her..
Me: I couldn't sleep I needed some freash air
We went back into the room..
Me: Get back in bed
She hoped in bed again.. I took my phone..
I had missed calls from Dawn, I called him back..
Him: You must've really pissed off hell
I walked out again..
Me: They after my wife and my baby
Him: I know.. They trying to break the bloodline of
healers, they trying to stop your generation from
continuing with the gift because your gift serves to save a
lot of People. Your bloodline is very important
Me: Dawn I don't need to mention how important my
wife and my unborn child are
Him: I know.. We know and we going to fight, we going
to win the war. I promise you that
We need to win this war that's coming.

106
NOMVELO
The following day Gugu and I prepared for church, by this
time Nazo is already done but today I even woke up
earlier than him. He was still sleeping which is not like
him considering the fact that between the both of us, he
is an early bird. I was worried about him I mean he hardly
slept last night, I wonder what's going on..
Gugu: Nazo is late today, that's unlike him
Me: rooibos definitely cannot replace coffee in my life
Her: Did you guys have a fight?
Me: No..
Her: Then what's wrong?
Me: I really don't know, last night he even hardly slept. I
can say that he watched me sleep, something is
bothering him
The door opened and he walked in just as we were
talking about him. He was wearing his sweatpants and
his vest, it proved that he is not going to church..
Nazo: Good morning
Gugu and I looked at each other..
Gugu: Aren't you supposed to be already prepared for
church?
Nazo: I'm not going
Gugu: Is everything okay?
Nazo: Everything is fine I just need this day to pray and
connect with heaven
Gugu: On a Sunday when we supposed to go to church?
Nazo: It's a peaceful day
He poured juice for himself..
Gugu: I'll go get my bag Velo so that we can leave
Me: Okay
She walked away. This is so unlike Nazo, he would never
miss church for anything. I wanted to ask him what's
wrong but it's clear that he doesn't wanna talk about it. I
stood up and went to put my cup in the sink, it becomes
frustrating when there's tension between us. I turned
and looked at him..
Me: Did I do something wrong?
Him: Why would you say that?
Me: Because you not yourself
I said that on purpose just to see if he is going to tell the
truth..
Me: Is it about the pregnancy? You feeling some type of
way about it now?
Him: It-
Gugu walked in..
Gugu: We can go
I'll go and get my bag..
Gugu: You will find me in the car
I walked out to go get my bag and my Bible, Nazo stood
at the doorway. I have never seen him this down before,
he knows how to handle situations very well. Even with
his Brother's death he handled that well, whatever it is
that he is going through it must be serious..
Me: I'll see you after church and I hope that you will be in
a better mood by then
He gave me a very weak smile...
Him: There's nothing that you did wrong and the
pregnancy, it's the best thing that has ever happened to
me
Me: Then what is it?
Him: I just don't wanna lose you and our baby
Me: Why would you lose us?
Him: My Brother died very unexpectedly, I thought that I
was never going to make it. Then you came along and
now we going to have a baby, I can't imagine my life
without you
I walked up to him and put my hand on his cheek...
Me: Nothing is going to happen to us, now quit stressing
because you also stressing us
He held my hand and then kissed..
Gugu: Velo asambe phela!! (Velo let's go)
Him: I'll walk you to the car
He walked us to the car and opened the door for me, I
got in..
Him: Seatbelt on
Me: I know Babe
Him: Make sure that you strap it correctly
Me: Nazo I know how to put a seatblet on
Him: Gugu be cautious on the road
Gugu: haibo wena ang'qali ukushayela namhlanje (This is
not my first time driving)
Me: We will see you later
Him: Give me a kiss
I gave him a kiss..
Him: I love you
Me: I love you too
Gugu: Can we go now? Yazi nje Nazo you depressing
today don't put us in that mood
He stepped back and Gugu started the car, I was really
worried about him..
_
NKULI
Grams: I thought that you said you will come to church
with me today
Me: I know but unfortunately I just started on my
periods
Her: Are you feeling pain?
Me: A bit
Her: Do you even have pads?
Me: Maybe one or two
Her: Ngiyeza (I'm coming)
She went to the bedroom and I sat down, I was very
sleepy and drained since I couldn't sleep last night..
She came back and gave me R250..
Her: You will toiletries and painkillers
I took it..
Me: Thank you
I used to spend real money on toiletries because I always
went for expensive things, what is R250 even going to
do??
Her: I will see you later
Me: Okay
She walked out..
I even wonder if going to church is beneficial for her
considering the fact that she carries too much hate inside
of her for another human being..
I stood up went to the fridge, the was nothing interesting
in there. I closed the door and looked at the R250,
getting used to this life is going to be very difficult..
_
SNAZO
Almost everyday I tell Nomvelo how much I love her and
I realized right after my conversation with Gabriel in the
early hours of this morning that I love her very much and
I'm scared of losing her, both her and our baby. She is the
best thing that has ever happened to me especially after
losing my brother..
Helena: sulking won't make the situation better
I was sitting on the bed and looking at Nomvelo's
picture..
Me: Is it true?
Helena: I'm afraid so
(Silence)
Me: I wanna conjure him
Her: Lucifer?
Me: Yes.. If he wants to put up a fight then he should do
it with me, it's me that he wants so he should stay away
from my family
Her: We are all on your side and we not going to win this
war if you not focused, you need to be focused for
Nomvelo and your unborn baby
I chuckled in form of mocking her statement.
Me: Exactly what are you not telling me Helena?
I looked at her..
Me: Yes we going to win this war but at what expense?
How much will be caused by then before we actually win
the war?
Her: Nira is an upper rank demon, together with Lucifer
they are very cunning and tricky we just need to be
attentive about everything and always be a few steps
ahead of them
Me: I want us to win this war with my wife and my baby
still safe
Her: That can only be achieved if you focus, we going to
need you to focus don't let fear cripple you
I put the picture on the bed next to me..
Me: When is the war starting?
Her: As soon as Nira possesses the vessel
Me: Then we will be waiting for them
Her: You have our support never fogert that
_
NKULI
I bathe and then went to the mall with the R250, it's
going to be a very depressing shopping. I forfeited going
to Shoprite and Spar. Spar is degrading for me and
Shoprite is way too low class. Even though I didn't have
enough money on me I went to clicks..
I looked at the sanitary pads, I will have to go with the
cheapest ones. I usually wear tampons but since I change
it constantly I won't afford to buy two packs. I reached
for a brand that I wasn't very much familiar with, they
were a bit cheaper than the rest. I looked at them very
depressed, it's sad how my life has just suddenly
degraded..
Voice: Can I pay for them?
I turned and looked at him, I didn't expect to see such an
attractive human being..
Him: You can choose any that you want and I'll pay for
them
I looked around.. Where did he even rock up from?
Me: Uhm...
Him: Am I making you uncomfortable? I can walk around
until you make a decision
Me: No it's okay I.. I'm just not used to this, it's my first
time having a guy pay for something so intimate
He chuckled..
Him: You welcome
I took a pack of tampons..
Him: Are those even going to last you?
It's like he read my mind that I needed more..
Me: I hope so
Him: You can take as much as you want in fact get
everything that you came here for and I'll pay
I'm used to old guys blessing me, this gentleman is
younger than the blessers that I usually go for and his age
group is a bit of a problem. They like to act loaded while
they financially struggling. I took my time and got some
of the things that I've wanted..
Him: Is that all?
Me: Yes
Him: Okay I just needed a beard oil, we can go and pay
I swallowed my words when we got to the till, he took
out a black card. When he was done paying we walked
out and he handed me the plastic..
Me: Thank you
Him: Are you in a hurry?
Me: Why?
Him: You obviously held back on the shopping so how
about breakfast?
Me: I can't believe this.. You paid for me so that you can
ask me out?
Him: There's no harm in trying
I looked at him..
Me: How can I trust you? What if you kidnap me?
Him: We can eat around here if you don't trust me
We started walking..
Him: My name is Kali
Me: Nkuli
Him: Nice to meet you Nkuli
Me: Me too.. Are you from South Africa?
Him: Originally from Zambia but I spent most of my time
in the states, I was studying there
Me: That's good.. So what do you do for a living?
Him: I have businesses around here and in the states too
Me: That's good
Him: What about you?
Me: I am.. Let's just say I'm in between jobs at the
moment
Him: in between jobs?
Me: Yes
Him: Okay so where do you wanna eat?
Is this happening? He is handsome and rich too? What is
wrong with him? Something has to be wrong with him
_
NAZO
I took a bath and then I drove out to the field, same field
where I saved Helena. That's where I feel much closer to
heaven...
"Beloved.."
I listened attentively..
"You cannot expect to win this war when there's a bit of
doubt deep inside of you. If you believe in me, you
believe in me wholeheartedly"
Me: How did Nira escape? How was she freed if she's an
upper level demon?
"You saved Helena, believe that you can defeat an upper
level demon too"
Me: Nomvelo is not too strong, she has just started
connecting to her spiritual life. If something happens it
will set her back
"Beloved I am not only God when things are going well, I
am also God when things are not going well. Most of my
children seem to forget that, when things spiral out of
control they trust in their own strength rather than
trusting in me"
Me: I am aware of that
"Go home, free from worry and fear"
I took a deep breath..
"Behold I have given you authority to tread on serpents
and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy and
nothing will injure you"
I needed to hear that again, I needed to be reminded of
that again. I knew coming here was going to uplift my
faith and my spirit.. I went back to the car and drove
home, when I turned on the radio to listen to the sermon
at Purgatory, They were actually singing a song that
spoke to what I was going through..
"I trust in God, I know he cares for me. On mountain
bleak or on the stormy sea, there is no sorrow deep
down in my soul. My heavenly Father watches over me"
The song was an affirmation on it's own, to let go of what
going through and trust in God

107
NKULI
I had a great time and a delicious meal with Kali, though
Nandos seemed to be a bit below our standards but we
made the most of it. He is a very funny man, sweet, and
smiles a lot. I found myself blushing and smiling most of
the time because of how charming he was, he really took
my breath away. When we were done he drove me
home, he was driving a VW Tiguan that was white in
colour. It's quite an expensive car on it's own so I wasn't
complaining..
Him: You too trusting
Me: Why is that?
Him: You allowed me to drive you home, what if I had
kidnapped you?
I laughed..
Me: You don't seem like the type
Him: So kidnappers come with tags?
Me: Well...
I stopped smiling because my cheeks were now hurting..
Me: Thank you for the breakfast and buy me toiletries
Him: We could have more of breakfast if I could get your
number
Me: Unfortunately I don't have a phone
Him: My loss then
Me: Thank you very much
Him: You welcome
I opened the door and got out, he watched me as I got in
the yard. I closed the gate and looked at him, he waved
goodbye. I waved goodbye too..
He started playing music very loud as he took off..
"Uh, pussy ass nigga stop hating Lil Tunechi got that fire
And these ho's love me like Satan, maaaan! Fuck with me
and get bodied And all she eat is dick She's on a strict
diet, that's my baby With no makeup she a ten"
He didn't strike me as a person that is into rap, I stood at
the gate for a while I watched his car disappear, I have
never felt like this about a guy before well other than
Nazo. Kali seems too perfect, young, handsome and
rich? What is his flaw exactly??
_
SNAZO
I have decided that I'm going to stop obsessing about this
whole thing because it's only going to stress my wife and
she doesn't need stress at this moment, we going to
cross that bridge when we get there but I'm always going
to be vigilant. I decided to cook for them, Gugu left
without cooking so I hooked up Shine and I'm going to
prepare something for them. I hope they won't pass by
somewhere and eat. Shine came with his Daughter and a
few beers to occupy him up until we eat later on..
Shine: Poonkie..
Mpumi looked at him..
Shine: Suka lapho uGugu uyashayana (Get away from
there Gugu will beat you up)
I looked at her and she was pulling my Mom's casserole
dish that she puts on the cupboard at the corner..
Me: Yooh Nana uzosibangela uGugu (You going to make
Gugu shout at us)
I went to her and picked her up, she started fighting me
while crying..
Shine: Mpumi bheka (Mpumi look)
Shine took her. He gave her the pacifier..
Shine: Zizobuya kuwe no Nomvelo (It's going to go down
between you and Nomvelo)
Me: Eyy awuzwanga ngami ukuthi ngisibekile (you didn't
hear me from me that I got her pregnant)
Shine: Yi secret kanti?
Me: She doesn't know anyone knowing
Shine: Ngoba uzobonakala soon (She will be showing
soon)
Me: Awuzwanga ngam' (You didn't hear from me)
His phone rang, he looked at it..
Him: Ithi.. Let me attend this call
Didn't expect that line in English from him..
I took Mpumi as he went outside to attend the call..
Shine: Njunju..
I looked at Mpumi..
Me: Looks like you going to have a step Mother soon
She tried reaching for my cap, I took it off and put it on
her. She smiled while dropping her pacifier. I picked it up
and went to wash it then handed it back to her..
_
NOMVELO
The service was great as always, Zaine sermon was very
good at some point I didn't want it to end.. After church
Zaine came to me while Gugu went to talk to Bonolo, we
were still given that VIP treatment even without Snazo..
Zaine: Congratulations
Me: He told you?
Him: Yes
Me: I bet Dawn knows now and Others
He chuckled..
Him: He's happy and proud
Me: Ya I just didn't want people knowing as yet
Him: We not just random People
Me: I know.. I'm sorry
Him: It's okay.. I get what you mean.. Where is he?
Me: He is in his feelings
Him: He can be in his feelings?
Me: Seems like it
We both laughed..
I heard someone calling out to me..
Voice: Mrs Buthelezi
I turned and it was some random lady..
Her: Prophet
She bowed a little, Zaine put his hand on my shoulder..
Him: Don't leave without saying Goodbye
Me: I won't
He walked away..
Her: I.. It's such an honour to finally be able to talk to
you
She shook my hand and I just smiled..
Me: What can I do for you?
Her: Uhm I need to talk to you about something..
Something important
Me: Okay?
Her: Can I have your number? We can maybe meet up
and talk?
Me: Uhm.. I don't know about that
He she looked at Gugu..
Her: That's Gugu right? Rev Buthelezi's Mother?
Me: Yes
Her: She is blessed for her womb to have carried such an
important and amazing person, Rev Buthelezi is gifted
and he is powerful she must be proud of him
Me: She is
Her: Can't say the same about Niso
My smile vanished..
Me: Sorry?
Her: if she is Nazo's Mother that means she is Niso's
Mother too, they brothers after all aren't they?
Me: Who did you say you were again?
Her: I never introduced myself.. Nomvelo, as I've said we
need to talk. It's about Niso
Me: What do you want?
She unzipped her bag and took out a piece of paper with
a pen, she wrote her number and handed it to me..
Her: Let's keep it between us for now, Nazo and Gugu
shouldn't know about this as yet
She smiled..
Her: Don't forget to call me.. I'll send your love to Niso,
that's if you still love him
She smiled and then walked away. I looked at the
numbers and they didn't have any name, just her
numbers...
Gugu: Velo..
She put her hand around me and I freaked out..
Gugu: It's just me
She looked at me..
Gugu: Are you okay?
I faked a smile..
Me: I'm okay.. I'm good
Her: Are you sure?
Me: Yes I am
Her: Okay go say Goodbye to the Radebe's so that we
can go
I folded the piece of paper..
_
NKULI
I couldn't get Kali out of my mind. His smile, his lips, his
voice.. He was just too perfect.
The kitchen door opened and my Grandmother walked
in...
Her: Shuuuu ukushisa okungaka (It's very hot)
She closed the door on her way in..
Her: Nkuli
Me: Koko
Her: Unjani? (how are you feeling)
Me: I'm.. I'm feeling better
Her: uyile eMall? (did you go to the mall)
Me: Ngiyile (I did go)
Her: Let me go and rest a bit, ngikhathele (I'm tired)
Me: Okay
Her: We won't cook today.. We going to have lunch later
on kubo Snazo
Me: We going to have lunch at Snazo's place?
Her: Ya.. Kdala ngagcina uVelo (It's been a while since I
last saw Velo)
Me: Why doesn't she come here?
Her: Asiphekanga (We haven't cooked)
Me: Ai koko angazi (I don't know)
Her: Nkuli I'm tired of this thing between you and
Nomvelo, you two were close you the only Sisters that
you have
I kept quiet..
Her: Lento yenu iyaphela namhlanje (this pettiness
between you two ends today)
_
NOMVELO
When we got home I went to the room first to take off
my heels and wear comfortable shoes. I unfolded the
paper and looked at the number, what that lady said
highly disturbed me. Who is she? How does she know
Niso? What did she mean by she will extend my love to
him? What is happening? I would say she's a scam but
Nazo doesn't really mention Niso's name, if his preaching
and touches on him he would say "My Brother" he has
never mentioned his name..
I was soo lost in my thoughts that a baby language
brought me back to reality. I looked at the door and it
was Nazo, he was holding a baby...
Me: Hey
He just looked at me as he made his way in.
Me: Whose baby is that?
Him: Shine's baby
Me: Shine has a baby?
Him: Yes
Me: Wow.. I feel sorry for the baby Mama
He got the paper from me and looked at it..
Him: What's happening here?
I took it back..
Me: It's..
"Let's keep it between us for now"
Those words echoed next my ear..
Me: Just some lady at church she gave me her number,
prayer request
Him: She wants you to pray for her?
Me: Yes.. Something like that
The baby stretched her arms to me, I got her
Me: She's soo adorable
He put her nappy on the bed..
Him: Then you can change her
Me: Whoa! What?
Him: It's Just pee Velo, she hasn't changed her nappy in a
while
Me: Let's not get carried away, she is not my
responsibility and I don't know how to change a nappy
Him: We going to have a baby soon, you need to learn..
I'll be inside
Me: Wait..
He walked out..
I looked at her and she looked at me then smiled..
How the hell am I going to change a nappy?

108
NOMVELO
I had a lot of questions with regards to what that woman
said, a lot of things don't make sense. How does she
know Niso? I could say that she's a scam and what not
but to mention Niso's name that makes the situation a
bit difficult to just let go. I was at the kitchen gathering
my thoughts, I had excused myself from the table. When
I noticed that I might've been gone for a while I made my
way back only to have Nazo standing at the doorway
starring at me. He has been creeping up on me a lot
today and it somehow irritates me..
Him: You should stop lying because you not even good at
it.. What's happening with you today?
If I don't tell him he's going to push the situation and it's
just going to upset me more..
Me: Do you think that there might be a possibility of Niso
still being alive?
He frowned..
Him: Where is that coming from?
Me: I never attended his funeral so it's always been a
battle with me
Him: Niso is gone.. I saw him in the coffin, he is gone
Me: Okay
I attempted to walk away but he gently pulled me back
by putting his arm around my waist.
Him: Not so fast
He looked at me in the eye, my eyes wondered around..
Him: There's more isn't it?
Me: No
Him: Then why can't you look me in the eye
Me: Let it go please
Him: No-
Me: Gosh Nazo let just give me some space to breath!!!
(shouting)
He gave me a deadly look, he hates it when I raise my
voice at him. I didn't know what to do, I can't really take
back what just happened. We heard a knock at the door,
it came at the right time. I dragged my feet to go and
open with his presence still heavy on me. I opened the
door and it was my Grandmother..
Me: Duchess!
I was soo happy to see her..
She walked in and I hugged her, but she wasn't alone..
Grams: Kwaze kwakuhle ukukubona (It's good to see
you)
Me: Good to see you too
I looked at Nkuli..
Me: Nkuli
Her: Velo
Grams: Snazo kunjani? (Snazo how are you)
Snazo's eyes were glued on Nkuli..
Grams: Kwenzakalani? (What's going on)
Me: Long story.. Come this side guys
I led them to the living room, Shine didn't stay for long.
He left while we were still setting up the table..
Grams: MaGugus (Gugu)
Gugu: MaNgcobo
Nkuli: Gugu
Gugu: Ngaze ngavelelwa (I'm being tested)
Nkuli looked at my Grandmother..
Nkuli: Told you that this was a bad idea.. I'm leaving
Grams: Nkuli awuyi ndawo (You not going anywhere)
Gugu: Myekeni ahambe (Let her go)
Grams: Nkuli is Family
Gugu: Usho usathane uqobo? (you mean the devil)
Nkuli: That's it I'm going
Grams: If you don't want Nkuli here, nami ngizohamba
(I'll also leave)
They were going on and on busy clashing with each
other, it was tiring for me to sit there and listen to them..
I stood and walked away..
Me: I am pregnant and I don't need this right now!
Gugu: Angisho ngiyabona? (You see now)
I went to the room and locked myself inside.
_
TUMI
I was busy chatting on WhatsApp with Shine, he was
saying a lot of crazy things that made me laugh and blush
at the same time..
Aunty: Hmmm I wonder who that is
Me: No one
Her: You can't be smiling and laughing at nothing
She sat down..
Me: It's just a friend
Her: What a friend
Rethabile finally got out of the bedroom to go to the
kitchen and dish up.. I heard her opening the pot and
then closing it again, she came to the lounge..
Her: Rice&mince again?
Aunty: What's wrong with it?
Retha: We ate it last week Sunday and the week before
last
Aunty: Be grateful and eat, not everyone is able to get a
meal everyday. Your Sister is working hard to provide for
us, the least that you can do is be grateful
Retha: Braai pack is not even that expensive
Aunty: Then why don't you buy it?
Retha: If I was working I would buy it
She walked back to the bedroom, I sighed..
Aunty: Don't take it to heart, I'm sorry
Shine called just in time..
Me: I'm coming
I went to answer outside..
Me: Hello
Him: And then? That last message?
He laughed..
Him: Uyahlanya (you crazy)
I couldn't hold back, I just burst into tears..
Him: Eh ng'bhodisa bani vandag? (who am I killing today)
I clo my eyes and exhaled..
Him: ringa nam' (Talk to me)
Me: It's nothing
Him: Yabo izinto ozenzayo? (You see what you doing)
Me: Let's just talk about something else
Him: Ringa ngizolalela wena (Talk I'll listen to you)
Me: Where is Mpumi?
Him: Eish ungabuzi (don't even ask)
Me: What's wrong?
Him: Ngimenza umuntu ngimthengela iChocolate izinto
azenzayo manje (I made her someone and I bought her a
chocolate, things that she's doing now)
Me: What is she doing?
Him: Ima (Wait)
He video called me and then turned the phone to her,
she was constantly flushing the toilet..
Him: uBusy nje (she's busy)
Me: There way she's leaning on it, just make sure she
doesn't go in
He laughed..
Him: Aii ng'khathele awufuni ukuza? (don't you wanna
come)
Me: Are you serious?
Him: Ya phela yim' naye (it's just me and her)
Me: Where is your Mom?
Him: She went to see her Father, uzobuya ksasa I think
Me: And your Sister?
Him: Ahh uNtokozo ushaya lezinto zama cheese girl ama
sleep over kubo mkhozi wakhe (Ntokozo is at her friend's
house)
Me: Okay
Him: So Okay meaning what? Yebo sik'lande? (should we
fetch you)
Me: Ahh I don't know
Him: Alright sharp ke.. Ku grand I'll see you tomorrow at
work
Me: Bye
Him: Bye
_
NOMVELO
I opened for Nazo and he walked in, I went and sat on
the bed. He turned his cap the other way round and put
his hands deep in his pockets, he then leaned over
against the door not saying a word..
Me: Sorry that I shouted at you
He didn't say anything, he just looked at me..
(Silence)
Me: Some lady at church came up to me and she gave
me her number, said I should call so that we can meet
up. She said she wanted to talk to me, about Niso
Now he started to be interested in the conversation..
Me: He said I shouldn't tell you or Gugu.. That's why I
didn't say anything
Him: Have you seen her before?
Me: No.. She said she's going to extend my l..
Tears fell..
Me: She said she's going to extend my love to Niso, that's
only if I still love him
He walked up to me..
Him: Come here
I stood up and he laid my head on his chest, he covered
me with his strong arms and gave me a tight hug..
Him: I don't know what she's playing at but Niso is gone,
it could be someone that maybe knows us somehow but
Niso is gone
Me: I don't need this right now.. I don't wanna go back
there again
Him: I'm sorry.. I'll deal with this.. I promise
I just wish that they could let him rest in peace..
Nazo: Come.. Maybe you should rest a little
I got in bed and he did too, he played with my hair while I
tried to get some sleep while kissing me on my
forehead..
_
NKULI
I was so pissed, who the hell does Gugu think that she is?
That bloody bitch thinks that she owns the world it's time
that someone teaches her lesson. I thought that I was
over Nazo and Nomvelo being Together but after seeing
them today, and finding out that she's pregnant just
made me more angry. I was about to burst, I was really
angry
I paced up and down in my bedroom just feeling the
anger burning me inside, something hit my mind and I
just stopped.
Me: Fine! Let's do it! I agree!
_
NAZO
I looked at her and she was fast asleep, I slowly got out of
bed and checked around for that piece of paper until I
found it. I called the number while walking out..
Voice: Hello?
Me: Who is this?
Voice: You called me first
Me: My name is Snazo.. What do you want with my
wife?
Voice: So much for keeping it a secret
Me: What do you want?
Voice: I can't discuss this on the phone, can we meet up?
Me: It's either you tell me now or you leave my wife
alone
She exhaled..
Me: How do you know my Brother?
Her: Your Brother and I we have a child together.. Her
name is Nosibusiso
Me: What?
Her: My name is Connie your Brother and I we used to hit
it off and unfortunately when we called it quits I was
already pregnant, I just wanted Nosi to know her Father's
side of the family since she will never know her Father.
She's a bit older now so I wanted to take her to his grave
sometime, that's why I said I'll extend Nomvelo's love to
him
Me: Listen here! I don't know what you trying to play at if
Niso had a child he would've told me!
Her: He also didn't know
Me: Stay away from us!
Her: Nazo please
I hung up..

109
SNAZO
I woke up very early in the morning and before anything
else I drove up to the field to pray, I spent at least 2
hours there before heading home again. I still thought
about that phone call I had with that woman last night
claiming that she has a baby with Niso, I have a lot of
questions with regards to that that I mean we might push
her away only to find that she's telling the truth. I wanted
to have a conversation with Gugu first about this, before
Nomvelo wakes up. While she was busy preparing to do
the laundry I ran it by her, and her response was what I
expected..
Her: I don't believe for a second that Niso has a baby out
there!
Me: Why would she make that up?
Her: Nazo we moved from being an ordinary family to
being a public eye and I don't mean that in a bad way,
People will always come with stunts
Me: I don't know Gugu
Her: Why didn't she come here? Why would she just
approach Nomvelo at church nogal? Why did she keep it
a secret? Niso would've told us
(Silence)
Her: Don't even tell Nomvelo this, I don't want her
thinking that Niso was seeing someone else while they
were together, She's been through a lot she doesn't need
this drama
Me: It wouldn't kill to hear her out
Her: Nazo let it go! I am even appalled that she would
use my late son to pull this stunt! Why can't people just
let him rest in peace? Why can't they give us a chance to
heal from his death?
Gugu was blowing things out of proportion as always...
Her: Please just let this go and don't even plot anything
behind my back
_
NKULI
I was woken up by my Grandmother, from a peaceful
sleep..
Her: Kukhona abakufunayo (someone is here to see you)
Me: I don't know anyone that could come and see me so
early in the morning.. Tell the person to go
Her: It's a delivery man.. Vuka Nkuli he is in a hurry
A delivery man?.. I got out of bed and we both walked to
the kitchen, indeed it was a delivery man..
Me: Good morning
Him: Morning
He looked at the pad that he was holding..
Him: I'm looking for Nkuli?
Me: I am Nkuli
Him: Here you go Mam'
He handed me a plastic, I took it..
Him: Please sign here
I sighed..
Him: Thank you very much... Have a nice day
Me: Thank you
I closed the door..
Grams: Yini leyo? (what is that)
Me: I don't know
Grams: Vula phela (Open)
I opened and it was a phone, an iPhone to be exact. It
came with a note which read:
"Expect a call from me
Signed: Kali"
I smiled..
Grams: Weeeh Nkuli
I looked at her..
Her: Where does this phone come from?
Me: A friend
I walked to the bedroom...
Her: A fri.. Nkuli buya la (Nkuli come back here)
I just ignored her and went to the bedroom...
_
NOMVELO
I woke up in the morning, said my prayers then prepared
for work. I don't know but I enjoy working with Dawn
now, exorcisms are very interesting I mean just to think
that what you see on TV is someone's reality, there's just
too much evil in this world. They do get scary here and
there but they very interesting. I went to the house to
eat breakfast while Gugu was busy doing her laundry..
Me: Good morning
Her: Morning Velo how are you?
Me: I'm good
Her: No morning sickness today?
Me: Nothing yet
Her: Okay
Me: Where is Snazo?
Her: I am not sure, he just went out
Me: So early in the morning?
Her: Nazo has always been an early bird you know that.. I
put your food in the fridge since you didn't eat last night
Me: Thank you
Her: Nomvelo about last night.. Sorry if what I did
offended you
Me: It's okay
Her: The honest truth is I don't like your cousin, and I
don't think that she has good intentions
Me: I know
I hit up my food..
Her: She's your family I know but please be careful
Me: I will
_
NKULI
The phone was new and it came with a sim card, it was
already set up. As the note stated, I did receive a call
from Kali..
Me: Good morning
Him: Morning sweetness how are you?
Me: I'm well and you?
Him: I'm fine.. Get ready, I'll send a car to come pick you
up
Me: And where am I going?
Him: To eat breakfast together just like yesterday
Me: Ohw
Him: Unless you have something else in mind?
Me: No I'm fine.. I would like to eat breakfast with you
Him: And I like the sound of that.. A car will be there in 2
hours or so
Me: Okay
I feel positive about what's happening between me and
Kali, I feel like this is a new start a positive start for that
matter..
_
SNAZO
I know that Gugu said I must let this go but I can't, if this
baby is indeed Niso's baby then we need to right by her.
She needs to be part of the family. I called Connie to
come meet up with me I thought she was going to come
up with excuses since it was early in the morning but
surprisingly she agreed, she agreed to meet up with me
and she showed up. My first impression when I saw her
was that she looked older than Niso, I hope for a more
clear explanation..
Her: I am very honoured to even be in your presence
right now I'm literally getting goosebumps
I looked at her..
Her: I didn't contact you directly because I didn't want
this to happen, you a married man I don't want
speculations that's why I contacted Velo
Me: That's the only reason you contacted my wife?
Her: Aren't you concerned about what people would
say? What the papers could potentially write?
Me: No unless you'll have something to do with it?
Her: I know how this sounds but, when Niso and I called
it quits we still followed each other on social media and..
He used to post a lot about Nomvelo on his Facebook he
loved her and I thought that maybe if I could get to her
first it would be a lot easier to get to everyone else
Me: Let's get straight to the point, shall we?
Her: Yes of course..
Me: What happened? How did you and my Brother end
up having a baby?
Her: I was.. I was his lecturer and it was supposed to be a
fun thing, you know just sex and all since I was married
but when we called it quits I found out later on that I was
pregnant. I could've aborted but I don't believe in that,
I'm a Christian. My Husband suspected that the baby
wasn't his and when Nosi was born he did a paternity
test. We got divorced, the word was out that I had an
affair with a student I lost my job. I lost everything just
because I didn't want to kill my Daughter
She took out a photo from her bag and handed it to me..
Her: That's Nosi.. She's one year old and a couple of
months old
I looked at her..
Her: We can have her tested if you don't believe me, I
don't know how that's going to be done since Niso is no
longer around. I don't know if it's going to work but,
since you and Niso are blood Brothers we can test you
and Nosi I'm sure there would be traces of a blood line
between you two
Me: Or we could just exhume his body?
I said that to see her reaction..
Her: If it's not too much trouble, I know how this seems
and sounds but I swear on my Mother's life that Nosi is
Niso's Daughter
_
NOMVELO
I arrived at work and then Zeash just came to me and
hugged me..
Zeash: How are you?
She put her hand on my tummy..
Her: How are we? Congratulations
Me: You also know?
Her: It was supposed to be a secret kanti?
Me: I didn't want people knowing yet
Her: We not "People" we family here
Me: I know
Her: Soon there will be a lot of babies around here, Dawn
and Sway are going to be parents soon. Now you and
Nazo, I am happy
Me: I can see you're
Her: I hope that Sway will deliver the baby without any
complications
Me: Huh?
She looked around..
Her: They lost their first baby in the delivery room, there
was complications
Me: Really?
Her: Yes it was a very tough time for them, I thought that
Dawn would go back to drinking
Me: That's sad
Her: I know.. They have been thr-
The door opened and Dawn walked in..
Zeash: You look beautiful today, the glow
Me: Thank you
Dawn: Good morning
We greeted him back..
Dawn: Velo in my office please
I followed him..
Him: Congratulations on the pregnancy
Me: Thank you
Him: I have bad news
Me: Yes?
Him: You can't assist me with exorcisms anymore
Me: Why? Just because I'm pregnant?
Him: It's dangerous.. I can't risk the safety of you and
your baby
Me: Nothing is going to happen
Him: Velo..
Me: No Dawn I refuse.. I won't sit back just because I'm
pregnant
He looked at me..
Him: Then you will have to call your husband and let him
know about this, discuss it with him first
Me: I'll sure do that
Him: In the meantime you can go through the Emails and
see what exorcism we going to be doing today
Me: Yes Sir
Him: From tomorrow I won't be around
Me: Oh okay
Him: My wife is close to giving birth
Me: That's good.. We'll keep her in our prayers
Him: Thank you very much
_
NKULI
I thought that the driver was going to drive me to a
restaurant you know something like that but we drove
up to this other building, it was written "Kalenga
holdings". The gate opened and the car drove in, it drove
straight to the entrance. The driver got out and then
came to my side to open the door for me..
Me: Thank you
I got out and he closed the door..
I didn't know where to go from here so I just made my
way to the entrance and walked in, it was a very
beautiful building. I made my way to the receptionist, it
was a white lady.
Me: Uhm good morning
Her: Morning Mam' how are you?
Me: I'm fine thanks
Her: How can I help you today?
Me: My name is Nkuli and I'm here to see Kali
Her: Do you have an appointment?
Me: Err.. Nor exactly he is expecting me
Her: Please hold on one second
Me: Okay
She called him, I ran my eyes around and this place was
very beautiful
Her: Morning Sir there's someone here to see you.. Her
name is..
Me: Nkuli
Her: Nkuli... Yes sir.. I'll do just that
She put the phone down..
She handed me a card that said "Visitor"
Her: Please make your way to the elevator, Mr Kalenga's
officer is on the
second floor
Me: Thank you
I put the card around my neck and made my way to the
elevator, I pressed the second floor as instructed and the
elevator stopped there. The whole of second floor was
his office, I looked around...
Me: Wow
I saw him through the glass, he was standing by the
window and I made my way to the door. I knocked, he
turned around and looked at me... He smiled at me and I
made my way in..
Me: Good morning
He didn't say anything..
I went sat down, on one of the chairs..
Me: I thought that we were going to go out perhaps?
He still said nothing..
Me: Ka-
He signaled to me that he had an earpiece on..
Me: Ohw sorry (whispering)
I looked around and I think I might've undermined him a
bit, Kali is probably richer than I thought..

110
GUGU
One thing that I have never done was to let myself go,
having two kids didn't make me give up on looking good
and that's just me not wanting to end up alone for the
rest of my life. I mean Nomvelo and Nazo they'll be
moving out soon, and though I'm going to have a
grandchild I'll only get part time visitations. One thing
that I haven't been honest about is that Richard and I we
somewhat trying to rekindle the old flame, after all I
wasn't just a booty call the only thing that stood between
us was his wife not wanting to let go. Richard had talked
about divorcing her but changed his mind when he
learned that she had cervical cancer. She passed on
about last year, it was a long battle because she's had it
for a while until she finally gave in last year. They caught
it early and did surgery when they finally thought that it's
gone, it came back again. I am not going all in because
he's wife is now dead, I never stopped loving him even
though the odds were are against us. Richard is a very
attractive and handsome man even at his old age, he
always been obsessed with ink reason why he has a
number of tattoos. He is a very successful man he has his
own clothing line that specifically design jeans, sneakers,
and tshirts. It has become quite popular over the years
and now he is making good money from it, his brand is
also recognized in the UK well after all he is originally
from the UK but his wife is south african, maybe part of
the reason why he decided to settle here..
We met at the cemetery, it'll be his first time seeing
Niso's grave. I saw his Jaguar driving in from a distance, I
approached it just so he doesn't get lost. He parked
under some tree and then got out, he was wearing a
Jean, a tshirt and sneakers. He looked good I won't lie...
Me: You didn't get lost?
Him: No I didn't
He kissed me on the cheek and then hugged me..
Him: How are you?
Me: I'm good and you?
Him: I'm good
He put his arm around my shoulders and I we walked to
Niso's grave..
Me: And there he is
He took off his glasses and glanced down at his grave..
Him: So this is my Son's resting place?
Me: Yes it is.. Feels like a long time since I've been here
He got closer and then crouched next to it..
Him: When are we erecting a tombstone?
Me: We were supposed to have done it but Nazo is busy
most of the time
Him: I saw him last on Tv preaching
Me: He does get featured on the Purgatory channel
Him: He is still refusing to see me?
I exhaled..
Me: Sort off
He got up..
Him: Well I won't quit trying, plus his siblings want to
meet him too
Me: Sarah?
Him: Yes.. Jerome is in the UK but he will come to visit
soon and I really wanted them to meet
Me: Nazo is being stubborn about everything
Him: I wonder were he gets that from
Me: I am not stubborn
Him: Of course you not.. What am I saying?
One thing that Richard and Nazo have in common is that
they both have this charm, can't really describe it but
they can make your heart melt. I've seen how Nazo is
with Nomvelo..
Him: I should bring Sarah here with her kids some time
Me: How is she holding up after the divorce?
Him: She's getting there
Jerome is the first born, Sarah is the second born, then
Nazo follows and Niso is the last one..
Him: Do you think that things would've been different if I
was around?
Me: I don't know but, A person chooses their own path. I
mean look at Nazo you weren't around but he turned out
great, with Niso he just was always stubborn
He put on his glasses again...
He held my hand..
Him: Let's go
Me: I know a way on how you can get close to Nazo
Him: Let's hear it
Me: His wife was in some design school but things didn't
go well for her, she wanted to go back but she couldn't
find space
We leaned against his car as he fixed his glasses..
Him: It's fine I'll give her a job at my store
Me: You will?
Him: Anything to get close to my Son, It's a good thing
she has some knowledge about design she will work
closely with Sarah since she's the head of design
Me: I forgot that Sarah also did this design thing
Him: Let me walk you to your car
He walked me to my car while spanking my Ass..
Him: It's not a "design thing" it's my empire
Me: Don't you think this spanking thing is getting too
old?
Him: As long as you still got that fine piece of ass it won't
I chuckled..
Me: You better not say such or do such infront of my Son
or he will punch you in the face
Him: He is my Son too, I contributed
Me: You just contributed the sperm that made him
He took off his glasses..
Him: And the looks
I laughed...
Me: Ohw Wow Richard you will never change
Him: Get in the car so we can go eat lunch, and maybe
He put his hand on my hip..
Him: I can have dessert too
I smiled while shaking my head..
He kissed me..
Him: Drive safe I'll meet you at the restaurant
_
NOMVELO
I called Nazo to let him know about the Exorcism thing
and it turned into an argument, so much so that he
decided to come...
Him: Forget it Nomvelo.. You not putting my baby in
danger
Me: How will I be strong spiritually if I decide to be a
coward about this?
Him: This is not a game! You might come face to face
with Lucifer and he can claim the baby
Me: So what am I supposed to do? Sit at home and do
nothing? Be a housewife that was never my dream!
Him: Awuyeke uk'daza inkani! (Stop being stubborn)
I sighed..
Me: Sometimes you just irritate me
He squeezed my cheeks..
Him: Askies?
I kept quiet..
Him: This is tiring all we do is fight lately
I still kept quiet..
Me: Maybe we need some space, maybe we just too
much into each other's space that we end up irritating
each other
Him: We? I irritate you, you don't irritate me
(Silence)
Him: Okay maybe I'll just go to Mpumalamga for a few
months and work on expanding my business there how
about that? Give you all the space that you need
Me: I didn't say you should go away
Him: Then what are you saying?
I exhaled..
He went and locked the door..
Me: What are you doing?
Him: Maybe I haven't been giving you the D enough and
that's why you this frustrated all the time
Me: Nazo this is Dawn's office, we can't have sex at my
workplace
He came and turned me around while my hands fell on
the table..
He lifted my dress up and then lowered my underwear,
he pulled one of the chairs and put my one leg on it. He
spanked me a few times and then he moved his hand
until his fingers stumbled on my bean. With his other
hand he pulled me back with my weave and kissed me on
my neck, maybe just maybe I did need this. He rubbed
my bean and then moved and inserted his two fingers
inside of him, it was a bit painful that I held his hand. He
held my weave a bit tighter and whispered in my ear..
Him: Don't..
I let go of his hand as he started to finger fuck me, as he
continued doing that I started feeling pleasure kick in. I
have been turned on before but not like this, I could feel
that I was wet. He stopped doing that and then he
lowered his pants and breifs, then he rubbed himself
against my already wet hole it felt very nice and I
couldn't help myself but moan
He put it and then took it out, he did that a few times
unti he finally went deep..
_
NKULI
I was starting to get bored, Kali was busy on the phone
talking to clients and doing some paperwork it was
boring. I yawned..
Him: Sorry I'll be done soon
I wondered around in his office busy opening drawers
and what not while he handled a few things. I opened
some drawer and found a big book that looked very old, I
took it out..
Me: Codex Gigas
I tried opening it but it was locked, I turned and looked at
Kali...
Me: What is this?
Him: Finally!
Me: Finally what?
Him: It's me Nkuli.. Lucifer!
I dropped it..
Me: What?
Him: I found a body so that you could be able to see me
I couldn't believe this..
Him: Don't worry.. Kali was a willing participant after all I
made him this rich
I went and took my bag..
Me: I'm leaving
I walked to the door and it closed, I tried opening but it
didn't open..
Him: Stop it!
Me: I want to leave
He walked up to me and I started getting scared. He
balanced his hand on the wall next to me and looked at
me..
Him: When all of this is over, I promise you and Kali will
live happily ever after. Nira and I we will leave your
bodies
I kept quiet..
Him: You going to have everything that you want, plus
you have already said yes remember?
He leaned over and gave me a kiss.
Him: I'll get my keys, maybe will do lunch since it's late
now
He walked to the table..
_
TUMI
Shine put a brown bag on my counter..
Him: Lunch in my office
He took the bag and walked to his office, I followed him..
Me: What is that?
Him: Oxtail ne rice nyana
I sat on the small couch as he brought the meal to me..
Me: Thank you plus I love oxtail
He sat next to me..
Him: Awusho kanti why ung'chomela? (Why you playing
hard to get)
Me: What do you mean?
Him: I'm trying to get with you mara wena uyang'khiya
(I'm trying to get with you but you playing hard to get)
I looked at him..
Him: I like you a lot, mina nawe nje masiyi two simnandi
ende futhi nje kuzo zonke leyi khekhe engahlangana nazo
wena you deserve ukungena ekhaya ubulise umamami
(when we together it's always nice plus out of all the
bitches I've been with you deserve to step foot at my
house and greet my Mom)
I cleared my throat..
Him: Plus since I got full custody for uMpumi you the
only woman I trust around my Daughter
Me: Shine what exactly are you saying?
He took my food and put it away...
He put his hand around my neck and pulled me closer for
a kiss, well I didn't expect that. He just went bold on me..
_
NOMVELO
I was now laying back on the table and he was in
between my legs. He wasn't rough we need to consider
the fact that I'm pregnant and we don't know if rough sex
is safe..
He was rubbing my bean too and I was very wet, not only
that but I was also very close to coming. It was soo nice..
I felt my legs vibrating and he pulled back..
Me: What are you doing?
Him: I have to go
He dressed up..
Me: Have to go?
Him: Yes
Me: You can't go like that
Him: I'll be fine
He walked up to the door..
Me: Wait..
I got down from the table and prevented him from
opening..
Him: Move
Me: Why you being like this?
Him: Eish maan suka (Move)
I wrapped my arms around his waist..
Him: I'm sorry about earlier
He looked at me..
Me: I'm truly sorry
He pushed my weave back..
Him: I no longer irritate you?
Me: I'm sorry
Him: You going to stop talking to me like you crazy?
Me: I promise
Him: If you ever act crazy again you not getting my dick
anymore, and if you cheat I'll kill you without thinking
twice.. Are we clear?
Me: Crystal
Him: And one l..
Me: Babe please...
He picked me up and went to place me on the table
again..

111
NOMVELO
Later on at home Nazo and I prepared dinner together, I
found a few recipes online that I wanted to try out..
Me: Fresh cream
He passed me the fresh cream..
Me: Thank you.. I got a call from the Dr, said I should
come tomorrow for the results
Him: We'll go together
He came and hugged me from behind with his hands on
my tummy..
Him: How is pregnancy treating you?
Me: I still can't get used to morning sicknesses
Him: Is there something that you can take for that?
Me: I'll ask the Dr tomorrow
Him: Next week I won't be around for at least 3 days
Me: Where you headed?
Him: Zaine, Badru and I we embarking on a 3 days fasting
camp
I turned and faced him..
Me: Sleeoi in the bushes and what not? That type of
camping?
Him: Yeah something like that
The door opened and Gugu walked in..
Gugu: Good evening
We greeted her back.. She looked like she was in a very
good mood...
Her: See this is what I wanna see everyday, I wanna see
you guys happy and in love
Me: You seem happy
Her: You can say that, and I have news for you
Nazo: What news?
Gugu: I found you a job at some very popular store you
will be working along side the head of design and helping
out with designing a few clothes especially since now
they expanding
Me: Are you serious? I'd love that
Her: Just compile your Cv and your portfolio
Me: Wow I.. Thank you
Her: You welcome baby
Nazo: which store is this? And how did you manage to
get Nomvelo the job?
Gugu cleared her throat..
Gugu: O'Nails
Nazo: of course
Gugu: Don't ruin this for Nomvelo
Nazo: I didn't say anything
Me: What's going on?
Nazo: My Father owns that store
Me: Really?
Nazo: Yes Richard Nails
Me: uhm wow..
Nazo: Yeah while we were struggling to make ends meet
he was living the life, Niso and I we were forced into the
life of crime just so we can be able to get that next R100
to put food on the table while he was on a private jet
traveling
Gugu: That's not true Nazo
Nazo: Which part?
Gugu: Richard wanted to provide for you guys but I
refused to accept his money because I was angry. Angry
at the fact that I was inlove with him and he promised
me the world that he was going to leave his wife and we
would be together, but that never happened. I made you
guys to hate him, told you guys he didn't want anything
to do with you which was not true
Nazo: Is that the truth or you just defending him because
you that desperate?
Gugu: desp.. Don't talk to me like that
Nazo: Or what?
Gugu: I don't care if you are a popular preacher and also
married, but in my house you will respect me
He chuckled..
Nazo: I might as well move out because clearly my
opinion doesn't matter
Gugu walked up to the door and opened it..
Gugu: I'm not stopping you
Nazo: In that case we will pack up and leave
Me: Babe No..
Gugu: You will pack up and leave.. Nomvelo and my
grandbaby are not going anywhere
Nazo: She's my wife
Gugu: "She's my wife" if Niso was still around you
wouldn't even be married to Nomvelo, so when you get
time pretty boy go thank my baby in the grave
That was a low blow from Gugu..
Nazo chuckled in disbelief..
Nazo: Typical
Gugu exhaled with her eyes closed..
Gugu: Baby I didn't mean that
Nazo took his phone and car keys then made his way to
the door..
Gugu: Nazo please
Nazo: Ng'cela ukudlula (can I please pass)
Gugu: I'm sorry I didn't mean that
Nazo: Can you please move out of the way so that I can
go and thank your dead son?
Gugu: Na-
Nazo slightly pushed her off and he walked out, Then
closed the door behind him. I stood there not knowing
what to say, Gugu walked up to me..
Her: I'm sorry.. I didn't mean that
Me: It's okay
She started getting emotional..
Her: I don't know why I would say something like that
Me: We all say things that we don't mean when we
angry, just give him time he will come around
Her: I'll go and lie down
Me: Would you like me to make you some tea?
She put her hand on my cheek..
Her: No baby thank you
She walked away to her bedroom, I hope I never get on
Gugu's bad side..
_
TUMI
Shine held my hand because he could see that I was
nervous, I don't know why I agreed to this. I should've
never agreed to going home with him, I mean I am not
even sure what we are as yet and here I am going home
with him. He opened the door and we walked in, there
was a woman standing at the stove busy cooking with
Mpumi on her back. I had no doubt that it was Shine's
mother..
Shine: Mamezala
She turned and looked at us, she was surprised to see
me..
Shine's house could be a 6 roomed house, the kitchen
was to die for. The white wall cupboards, a white double
door fridge, stove and what not. Everything was white
even the tiles on the floor were pure white, not
forgetting that it was very clean also. As soon as Mpumi
saw Shine she started crying, Shine walked up to them..
Shine's Mother was very beautiful, you know you look at
Shine and you think that he comes from a broken home
but it didn't look that way. He got Mpumi from his
Mother's back..
Shine: Yini kanti manje? (what's wrong)
Her: The Dr said that she's toothing
Shine: Bamunikeni? (what did they give her)
Her: Just a few meds
She looked at me through her glasses, I got more
nervous..
Shine: Ohhh Mamezala meet Tumi, Tumi this is my
Mother. You can call her Mamezala
He said that while putting his hand on her shoulder..
Her: How are you?
Me: I'm well thanks and you?
Her: I'm well too
She came and gave me a handshake, she seems like a
very calm person but very intimidating too..
Shine: Uva uNtokozo? (Where is Ntokozo)
Her: In the lounge
We walked to the lounge..
Shine: Ntonto
Ntonto: My ever so annoying Brother that I love dearly
The Sister lowered her phone and looked at us, she was
sitting on the couch and she had her feet on the couch's
footrest..
Shine's Sister and Mother they beautiful, and they both
sound very fluent in English. It's just very amazing I
mean, I didn't expect Shine to have such a stable family.
We sat down on the other couch..
Shine: That's my lazy sister.. Ntokozo
Ntonto: I am soo not lazy
Shine: This is Tumi
Me: Nice to meet you
Her: Same here
Mpumi was very clingy, I tried taking her from Shine but
she didn't want...
Shine: Kanti yini namanhlanje? (what's wrong today)
Ntonto: She has been like this the whole day
Shine: Ithi ngibone (let me see)
He tried opening her mouth but she didn't want..
Shine: Aii Mpumi
Shine's Mother came in while holding a bottle of purity
and a spoon..
Her: She has to eat so that she can take her meds.. Come
my pumpkin
Mpumi refused again..
Her: Dumi maybe you can do it
Dumi? So he's real name is Dumi..
Me: I'll hold the bottle for you
Mamezala gave me the purity..
I opened it and Shine dipped the spoon trying to feed her
but she didn't want, she put up a serious fight and spat
everything out then she started crying..
Shine looked at her..
Him: K'hambani vele vandag kanti? (what's wrong with
you today)
She was sitting on his lap and crying..
Shine: Ithi soshawa umoya nyana (let's go get fresh air)
He looked at me and I also stood up and then we walked
outside..
_
SNAZO
Usually when I'm pissed I'd drive straight to Gazibo and
get a few beers that was my life back then, so tonight I
just drove to the hospital to check up on Dawn and his
wife. I found him sitting at the waiting area, I sat next to
him without saying a thing..
Him: What are you doing here?
Me: Just came to check up on you
He looked at me..
Me: I had a fight with my Mom
(Silence)
Me: How is Sway doing?
Him: Still nothing
I kept quiet..
Him: Sway and I we lost our first baby, with all these
delays I'm scared we might lose this one too
Me: Can I go and see her?
Him: Yeah.. Let's go
We stood up and he led the way to the ward.
She was laying on the bed with pillows supporting her
back, she had something like a belt around her tummy..
Me: You look tired
She gave me a weary smile..
Me: Can't be tired now when there's still a lot to do
Her: She doesn't wanna come
Me: She will come
Her: What If something is wrong?
Me: Don't think like that.. Nothing is wrong, if something
was wrong I would feel it. Your fear is the one that's
delaying her from coming
She looked at Dawn..
Dawn: Excuse me
He walked out..
Sway: This is affecting him more than it's affecting me
Me: She will come, we working with faith and nothing
more remember?
Her: Why are you here so late when you also have a
pregnant wife at home?
I pulled up the chair and sat down...
Me: Well I figured out that you might need a midwife
She laughed..
Her: And you going to be the midwife?
Me: Why not?
Her: We don't even know when she's going to come
Me: Sizomlinda aze afike .. Sizomlinda aze afike (we going
to wait for her until she comes)
Her: Thank you for coming... It was starting to get a bit
depressing here
Me: Then you should've called me sooner
Her: Don't you think that you comforting the wrong
person?
Me: Dawn doesn't need any comforting he is an Exorcist
She laughed..
Me: I don't wanna trip with an Exorcist
Her: If she comes, she's going to be very happy
Me: When she comes
Her: I rephrase.. When she comes
_
NKULI
Grams: Manje uzobuya Nini? (When will you come back)
Me: It's just for one night
Her: Nkuli you were kidnapped not so long ago and now
you spending a night la ngingazi khona? (you spending a
night where I don't know)
Me: Koko I'm just spending a night at a friend's house, I
need fresh air especially with everything that's been
going on around her
Her: I'm worried about you
Me: I know you're and I promise you that I'll be safe
I'll have to spend the night at Kali's place because exactly
at 00:00am my spirit and Nira's spirit has to be one. I'm
completely ready for the whole initiation though I'm a bit
scared but I can't wait for the benefits and the terror
that's going to rain on other People
_
TUMI
We walked to the shop and bought some snacks, when
we walked back home Mpumi was already asleep. I was a
bit sad that she wasn't okay and I didn't get to play with
her, she only wanted Shine. Shine went and put her on
his Mom's bed then I helped his Mom set up the table.
Ntonto was still stuck on the couch busy with her
phone..
Her: Don't let him play you, I can tell that you a nice girl
so I hope soon we will be planning a wedding
That statement caught me off guard..
Her: For how long have you two been dating?
She looked at me through the glasses again, which was a
bit intimidating. She seems a bit old school and also a bit
modern, she was wearing leggings with a tshirt, she had
a doek on and her nails were done.. She even had a bit of
makeup on..
She took off her glasses and put them aside, she had a
wedding ring on..
Her: I know he seems very ghetto, but he is a good
person. He started sinking into the life of crime when
he's father died, his father's death affected him a lot
Me: I'm sorry to hear that
Her: It's okay.. He is dealing with it better now
Her voice is so soft and sweet, I wonder if she even
yells..
Her: Let me get the food so that we can eat, thank you
for joining us
Me: Thank you for welcoming me into your home for
dinner
She walked to the kitchen..
Me: I can come and help you
She gave me a shallow smile..
Her: That's very sweet of you, you can come
I went to the kitchen to help her..

112
NOMVELO
Despite Nazo and Gugu's fallout I was still very excited
about the job at the Boutique, It's everything that I have
been dreaming about. I don't really have my aspirations
on being a housewife, I wanna get up and get my own.
It's going to be difficult being a working Mother and a
Preacher's wife but I'm sure that I'll manage because I
have the support of my loved ones. That's why I don't
want us to move out just at yet unless it's a must,
according to me I would've loved for both our families to
be constantly involved in our child's life before we could
up and leave for good. I looked at the time and it was
23:00, Nazo wasn't here I had called him and his phone
took me straight to voicemail. I was laying on the bed
and watching a few videos on YouTube about fashion
design just to refresh on a few things, tomorrow I must
get a set so that I can start sketching..
I heard the key turning, I paused the video and waited for
him to make his way in. He did not expect to still find me
chilling..
Him: I thought that you would sleeping
Me: I'm watching a few videos on YouTube, fashion
design videos
He leaned against the door with his hands in his pockets,
he likes burying his hands deep inside his pockets and
wear his hat the other way round. That's his signature
look and it melts my heart. You know what I love about
Nazo the most is that he respects me, he has never put
me in a position were I had to compete with another
woman nor fight for him, I don't know how he does it but
he hasn't given me any reason as to not trust him or to
feel insecure..
Him: So you going ahead with it?
I put my phone away..
Me: You know that I love you and I always support you,
but this is a very big opportunity for me. This is my
dream, plus I am no longer working for Dawn so.. I really
don't wanna be a housewife
Him: Do you even know why He offered you the job? He
is trying to get to me through you
Me: Babe please..
He rubbed his eyes..
Me: Where did you go?
Him: I went to check up on Sway and Dawn
Me: Zeash told me about their traumatic experience of
losing their first baby
He came to me...
Him: Zeash gossips a lot
Me: Has she given birth yet?
Him: No.. Not yet and it's driving Dawn crazy
Me: I can imagine.. I don't want that to be us
He held my hand..
Him: It won't be us, I'll make sure that you deliver a
healthy baby boy
Me: What if it's a girl?
Him: I'm betting on a boy
Me: Well we see
Him: Let me go bath so that we can call it at night
Me: Should I make you something to eat?
Him: No thank you.. I'm good
_
SWAY
I slowly opened my eyes and Dawn was sitting on the
chair across the room, he was concentrating on his
phone that he didn't notice I was awake. I looked at the
monitor and the baby's heartbeat was still strong, they
had strapped something around my tummy to monitor
her heartbeat. I don't have a family other than Dawn. My
parents passed on when I was young leaving me to the
care of my Brother who also passed on and then I was
left with Dawn. Dawn and my Brother's wife though me
and her don't communicate that much. I really wanna
have this baby, there was a lot of complications
surrounding my first pregnancy and I gave birth to a still
born, I hope this time around my baby is going to make
it. Dawn was very shattered, I mean we really want a
baby. We want to start our own family...
Me: Dawn
He looked at me...
Me: You should go home
He got up and made his way to me..
Him: How are you feeling?
Me: Still nothing
I strongly want Dawn to go home I feel like this place is
very depressing for him.
Him: Then I'm not going anywhere
Me: I'm scared too you know
He held my hand..
Him: I know that you are
(Silence)
Him: I feel very helpless.. I feel like being an Exorcist is
not enough
Me: Don't say that
Him: I fight and Exorcise demons, that's were my worth
lies. Right now I can't even save my only child
Me: Your gift is very special and there's no evil
surrounding my pregnancy, maybe I'm just stressing too
much that my body just doesn't wanna give in. Nazo was
here if something was wrong he would've seen it or
sensed it, we just need to have a little bit of faith. She's
going to come
He smiled at me..
Him: I love you soo much
Me: I love you too
_
NKULI
Kali's townhouse was beautiful, and it was in a very
sophisticated and high class neighborhood. This guy has
really done well for himself..
It was exactly 23:55 now, everything that needed to be
prepared was prepared. The incarnation was going to
take place in one of his bedrooms that he turned into a
satanic room, there were portraits of someone or
something on the wall, it had a face of a goat. There were
horns on some small table and a few other things that
were disturbing. I had on a black cloth, it is meant to
represent the darkness that is coming. I laid down on
another black cloth, there were black stones all around
me..
Him: Trust me
He was holding an ancient book, a book of witchcraft
spells. He cut a piece of my hair and put it in a holy grail,
he pricked my finger and poured in the blood. He took
the grail and put it next to the two black candles. This
one is not the one that you think off, we have inverted
our own holy grail for evil purposes.
He tore a page from the book and then lit it up, he put it
in the grail that had a piece of my hair and blood. He
came back to me and put his hands a bit above my
body..
Him: Close your eyes
I closed my eyes..
Him: Erreginak Nira goitik gora igotzen du eta gorputz
horren lepoa hartzen du, zerbitzari leiala baita.(Queen
Nira rise above and take ownership of this body, for she
is a faithful servant)
It was quiet for a while and then the window opened, a
cold chill came in and it put out the candles. I got scared,
I got really scared..
I looked at Kali and my body was lifted up from the floor
by an unseen force, as I went up in the air I could feel a
cold touch..
Kali: Denbora da! Denbora da (It is time.. It is time)
I felt something taking charge of my body, I felt that I had
someone or something residing deep inside of me. I fell
back on the floor. I closed my eyes for a few minutes and
then opened them again, I got up from the floor and
looked around. I was still in charge of my body but I felt
different, I was full of hate and anger. I felt very
confident and very cold hearted too..
Kali: I cannot believe this! You are much stronger than I
thought. I thought that you were going to be Nira's
vessel, I thought she was going to rule you and be your
master in your own body but it's the other way around.
You are ruling her, this has never happened before. Nira
is a very powerful demon that God himself locked away,
and here you are you are ruling her deep inside of you.
He walked over and held my hand..
Him: Nkuli you are very special
Me: We have some work to do
Him: Of course
He went and got the knife and then I walked to the
mirror. The mirror is not an ordinary mirror, it's more like
a crystal ball it shows us what we supposed to see. A lot
of witches in the olden days used this very mirror..
Me: Erakutsi zerbait (Show me something)
The mirror showed me Nazo and Nomvelo sleeping, she
was sleeping on her chest as if like nothing would harm
her. I felt resentment, hate, and jealousy towards what I
was seeing. Concentrating further more, on this picture
perfect moment I heard the baby's heartbeat..
Me: No!!!!!!!!!
Kali: Your love for him never died, your love for him is
now turning toxic
Me: They can never be happy.. Never!
I stabbed her through the mirror with the knife that I was
holding, I stabbed her exactly were I heard the baby's
heartbeat..
Me: No!!! No!! No!!! No!! (Shouting)
I stepped back while breathing heavy, the mirror
changed and showed me Dawn and Sway...
Kali: She doesn't know it yet but she's carrying the next
powerful Exorcist, she is going to succeed her Father
Me: The bloodline has been changed, it's going to be a
female Exorcist
Kali: She was supposed to be born but the delay is to
protect her from this great evil, whilst Nomvelo is
carrying a healer
Me: The bloodline has been changed again. A female
Exorcist, and Nazo's first born is supposed to be a
healer?
With the help of Nira, she helped me to see and know
things that were very important.
Kali: These two babies they have to die or else our
kingdom won't rule
I stabbed Sway on the tummy..
Kali: Calm down
I turned and looked at him..
Me: Our kingdom is hanging in the balance of failure and
you telling me to calm down?
I turned and looked at the mirror again..
Me: Show me Bonolo Radebe
Kali: Don't go there.. Don't get ahead of yourself
Me: I said show me Zaine's wife!!
Kali: Nkuli wait
The mirror showed me Zaine's wife, when I tried to stab
her I was knocked out and I fell across the room, I hit my
head so bad that I had a blackout, the only thing I
remember before passing out was Kali screaming..
"Damn you Zaine Radebe"
_
NOMVELO
I was woken up by a very sharp pain in my tummy, it felt
like I was being stabbed constantly. I rose up from the
pillow and put my hand on my tummy..
Me: Ahhhhhh!! (Screaming)
My scream woke Nazo up..
Him: What's wrong?
Me: We.. We.. Ahhhhhh (Screaming)
He got out of bed and went to switch on the light, he
came back to me and looked at me.
Him: Talk to me what's wrong?
Me: The baby.. We need to go to the hospital
He put his hand on my tummy..
Me: Ahhhhhh (Screaming)
He quickly went to get my night gown since my PJ pants
were short..
He took his phone and called someone..
Me: Ahhh what is happening?? (Crying)
Nazo: Gugu it's me.. We need to take Velo to the
hospital, something is wrong.. Now Gugu!
He then threw the phone on the bed..
My: My baby.. (Crying)
Him: Let's get you to the hospital
_
SWAY
Dawn: And just when I was about to drive there, Malcolm
had gotten some information on the client. It was just
sleep apnea
I laughed..
Me: That's a lie isn't it?
Him: I'm telling you
He yawned..
Me: Are you sure that you don't wanna go home?
He kissed my hand..
Him: I would rather be here with you.. So let me tell you
how it all en-
I felt some excruciating pain in my tummy..
Me: Awww!!
Dawn: What's wrong?
Me: I don't know b.. Ahhh!
I put my hand on my tummy as the monitor went off, the
baby's heartbeat seemed unstable..
Dawn: Sway what is it?
I shook my head..
Me: I don't know.. I feel some serious pain
He looked around..
Him: Shit where is the Dr?
The Dr rushed in follwed by his staff..
Me: What took you soo long? Didn't you hear the
monitor going off?
Me: I can't lose this baby too..
The Dr ran his stethoscope around my tummy..
Dawn: What is happening?
Dr: Please get him out of here
Me: I'm not going anywhere!
Nurse: Sir please..
Me: I said I'm not going anywhere!!!! (yelling)
Dr: Okay we need to do a C-section right away, OPR 1
please
Me: What is happening?
They unhooked all the machines and wheeled my bed
out of the ward, the pain was intensifying..
113
SNAZO
[Excuse any Erros]
I looked at the time and it was around 4am, Gugu made
her way to were I was sitting. Though we fought but I
was relieved that she was here, I wouldn't be able to do
this alone..
Her: Here is your coffee
Me: Thank you
We had no choice but to take her to our nearest hospital
since she was in a lot of pain that she ended up passing
out in the car..
Gugu: They going to be fine, Nomvelo is very strong and I
know that the baby will take from her
Me: There's something that I don't understand
Her: What is it?
Me: When I put my hand on her tummy I felt something
or rather sensed something, something evil that was
surrounding her
Her: How is that possible?
Me: Exactly what I'm asking myself, how can evil enter at
our house with a warrior Angel around. I'm a healer so
protection from a warrior Angel is always around,
something is not right. Dawn called me also and told me
that something is with Sway, she was also in pain
Gugu: That's weird.. Something is definitely wrong
I spotted Helena around...
Me: I'll be right back.. I need some fresh air
The Doctors haven't told us anything, they been with her
ever since...
Helena and I went to an excluded area so that we can
talk..
Me: What is going on?
Her: Nira is here.. She made a grand entrance with Sway
and Nomvelo
Me: She found a vessel?
Her: Yes, but the vessel is the one overpowering Nira
Me: Who is the vessel?
She kept quiet..
Me: Helena!
Her: Nomvelo's cousin.. Nkuli
I took a few steps back while wiping my mouth..
Me: What?
Her: She was an easy target and now she's going to rain
terror, she wants revenge. She couldn't take the
"Betrayal" well
I couldn't believe what I was hearing..
Her: Nazo this is going to be a difficult one, Nomvelo
won't want to cut her family off Nkuli is going to use that
all costs
Me: She had access to my place?
Nkuli: She didn't have too, she used the mirror. The
mirror that was used in ancient witchcraft
Me: Why would Nkuli do this? Why not go for me
directly
Her: It's not only Nkuli who wants revenge, Lucifer wants
to stop your gift from being passed on to your nex
generation by killing your unborn baby
Me: Does he have a vessel?
Her: Yes.. Kali
Me: Kali?
Her: The multimillionaire
Me: I'll be dammed!
I walked away..
Her: Nazo don't even think about it.. Going after Lucifer
in this state won't solve anything you will just end up
with a murder case of killing an innocent man. Kali is not
Lucifer, Kali is a vessel
Me: If heaven is not going to help me, I'll do it myself
Her: This is why your wife is here in the first place, you
disconnecting from us Nazo. Your anger is
overshadowing you from us you can't fight what is of
spirit physically, fighting Kali physically won't stop him
from doing what he wants to do it will just give him
courage to do more. This is what they want, for you to be
emotionally broken
Me: Helena this is serious! I'm about to lose my family
what am I supposed to do pray about it? While we doing
that they will be on the next step!
Her: Snazo calm down, go back to what you believe in. If
you wanna save your baby and your wife then do this the
right way. We all here for you and we gonna win this war
only if you stay focused
_
DAWN
Zaine found me pacing up and down in the corridor, no
one has said anything to me. Sway has been there for a
while now and I have been forbidden to go in seeing that
I was under a lot of stress..
Zaine: Hey man
We bumped shoulders..
Him: Are you good? How is she?
Me: They not saying anything as yet
Zaine: Nazo called me, the same thing is happening to his
wife too
Dawn: He told me that too
Zaine: You know what this is right? It's a spiritual attack
meaning Nira is roaming the Earth
Me: She is here and she is going to bring destruction
The door opened and the Dr came out with one of the
Nurses..
He came to us and looked at us, I don't think I have ever
been this scared before in my life
Him: Mr Baker.. Would you like to meet your Daughter
Everything just froze..
Him: Both the baby and the Mother are going to be okay,
both the girls did okay
I looked at Dawn..
Him: I'll be here
I followed the Dr back to the Operating room.
Dr: You could've met them in the ward but I figured you
can't wait
The Nurse came and handed me my Daughter..
Her: Here you go
I looked at her and she was tiny but very adorable..
Dr: She is one healthy and strong baby boy
I was very emotional I mean I have been waiting for this
day for a long time now..
I looked across the room and I saw Helena, she smiled at
me and I just bowed my head a little and she
disappeared...
Dr: Let's move them back to their ward so that the
Mother can rest
Finally my Daughter is here..
_
NOMVELO
We listened very attentively..
Dr: One strong heartbeat
Nazo and Gugu were relieved..
Nazo: So what about the pain that she was feeling?
Dr: We did tests and I kept her here on the monitor for a
while and medically there's nothing wrong with her,
when she was brought in there was no evidence of
bleeding even now she's not bleeding and the baby is
fine
Gugu: That's very good.. That's good news
Nazo: How are you feeling?
Me: Just tired and sleepy.. I wanna go home and sleep
Gugu: Can we take her home with us?
Dr: Yes
Nazo: You not feeling any pain?
Me: No.. I feel fine
Dr: Just take it easy, she's still in her first trimester and
she's very vulnerable. She doesn't need stress
Nazo: We'll make sure that she doesn't stress
Dr: She can go home
Gugu: Thank you Dr
I was very relieved when I heard that my baby is okay,
that pain I felt I thought that the baby wasn't going to
make it. I thank God that he lowered his hand and saved
my baby
My faith and trust in him keeps on getting stronger and
stronger..
_
NKULI
I still felt a bit Oozy from that fall, my head was aching.
Kali was getting ready for work and I was getting ready to
go home again.
Kali: How are you feeling?
Me: I'll survive
Him: You need to be careful Zaine is emotionally and
spiritually strong, he doesn't let anything break him. If
something happens he fasts and prays harder. You were
lucky with Dawn and Nazo, with everything that's been
happening they had a crack, a crack that allowed us to
attack. Though be careful with Nazo, when he strikes
back spiritually he rains warrior Angels and the last thing
we want is him summoning the Archangel Michael, my
Brother
Me: We are not winning, Nomvelo's baby is okay and
Dawn's baby was delivered safely. I don't even think that
we going to win this war
Him: Don't even think about winning the war, think
about winning the battle. Nazo is the one tempering with
my kingdom, he gives hope, faith. Do you know how
many people turned their lives around ever since he
started being a preacher? All those I had a stamp of
ownership on changed their minds with committing
suicide, they now have hope and they believe. Something
that I didn't want them to do!!! I'm losing many souls
because of him and not forgetting him healing the sick
Me: This whole thing is upsetting
Him: Calm down we will get there, even though they will
be more alert this time around but we masters of tricks
so we will win the battle after all
_
SWAY
I tried to move but I was in pain and I was drowsy..
Me: Dawn..
He came to me..
Him: Hey take it easy
Me: What happened? Is the baby okay?
Him: You did very well.. She is okay she made it
Me: Can I see her? I wanna see her
Him: Let me help you to sit up straight first
He helped me to sit up with pillows supporting my back,
and then he got her.
He gently handed her to me..
Dawn: She sleeps a lot
I looked at her and I was overwhelmed, after all the
stress and the delays she is here.
Me: She is so adorable
Dawn: The Nurse said she's gonna come and show you
how to breastfeed, should I call her? Or you wanna rest
more?
Me: No I just wanna hold her for a while
Him: Okay I will go and get the Nurse
He kissed me on my forehead and then walked out. I
looked at my baby I couldn't stop the tears, she is my
Angel that came at the right time..
114
NOMVELO
Nazo: Another bite
Me: Babe we full
Him: Just one last bite
Me: I'm serious there's no space for anything anymore
He put the food away. He has been very cautious with
me ever since we got back from the hospital, he would
watch me as I sleep, feed me constantly ask if I'm okay. I
found it very heart warming to know that me and the
baby matter that much to him, but it was a bit annoying
how he couldn't even give me space to breath..
Me: We're fine
He held my hand..
Him: I don't know what I would've done if I lost you guys
Me: We stronger than that
My phone rang, it was close to him so he got it for me.
He looked at it for a while..
Me: Babe?
He gave it to me, It was Nkuli..
Me: Nkuli
Her: Hey Velo how are you?
Me: I'm well and you
Her: I'm good too
I didn't expect to get a call from her, especially with
everything that's been happening..
Her: I was calling to see if you okay because honestly I'm
just tired of fighting with you
Me: Ohw
Her: I miss our relationship, we were very close and
there's so much that I wanna tell you but I can't because
of how things are between us
This was a bit off, Nkuli humbling herself?
Her: I'm sorry Velo for everything and right now I have a
new man in my life I wanna tell you about but I can't bec-
Me: Wait.. You have a new man?
Her: Yes I do
Me: Wow I..
Her: If we can meet up I'll tell you all about him
Me: Yeah.. We should
Her: You'll call me then and let me know or you can come
here
Me: Okay we will talk
Her: Bye
Me: Bye
I looked at Nazo...
Me: Wow Nkuli says she has a new man
Him: She does?
Me: Yes she does.. Seems like she has finally moved on
from you
Him: You trust me right?
Me: Yes I do
Him: I need a favour from you
Me: What favour?
Him: Please I don't want you to visit your house when
there's no one around but Nkuli only
I didn't understand what he wanted to say exactly..
Him: Or ask her to come here if she wanna see you
Me: Gugu doesn't want her here though
Him: Nomvelo I know you stubborn but please just for
once trust me, never meet uNkuli alone in an isolated
place. If she wants to see you she will come here or you
two will meet in a public place siyezwana? (do we
understand each other)
Me: Yes
Him: I will talk to Gugu
Me: Okay
Him: Let me bath.. I need to go to the hospital.. Sway
gave birth to a baby girl
Me: Can I come along?
Him: Ain't y
you supposed to be resting?
Me: Please.. I'm tired of resting
He looked at me for a while..
Him: Okay you can come along
Me: Thank you
_
TUMI
I really enjoy spending time with Shine, he makes me
happy and makes me forget about what I'm going
through at home. When I'm with him, he makes me block
out all the negativity and just focus on the moment. I am
not really sure about the nature of our relationship but it
seems as if like we are something, something exclusive..
There's a lot of things that Shine get misjudged on, and
I'm sure sex is one of them. I don't wanna lie I thought
his sex game was just gonna be boring too but I
swallowed my words on the first round. I don't know
how and I don't know why I decided to drop the ball and
opened my legs for him, or maybe his touch is a bit
paralyzing and his kisses spike up my sexual hormones.
Hormones that I thought were dead. At first it was
painful considering the fact that it has been a while since
I last got some, I even considered myself a secondary
virgin and the condom made things worse. I just wanted
him to stop but he convinced me otherwise up until
pleasure kicked in. I don't know how having lunch in the
office on the small couch turned into me being lunch..
_
NKULI
I walked up to my Grandmother she was watching TV..
Me: Koko
She looked at me..
I sat down across her..
Me: This might sound a bit off but...
She still looked at me waiting for me to proceed..
Me: I was thinking that we can plan a holiday, you, me
and Nomvelo. A holiday so that we can fix what's
happening between us because honestly everything
that's happening be happening. Nomvelo and I we all
that we going to have when you gone, she might be
married yes but we the ones left to make sure that we
continue the Ngcobo legacy..
Her: That's what you said Before Nkuli, how can I trust
you now? The last time uze wathi uzohamba nami
esontweni (The last time you said you going to go to
church with me)
Me: I know Koko but this time I'm serious, I even called
uNomvelo
She got the remote..
Her: Asazi.. Sizobona ngawe (We don't know we will hear
from you)
The only way that we going to win the battle is if I win
Nomvelo over..
_
TUMI
We had two rounds and I was glad from my side that no
client came in, what am I saying though because we put
on the "Closed" sign.
He kissed me again..
Me: We need to go back to work
He kissed me again while squeezing my breasts and I
stopped him..
Him: Ok Sharp ke
He stepped away from me as I stated dressing up.
Hormones were high I don't want him thinking that I'm
like those loose girls that he had been with before. This
was very embarrassing for me and I was regretting a
little, I gave it up too fast..
After dressing up I quickly went back to my working
station. I kept myself busy just as to avoid him..
_
SNAZO
We got to the hospital and Sway looked a bit tired, Dawn
was walking around the ward while holding the baby..
Me: Do you ever put her down?
He chuckled, Velo and I made our way in..
Dawn: What are you guys doing here?
Me: I don't know we came to push time because we that
bored?
Nomvelo moved closer..
Velo: She is soo adorable
Dawn: Wanna hold her?
Velo: Yes please
She took him from Dawn..
Velo: Look at her, is so cute and her skin is very soft
Me: Congratulations
Dawn: Thank you
Sway: Nazo
I walked up to her..
Me: I thought that you were sleeping
Her: I sleep and then I wake up, I forgot that I can't toss
and turn without hurting myself
Me: You going to be okay
Her: I hope so
(Silence)
Her: Is that your wife?
Me: Yes
Her: She is pretty
Me: Thank you
Her: No thank you for being my midwife that left me
stranded
I laughed..
Me: At the end of the day she came
Her: That's all that matters
Dawn and Sway came closer..
Velo: You have a beautiful Daughter
Sway: Thank you
Sway looked at me..
Her: That's rude.. You not even going to introduce us
Me: Well you guys are hitting it off pretty well I didn't
think an introduction was necessary
We all laughed..
This was a beautiful moment, why can't life be this
beautiful at all times???
_
NKULI
I looked at them through the mirror having that
"Beautiful moment" I had brought a small mirror from
the collection that Kali had so that I can see what's going
on..
Beautiful moment it was indeed, but they should never
think that it's over. I'm gonna rain terror soon..
.

115
NOMVELO
A FEW MONTHS LATER
Me: I think that it will work if I can shorten it at the front
Her: I think so too
Me: I'll be back
I walked over to get the pillow and pins..
Me: Okay I'll just pin it a bit just to see what I'm working
with
Her: No problem
I threw the pillow down and kneeling on it was a mission,
I kept on trying to get down but I couldn't. My tummy
didn't allow me, I was exactly 7 months pregnant now..
Me: Sorry I'll get it right
Her: Don't worry about doing that I get your concept and
were you going with it
I exhaled..
Her: I know how it feels
Me: I can't wait for him to come.. I'm already tired
She laughed..
Her: I still can't believe that I have met you
Well Nazo has been making waves lately and round
about now I can't even go out to get lunch without
someone noticing me, I never thought that he could
become this popular.
His sermons on YouTube he gets no less than 500 000
views globally, the highest he has hit was 2mill views. He
is featured every now and then on the Purgatory
channel, he has been very busy for the past few months I
hardly even spend time with him...
Sarah walked up to us..
Sarah: Everything okay?
Me: Everything is okay I just can't kneel
Sarah: I'll help with that
Me: Thank you
Sarah: Your salad and juice are in the office
Me: Thank you I'll go and eat
I looked at our client..
Me: I'm really sorry about everything
Her: It's okay you don't have to apologize though I'm
saddened you refusing to take a picture with me
Me: Look at me.. I look horrible (Laughing)
Client: That is not true.. You look beautiful
Me: You just being nice
Sarah: What am I supposed to do here ?
Me: You can-
I tried bending but she quickly exclaimed..
Sarah: Okay okay okay!! You can just tell me
I ended up taking the job at the Boutique, I have been
working here ever since. Sarah and Richard are so sweet,
I have a healthy relationship with both of them..
Me: Let me go eat my salad
Gugu makes sure that I eat cereal at 8am before I leave,
when I get to work I eat a salad and drink juice at 10am.
At 13:00 I eat lunch, at 16:00 before knocking off I eat
something. I am not complaining with how they feeding
me but the problem is that it doesn't help me with my
weight.. Snazo's family has been soo supportive that
even when he's not around I do miss him but not that
much, they always there for me. With regards to my
family Nkuli and I our relationship has been more
telephonically, My Grandmother comes over to visit me
and Danger passes by too but Nkuli she has never came
even when Gugu gave her permission. As I was busy
eating my salad Richard walked in. He took off his
glasses.
Richard is exactly like Nazo, he is very charming, funny,
and very forward..
Him: Who told you that you fat?
Me: No one
Him: You eat salads a lot
Me: I do eat food just that everytime when you come I'm
eating a salad
He nodded while curving his lip..
Him: I get it now.. I understand
I laughed..
Me: So Nazo is going to fetch me today after work
Ever since I started working at O'Nails, Nazo has never
been here before, I always drive myself and today it
happens that my car had gone for service and Gugu only
drove me to work but later she will be busy so Snazo has
to fetch me. Speaking of Nazo I haven't seen him for a
month now, he hasn't been around he went on a fasting
camp with Zaine, Dawn, And Badru they only coming
back today. I missed him a lot because especially since
there was no phone calls, nothing. They totally shut out
the whole world. They have never taken such a fasting, a
whole entire month? I hope they still alive..
Him: Gugu told me
Me: How do you feel about that?
Him: I don't know how to feel about that, I am hoping for
the best
Me: Me too
Him: Have you guys started working on the nursery?
Me: No we haven't.. We don't have enough space and I
don't want us to change Niso's room into one because
then it'll be a distance
Him: How about you guys move in with me? Or I can get
you guys a house
Me: We can get our own house thank you
Him: Ohhh soo much shade I can't even see
He put on his glasses as I laughed..
Me: We can't get a house because we not sure if we
going to move
Him: Then how about moving in with me?
Me: Nazo might never agree
Him: The sad truth
He hit the table a little..
Him: Let me go I have a lot to do but I'll be here before
you leave
Me: Okay we will see you then
He waved goodbye and left...
_
SNAZO
I was happy to be back home, the fasting went well I
won't lie but I was glad to be back. We were living on
nothing but light things such as fruits, juice, fish and what
not. It was hard at first but as time went on it got a bit
better, we had the presence of Helena, we were very
connected to Heaven. It was an amazing experience I
won't lie..
When I opened the door it was as if like Gugu heard me, I
was welcomed by a very nice smell..
Her: And there he is
She had an apron on as she made her way to me..
Her: I am so glad that you home
She hugged me..
Her: I've missed you
She broke the hug and looked at me..
Her: At least you didn't lose a lot of weight
I chuckled..
Me: I'm good
Her: How did it go?
Me: It went well
I went and opened the fridge, I saw a cake..
Me: What are we celebrating?
Her: You've forgotten?
Me: Forgotten what?
Her: Nomvelo is 7 months pregnant now
Me: We gonna celebrate that too?
Her: We gonna have a delicious dinner that's all
Me: How is she?
Her: She is doing well she has been missing you
Me: I've been missing her too
Her: Uhm can I run something by you
Me: What is it?
Her: Can you pick up Nomvelo from work? I can't fetch
her I'm going somewhere
Me: What happened to her car?
Her: It's being serviced
I looked at her..
Her: It's not a set up, khona la ngiyakhona (I'm going
somewhere)
Me: Okay I'll go and fetch her
(Silence)
Me: How is the whole situation with Nkuli?
Her: Akakezi (She hasn't been here)
I had told Gugu everything about Nkuli..
Her: There was a time I saw her mara she stood at the
gate she couldn't walk in
Me: That's good
Her: Kodwa Nazo shouldn't you tell her the truth?
Me: No.. She's 7 months pregnant now, she's on her last
trimester I don't wanna stress her she might give birth to
a premature. Let's just keep it like this with Nkuli for now
just until she can give birth, I mean we were able to keep
it thus far
Her: Okay.. I understand
Me: Thank you
_
TUMI
Things were looking good between me and Shine, we
were officially dating and spending more time with each
other. I am comfortable with our relationship, I am happy
with him and everything is just peaceful. I like spending
time with Mpumi, I do visit his house every now and
then. Mamezala is a very kind person, when I first met
her I was very intimidated but now we good..
Me: Mpumi
She looked at me..
I shook my head..
Me: No
She shook her head too..
Her: No
Me: No
She moved to another department which was the
vegetable stand. Since she can stand up by balancing
with things and taking those few steps she is very
naughty..
Today was my day off, So I decided to sleep over just so I
can spend a day with Mpumi..
Mamezala walked in..
Her: Are you ladies ready?
Me: Yes we are
I picked Mpumi up..
Mamezala: Let's go then
We were going out to the mall to do some shopping..
Mamezala: I forgot my car keys.. I'm coming
She went back as Mpumi and I stood at the gate, a few
eyes were on us. Some girls who were standing not far
from us were busy gossiping about me, you can just tell
when someone is gossiping about you. They were even
still on their PJs at this time..
_
SWAY
I enjoyed everything about being a Mother,
breastfeeding and watching her sleep were my two best
moments. Every minute I just wanted to spend it with
her. Dawn's Mother was around she has been here ever
since Dawn left for the camp fasting, I love my Mother in
law a lot but she can be too much at times. A week with
her is enough, she is too fussy and always on your throat.
She's okay to visit for a week or two..
Me: And what do we have here, let's see
The door opened and Dawn made his way in
Me: Look who is here.. Daddy is here
Dawn put his bag down and came to us..
Him: Hello pumpkin
He took her from me..
Me: Be careful she's full
I put small towel on his shoulder..
Me: Just for incase
Him: Just for incase
He pulled me closer and kissed me..
Him: I've missed you guys
Me: We've missed you too
Mrs B: My Son is back
I rolled my eyes..
Me: Here we go
Dawn laughed..
Her: How are you sweetheart?
Dawn: I'm good Ma
She tried to hug her but Angel was standing in the way.. I
got Angel from him so that they can hug..
Mrs B: I'm glad you back, and you back safe
Dawn: Me too Ma.. It's good that you been here the
whole time
Mrs B: Ohh don't mention it.. The girls needed me
I rolled my eyes again..
Mrs B: Come.. Let mommy make you something to eat
And just like that, Angel and I no longer mattered..
_
NOMVELO
I had accidentally cut myself on my finger and I was
bleeding, I went to the sink to put my finger under
running water. I looked at the cut it wasn't deep but it
was a bit painful. I took the paper towel and squeezed it
around my finger..
Me: Come on..
The bleeding has to stop because I can't touch people's
clothes with blood. I made my way out and went to
Sarah..
Me: Sarah
Her: Yes?
Me: Can I get a gauze or a band aid, I accidentally cut
myself
Her: Is it that bad?
Me: Ya sort off.. I can't stop bleeding
Her: Okay let me see
She held my hand and removed the paper towel..
Her: Where did you cut yourself?
Me: Her..
I looked at my finger and the cut was gone..
Me: That's weird
Her: Are you feeling a bit tired maybe?
Me: No I..
I looked at her..
Me: Maybe I'm a bit tired I don't know
Her: You should rest a bit, take it easy with my Nephew
please mommy
She put her hand on my tummy..
I faked a smile..
Me: I will
That was weird..
_
DAWN
Sway: Here
I looked at the video..
Sway: Everyday at exactly 2am she cries hysterical, at
first I thought it was nothing but now.. I don't know
I looked at the video again and I could see that there was
an evil entity right next to her crib but it couldn't touch
her or anything because she was protecting herself in a
way. Her cries would push it away..
Sway: So what do you think?
Me: I can't see anything
Her: Are you sure?
Me: Yes
Mom: I told you it's normal for babies to wake up at
night and cry.. You reading too much into this
Me: And you would know that right?
Mom: You always overreacting
Me: Allow me to raise my baby there way I want please
When they start, they never stop. I moved away from
them with Angel laying on my shoulder. I put my hand on
her back, that was surprising how is she able to do that?

116
SNAZO
I spent my day resting before I could go and pick up
Nomvelo from work, Ever since she started working at
the boutique I have been avoiding driving her to work
because I didn't wanna have any awkward encounters
with Richard. As much as I gave up the hate and the
anger that I had for him, that don't mean things are going
to be a bad of roses between us. What on earth are we
even going to talk about? Time for him to pull up his
boxers and be a father to me has long passed, I am about
to be a Father myself and I don't see me and Richard
being anything.
I put on my wrist watch after a well needed shower that I
took, I was on my way to fetch her when a soft knock
disturbed me. The person knocked directly at my room
instead of the main house, I walked up to the door to
open. It was Mantwa, it's been a while since I last saw
her..
Me: Mantwa?
Her: Hey
I let her in, it was an awkward moment. I was in my
jeans, sneakers, and I was still yet to put on a tshirt or a
muscle vest..
Her: It's good to see you
Me: Good to see you too
Her: I don't even get a hug or something?
I hugged her..
Me: So what brings you here?
Her: First and foremost congratulations, you a big shot
now
She slightly punched me on my shoulder and I chuckled..
Me: Thank you
Her: I've always known that you were destined for great
things
Me: Ya I'm still surprised at the direction that my life took
Her: Anyway.. I'm here to invite you to my wedding
She gave me the invitation..
Me: You getting married?
Her: Yeap.. This Saturday
Me: Wow I.. Who is the lucky guy?
Her: Dr Patel.. He is Indian
That came off as a surprise..
Me: I really don't know what to say
Her: Congratulations maybe?
I hugged her again..
Me: Congratulations
Her: You will let Gugu know
Me: I will
Her: Is she around? Because the security door is locked
Me: No she's not around.. I'll let her know
Her: Thank you
(Silence)
Her: Bring along your wife
Me: I will hope she will get a dress at such short notice
Her: Ohw kana she's pregnant
I looked at her..
Her: Saw her on TV and I follow her on Instagram and
Twitter
Me: Ohw you do?
Her: Yes she posts motivational messages and a few good
pics
Me: I didn't know that
Her: I haven't seen you on Insta and Twitter?
Me: Ya I'm not on any
Her: Why?
Me: I won't have time for such plus social networking for
me can be the other way round, too much unne scandals
Her: That's sad
Me: But I am on WhatsApp.. That's gotta count for
something
She laughed..
Her: That doesn't count for anything
I looked at the time..
Her: Going somewhere?
Me: Yes.. I'm fetching my wife from work
Her: Okay then let me go
Me: Thank you for inviting me
Her: No problem and please bring along the beautiful
wife
Me: I will
Her: She's lucky.. I wish some of us were that lucky too
Now the conversation ha just gotten weird..
Me: Well you marrying a Dr, so between you and her I
don't know who is more lucky
She laughed again..
Her: See you on Saturday
Me: Saturday it is
She walked out..
_
TUMI
We packed away the groceries with Mpumi being her
nauthy self as always..
Mamezala: I'm glad you here Tumi, you made everything
easier for me
Me: You welcome
As we were busy packing away the groceries the door
flung open, Shine's baby Mama flew in. She didn't walk
right in, she flew in she was worse than a tornado. She
wasn't alone, she was accompanied by some lady..
She looked at me as if like she wanted to kill me, the
other lady stood behind her..
Sbosh: Ngizolanda umntwana wam' (I'm here for fetch
my child)
She was in a fighting mood and she was very loud, which
in turn scared Mpumi..
I went and picked her up as she was crying..
Mamezala: How dare you? How dare you walk into my
house like that without respect? Bursting in here like it's
a sheeben?
Sbosh: How d.. How d.. Yazini buyela a Nigeria or e
Zimbabwe nje lapho ubuya khona (go back to Nigeria or
Zimbabwe wherever it is that you come from)
She looked at the other lady..
Sbosh: Awu thathe uMpumi (Take Mpumi)
The friend walked over to me..
Her: Sicela umntwana (give me the baby)
I didn't know how to react veva I am not a person who
likes fighting..
Mamezala: Get out!! Get out!!
Friend: Letha umntwana (Give me the baby)
She forcefully took Mpumi from me and Mpumi was
crying hysterical..
I tried to take her back but the baby Mama pulled out a
knife..
Her: Ngizok'gwaza ungaqali.. Ungaqali (I'll stab you..
Don't even start)
Friend: Eyyy asambe (let's go)
They left with Mpumi still crying like there's no
tomorrow..
_
NKULI
Kali and I we were having lunch at his office and the
lunch was depressing because we had just found out that
the babies have tapped into their powers. I didn't
understand, and it didn't make sense. I stood up and
walked over to the window, to check the view
Me: It looks like we failing
Him: We not failing
He got up and came to me..
Him: This is a big revelation and now our plans have
changed, we don't have to kill the baby but we can turn
him evil. With his gift do you know what he can do for
us? And the little exorcist if we turn her evil she can turn
her evil she can kill angels for us and the little healer
He put his hands on my shoulders..
Him: His gift can do the opposite, instead of healing he
can infect. Just imagine Son against the Father and
Daughter against her Father
I turned and looked at him..
Me: You make it sound so simple
Him: It is.. All you have to do is get closer to your cousin,
she's 7 months pregnant the baby can still survive even
though it's a premature
Me: I can't even get to her place
Him: You won't have too.. How about we make
Grandmother dearest sick, that way you and her will
always be close. You will be side by side while crying for
your Grandmother to get better
Me: Nazo is a healer, do you forget?
He put his hands on my throat...
Him: I broke you out because you the best, don't make
me regret
He tightened his grip..
Him: We need to get that baby from her stomach and
raise it as our own, how you do that I don't care! But I
want that baby are we clear?
I nodded..
Me: Crystal
He leaned over and kissed me..
_
MANTWA
Everything was set for the wedding, not a lot was left. I
still can't believe that this weekend I'll be getting
married. I was lost deep in my thoughts as my cousin and
I went for cake tasting, I couldn't stop thinking about
Nazo.
Cousin: So what do you think about the velvet cake?
(Silence)
She shook me and I looked at her..
Her: Velvet?
I glanced down at the piece of cake..
Me: Ohh ya.. The velvet cake
Her: Are you alright?
I put the folk down..
Me: I went to give Nazo his invitation
Her: You did what?
Me: I invited him to the wedding
Her: You know how Aunty feels about him
Me: I really don't care about how Mom feels
She shook her head..
I exhaled..
Me: I don't know what's going on but.. I think that from
my side the feelings that I had for him are still there,
when he was first realizing his gift I was there for him.
Now he is a big shot and.. I'm supposed to be the one
next to him, I was there for him
Her: Mantwa.. Patel is a very good man and he loves you
with all his heart, please don't ruin your happiness for
someone who is happy with someone else.. Please cuz
I really didn't know what was happening with me..
_
NOMVELO
Richard was being his crazy self, busy pulling out a few
jokes and making us laugh.
We saw one of the assistants making her way to us, she
was followed by Nazo. All the laugher siezed as I didn't
know what was going to transpire between Nazo and his
Dad
Assistant: Sorry to disturb but someone is here for you
Despite the awkwardness I was very happy to see him,
he has been gone for a while now and I've missed him
soo much..
I went and hugged him..
Me: Welcome back.. I've missed you
Him: I've missed you too
He kissed me on the cheek as we broke the hug..
Me: At least you came back in one piece
He chuckled. Now it was up to me to do introduce them
to each other..
Me: Uhm.. This is Richard he, he is the one who runs the
place and that's his Daughter Sarah the head designer. I
work closely with her
Snazo looked at them as my heart started to beat
abnormally, he extended his hand to Richard for a
handshake..
Snazo: Nice to meet you
Richard shook his head and nodded, He did the same
with Sarah..
Sarah: It's good to finally meet you
Nazo: Likewise
He then looked at me..
Him: Are you ready to go?
Me: Yes I am..
I went and took my bag then I hugged Sarah..
Me: See you tomorrow
Sarah: Bye Babe
I hugged Richard too as he slightly hit me on my
forehead..
Him: See you tomorrow little elephant
Me: There you go again
We laughed..
Me: Bye
Richard: Bye
Snazo held my hand and we walked out..
117
TUMI
One thing that I didn't want was to be stabbed to death
by an uncivilised hood rat, I still can't believe that she
pulled out a knife in front of her own Daughter. What
kind of a Mother would do that? I know that Shine is
hood I just didn't think he would go for such a
psychopath. I packed my things back into my small bag, I
wanted to be out of here..
Shine burst in without even knocking, he looked pissed..
Him: Awung'tshele iWaar lento engiyizwayo? (Tell me is
it true what I'm hearing)
Me: Please take me home
Him: So iWaar? (so it is true)
Me: Just take me home
He walked up to the wardrobe and opened it, he
searched through for a while and then he took out a gun,
he checked the bullets and then headed straight to the
door..
Me: Shine wait!
I rushed to the door and slightly pushed him back..
Me: Don't even think about it
Him: Awusuke (Move)
Me: I am not going to let you walk out and go kill your
Baby Mama, what she did was wrong I know but She is
Mpumi's Mother.. Please
Him: Tumi
Me: You will have to go through me first
He looked at me and then he cocked the gun..
Him: Ngik'shayela okok'gcina.. Awusuke (I'm telling you
for the last time.. Move)
I could see that he was serious, The best thing I could do
right now is to move before he hurts me.. I moved..
Me: I'll be gone when you get back
He removed the key and locked me in..
_
NOMVELO
Nazo was massaging my feet, it felt really good..
Me: I'm so glad that you back
Him: Because of the foot massage?
Me: No.. Not because of that, I've missed you a lot
Him: I've missed you too
(Silence)
Him: We going to a wedding this coming weekend
Me: Whose wedding?
Him: My Ex
Me: Your ex?
Him: Ya think it's her way of showing me that she has
moved on and she's happy
Me: Why did you guys break up? What did you do?
Him: What did I do? What makes you think that I did
something?
I looked at him..
Him: It wasn't working and I ended it, she then tried to
hurt herself
Me: Hurt herself how?
Him: She tried committing suicide
My eyes widened..
Me: She almost committed suicide for you?
He looked at me while wingling his eyebrow..
Him: Have you looked at me?
Me: Whooooa Mara (laughing)
My phone started ringing, I took it and checked it. It was
Nkuli..
Me: Hello?
She didn't say anything, she was just sniffing
Me: Nkuli?
Her: Hey Velo.. Uhm
Me: Did something happen between you and Kali?
Her: No.. I.. I shouldn't even be telling you this because
you pregnant and I don't wanna stress you
Me: What is it?
Her: It's Grams
Me: What about her?
She didn't say anything..
Me: Nkuli
Her: Danger and I we just.. She's.. It's stroke Velo
Me: Stroke?
Her: We at the hospital
Me: I am on my way
I hung up..
Nazo: What's wrong?
Me: It's my Grandmother.. She's at the hospital, Nkuli is
saying it's stroke
Him: What?
Me: We have to go to the hospital
Him: Let me get my keys
Me: You can heal her right?
Him: We'll see
Me: Please
He put his hand on my cheek..
Him: Okay we'll see when we get to the hospital
I hope Nazo will be able to heal her, I can't lose her too..
_
ZAINE
I was lost in my thoughts, thinking deeply about what
Helena has just said to me. I was starring out of the
window still trying to digest everything. I was in my
office..
Me: There's no other way?
Her: Unfortunately no.. Zaine I understand..
Me: You don't understand anything.. Why?
Her: I think you know why
Me: There has to be another way
Her: There's no other way
Me: How can you stand there and act like what you
saying is right? And I'm supposed to play along?
Her: I came to you because you spiritually mature and
you will understand better, Nazo has to get out of town
and you have semorns he will relieve you. You need to go
with him
Me: I am not doing it Helena
Her: Yes you're going to do it, you can't change anything.
Me: Nazo is your Charge how can you do this to him?
Her: I take orders from above and this is one of them,
you may fail to understand the purpose behind this but
you will and he will. Everyone will, at the end they will
see God's glory and mercy
She walked up to me...
Her: We are going to win this war but that plan is not
part of the war, it never was
Me: Helena
Her: When the time comes, Nazo has to skip town and
you will make sure he gets on that flight
Me: We are going to win the war against Nira and Lucifer
I then got more closer to her..
Me: And then after, I will come after you and your kind
Her: I was your gurdian Angel for many years have I ever
disappointed you?.. Just because you don't understand
the purpose behind what's meant to happen, it doesn't
mean that you should disobey. We are not evil Zaine
I kept quiet..
Her: It will happen Zaine, whether you like it or not
_
GUGU
I got back home and I thought that Nazo and Nomvelo
would be around, but they weren't..
I was on the phone with Richard..
Me: At least you got a chance to meet him, give him time
he will come around. Nazo is not like Niso, if it was Niso
he was going to give you a hard time
Him: You did a good job with him, he is a grown ass man
I laughed..
Me: He might be a grown ass man but he is my baby, the
only one that I have now
Him: How about you guys come over for Dinner
tomorrow?
Me: You will have to call him and ask him
Him: I don't have his numbers
Me: I'll forward them
I heard a knock at the door..
Me: Someone is at the door
Him: I'll call you later
Me: Okay bye
Him: I love you
Me: I love you too
I put my phone down as the person knocked again, I
went to open...
Some lady stood at my doorstep, I didn't recognise her..
Me: Hi
Her: Hello
Me: Can I help you?
Her: Uhm yes..
She turned to her side..
Her: Come baby.. Come don't be shy
An adorable baby girl showed up from the side, she
picked her up..
Her: My name is Connie.. Niso and I we have a baby
together, her name is Nosibusiso
I looked at the baby girl..
_
NOMVELO
I made my way in, and Nkuli was waiting for me exactly
at the spot were she said she would be waiting for me. I
hugged her..
Me: What happened?
I was crying.. And she was crying too..
She wiped my tears..
Me: I got home and she was on the floor
Her: How is she? Is she going to be okay? What are the
Doctors saying?
She hugged me again and my baby started kicking, it was
like he was playing boxing in my tummy..
Me: Awww..
Nkuli broke the hug..
Her: Are you okay?
Me: He has never kicked like this before
Her: Come and sit down
She helped me to sit down..
Nazo made his way to us, Nkuli's facial expression
changed.. As Nazo got closer she stepped back from me,
and my baby stopped kicking..
Nazo: What are the Doctors saying?
Me: I'm not sure
Nkuli cleared her throat..
Nazo: Are you alright Nkuli?
Nkuli stepped back again..
Nazo: Feeling a bit hot aren't we?
Nkuli: This is a family matter please give us some space
Nazo approached her and Nkuli moved back..
Nazo: I'm married to Nomvelo so it makes it part of the
family
Nkuli: No.. Nomvelo is part of your family she's a
Buthelezi and you nothing to us.. Please leave, give us
some space to deal with what's happening as a family
Nazo looked at me..
Him: I'll be in the car
Nkuli: Thank you
He walked out..
Nkuli: Let's go.. I'll take you to Gran and Danger
She helped me to stand up but each time when she
touched me my baby would react and she would let go..
118
GUGU
I offered her something to drink while my eyes were still
glued on the little girl, she was very cute and adorable I
don't wanna lie. We gathered around my small dinning
table as I prepared my heart to be open to whatever that
she was going to dish out for me..
Her: I know that you will judge me because of what I'm
going to say and I won't blame you, mainly because Niso
is your Son and any Mother would feel a certain way
after hearing the story.
She sipped on her juice as the baby clung on to her thigh
as if like the environment was too much for her..
Her: I was a lecturer at the same college were Niso was
attending, I was his Lecturer
I laid back on the chair in disappointment, because I
knew what she was about to say
Her: Niso and I..
She cleared her throat so that she could be able to get
the words out of her mouth..
Her: We had an affair.. It wasn't something serious just
having some fun
This lady was clearly older than my baby, very old. It
amazes me at how everything is unfolding, there's a lot
of things that I didn't know about my Son. Yes Niso was
Naughty here and there but what I'm hearing now, I
never knew that my Son was doing such things behind
closed doors..
Her: I was married to a soldier, my husband was hardly
around and life got a bit lonely for me, then Niso came
along. He was so sweet, a bit arrogant, He was good
company and an affair started
She picked up her baby and placed her on her lap..
Her: When we finally called it quits I had fallen pregnant,
and I kept it a secret because when I checked him on
social media he was happily in love with someone else. I
thought that I could dump it all to my husband but then..
Nosibusiso is different, she is her Father's Daughter
I looked at the baby again..
Her: When Nosi was born it was clear that she was mixed
race and my husband had already suspected that I have
been having an affair, so he filed for divorce and in the
process I lost my job too. I had to move back in with my
Parents who found the whole thing a shame and
embarrassing.. All I ever wanted was for Nosi to know
her Father's family and have a better life, better than the
one that I could give her. I don't want her growing up
always being reminded that she was a result of an affair, I
don't want my Ex husband to come after her seeking for
revenge
She closed her eyes and fought back her tears..
Her: Please... There's a lot that I'm going through
I didn't know what to say, this was too much for me to
take in..
Her: We can do any test that you want I swear that I'm
not lying, Nosi is Niso's Daughter
We had a moment of silence, I didn't know what to say. I
had mixed feelings..
She wiped her tears and searched through her bag..
Her: Uhm.. I'll leave you my number, you can just contact
me when you ready
_
NKULI
I had excused myself and went outside to talk to Kali over
the phone and ask him what's the next move since I had
Nomvelo in my territory unguarded by her husband. I
think Nazo chose to have a big head about this seeing
that we were in a place full of people, and also
considering the fact that Uri was around too who would
rain terror on us if any harm could come to Nomvelo. I
was surprised at the reaction of her baby, my Nephew
reacted like that because he sensed evil and when he did
that, that's when Uri stood guard. If we going to win this
battle, then we need to be smart about this..
Kali: The baby can only be suppressed by his Mother's
emotions if Nomvelo could shift her emotions and be
angry then that will tame the baby for a while
Me: How are we going to do that?
Him: I will give you a spell that will work on her by form
of a touch, your touch will transfer a lot of anger to her
plus she's not that strong spiritually
Me: But where will her anger be directed too?
Him: Leave that to me.. I will send you a certain video
and the spell, recite the spell and then check the video
Me: Okay
Him: Don't fuck this up, this is our only chance
Me: What about Uri?
Him: We are not initiating a fight so we will blindside
him
Me: Okay
Him: I trust that you will do the right thing
Me: I will I promise
I waited for him to send me the video and the spell, the
video was that of Nazo in a restaurant with some
woman. I wonder how Kali got the video but
nevertheless I hope it will work in making Velo very
angry
I recited the spell at least 3 times:
"Bihotz garbia eta arima, Utzi iluntasuna eta haserrea
kentzen" (A heart that is pure and a soul that is clean, let
it be engulfed by darkness and anger)
Another text followed from Kali:
"Improvise on the video, make me proud"
I made my way back into the ward were Nomvelo was
seated on the small bench and holding our
Grandmother's hand, our Grandmother was not
responsive for now. The portion that Kali gave me was
very strong. I put it in her tea and made her drink it, then
it worked. It worked instantly.
Me: How is she?
Her: Maybe we should call Nazo to come, so that he can
heal her
Me: Of course
I put my hand on her shoulder as Uri stepped closer, I
said the spell again but I said it from deep within as part
of my anger was transfered to her. Then I quickly got my
hand from her, before Uri was able to catch on what was
happening..
Me: Before you go and get him.. I would like to show you
something
I got my phone and played her the video, though there
was no sound I hope that the body language and the fact
that he met with another woman in a restaurant will
anger her.
Her: What is this?
Me: Nazo has not been truthful
Her: What?
Me: The "Fasting" that he went too was a total lie, he
was spotted in a restaurant with this woman. Do you
perhaps knew about this?
Her: Ofcause not!
Her chest moved up and down pretty fast..
Me: I'm sorry cuz.. Your husband is not who you think he
is
Her: There has to be a logical explanation
Me: Velo look at me
She looked at me..
Her: Nazo is having an affair
She gave me back my phone..
Me: The Buthelezi Brothers... They have been nothing
but trouble, Nazo has broken many hearts including mine
and now he is about to do the same thing to you. All his
Exes, he has left us broken. Look at me, we almost
became enemies because of him and now he does that
to you? He is a bastard!!
She shook her head..
Her: I can't believe this
Me: Niso was your only true love, Nazo only married you
because he knew that you were going to be good for his
public image and he was trying to spite me in the
process
Tears build up in her eyes..
Me: I know Cuz, just come back home. Go get your things
and come back home, we already going through a lot as a
family and you don't need this. You seriously don't need
this
She just broke down into tears..
Me: Come here
She got up and I hugged her, the baby didn't react..
Me: I'm here for you
Her: I'm confused.. What is happening? Why would he do
this to me?
Me: Shhhh it's going to be okay.. Danger and I we will
accompany you to get your things, come back home.
Come back to your family, your real family
_
TUMI
Shine finally came back he was carrying Mpumi who was
sleeping, I went up to them.
Me: Is she okay?
Him: uGrand (She is okay)
He put her down..
Me: I hope that..
He looked drained..
Him: ai manje Tumi please (Not now)
I hate fights and arguments so I decided to let it go, He
sat on the bed and pulled me closer to him. I sat ontop of
him, while facing him..
Him: Askies.. Angazi ukuthi uSbosh bekangenwe yini
(Sorry.. I don't know what was wrong with Sbosh)
Me: It's okay
He brushed my hair back and then kissed me, I could
smell a bit of whiskey mixed with the smell of a cigarette.
It wasn't disgusting, it was a turn on, a total turn on..
We continued kissing with his hands making it's way
inside my tshirt, he spoke over my lips..
Him: Ng'cela uhambe ksasa (Please leave tomorrow)
I didn't say anything I pushed him back and he laid on the
bed. I leaned over to continue kissing him while he was
grabbing and squeezing my butt for dear life, it was
turning into an intense moment..
_
NOMVELO
I walked out of the hospital with so much anger deep
inside of me, I didn't know that I could get this angry I
mean I have been angry before but not like this. Nkuli
followed me. Nazo had sent me a text that he is standing
at the entrance and for sure, he was standing a bit far
from the entrance though busy with his phone..
Nkuli: Calm down Velo
He put his phone away when he saw us approaching..
Him: How did it go?
I slapped him across the face, he looked at me
dumbfounded. I slapped him again, and the 3rd time he
held my hand very tight. Those two claps got him fired
up..
He looked at me waiting for an explanation, he was
breathing very heavy like he was going to burst..
Me: You are a bastard!!
He squinted his eyes...
Me: Marrying you was the biggest mistake of my life!!
You are nothing but a-
He shook me a bit..
Him: Ey!!!
He gave me that intimidating look..
Him: Ungenwe yini? (What has gotten into you)
Me: Let go of me
Him: Nom-
Me: I said let go of me!!
I spat on his face and he pushed me back I took a few
steps back almost falling, Nkuli caught me right in time. I
looked at him not believing what he had just done..
He wiped his face and he was so mad that I thought
smoke was going to come out from his ears..
He wanted to say something, I don't know what stopped
him. He exhaled and then walked away..
_
TUMI
We moved Mpumi from the bed to the small couch just
to get more space on the bed, I was completely naked
now and so was he. I was still ontop of him, he was busy
caressing me while his already hard and thick black shaft
poked my tummy. I gave him a hand job and he let out a
soft moan with his eyes closed, that put him in a bit of a
vulnerable situation and it made him more hard. He
slightly opened his eyes and then put his two fingers in
my mouth for me to suck them, I sucked them and then
he lowered them and lifted me up a bit to insert them
deep inside of me. I gasped. It was a bit uncomfortable at
first but he rose up his head a bit to suck one of my
nipples while increasing the pace of his fingers deep
inside of me. It was a bit of a pain mixed with great
pleasure, He rose up and sat up straight. He squeezed my
body to his and we continued kissing, he went on to suck
my nipples again while my hand was at the back of his
head. Not waiting any longer he put his hands on my
waist and lifted me up and bit, he snaked his way deep
inside of me..
Me: Condom?
Him: I'll put it in later, I just wanna feel you kancane nje
As I slid down with my hands on his shoulder, he bit his
lower lip and I tried not to be loud as he stretched me.
Was a bit uncomfortable feeling him that much deep
inside..
He helped me to go up and down on him, we started off
slow and increased the pace. When I felt like I couldn't
hold back I kissed him so that I don't wake Mpumi up.
The more he moved me up and down faster than how we
initially started there more he took away my breath and
left me gasping for air..
119
SNAZO
I drove out straight to a nearby open field, were most
kids use it to play soccer on weekends. It's a place that I
go too most of the time when I wanna think. I was
leaning against the car and lost in my thoughts, I was
trying to figure out what happened to Nomvelo. I know
that my wife is crazy but, she has never been this crazy. It
was starting to get dark, I've been here for quite some
time now. Helena appeared, just the person that I
needed to see so that she can give me all the answers
that I need to clear this confusion..
Me: I'm losing my wife
She didn't say anything..
Me: I know that Nkuli has everything to do with it.. My
question is how? How did she get to her?
Her: Nomvelo might appear strong and she is but what
you don't know is that.. Your wife lies awake most nights
crying and asking herself why most of the things that
happened, happened to her. She blames God for most of
her pain, especially how her Mother died. She is in a ball
of confusion, she doesn't understand why bad things
happened to her even though her life is better now, and
that emotionally broke her. It's worse when she starts
thinking about her previous relationship with your
Brother, her heart bleeds and that made her vulnerable.
She is grieving and she shut God out, she shut us all out
hence why it was easy for Nira to get to her. It's not your
fault, it's nobody's fault. Nomvelo needs to make peace
with a few things in her life, she has soo many questions
and yet no answers
Me: So what do I do?
Her: You do nothing
Me: Excuse Me?
Her: Nazo I know how it seemed and we wanted to make
it seem like that but.. This test is not for you or your wife,
this test is for Nkuli
Me: You need to help me understand
Her: When Nkuli found out about You and Nomvelo it
wasn't easy for her, she was full of anger. This test is for
her, it is for her to choose which side she wants to be on
Me: And you used my wife as a pawn??
Her: Not entirely
Me: Nomvelo is pregnant! Nkuli is possessed! You wanna
save Nkuli using my wife? Is Nkuli even going to snap out
of it?
Her: We hope she does
Me: You hope? We working with "Hope"
Her: No.. We working with faith
I sent out a bitter chuckle..
Me: Let me get this straight.. We supposed to have faith
that Nkuli is going to snap out of it? She is in too deep!! Is
Nomvelo going to be okay? Is my baby going to be okay?
Her: I'm not supposed to reveal a lot
Me: You not supp-
I cleared my throat..
Me: You need to understand me, call this whole thing
off!!
Her: Sna-
Me: I don't think we understand each other.. I said call
this whole thing off!!!
She kept quiet and looked at me..
"Beloved.."
That's another voice that I didn't wanna hear..
Me: I'm not doing this right now!
Helena: You very stubborn Nazo, you so stubborn you
remind me of Mos-
Me: Don't say anything.. Don't say even two words to
me!!
Helena never seizes to amaze me..
_
TUMI
Shine did put on a condom at some point, the last thing I
needed was to fall pregnant.
After our sexual and steamy moment I went to the house
to make us something to eat, I'm even surprised that
Mpumi slept peacefully throughout my moment with her
father. It's moments like this that make you fall madly
inlove all over again, my relationship with Shine is the
best thing that has happened to me in a very long time..
I think from my side its also time that he met my Aunt
and my rude sister, speaking of my Sister she sent me a
WhatsApp message giving me her whole entire budget of
her super sweet 16 party, and the numbers were scary
"R30 000". I exhaled and put my phone down, there's no
way that I'm going to afford this..
_
NOMVELO
Nkuli had forwarded me the video I showed Gugu
because she was all up in my space while I was packing..
Her: Nomvelo you misunderstanding everything
Me: I don't think so
Her: This is the same lady who approached
You at church the other day and she came here today.
She was Niso's lecturer apparently they had an affair and
she fell pregnant so she was here with the child
I started laughing but my laugh wasn't sincere..
Me: Typical of the Buthelezi boys
Her: Angizwa? (Pardon)
I kept quiet..
Her: Yazi I have never seen you this angry, and worse
angazi nokuthi ukwateleni (I don't even know why you
angry)
Me: I didn't expect you to understand
Her: Ungang'deleli Nomvelo (Don't disrespect me)
Me: Or what? You going to hit me with a broom?
She laughed while pointing at me..
Her: Usathane uyangilinga (The devil is testing me) Lord
help me I don't wanna catch a case
Nazo walked in..
Gugu: I'm glad that you decided to show up, can you
explain to me what's going on?
He leaned against the door frame and looked at me..
Gugu: Nomvelo can you stop packing?
Nazo: Myeke ahambe Gugu (let her go)
Gugu: Ini? (What)
He sighed..
Nazo: Myeke ahambe.. Kdala washada noNkuli (Let her
go.. She's long been married to Nkuli)
Gugu: uNkuli futhi? (Nkuli again)
She tried to walk out but Nazo stopped her..
Nazo: Nkuli is dangerous now remember?
Gugu: Anginendaba! (I don't care) I will beat the demon
out of her!
I looked at her...
Me: Did you just call my cousin a demon?
Gugu looked at Nazo..
Nazo: She's not herself.. Nkuli did something to her, she's
no longer our Nomvelo
Gugu: Manje simeleni pho? (What are we waiting for)
Nazo: We not going to do anything
Gugu: Haibo!
Nazo: My Nomvelo will beat the spell and come back to
me if I still mean anything to her
Something deep inside of me moved, I felt some warmth
in my heart..
Gugu: I accepted you not as Umakoti wam' but as my
Daughter, I might have never given birth to you but
you're my Daughter
This feeling was getting intense.. Then I heard Nkuli's
voice, somehow..
"Remember I talk to you down from leaping off that
balcony when you were grieving for Niso, you are alive
today because of me. I love you little sister"
I took my bag and headed to the door, they were both
blocking the door...
Gugu: Yaa Nomvelo waze wayophula intliziyo yam' (You
just broke my heart)
She walked out..
Me: Ng'cela ukudlula (Can I please pass)
He put his hand on my cheek..
Him: Ngiyak'thanda uyezwa? (I love you)
Me: Please move
He got closer and tried to kiss me but I turned my face.
He put his hand on my tummy..
Him: Take care of yourself and my baby
I yanked his hand off and he moved then I walked out, I
walked out pretty fast with tears in my eyes...
_
NOMSA
Me: Here you go
Danger: Thank you
I pulled up the chair opposite him and sat down..
Me: Hau uMangcobo akaphekanga? (Mangcobo didn't
cook)
With the money that Nomvelo gave me I started my own
food joint and surprisingly it's doing very well..
Danger: uMangcobo is in hospital
Me: What happened?
Him: Stroke
Me: Stroke? Such a strong woman
Him: Nami ng'thukile (I'm shocked)
Me: Yho how is Velo taking it?
Him: Not good.. I left her and Nkuli at the hospital
Me: That's shocking
Him: It is
Danger comes by once in a while to check up on me and
eat, I can say that we good friends..

120
NKULI
[EXCUSE ANY ERRORS]
Last night before Nomvelo went to sleep I made her
drink a certain portion and I lied to her that it's a herb
that will help her relax since she seemed stressed with
everything that's happening. The next morning I woke up
earlier and prepared the portion for her again, The
portion is mixed with blood so the baby could feed of it.
We want to turn the baby evil now, it'll be good to tame
him now for evil purposes while he is still a baby..
As I was busy in the kitchen and minding my own
business, Helena just showed up. Uninvited. She even
freaked me out a bit that I almost spilled everything..
Me: Helena..
She was alone..
Me: Kind of dangerous being here alone isn't it? We can
just shoot the poisonous arrow and poison you again.
With Nazo being so much emotional unstable will he
even be able to heal you?
Her: Nazo is not emotional unstable, if anything this is
making him stronger spiritually
Me: Of course
Her: I'm not even here to talk to you, I'm here to talk to
Nkuli
Me: I am Nkuli
Her: I mean Nkuli alone
Me: Helena what do you want?
Her: All that you were promised is a lie!
I kept quiet..
Her: Kali doesn't even know you when all this is done, he
won't even know who you are. The reason why he seems
as if like he "knows you" is because Lucifer has possessed
him. Kali doesn't know you but Lucifer knows you
I kept quiet..
Her: Nkuli you're being used, the same way that Lucifer
used Nazo's little Brother and where is he now? You
won't win. No matter what you do Nomvelo and Nazo
will never be broken, they will find their way to each
other. They were long destined together, what's
happening here is that you going to lose what you
currently have. You going to lose the only family that you
have. When Nomvelo snaps out of it do you think she will
ever want anything to do with you? Your Gra is already in
hospital and after everything do you think Nazo is going
to heal her? You not angry that your cousin ended up
with your ex. Your real anger comes from the fact that
you think you going to end up alone, you just jealous of
what your cousin currently has. It's not too late, you can
come out of this and your relationship with Nomvelo can
still be saved. Most people God's favour is upon them
because of the spiritual beings in their lives, kids become
blessed because of their Mothers who always have faith
in Christ. You not much of a believer but your cousin is,
she has started her spiritual journey and through her
Favour was going to be shown to you. It is not too late,
you can still make everything right. You're playing for the
wrong team, Lucifer will never win
Helena tore through my heart at that instant, I felt myself
de-attaching a bit from Nira.
Her: He lied to you, that's what he does. Lucifer lies and
he Lied to you!
As I mentally sunk deeper into what she was saying, a
battle of two spirits within me started...
Her: You can defeat her, you gave her permission.. You
can call her ou-
I saw an arrow being short at her but she quickly
vanished before it could even get to her. I looked at the
direction from where the arrow came from and an Angel
of darkness stood there. I glanced down at the portion, I
was in a space of confusion. I didn't know what to do. I
heard my phone ringing, I went and got it. It was Kali, I
starred at it for a while before answering..
Me: Hello
Him: It's either that baby's life or yours, If you don't get
me that baby I will trap you in hell for eternity! Don't
think about turning back now, I already have a stamp of
ownership on your soul! You better go ahead with the
plan, make her drink the portion for at least two days
more and then we cut her open. Remember you have
more to lose, back out now and your Grandmother will
also die, I will make sure that your Mother's soul will be
mine too. You will lose everything and your Precious
cousin will hate you forever!
_
SNAZO
"I was broken from a young age Taking my sulking to the
masses Write down my poems for the few That looked at
me, took to me, shook to me, feeling me Singing from
heartache from the pain Taking my message from the
veins Speaking my lesson from the brain Seeing the
beauty through"
I was lost in my thoughts when someone turned the
volume down, it was Gugu..
Her: Good morning
Me: Morning
I was eating breakfast, she stood there and looked at
me..
Me: Don't.. Don't do that
She wiped her tears. My Mother doesn't cry that easy,
and seeing her crying right now means that she is truly
broken..
Her: I couldn't even sleep last night. How do I know that
my Grandbaby is okay? You know waking up this morning
and realizing that Nomvelo is gone it's.. It still hasn't sunk
in
I stood up and took my plate to the sink..
My phone rang on the table, I walked to get it and it was
Dawn..
Me: Dawn
Him: You need to come to the studio
Me: Why? What's wrong?
Him: We need to find a way to separate Nira from Nkuli,
we need to conjure Nira and trap him her for the time
being
Me: I thought Helena..
Him: Screw Helena what Helena failed to mention is that
this whole thing might put both your baby and my baby
in danger! I already called Zaine he is on his way we
going to do this our way!
Me: I'm on my way
Him: See you then
Gugu: What's wrong?
Me: I have to go.. Are you going to be okay?
Her: I think so
Me: I'll bring them back home safe.. I promise
Her: I'll hold you to that promise
_
TUMI
Shine was supposed to drive me home so that I can
prepare for work, we were already late. Just as we were
about to step out, we were blocked by police officers..
Police1: Morning
We greeted back..
Police1: Beng'cela ukukhuluma no Dumi (May I please
speak to Dumi)
Shine: Mayela Nani? (with regards to what)
Police: I'm guessing you're Dumi?
Shine didn't say anything..
Police: Do you know uSbongile Khuzwayo?
Shine: uMa wengane yami (She is my baby Mama)
Police: Her body was found early this morning by the
dumb site, she had been shot three times
My heart immediately stopped..
Shine: Ini? (What)
Police: I'm here to ask you a few questions
Shine: Ya akuna stress.. Ungangena (You can come in)
They made their way in..
Shine: Ngapha (This way)
He led them to the living room..
_
NOMVELO
I woke up feeling very nauseated, I was at the bathroom
thinking that I was going to vomit but I didn't. The house
was a bit quiet.
Me: Nkuli?
I walked into the kitchen and I saw the herb ontop of the
counter. Nkuli gave me this herb last night and it helped
a lot, I slept peaceful
I took it and drank, The door opened and Danger walked
in..
Him: Nomvelo?
Me: Good morning
He closed the door..
Him: Ufunani la? (what do you want here)
Me: I have moved back in
Him: Angizwa kahle (I don't understand)
Me: uNazo is having an affair
Him: Lokho akufani naye (That doesn't sound like him)
I shrugged my shoulders..
Him: I will go and see him later ake achaze kahle lendaba
(I will go and see him later so that he can explain to me
what's going on)
Me: Okay
I took off my ring..
Me: Give him this while you at it
Him: Awukahle Nomvelo.. Awuthathi ngawala lento?
(Hold on.. Aren't you over exaggerating)
Me: Danger I am tired emotionally and physically, I'm
tired of thinking about this whole thing ngapha Duchess
is in Hospital
I exhaled..
Him: You two looked happy.. Something is not right here
Me: If it wasn't for Nkuli.. I wouldn't even have known
Him: uNkuli?
Me: She showed me the video.. Here
I took my phone and showed him. He watched it and
then gave me my phone back.
Him: I don't see anything wrong ngale video.. Since he is
a Pastor doesn't he meet up with People who seek help?
Futhi nje uma he is having an affair why would he go
public with it like this? If it was true shouldn't it be on the
papers? As a big scandal?
I kept quiet..
Him: Uphi yena uNkuli? (Where is Nkuli)
Me: I don't know
Him: You need to know ukuthi even the closest family
members can still be jealous of you, vele nje solo lo Nkuli
ndini wabuya la ekhaya angiyizwa kahle indaba yakhe
(Since Nkuli came back I don't know what her story is)
Me: uNkuli has always looked out for me
Him: Awuyeke ukuphandleka Velo (Stopped being blind)
The door opened again and Nkuli walked in..
Nkuli: Hau Velo you up already, I wanted to make you
breakfast
She looked at Danger..
Nkuli: Danger
Danger didn't greet back..
She looked at us..
Nkuli: Kungabe konke kuhamba kahle? (Is everything
going well)
Danger: Wee Nkuli awush-
Me: Everything is fine
Her: Are you sure?
Me: Yes
Nkuli: Okay then I'll prepare breakfast for us
I smiled at her. Danger looked at me while shaking his
head..
_
HELENA
I was standing at the highest point of the mountain when
Archangel Ramiel showed up. She is the strongest female
warrior Angel that we have..
Her: That arrow could've shot through you
Me: I know
Her: Helena I am failing to understand what's happening,
you don't wanna explain the whole situation with Nira,
the healer and his wife since you the one who got the
orders. You keeping all of us in the dark
Me: Remember when you killed your own sister? When
you killed one of our own?
She kept quiet...
Me: No one understood why you did it, no one knew
how you felt. You had a reason why you did that, and
because I trusted you and your reason. I stood up for
you, I convinced the whole family to stand up for you and
you here today because of us
Her: Helena what's the use of standing with you if we
going to end up in Purgatory?
Me: We not going to end up in Purgatory at the end
everyone will understand.. All that's needed is for
everyone to trust me
(Silence)
Her: They meeting up so that they can trap Nira
Me: I know
Her: What are we going to do? They called the Zaine..
Zaine is standing with them and wasn't he supposed to
be on our side?
Me: He was.. That's where you come in, I will need for
you to stop them
Her: Helena why are you doing this?
Me: I'm doing this for the Preacher's wife.. This is for
Nomvelo
She looked at me for a while..
Her: You do know that we were created to serve them?
God made human beings superior over everything and
only inferior to him.. This whole thing might just turn
different and work in their favour
Me: I hope by then Nkuli would've made a decision
She shook her head..
Her: I'll get Uri
Me: Thank you
Her: Don't thank me just yet, we have a lot of work to do
Me: Then let's get started
_
NAZO
I was the last one to arrive, Both Dawn and Zaine were
already in the studio..
Zaine: I'm glad you made it
Me: I didn't have a choice
He put his hand on my shoulder..
Him: Hey we going to get through this, you not in this
alone
I nodded..
Dawn: I think we should get started
Me: Do we even have a plan?
Zaine locked the door..
Dawn: Other than conjuring her No..
Me: What's with the statement that our babies are in
danger?
They both looked at each other..
Me: What's going on?
Zaine: Helena came to me and..
Me: And what?
Zaine: She told me that I'll have to get you out of town
when the time comes so that you won't be able to..
Me: Able to what?
Dawn: Both our Babies are in danger if we don't act right,
we going to lose them
Me: Meaning that I'll have to be out of town so that I
won't be able to heal my baby? My baby is supposed to
die?
Zaine came to me..
Him: Hey! Focus! The future is not written in stone, The
holy spirit hasn't said anything to me about this and I'm
sure that he hasn't said anything to you too about this..
So to hell with Helena from here on we doing this our
way!
Dawn: The right word is Fuck her!
Zaine: There's no baby that's going to die! Not yours and
definitely not Dawn's
Dawn: Let's get that bitch!
Helena: You gotta get me first
She appeared across the room with Uri and Ramiel..
Helena: And you gotta get through my bodyguards too
Dawn came to join us..
Me: Why are you doing this?
Helena: Trust the GOAT to keep a secret
Dawn: Screw you Helena!! And Scre-
Uri threw a fireball at Dawn, it hit him right on his tummy
and knocked him out right away..
Dawn: Ahhhhh!!! (Screaming)
That was unexpected..
Helena: Let that serve as a warning!
They then disappeared, we made our way to Dawn. He
had a very big wound on his tummy and he was
bleeding..
Zaine: Dammit!!
He took off his shirt and pressed it against Dawn..
Me: Dawn! Wake up man!
Zaine: He is losing too much blood
Me: We gotta get him to the Hospital
Zaine: We won't make it!
Me: Then we can't let him bleed out to death!
Zaine: You need to heal him
Me: I can't.. There's nothing evil about Angels it's not
going to work
Him: Did you see that? They turned against us if that
doesn't scream out evil I don't know what will
He got up..
Him: I'll call Badru, this is getting out of control!
I pressed the shirt against him..
Me: Come on Dawn!
Zaine: Nazo do something!
Helena has just declared war..

121
_
TUMI
After they had questioned him he drove me home,
surprisingly he was very calm throughout the whole
questioning. For someone who left with a gun that day to
probably commit the crime, he is very relaxed about
everything. I started questioning myself, I mean yes Shine
does appear to be a little off and I just thought that he
was too ghetto but to have him commit murder. That I
wasn't prepared for. When I got out of the car I
pretended to be fine but deep down I wasn't fine, do I
really wanna be with someone who killed the Mother of
his baby? Meaning if I could do something that pisses
him off he won't hesitate to kill me too? I can safely say
I'm scared of him now.. After bathing I walked to the
bedroom to get dressed, My Aunt came in..
Her: Good morning stranger
Me: Good morning Aunty
Her: How are you?
Me: I'm well and you?
She sat on the bed..
Her: I'm well too
She looked at me without saying anything..
Me: What?
Her: When are we going to meet him?
I went to the wardrobe to check what I can wear today..
Me: When I'm sure about him
Her: Hau.. You spend most of your time at his place and
you still not sure about him?
I turned and looked at her..
Me: He is just a complicated guy
Her: Complicated? Complicated how?
Me: Ragadi when I'm sure about him, I will bring him
home to meet you
She nodded..
Me: How is Rethabile?
She exhaled..
Her: You know how she is
Me: Her sweet 16 is going to cost me a lot of money,
money that I don't have
Her: She watches these things on her laptop and think
that we also rich like those parents, I still think taking her
to spur with her friends or cooking a nice meal and
buying a cake would be better
Me: Ya we will see
Her: If she doesn't want to accept a nice lunch then
there's nothing we can do, you already doing a lot.
Rethabile will just have to be grateful for what she has,
you sacrifice a lot for her
Me: She doesn't see that
Her: Maybe you need to be strict with her. If you can be
strict she will start being grateful, stop laughing with her
be strict with her at times or else she will continue being
disrespectful. It's time you put your foot down
_
HELENA
Me: Nazo come on.. You can do this! All that you have to
do is believe in yourself, believe in the gift that you have
Ramiel: So if Nazo doesn't heal him, we doomed?
Me: He is going to heal him
Her: How so? Because Nazo only believes that his gift is
meant to heal what has been diseased by evil
remember?
Me: He healed me once remember? And I am a spiritual
being. He can heal anything as long as he has faith in his
gift
Her: Was this part of the plan?
Me: No
Her: So if Dawn dies.. We going to spend all eternity in
Purgatory?
Me: Dawn is not going to die
We saw lighting flashing across the sky, clouds started
changing from their normal form to being a bit darker
indicating that a hail storm is coming. There was a violent
wind and funny enough the weather is only changing on
our part, the sun is still shining in other places. We
always meet at the highest point of our mountain, one
that no human being can get too..
Ramiel: Heaven is not happy
Me: I figured that out
Her: Do you remember what happened to Lucifer? Do
you want the same thing happening to us? Our
righteousness is going to be ripped from us and then we
will be thrown on earth, Lucifer is going to turn us into
his demons! We will live in fear, our own Brothers and
Sisters they going to fight us day and night! You have
disobeyed Helena and then you tricked Uri and I!!
I turned and looked at her..
Me: Don't you think I know that? Some of the things I did
I tried to help the situation
Her: How? How did you help the situation?
For the first time I had what they call "Fear" my plan in
helping the situation didn't go according to how I had
imagined, We attacked an innocent. We hurt one of our
charge and that's not how it was supposed to be. We
suppose to guide, protect, and groom our charges not to
hurt them..
The lightning got more and more intense..
Ramiel: You better call this whole thing off! We would
rather spend eternity in Purgatory than be turned evil by
Lucifer
Me: I will fix everything
Ramiel: I hope it's not too late
Me: Me too
Clearly my plan wasn't going how I wanted it to go, it's
time to call the whole thing off..
_
NOMVELO
Nkuli had prepared a nice meal for us, and just as we
were about to go sit down and eat we heard a knock at
the door..
Nkuli: Come in!!!
The door opened and Gugu walked in, Nkuli and I looked
at each other and then we looked at her..
She closed the door and then stood there looking at us,
she was in one of her best outfits as always..
Her: Sanibonani (Greetings)
I was the only one who greeted her back, her eyes were
glued on me only..
Her: Unjani? (How are you)
Me: I'm well and you?
Her: I'm good
She gave Nkuli a weird look and then looked at me
again..
Her: Singakhuluma? (Can we talk)
I didn't say anything..
Her: In private
Nkuli: There's no private here.. Kukithi lapha (This is my
home)
Her: Elakho angikakaliphathi (I didn't call your name)
Nkuli: That's it!! Please leave!!
She made her way to Gugu, she touched her..
Gugu: Ungangithinti! (Don't touch me)
Gugu pushed her a bit..
Gugu: Ngizoku.. Yeses!!! (I will... Yeses)
Nkuli stepped back..
Gugu: Rhaaaaa!!!
Me: Nkuli it's fine
Nkuli looked at me..
Me: It's okay
Nkuli: Are you sure?
I nodded..
She looked at Gugu and then walked away, Gugu made
her way to me while clicking her tongue.. She looked at
me and shook her head..
Her: You have a good job, A husband that loves you, A
mother in law that loves you too. All we ever wanted was
for you to live a different life, for you to heal from your
past wounds. Both my Sons did nothing but love you,
Niso saved you from yourself and Nazo saved you from
pain. There's nothing, nothing that my Son wouldn't do
for you and this is how you pay him back? Sies
Nomvelo! Ulalela uNkuli (You listen to Nkuli)
I didn't know what to say as she shook her head..
Her: Uzozisola shame! (You will regret)
She walked to the door..
Her: I hope by then it won't be late
She opened the door and walked out, I thought for a
while. Nkuli walked in..
Nkuli: Ufunani lo? (What did she want)
I kept quiet and still thought for a while..
Her: Nomvelo?
She made her way to me, she tried to touch me but I
moved back..
Her: Nomvelo??
She came again but I moved back, and then as if like
things wouldn't get any more weird an Angel appeared in
the kitchen..
Nkuli: Helena!! Wena futhi? (You again)
The Angel made her way to me..
Nkuli: Helena move away from her!!
I wanted to move back but I couldn't, it was like I was
frozen..
Nkuli: Lurpeko handietako bat, ko-
Before she could finish another angel appeared and
pinned her against the wall..
The other Angel came up to me..
Her: When you wake up you won't remember me nor
what happened
She placed her hand on my forehead as I screamed..
Nkuli: Velo!!!
I collapsed but she held me and placed me down gently, I
then I heard something roaring and I saw arrows flying
around as I closed my eyes..
_
NAZO
Me: Come on Dawn wake up!!
I was trying to heal Dawn but I couldn't, I was trying my
level best but nothing happened. It was frustrating, I
didn't even know if he was still alive or dead, he was
bleeding a lot..
Zaine walked in..
Zaine: Badru is on his way.. How is going?
I let go and sat back, I couldn't do it..
Me: I can't.. I can't save him
Zaine: Nazo..
Me: I tried Zaine but I couldn't
My hands had his blood..
Zaine knelt next to Dawn's bleeding body and felt his
pulse.. This was a mess, a big mess!
Me: If he dies then I am leaving everything, how can one
of us get attacked by what's supposed to be helping and
guiding us? All of this, all of this is a mess!
Zaine sat back too, we were quiet. We were quiet for a
while.. I lost Niso, I couldn't save him and now I'm failing
Dawn too. A brother that I got after I lost mine. Tears
started burning my eyes..
"Beloved.."
Now he wants to come through, after everything that's
been happening. Now he wants to come through..
"Beloved.. Heal him again"
Me: I tried..
"This time you doing it with me, not by yourself.."
I looked at Dawn again and moved closer to him. With
tears falling I put my hands right were he was hit and
looked at him, then a bright light came through from the
ceiling and started shining on my hands. After a few
seconds Dawn opened his eyes while gasping for air..
Me: Dawn
The light disappeared, Zaine came closer..
Dawn: What happened?
Zaine: Are you good?
He tried to get up but he felt a bit of pain..
Zaine: You need to get to the hospital
Dawn: I'm good.. We have work to do
We helped him to get up, the wound had disappeared..
_
NOMVELO
I slowly opened my eyes and everything appeared blurry
at first but after a few seconds I could see clearly. Nkuli
was running her hand on my forehead...
Nkuli: Hey.. Are you okay?
Me: Nkuli?
Her: Didn't they hurt you?
Me: hurt me?
I looked around and I was in my bedroom at home, I
freaked out..
Me: What am I doing here? Where is Nazo?
Nkuli: Nomvelo are you okay?
I remembered what Nazo said, I remembered him saying
I must stay away from my cousin.
Me: Nkuli.. Where is Grams? Where is Danger?
Her: Velo.. What are you talking about?
I got up from the bed, my heart was beating fast..
Her: Velo?
She tried to touch me but I stepped back..
Me: Don't touch me!
Her: It's me Cuz
Me: Get away from me!
She looked at me..
Her: Helena must've lifted off the spell
I looked at my phone, it was at the edge of the bed. Then
I looked at Nkuli, I tried to get to it but she pulled me
back and threw me on the floor..
Me: Nkuli stop!.. Stop you going to hurt my baby
She got to me and sat on my tummy..
Me: Ahhhh!!! (Screaming)
Her: We don't want you bitch we want the baby!!! Even
if you die we don't care!
She grabbed my weave and started banging my head
against the floor..
Me: Stop!!!!
She did continously until I blacked out.
122
NOMSA
We were trying out a new dish or rather introducing a
new dish to our menu, dumplings and chicken stew. If
you don't want the chicken stew you can exchange it for
oxtail, this will be our very first time introducing mini
dumplings into our menu. My Mother showed up during
lunch time to try out the new dish, I was very happy to
see her. It's also her first time setting foot into my food
joint ever since I've opened it..
Her: Hmmmmm kumnandi (the dish is delicious)
Me: Thank you..
Her: Bayalithenga mara? (do they but it)
Me: We just introduced it today and so far I think 3
People bought, it's chicken stew + dumplings = R25..
Then dumplings + Oxtail= R45
Her: It's affordable
Me: Ya.. The oxtail one is expensive because oxtail
doesn't come cheap, oxtail and beef they cost us a lot
Her: I understand
On a slow day we make around R500-R800 a day,
excluding Saturdays. Then on a busy day like when
People get paid on the 25th and Month end we make
around R1000-R1500 a day, before deductions. On
Saturdays since we open only for a few hours and
considering the fact that in some places they'll be closed
and some other places only open for a few hours too, so
most employees don't take lunch. So on Saturdays make
around R250-R400. I have two ladies working for me and
one guy, the guy I hired him last week since we'll be
starting with delivering food at certain workplaces he will
be mostly handling that department. The ladies are the
ones who cook, I only serve and solely work at the till.
The space that we renting is not big enough, hence our
tables and chairs are situated outside we have a Gazibo. I
am without a doubt that this is only a start, soon enough
we will be making more than what we making
currently...
Me: I was thinking that I should go to Nomvelo's place
just to thank her in person, I was thinking of driving there
after closing time at 18:00
Her: Do you think that's a good idea?
Me: Yes... I really wanna thank her in Person, we have
only been communicating over the phone. She gave me
another chance to live, I was hitting rock bottom and she
came through for me. I mean she didn't want anything
from me including the car, of which is now helping us a
lot to run errands since I took it from Thuli. The least I
can do is to thank her
Her: I understand what you saying. God showed his
favour and mercy on you through this child, You can go
and thank her just be careful with MaNgcobo. She is still
holding a lot for you
Me: I know but I don't think she's home, Danger
would've told me
Her: Speaking of Danger.. You and him seem to be pretty
close
Me: We just good friends Ma.. We have always been
good friends
Her: I wouldn't know plus I'm old, I might be "Seeing
things"
I laughed..
Me: Don't over think anything.. We friends
My two regular customers from some law firm that's
nearby walked in..
Me: Ma I'll be right back
Her: Okay
I stood up and followed them inside..
_
NOMVELO
My head was banging, I felt a sharp pain at the back of
my head as if like someone penetrated a knife deep
inside my skull. As my eyes wondered around to locate
Nkuli, I noticed that I was tied to a chair. She was on the
phone with her back facing me..
Her: The spell has been lifted off from her.. We need to
move fast... How soon can you get here?
She turned around and saw that I was awake
Her: Okay.. Please hurry, we have to move fast
She paused for a while and smiled..
Her: I love you too.. Bye
The smile vanished as she lowered the phone..
Her: Welcome back
Me: Why are you doing this?
She exhaled in frustration..
Her: Are we going to go through this again?
Me: It can't be about Nazo.. I know that when you mad
you can resort into anything but this?? This is not you,
you wouldn't do this
Her: Ohhh poor you!.. Look your cousin is working with
me, I'm using her to achieve my goal
Me: Who are you?
Her: I'm Nira.. I'm one of the highest ranked female
demons
Me: You possessed my cousin?
Her: I borrowed her body
Me: You won't get away with this.. My husband is going
to sense this and he is going to come, he is going to send
you straight to hell!
She yawned..
Her: He better hurry then before the C-section starts
She got the knife..
Her: We going to cut you open while you watch and
bleed to death, we going to take away your child and
raise him to be evil! If you make it, you and your husband
will spend all your pathetic miserable lives fighting your
own flesh and blood
She ran the knife on my cheek..
Her: I can't wait!!
_
NAZO
Badru was here now, he was running through the ancient
Hebrew book trying to find a way to conjure Nira. I was
attending to Dawn who kept on making it clear to me
that he was fine, though the wound had totally
disappeared he was still in a lot of pain. What we doing
to conjuring Nira is not witchcraft nor evil. We just using
ancient religion, what exorcists in the olden days used to
do. They would conjure an evil spirit as to perish it, I
hope that it will work. We want to send Nira back to
where she comes from, so that My Son and Dawn's
Daughter could be safe. Something was not right, I
couldn't shake away the feeling that something was
wrong. I have been trying to get a hold of Nomvelo but
she wasn't answering my calls, I'm guessing that she's
still under Nkuli's spell and doesn't wanna talk to me..
Badru: We have found it!
I got down from the table. The trap was prepared, we
going to use the Devil's trap after we have conjured her
to trap her inside so that she doesn't escape..
Me: Since Nira asks for permission to possess, are we
going to be able to get her here from Nkuli's body? Even
if Nkuli doesn't give her permission to leave?
Dawn: It's worth a try
We moved closer to the trap..
Zaine: Dawn you remain seated
Zaine gave Badru the book, unlike us Badru and Dawn
are skilled in this and they know how to read the
language.
Badru: Is everyone ready?
Me: I think so
He started reading from the book..
Badru: "Qaranlıq kraliçanı, səndən əvvəl özümüzü təqdim
etmək üçün sənə hörmət edirəm. Mən bir cənnətə
sahibəm və Peyğəmbərdən gələn bir əmrə itaət edə
bilməzsən. Biz bu köhnə din istifadə edən Peyğəmbərlər
ilə qüvvələri birləşdiririk, pisliyi atıb onu geri qaytarırıq,
Qaranlıq və pis Nora Kraliçası. Özünüzü təqdim edin! Səni
bağıracağam"
We all looked at each other and repeated the words..
Us: Pis peyğəmbərlər, pisliyə qarşı mübarizə etmək üçün
hər zaman bir yerdə durduqda, biz səni qovuşdururuq..
Nira!!
_
NOMVELO
Nkuli: Dammit where are you?
She threw the phone on the couch, she then looked at
me..
Her: I guess that I'll have to do this all by myself
I shook my head no..
Me: Please.. Please don't
She took the knife..
Me: Nkuli please... It's me it's Velo (Crying)
Her: As if that will work
I looked around..
Me: Nazo where are you?
She moved closer to us..
Me: Please.. Please don't do this, don't take my baby
(Crying)
She stood behind me and grabbed my weave, she lifted
my head up a bit and put the knife against my throat..
Her: Or maybe I can start with mommy dearest
I was very scared, and I didn't care what happened to me
all I want is for my baby to be safe. She pressed harder as
I cried, this is it. I am done..
In a nick of an eye, we heard voices speaking a language
that I couldn't understand. She got the knife from me..
Her: No!!!
She moved and started looking around..
Her: No!! No!!
After that a group of men appeared in the room, I didn't
know who they were but they were wearing clerical
collars and most of them looked old..
Nkuli: Nooo!!!
They all raised their hands at her as they all said the
same thing and she fell on the floor. She started
screaming, and then made weird animal sounds up until
a black smoke dispensed from her mouth, her eyes also
turned black and she was in a spider position with her
head twisted. Then after the smoke had dispensed from
her mouth she laid down still, not moving and her eyes
were closed. The men in the room disappeared, Nkuli still
laid there not moving.
_
NAZO
A blast of wind engulfed the whole room and then a
black smoke moved around in the Devil's trap, after a
few seconds it created a certain female creature, one
that wasn't pleasant to look at. The wind and everything
came into a peaceful state. Her lower body was that of a
snake and on her head she had little snakes all around..
Badru: Nira's true form
She moved around the circle in a very quick manner but
unfortunately she couldn't escape it, she was trapped
inside..
She looked at us and hissed, her tongue was that of a
snake...
Her: Nork uste duzu niri konbentzitzea? (Who do you
think you're to conjure me)
Badru: Atzera nator zauden tokitik itzuli baino lehen (Go
back to where you come from before I send you back)
She remained quiet for a while and then after she started
screaming, her scream was so disturbing that a bunch of
snakes showed up in the room. We closed our ears and
moved back..
Me: Any ideas on how to vanquish such?
Zaine: Badru?
Badru: The snakes were not expected
We moved back as the snakes approached us, and just
when we thought that we were trapped. We saw each
snake being burnt by fire, we looked at the direction of
the one who was attacking and it was Ramiel, with her
sword.. She was saving the day..
_
NOMVELO
Nkuli opened her eyes while gasping for air.
Me: Nkuli?
She turned her head to me but she screamed in pain, she
had a nose bleed. She tried to get up but she couldn't, it
was like she was in a lot of pain..
Me: Nkuli
She shook her head, with tears in her eyes..
Her: I'm sorry Velo
I nodded..
Me: It's okay.. Just get to the phone and call Nazo, he will
fix this.. He will fix it
She shook her head no..
Her: He won't
She got the knife again and crawled her way to me, I
couldn't move because my legs and my hands were
tied..
Me: Nkuli.. What are you doing?
Her: You won't understand now.. You will hate me but
one day you will understand
She got to me and supported herself by balancing on my
thighs..
Me: Nkuli No!!! (Crying)
I tried to shake off the chair but nothing happened, she
looked at me as tears fell..
Her: I'm sorry Cuz
I heard the door violently opening, Nkuli did the
unthinkable. She used her last strength to stab me three
times in my tummy..
Me: Nooooooo!!!! (Screaming)
Her: I'm sorry.. (Crying)
The 3rd time she left the knife deep inside and collapsed
on the floor crying, I saw her boyfriend Kali rushing in. I
never met him face to face but I recognize him from the
pictures, He stood there and looked at us..
Him: Nooo!!
He extended his hand to Nkuli and it seemed like he was
choking her, well that's all I could remember before I
passed out..
Me: Nazo!!!!!!!

123
GUGU
I felt like I was a bit harsh to Nomvelo, I mean if we want
to bring her back home then my tone of voice has to be
different from how I spoke to her. I parked my car again
close to the gate and thought for a while, I don't know
why I was even here but something deep down forced
me to come here. Or maybe it's my guilty conscience at
how I spoke to her earlier, either way we have to find
common ground. Nomvelo is a married woman her just
packing up and leaving is ridiculous! This is not how a
married woman should act.. I got out of my car and made
my way in, I knocked at the door a few times and no one
came to my rescue. Maybe they not around but the door
was slightly open, they can't go without locking. I opened
and walked in..
Me: Nomvelo??
It was very quiet..
Me: Nomvelo it's me
Still no reply. I made my way to the living room in hopes
that maybe I'll pass to the bedroom and find her
sleeping, but what I witnessed in the living room almost
made my heart stop. I dropped my bag on the floor and
everything just started moving in slow motion..
Me: Nomvelo!!! (Shouting)
She was tied to a chair and she had a knife buried deep in
her tummy, there was blood on her and also on the floor.
She had bled a lot and it looked like she had passed out.
Nkuli was laying on the floor, she was also bleeding from
her nose and mouth but her bleeding wasn't a lot.. I
rushed to Nomvelo and started waking her up, she didn't
respond. I tried feeling her pulse but, it was hard to trace
it. I didn't know if I was feeling hers or mine that's how
scared I was..
Me: Come on Velo.. Wake up (Crying)
I tried my level best to wake her up but still nothing..
Me: Somebody please help.. Someb-
I was shaking and confused, I quickly went and got my
phone. I called Nazo but his phone rang until it went to
voicemail, I left him a Voicemail letting him know what
was happening. I hope that I even said the right things.
As I was busy confused and crying the door opened and
closed..
Me: Somebody help.. (Crying)
After a few seconds Danger made his way to the living,
he didn't know what to say after witnessing what was
happening..
Him: What happened?
Me: I don't know.. I-
He came and checked Nomvelo..
Him: We have to rush her to the hospital, we have to
rush them to the hospital
Me: I'm taking Nomvelo I don't care what happens to
Nkuli!.. She started all of this
Him: Will you be able to drive?
I nodded repeatedly..
He helped me to untie her..
Him: Don't take out the knife she will bleed more
Me: I know.. I know
He picked her up and we rushed to my car, an ambulance
is definitely going to take forever. I was taking Nomvelo
to the hospital and he will take Nkuli because I want
nothing to do with her..
_
NAZO
Nira went completely crazy, she was screaming and
speaking a language that only her, Badru, and Dawn
understood..
Badru: Something is not right
Me: What do you mean?
As she was screaming like that, she started burning. She
burned up to ashes leaving all 4 of us dumbfounded. A
minute or so passed before we could speak again, Badru
closed the book..
Zaine: What happened?
Badru: Something is not right
Dawn: It was way too easy
Me: Unless we had help from above
Badru: Even so.. She wouldn't give up without a fight,
when she was screaming she said something like "It's
over" she had already given up
Zaine: Given up without putting a fight? When we
brought her in she was prepared to attack, she was
prepared to fight for what they wanted to achieve
Badru: Unless...
Dawn: Unless what?
Badru: The plan failed
He looked at me..
Badru: Call your wife and check on her, something is not
right
I went and got my phone, I noticed that I had a voicemail
so I listened to it first before calling Nomvelo. It was my
Mom, she sounded very distressed, she wasn't making
too much sense. She was crying and her voice was
breaking throughout, but I heard her clearly when she
said Nomvelo and the baby are hurt. She was taking
them to the hospital. I lowered the phone and looked at
the guys..
Dawn: And?
Me: Something is wrong with Nomvelo and our baby, my
mom is taking them to the hospital
Zaine: Should we go?
Me: I'll go.. I'll keep you guys posted
Badru: Are you sure you don't want us to come?
Me: I'm fine.. I'll call you guys
I took my car keys and walked out..
_
TUMI
I was very quiet as Shine and I were having lunch, My
mind was still stuck on what happened. I was still
questioning myself if he actually did it, I kept on stealing
glances at him..
Him: If you want to ask me something.. Ngena endabeni
He took the serviette and wiped his lips while looking at
me..
I shook my head..
Him: Then uyeke ukung'bheka (Then stop looking at me)
[Silence]
Me: Did you do it?
I took a deep breath..
Me: Did you kill her?
He looked at me..
Him: Wena what do you think?
I shrugged my shoulders..
Him: Asiyeke ke (let's leave it)
Me: So meaning that if I could also do something that
you don't like you going to kill me?
He looked at me without saying anything..
Him: Ceda simhambe (Finish up so that we can leave)
He wasn't being straight with me, he was busy beating
around the bush. I just wanted to know if I could trust
him, I don't wanna end up in a body bag..
_
NOMSA
I actually left earlier than I had previously planned, for
the first time I allowed one of the ladies to work at the
till. It's time that I trust at least one them because I won't
always be around..
When I got to MaNgcobo's house it was a mess, The
Police were there and neighbours were standing outside
busy gossiping to each other. I wondered what
happened, I spotted Danger talking to one of the
Detectives I assume. At first they refused to let me in but
he told them that I'm family and they let me in. I waited
for him to finish talking to the Detective and then he
made his way to me.
Me: Hey.. What happened?
He exhaled..
Him: It's Nomvelo and Nkuli
I looked at him..
Me: What about them? What about Nomvelo
Him: I think someone got in and attacked them, they
stabbed Nomvelo in her stomach
I covered my mouth with both my hands..
Him: Her Mother in law quickly took her to the hospital, I
couldn't take Nkuli to the hospital because I had to wait
for the Police I called the Ambulance and it took her
Me: Kodwa who can come in and attack abantwana?
(Who can come in and attack kids)
Him: I don't know..I pray they find the Person who did
this before I do
This was shocking, who in their right mind can attack a
pregnant woman??
_
NAZO
I made my way in, I was supposed to have arrived sooner
but I got delayed on the road. The hospital is big and I
didn't even know where to go, I took my phone and
called Gugu. I tried her a lot of times before she could
answer, I told her that I was at the reception and I waited
for her to come and get me. The state that I saw her in
was disturbing, she had blood on her clothes. She came
to me and hugged me for a while, her eyes confirmed
that she had been crying for a while..
Me: What happened?
She broke the hug and looked at me..
Me: What happened Gugu? Are they okay?
She put her hand on my cheek..
Her: Someone..
She cleared her throat..
Her: Someone stabbed Nomvelo in her stomach, she was
unconscious when I found her and she had been bleeding
for a while. They busy with her but the Dr said that.. She
said something like her body went into shock because
she lost a lot of blood, and also something about she
almost went into cardiac arrest. She was speaking the
medical language and I didn't hear most of what she said
Me: Someone stabbed Nomvelo?
She nodded as I thought for a while..
Me: And Nkuli? Where was she?
Her: She was also laying unconscious on the floor, she
was bleeding from her mouth and nose
I went and sat down, I needed a breather..
Her phone rang, she looked at it..
Her: It's your Father, I'm sorry I called him too when I
couldn't get a hold of you
Me: It's fine I understand
Her: I think he has arrived, I'll go and get him
I nodded as she walked away..
Me: Where is Nomvelo?
Her: Second floor... She's in theater
Me: You'll find me there
Her: Okay
I went to the elevator and pressed the second floor, my
mind was just wondering around. I was scared a bit but
then again, only God knows why this is happening...
I got there and waited a bit, deep down I was saying a
silent prayer. I didn't wanna lose them, I was praying that
God lowers his hand and save them both..
As I was waiting I saw the Dr and a Nurse coming out, I
didn't know who was who because they were wearing
the same thing..
One of them approached me, I'm thinking it's the Dr..
Her: Good afternoon
Me: Afternoon
Her: Rev Buthelezi it's such an honour to meet you
Sometimes I forget that now I have made a name for
myself..
I slightly bowed my head..
She looked around and then looked at me..
Her: Most of the time families of the Patients they wait
at the reception, there's a waiting area there
Me: I prefer waiting here
She gave me a faint smile..
I swallowed first before asking the question..
Me: How are they?
She sighed..
Her: We managed to stop the bleeding, though she lost a
lot of blood. Unfortunately we can't go ahead with the
surgery now because she has lost a lot of blood, she will
go into cardiac arrest
Me: Is she going to be okay?
Her: It's still early to tell, we will monitor her for the next
24 hours
Me: And the baby?
She sighed again and cleared her throat..
Her: I'm sorry
Me: What do you mean you sorry?
Her: There's.. There's no heartbeat, no movement.. The
baby didn't make it, it seems like the knife pierced
through and stabbed the baby too. Right now we waiting
for Mrs Buthelezi to pick up her strength so that we can
cut her open and remove the baby from her.. We
would've done it immediately but she lost a lot of blood,
operating on her right away would be dangerous but we
have to move fast I'm hoping in the early hours of the
morning we be able to operate and remove the baby
I acted like I understood everything..
Me: Thank you Dr
She could see that I was breaking, her beeper went off..
Her: I have to go
Me: Thank you
She walked away and that's when tears fell. I went and
stood against the wall wiping them, but they couldn't
stop falling. I never thought that It would be this painful,
my Son. My first born was taken from me just like that..
124
NAZO
Gugu was more broken than I was when she found out
the news about the Baby, it caught us off guard. The
knife that was buried deep inside of her hurt the baby,
and that's the major reason why he didn't make it..
Me: If I got there in time I could've healed them, I wish I
could heal him now but he is gone. I cannot bring him
back to life
Gugu put her arm around my shoulders..
Her: Only God knows why this happened but I wish that I
got there sooner too maybe the baby would've made it, I
would've called for help a lot sooner
Richard came back with the bottles of still water and
handed it to me, he also handed one to Gugu..
Gugu: Thank you
He sat on my right side while Gugu sat on the left, I was
in the middle..
Rich: We can't see her?
Me: Dr said she's very critical and they don't want
anything distressing her, they wanna operate first thing
tomorrow morning. They saying it's not healthy for her to
carry a dea-
Richard put his hand on my shoulder and squeezed me a
bit..
Rich: I'm sorry son
Gugu: I didn't realize that it was this late now
It was just after 18:00, we've been here the whole day..
Me: You guys can go.. I wanna be here up until the
operation
Richard: It's still a long way to go until Dawn, maybe you
should go eat something and shower then you can come
back
Gugu: That's actually a good idea
Richard: I can drive you, I'll just leave my car at the
parking lot
I was going through a lot right now to even argue with
him, I just lost my son and my wife is in a very critical
state so arguing with Richard is just going to drain me
more..
Me: Yeah sure.. Why not?
I gave him my car keys..
Gugu: I'll follow you guys
We got up and then made our way out..
_
NOMVELO
I found myself in what looked like a hospital, but the
hospital was very quiet and a bit cold. It looked very dull
and very depressing, there was no life in here and it
certainly didn't feel right..
Me: Hello??
My voice echoed..
Me: Hello?
I walked around and beds were empty, I wondered
where all the patients and the staff went. I was in a
hospital gown I looked at my hands and I was pale, more
like I had no blood..
Voice: Nomvelo
That voice sounded very familiar, I turned around and it
was my Mother. She was in a hospital gown too, but her
state of appearance was a bit alarming. She didn't seem
like the same person or spirit that I once talked too a
while back. She walked up to me.. She looked like she has
no soul and no heart, looking into her eyes she seemed
cold..
Me: What's happening? Am I dead?
Her: No.. At least not yet
Me: What do you mean "At least not yet"
Her: You.. You were hurt really bad and it became too
much for your body to sustain the injury seeing that you
lost a lot of blood, basically right now you in a very
critical condition. You having a near death experience
Me: A near d-
I dated back to her statement and I remembered, I
remembered being stabbed..
Me: I was stabbed.. Nkuli stabbed me
Her: I know
I heard a sound of a baby crying, I just didn't know where
it came from..
Me: I.. I was pregnant when she
Her: I know
Me: Is.. Is my baby okay?
She put her hands on my shoulders..
Her: Nomvelo
Me: Is my baby okay??
Her: The baby didn't make it
Me: What? No!!
Her: I'm sorry, the knife pierced through his little heart
I shook my head no..
Her: Upsetting yourself like this will only put a strain on
your almost dying state
I couldn't help myself, I was broken. My heart was
shattered into a million pieces..
Her: That's why I need you to focus
I looked at her..
Her: Choose death.. Stay with me don't go back
Me: What?
Her: You have been experiencing nothing but Pain Velo,
you have been crying endless tears. You always question
God, what's the use of going back? What's the use of
experiencing more pain?
I wiped my tears..
Me: Naz-
Her: To hell with that healer! Where was he when you
needed him the most? If he is such a powerful religious
being why couldn't he sense that you and the baby were
in danger? What's the use of trusting in his God when he
has brought you nothing but Pain? First you witnessed
me being brutally killed by someone who later on raised
you in a web of lies and deciet. Where was God then?
When you finally found happiness with Niso, he took him
away too. Now he took away your baby, all he does is
just take and cause pain. Enough is enough! If you
choose death, if you choose to not go back you will be
able to see the baby. He will be with you, you will be able
to hold him, kiss him, play with him, put him to sleep.
Something that you won't be able to do on Earth and the
cherry ontop is..
Me: Is what?
She turned around and then turned back to look at me,
she then stepped to the side and I couldn't believe what
my eyes saw. It was Niso..
Mom: Your one and only true love
He was his handsome self, he was wearing that white
tshirt that he loved a lot. He looked so real.. I looked at
my Mom..
Me: How are you doing this? He looks so real?
Her: He is real
He gave me his ever charming smile..
Him: Hey
I couldn't stop the tears, I met him halfway.
Him: You still this beautiful?
Tears streamed down.. I put my hand on his cheek..
Me: It's.. I can't believe it
He appeared very real..
Me: You look real
Him: I am real
Me: I have missed you soo much
Him: I've missed you too
He pulled me closer and gave me a hug, I cried on his
shoulder..
Me: I've missed you.. You have no idea how much I've
missed you
_
NKULI
I kept hearing voices, the voices didn't make sense. I
couldn't really hear what they were saying. I slowly
opened my eyes and everything appeared white at first,
until my vision became clear and I could see that I was in
a hospital. I kept on hearing the voices for a while, I
didn't even know where they were coming from. I looked
around and it looked like I was in a hospital ward with a
few other people too but they didn't look normal, they
looked disturbing. They looked like creatures and some
of them even had horns, they were all laughing at me.
Their laughs were making me dizzy..I started breathing
heavily, I starred around again it was still the same
situation.
I got the IV needle from my arm, I tried to get out of bed
but my whole body was aching. I fell. I tried to get up but
I couldn't, it seems as if like my bones were broken. I
looked around and saw another demon human creature
making it's way to me..
Her: Are you okay?
Her voice was deep..
She tried to touch me but I screamed..
Me: Get away from me!! (screaming)
Her: I am Nurse Mabunda and I'm trying to help you
Me: No!!! Get away from me you evil creature!!
Her: Miss..
Me: No!!!! (Screaming)
I held on to the leg of the bed..
Her: I need back up!! She will have to be sedated
Me: Please get away!! Get away from me!!
I felt some wetness when I slightly put my head on my
arm, I checked and it was blood. I must've hurt myself
when I took off the IV needle..
_
NOMVELO
I couldn't stop looking at him..
Me: You left me
We were sitting on one of the hospital benches..
He cleared my hair from my face and gently pulled it back
against my ear..
Him: I'm sorry but.. I wasn't going to survive that injury
Me: You didn't want me to see you
Him: Because I didn't want to hurt you, visiting me in jail
was only going to hurt you and I didn't want you to be
hurt. It was going to be hard to let go
I wiped my tears with my hand and when I put it back on
my thigh, I noticed my wedding ring. I touched it..
Him: Are you happy with him?
I looked at him, I didn't know how to answer that
question..
He put his hand on my cheek..
Him: I love you soo much and I want you to stay, I want
you to stay here with me and your Mom and the baby
He leaned over and kissed me..
Him: Stay.. Choose us
_
NAZO
I found myself in a very nice and peaceful place. The
grass was very green, there were trees with different
fruits. There was a waterfall nearby, the water there was
glowing beautifully. The sun was shining, there were
birds flying in the sky, I saw a few animals walking around
and Surprisingly I wasn't scared. I heard no fear
whatsoever..
"Beloved"
This time the voice sounded a bit different from when I
heard it deep within, it was gentle. It carried a lot of
peace with it and it was very calm. I turned around and
there was a bench, I couldn't see who was sitting there.
There was a very bright light on the right side of the
bench, It could swear that I was looking directly into the
sun..
Me: Is it? What's happening?
"We don't have much time"
I walked closer and the brightness got more intense..
" Don't be afraid"
I sat on the bench..
"It would be better if you look at the waterfall and the
animals as we talk, keep your eyes away from me"
I turned hoping that I was going to see him but I didn't,
instead the brightness almost burned my eyes and made
me blind..
I looked at the waterfall..
"I know that you have a lot of questions"
Me: I do
"Nira is a high rank demon, a demon that was locked
away from humans by me and a demon that could only
be released by me"
Me: You released her?
"No but I allowed for her release"
Me: Why?
"This is how the devil works, just like how he tested Job
he tested Nomvelo too. He never believed that Nomvelo
would ever trust me nor be dependent on me after
everything that happened to her, he was sure that she
hated me and wanted nothing to do with me. It was
supposed to be a test for her, Lucifer purposed that in
her great distress she would never call upon me because
she doesn't trust me and I allowed for the test to be
carried out. With everything that's happened, I thought
he'd tears would be directed to me. I thought in her
suffering she was going to turn to no one but me, I was
ready for her to even call out to me and I would instantly
understand her tears but she never did. At times I allow
for certain situations to happen so that I could show my
glory, so that my children can learn to trust me.
Remember Beloved I am not only God when things are
going well, I am God when things aren't going well too"
Me: My baby dying was that part of the test?
"No beloved, I give life and I don't take it away. Death
takes life away"
Me: Then why did you let it happen?
"Job questioned my greatness in times of his suffering,
you doing the same"
Me: I need answers.. This is getting out of hand
"Nkuli did what she thought was best for the baby, she
killed the baby so that Lucifer couldn't get to him and
turn him evil. She would rather have both good and evil
lose him than for him to be turned evil since Nomvelo
drank that portion and it was already turning him evil.
Even though she thought that she was doing a good deed
but she broke one of the 10 commandments"
Me: Do not commit murder
"She took a life, no human should take another life"
I exhaled..
"But it would seem like your Grandmother's prayers are
finally going to come true"
Me: What prayers?
"When she was still alive, she prayed that the next
generation of healers should be girls"
Me: The bloodline wasn't broken?
"No Beloved, I restore what was lost. The bloodline will
carry on, but the gift will be passed on to a baby girl who
is only going to realize her gift when you are no more as
to keep her safe"
Me: What about my wife?
"Nomvelo is in between life and death. The devil is still
tormenting her, trying to win her over. He is showing her
things that aren't true, posing demons to appear as
people that she loved as to win her over"
Me: How?
"She will have to choose. If she chooses death then she
would've chosen the other side, it would've been a battle
for her soul between us and them but she will be going
willingly and not forcefully. If she chooses life then she
chooses me"
Me: How so?
"if she chooses life she would be getting another chance
to trust and be emotionally dependent on me, She has
made you God over her life, she is too emotionally
dependent. She puts her trust too much into Men than
me, this test was to prove to her that even blood can still
hurt and betray you. She is a preacher's wife she needs
to be spiritually strong, she is your rib and you need a rib
that is strong so that when you not around and I don't
mean by death, she will be able to stand firm and
proclaim me to a lot of people"
Me: How do I get her to choose life?
"Love Beloved, I am love and nothing triumphs love. 1
Corinthians 13, show her love"
(Silence)
Me: Promise me one thing? That when she comes out of
this, you would never allow for something like this to
happen again. She has been through a lot, she deserves
happiness and peace
"Being my child doesn't mean that you will no longer go
through tribes and tribulations, lucifer will always be
hunting. Nomvelo will need to stop questioning me,
blaming me, and start trusting me"
Me: I'll make sure of that.. Can I walk around and check
this place? It's very beautiful
"Unfortunately you have to go back"
Me: Go back?
"You waking up now and remember we might never have
this moment again, you need to walk by faith and not by
sight. Trust and believe that I am always with you even
when things are not nice"
Me: Wait...
I opened my eyes and I was in my room, I rose my head
up from the pillow and realized that I was dreaming. I
had passed out on the bed after showering..

125
SNAZO
After showering and passing out for an hour I prepared
myself and went back to the hospital, when Nomvelo had
that surgery in the early hours of the morning I was at
the waiting area silently praying. I felt deep down when I
was praying that she was going to make it, I had that
much faith. I didn't see the time, I was connected deep
into my silent prayer deep down unti I heard my Father's
voice..
Him: Good morning
I opened my eyes and looked at him, he was standing in
front of me. He actually drove me back and then left me
to go home and rest, I left Gugu sleeping I didn't wanna
wake her up. She needed the rest..
He sat next to me..
Him: Why is that old woman starring at you?
Me: Maybe I've had my eyes closed for too long
Him: Why is that?
Me: I was silently praying
Him: Huh.. That's good
(Silence)
Me: Are you a religious person?
Him: I try to be
Me: What does that mean?
Him: I believe that there's a God somewhere out there
but.. This church thing and praying, it's not for me
Me: I see
I looked at the woman again, she wasn't even stealing
glances at me she was straight up looking at me..
Me: Which reminds me I have to heal Nomvelo's
Grandmother
Him: What about Nomvelo?
Me: Nomvelo is going through something that I cannot
heal, she has to make a decision
Him: I don't understand
Me: It's a bit of a complicated situation
I yawned..
Him: You need to rest
Me: I need to make sure that my wife is okay first
The Dr came to us..
Her: Good morning
We greeted her back, I stood up..
Her: I didn't think that you would be around so early
Me: How it go?
Her: We manged to remove the baby and control the
bleeding, your wife is out of danger all we have to do
now is to have faith that she will recover
Rich: That's good news
Her: The baby..
She cleared her throat..
Her: It was a baby boy, the knife pierced through his little
heart and that was the cause of death.. I'm sorry
I sighed..
Me: If it's not enough trouble I would like to see him
Her: Ofcause.. Right this way
We followed her as she led the way, it wasn't a relief that
Nomvelo was out of danger because she is torn between
two worlds now. I need to find a way to bring her back
Her: Here he is
He was wrapped in a sheet, he looked so tiny.
Rich: He is very tiny
Dr: He is indeed
Rich: His coffin is going to be very small
Me: We not going to have a funeral.. We not going to
Bury him
Rich: What do you mean?
Me: We going to have him cremated, Nomvelo will need
closure and I don't think a grave will do
_
NKULI
They had chained me into a bed like some kind of animal,
what was happening to me wasn't going to be fixed by
their pathetic western medicine. What's happening to
me is spiritual, it's torture from not letting Lucifer and
Nira to get the baby..
Me: Please!!! I am not crazy!!
Black shadows were moving around in a very fast
manner, I had no doubt that it was Lucifer's agents!
Bloody demons..
Me: Please I don't need this kind of help, I need spiritual
help. What's happening to me it's something that's
spiritual, it's something deep!
One of the demons stopped, it was a very tall demon I
never knew hell had such. It was holding a whip, and it
started whipping me. The whip had razors attached to it
and everytime he whipped me, I felt the razors cutting
through the hospital gown and deep into my flesh. When
he removed the whip and raised it up, it came out with a
piece of my flesh and I was bleeding. This was the most
painful thing that I have ever experienced in my whole
entire life, all the promises that Lucifer made to me were
not real. He lied, he tricked me and now he is betraying
me. The Nurse came in rushing and she looked at me..
Me: I'm dying please help
Her: What's happening?
Me: Look at the blood!! Please make it stop (Crying)
Her: Make what stop? I don't see anything. There's no
blood
Me: Please... Please make it stop (Crying)
I was in hell no lie..
_
SNAZO
I was finally allowed to see Nomvelo, My Dad went back
to the waiting, wanted to give me giving me a moment
with her.. She was peacefully and quietly laying on the
bed, her eyes were closed and she was very still. I stood
at the door and looked at her before making my way in, I
thought that at any moment she would open her eyes
but she never did. I pulled the small chair and sat right at
the side of her bed, they isolated her so that she could
recover well. I held her hand, it was a bit cold. I looked at
her again, words were failing me. The past few days we
have moved from being happy and addicted to each to
fighting and her hating me. I deeply missed the times
that we used to spend together doing all those retarded
things that made her laugh, I miss lying in bed with her
and waking up next to her. I miss her smile, her laughter
and her voice. I miss hearing the words "I love you too" I
just miss those moments that we used to share together.
I kissed her hand..
Me: Please come back to me, I'm not here as a Reverend
or a healer. I am here as your husband and I am asking
you to come back to me. It can't end like this, it's not
right. I know wherever you're you know that it's not right
too. I miss you a lot , the past few days have been hell
without you no matter what happens please come back.
Choose me, choose us, choose to live because we still
have a long way to go. A better journey is awaiting us we
still need to create more memories and have more kids.
I pushed the tears back..
Me: I love you Nomvelo, Yes I can live without you but I
don't want too. You meant for me, you came into my life
and gave me a second chance at love. We have
something special, our love is special. Remember when I
was away and things weren't a bed of roses between us,
when you sent me that video what did you say? I
remember you said "Come back home, come back to
me" and I did, now I'm asking you the same thing "3 back
home, Come back to me" We will go through everything
together. I love you Nana..
_
SHINE
I was trying to get through my breakfast as quickly as I
could so that I could go to work, we start early these days
because there is a lot to do. Our company is growing and
I am full hands on since Nazo is always busy with
something.. My Mom walked in just as I was putting the
bowl in the sink..
My Mother is originally from Zimbabwe, how her and my
Dad met is a long story that I was never really interested
in, I just accepted the summary of it..
Her: Good morning
She is the only person that I'm forced to speak English
with, she understands isiZulu but she doesn't like to
speak it. Maybe it's because of her accent..
Me: Mamezala
Her: You going to work?
Me: Yes I am
Her: How is Tumi? And how is everything going?
Me: Ahhh uGrand (she's alright)
She fixed her glasses..
Her: Dumi you are not that person anymore
Me: Huh?
Her: You not that kind of person anymore and if you
continue handling things like that you going to lose Tumi,
and she is very nice girl. She is well reserved, she loves
Mpumi and she loves you. Stop being shady on the side
you and Nazo are no longer those people and he has
been a very good influence on you. You have a good job
and your life is better so don't ruin what you have now
because you let anger take over, a stupid mistake can
ruin your whole entire life
When she starts preaching, she never stops.
Her: Yo-
We heard Mpumi crying, she sighed..
Her: We still talk about this later.. Enjoy your day
Me: You too
I must come back very late when she's sleeping or avoid
going inside the house.
_
NOMVELO
"Come back home, come back to me" and I did, now I'm
asking you the same thing "3 back home, Come back to
me" We will go through everything together. I love you
Nana"
Those words echoed, I heard everything that he said but I
couldn't see him. I only heard his voice. I looked at the
ring on my finger and it reminded me of what Nazo and I
have
Niso: It is time
I turned and looked at him, I saw the black tunnel behind
him..
Him: We should go
"Come back home, come back to me" and I did, now I'm
asking you the same thing "3 back home, Come back to
me" We will go through everything together. I love you
Nana"
I touched my ring again..
Niso: My love
I looked at him..
Him: We need to go
I wasn't sure if I wanted to do this, If I wanted to go with
him and my Mother..
Mom: Your baby is waiting for you on the other side.. We
have already wasted too much time
She showed up from behind me..
Mom: You will have rest from all the troubles of the
world, no one will hurt you ever again when you with us
She put her hand on my cheek..
Her: Trust us, we only want what's best for you.. We love
you
I smiled..
Mom: Are you ready to go? Are you ready to put
everything behind you?
Me: Yes.. Yes I'm ready
Niso extended his hand to me, I extended mine to him..
Niso: I came back for you my love
I retracted my hand back..
Mom: What's wrong?
I started shaking my head..
Me: You not him
Niso: Velo it's me
Me: No it's not
He gave me a confused facial expression..
I took a few steps back..
Me: Niso refused for me to see him when he was in jail
Him: I know because I didn't want yo-
Me: When I was at my worst and I attempted to jump off
from that ledge he never showed up
Mom: Velo stop this nonsense
Me: Niso would never come back, not even in death
because he loved me too much and he would know that
it would hurt me and make me to hold on, all he ever
wanted was for me to be happy even when he was no
longer around. Part of that was to let me go so that I
could find someone else who would love me just as much
and make me happy
Mom: Nomvelo!!
Me: You not my Mother
Her: Don't be ridiculous
Me: My Mom would want me to live. On our last meeting
she was full of love and you cold, throughout the whole
conversation she gave me a smile and you never gave me
one. She blessed my union with Nazo from the grave
because she wanted me to be happy. You not my Mother
They looked at each other..
Me: My baby is resting in peace wherever he is, he is not
in hell!
They looked at me again..
Mom: Ohw well think we going to have to do this the
hard way
Me: I love my husband and I choose him, I choose to live
because of him. He gives me life and a reason to wanna
continue living, I choose him!
They changed into their true forms, they were demons
and with them they had chains. They wanted to come
closer to me but they couldn't, the tunnel sucked them in
and it closed. For a moment there was peace, I sayt down
trying to catch my breath when I heard a certain voice..
"It's time to go home Beloved, this will hurt a bit)
I was lifted off from the ground and dispensed out of the
window, the window wasn't even open so I broke
through it
Me: Ahhhhhhh (Screaming)

126
NOMVELO
Me: I'm fine
I have been saying that for the past 30min if not more. I
was irritated at how the medical personnels made me
feel, they made me feel like a volunteer study for their
med educational purposes. My blood was constantly
withdrawn, my body was being prepped and poked for to
make sure that every limb was cooperative to their
satisfaction. I was being asked ridiculous questions, such
as "What is your name".. "Do you know where you are
right now" though their doing their job but it was
annoying. They couldn't understand how I just woke up
with no repercussions from my unfortunate incident,
everything was well except for the pain that arose from
where they operated me
Everytime when I tried to move, breath deep within, or
talk loud. The pain wouldn't allow me. I was even
surprised to learn that I had been operated twice. First
one was to stop the bleeding, second one was to remove
my baby, who suffered more during the time of the
stabbing. I knew exactly who stabbed me, I still didn't
understand the analogy of Nkuli stabbing me, Yes it
sounded and seemed like she was possessed but..
Everything was just confusing, no part of what she did
made sense
Nazo was holding my hand and he wanted to be sure
that I was okay..
Dr: Okay we have sent a sample of your blood to the lab,
seems like everything is working fine
Nazo: Thank you Dr
Me: When will I be discharged?
Dr: We still need to keep you in here for observation and
see first if everything is indeed well with you
Nazo: Will you move her to another ward?
Dr: Yes.. We have to use this ward for someone else
Nazo: She can't be kept here? I mean for the time being
until she gets discharged?
Dr: No she can't.. Look on the bright side, sharing a ward
with other patients will be good. She will have people to
talk too and they'll be fascinated to share a ward with a
Preacher's wife
Public hospitals are a damn shame!
Dr: I will have to be excused, I have to attend to other
patients and cases
Nazo: Thank you very much
Dr: You welcome
She walked out..
Nazo: Are you sure that you okay?
Me: If anyone asks me that question again I swear I will
die
He chuckled..
(Silence)
Me: Something pulled me out
He looked at me..
Me: I remember standing in front of two creatures and
there was a very deep and dark tunnel behind them. I
think it was hell or something, a tunnel of death. I heard
voices, People crying and screaming in agony
Him: What happened next?
Me: They wanted to pull me into the channel, they had
chains. They wanted to bind me or capture my soul but
something or a greater force quickly pulled me out,
something saved me
Nazo: What else do you remember?
I shook my head..
Me: everything else is blurry, I don't remember much
other than that
He kissed my hand..
Him: You have been given a second chance in life, God-
Before he could finish I freed my hand from his grip..
Him: You alright?
Me: I'm okay.. I'm just a bit exhausted
He rubbed his hands together..
Him: I asked for our baby to be cremated, might be
against what I believe in but I want you to get closure
unlike with Niso. The Urn will be in our room or wherever
you wanna put it, the more you see it everyday the more
you will accept that he is gone
I didn't say anything..
Him: I'm sorry Nomvelo.. If I had sen-
Me: What has been ha out there? I hope Richard will
allow me to come back to work
He gave me a weird look..
Him: I think he will.. You wanna go back to work?
Me: Work will help me and keep my mind busy from
thinking a lot
He nodded..
Him: I see
_
NKULI
Danger came through I was so happy to see him. I was
still tied to the bed like a dog, they didn't sedate me
since I didn't have much power because of my collapsing
and aching body it was easy for them to restrain me
again. I wish I had made different choices, I wish anger
didn't get a better of me. Then none of this would be
happening. I have always undermined how the devil
works, if you give him power over your life he will
encourage self destruction and then move to the next
best thing that he can manipulate.
Danger looked at me..
Me: Please get me out of here.. I don't know what they
told you but I'm not sick
He looked at the Dr and the Dr gave him some paper
clipped to a board
Danger: Where do I sign?
Dr: You initial there and there
Danger: Okay
Me: What's happening?
Dr: Sign there
I looked at them as they ignored me..
Danger: Is that all?
Dr: Yes that's all
The Dr held the board against his Danger..
Dr: I promise you that she will be safe in the institution,
she won't hurt anyone there
Danger: Thank you... Thank you for everything
Dr: You welcome
Danger walked to the door...
Me: Danger no!!!! Please.. Please don't leave me here.. I
don't wanna be here (Crying) please....
_
SHINE
We had a big client and Nazo was caught up in personal
problems so I had to handle this on my own. I didn't
know of any best partner in this than my girlfriend Tumi,
she's smart, she knows her job and I know that she can
represent the company very well...
I didn't know how this meeting was going to go because
we haven't been seeing eye to eye lately, now I took into
consideration what my Mother said but I am what I am
and when it involves my kid, I will always protect her.
There's nothing more painful than seeing a child suffering
because of their irresponsible parent. Tumi loves Mpumi
and she is respects herself a lot, what I like more is that
she is very reserved and not much of a fan of alcohol. I
was looking at apartments, our meeting with the client
will be in an hour's time. For now I kept myse busy with
looking for apartments. I know the whole marriage
concept, but I would like for us to stay together first and
see if it will work before thinking about marriage. I
wouldn't want to get divorced after 3 months of getting
married..
_
NOMVELO
I never knew that one can deeply connect to an unborn
soul like how I have connected to my baby, when I heard
the news that he wasn't no more I felt like another piece
of me was taken away. Now I will run my hand on my
tummy and I will always be reminded that he is no longer
there, the scar that I have will be a reminder of what
could've been. I blame myself and a part of me blames
Nazo too, if he was there he could've healed him.
Everything seems to be taken away from me, no matter
how much I try God seems to always take from me hence
why I am skeptical of his existence. How can he be this
cold? Having my Mother killed in such a cruel way wasn't
enough? Having the same person who killed her raise me
with blood money wasn't enough? Having Niso being
taken away from me wasn't enough? Now my son?
When he took my son, he took my soul too. I don't know
how I'm going to make it without him. I was alone in my
ward, Nazo had gone to the mall to get me food and run
some errands. This gave me enough time to weep, I don't
even know why I was pulled out because I don't think I
can live with everything that's happened to me. I've been
through a lot and I had lost all hope in God.
I heard a knock at the door and it was Danger, he walked
in..
Him: Hey kiddo
Me: Hey
He came closer and looked at me..
Him: Are you crying?
Me: No.. I'm fine
He pulled the chair and sat down..
Him: I'm sorry
No matter how much I tried but my tears fell.
Me: Do you think that if Mom was around my life
would've been different? Maybe what's happening to me
right now would have never happened? I wouldn't have
met Nazo and Niso
Him: What makes you say that?
Me: I can't Danger.. There's no happiness that exists for
me with both Brothers, first it was Niso he made bad
choices in life and got himself killed, now it's Nazo. Even
with him I'm still crying the same tears
He held my hand..
Me: I'm tired.. I'm emotionally and mentally drained I
can't do this anymore
Him: Don't do this to yourself. I believe that things do
happen for a reason, when I lost your Mom and I went to
jail for something that I didn't do I thought that my life
had ended. I didn't want to go on anymore
Me: How did you survive?
Him: You.. I found a reason to live again, I had to have
what people will call an "Impossible faith" and I did. Here
we are today, not in a million years did I ever think that I
would be given a chance to be a Father to you but I did..
So even with you, You need to find a reason to live. A
reason to keep going when all seems dark and you feel
like there's no way out
_
NAZO
Gugu: How is she?
Me: She.. She's broken Gugu
She sat down opposite me..
Me: She's trying to act fine but I can see that she's
broken
Her: I understand.. I mean losing a child is not easy
Me: We should be leaving to Mpumalanga soon I don't
know if she will also handle the change of environment
with everything that she's been through
Her: Nomvelo is strong.. She will get through this too
We heard a knock at the door..
Me: I'll get it
I went to open and it was Connie, she was holding
Nosibusiso..
Me: Uhm.. Hi
Her: Hi
She wiped her tears..
Her: Can I come in?
I opened the door wider and she walked in..
Gugu: What's happening?
She put Nosi down together with her things..
Her: I'm sorry but I can't
Gugu: What do you mean?
Her: My Husband wants to fix things with me and I can't
take Nosi with me, I'm sorry. I never asked for our affair
to go this affair.. I'm really sorry
She walked up to the door, Nosi cried as she saw her
Mother leaving..
Gugu: Even from the grave Niso is still giving us
problems..

127
TUMI
ONE MONTH LATER
I walked around looking at everything, it was a beautiful
3 bedroom bond house just next to his hood. I liked it, I
liked it very much. I mean 3 bedrooms, one can be the
master bedroom, one can be Mpumi's room then
another one can be a guest room for visitors.
Shine: So?
I looked around nodding..
Me: It's a nice house
Him: Nice?
Me: It's a beautiful house, perfect for a small family
Him: Manje iDeposit siyayifaka?
I looked at him..
Me: I don't know I mean.. Don't you think it's a bit too
soon?
Him: Ayikho iToo soon la
I kept quiet..
He squeezed my cheek..
Him: Kanti yini? (Whats wrong)
Me: Nothing.. It's just that at home I am a breadwinner
and I hate to leave my Aunt alone with my Little Sister
Him: Ahhh mara bayazi angisho ukuthi vele bowungeke
uhlale nabo iskhathi eside (They know that you can't live
with them forever)
I gave him a faint smile..
Him: ringa nabo and then unzong'tshela ukuthi bathini
(Talk to them and then tell me what they going to say)
I sighed...
Me: Okay
He squeezed my cheek again..
Him: Okay??
I blushed..
Me: Okay.. I'll talk to them
Him: "Okay.. I'll talk to them"
He imitated my voice..
Me: stop it! (laughing)
Him: Woza la (come here)
He pulled me closer and kissed me..
_
NOMVELO
I was deep in my sleep when I heard someone crying, I
tried to ignore but the cry got louder and louder. I
lowered the duvet and opened my eyes, I was a bit
irritated because I needed this sleep. I raised my head
from the pillow and it was heavy, very heavy. I looked at
her and she was standing close to the door busy crying, I
don't know why Gugu put me up to this. She asked me to
babysit Nosi for her while she ran some errands. I slowly
got out of bed and I felt like hell! Last night I went hard
on the whiskey. I am more of a wine kinda girl, with
ciders here and there but this time around I needed
something strong, and I thought of nothing better than
whiskey. Things have been very difficult for me, I've been
very depressed and I turned to something that I've
always found comfort in....
Nazo had the nerve to heal my Grandmother but couldn't
heal our baby? He also kept it from me that Nkuli was
posseed. If he had told me earlier I'm sure things
would've been different, I would've stayed away from
her then maybe our baby was going to make it. For him
to just keep quiet about this means that he didn't trust
me, I am his wife I thought that we weren't going to keep
secrets from each other anymore.. I walked to the
bathroom and rinsed my mouth, then I went to get my
bottle. Nothing much was left in there, I sat on the couch
while looking at it.
Nosi still kept on with the noise, I also can't believe that
Niso kept such a secret. I really don't know what's wrong
with this Buthelezi Brothers..
I put my hand on my head, and closed my eyes. My head
was banging and Nosi wasn't making things easier..
Me: Nosi stop!!!!
She kept on and on, I opened the bottle and gulped
down the whiskey..
_
NKULI
I was in hell, things were hell for me. I am still tortured by
the demons, being locked up in here wasn't making
things any better. It wasn't like before though, the
demons would leave me at times but then when they
come back. They come back with full force..
I walked to the Tv room, that's were we spend most of
our time from 10:00-13:00, then at 13:00 we eat lunch
and take our meds. We will watch again from 18:00-
20:00.
I am not crazy and I definitely don't fit in here, all these
people in here are really mental cases except for me. I
have only made one friend Nqobile, Nqobile is
schizophrenic but it's controlled by medication so she
isn't that much of a threat to others... For the first time
since I've been here, they had tuned into Dawn's
channel. Dawn the Exorcist, I watched today's episode
with serious concentration..
All along when I was watching, I memorized the numbers
that were displayed on the screen. They take out contact
numbers, the Email address etc so that when you have a
case you can contact them and talk to them. Since we
only have access to a phone, calling would be more
convenient......
Nqobile threw herself next to me..
Me: Ouch!
I noticed that she had a lipstick on..
Me: Where did you get that?
Her: That's my business
(Silence)
Her: I wanna charm our male Nurse
I looked at the male Nurse..
Me: He will be charmed alright
Her: I hope so
Me: I wanna make a phone call
Her: Really? To who?
Me: To someone
Her: You never make phone calls
Me: Ya I know but this one is important
She followed me as I went to the small table. There's
another male Nurse that stands next to the phone
Me: I would like to make a phone call
Him: 15min
I picked up the phone and dialed the number it rang
twice before someone picked up. It was a voice of a
woman..
Her: Dawn Baker's office good morning
I kept quiet..
Her: Good morning
Me: H.. Hi..
Her: Hi.. How can we help you?
Me: I.. I would like to speak to Mr Dawn Baker please
Her: Regarding?
Me: regarding something serious.. Can I please talk to
him
Her: Mam'..
Me: Please... Tell him it's Nkuli, I'm sure he will know
who I am
Her: I..
Me: Please
Her: Okay hold on
Me: Thank you
_
SNAZO
Zaine was invited to preach out of town. Since Dawn and
Badru were busy, he asked me to accompany him. He will
start preaching exactly at 11:30am, for the time being we
decided to go and have breakfast.
Things weren't nice at home between me and my wife,
we haven't been sharing the same bed for a week now.
I'm sleeping in Niso's room to avoid fights, lately she has
been doing nothing but take out all her anger and
frustrations on me. Ever since she found out that I healed
her Grandmother, she used that against me. Asking why I
wasn't able to heal our baby...
Zaine: How are things going at home?
I shrugged my shoulders while exhaling..
Him: Nomvelo still "Hates" You?
Me: Pretty much.. I'm trying to see things from her
perspective but...
Him: Maybe what happened also ignited the pain that
she went through before you, and now she's taking
everything out on you
Me: I am not even looking forward to going home
because all we do is fight, it's very tiring. I can't just sit
with My Mom and Nosi alone and forget about Nomvelo,
she went back to drinking. Even though she's hiding it I
constantly have to check if she's okay you know if she
hasn't overdosed or hurt herself. It's frustrating, and
currently I don't even feel like going home. I prayed
about it all i get is "be patient Nomvelo will see my
existence through you" I thought I understood women
but...
Him: Have you heard of something called "Tough love" I
don't mean raise your hand on her but Nomvelo knows
that she's your weaknesses, she knows that you love her
very much so she will always use what she's going
through to justify what she's doing and make it right. She
will blackmail you everyday as an excuse for her to sink
into drinking because she knows you will feel guilty and
just let her be. Put your foot down, show her tough love
and you will see
I thought about what he was said for a minute..
Me: Then in that case excuse me
Him: Where you going?
Me: I'll be right back just give me 5 or 10min
_
TUMI
I was making my Aunt something to eat and I kept on
stealing glances at her. Our kitchen is open, I have a full
view of the living room.
I wanted to discuss with her what Shine proposed but I
was scared..
I took the plate to her..
Her: Thank you
I sat opposite her as she started eating.
(Silence)
Her: Tumi if you wanna say something, just say it
Me: Huh?
Her: You keep on starring at me and it's making me feel
very uncomfortable
Me: There is something that I wanna discuss with you
Her: Okay
Me: I.. My boyfriend is thinking of buying a house for us
She gave me a shocked expression..
Her: We haven't even met him, didn't you say that you
not sure about him?
Me: I know.. But.. (Pause)
Her: How do you feel about it then?
Me: I don't know I think it's too sudden, but at the same
time I love him and our
relationship is good but it was never my intention to live
with a guy while we not married. Even if Lobola
negotiations could be initiated I feel it would be useless,
you know after Rethabile and I lost Mom everything
changed. What we knew as Relatives they turned on us,
they put us out. If it wasn't for you I don't know where
we would be
Her: I know.. I love you, I love you and your sister a lot. If
he makes you happy then you should go for it, see where
it leads and if things don't go as how you planned you
can still come back home, this will be your home even
though you the one paying rent
I chuckled..
Her: You deserve to be happy and deserve to be loved,
but I think we should meet him and his family first before
you guys move in together
I nodded..
Me: Yes of course.. I didn't wanna leave you and
Rethabile alone, it doesn't feel right
Her: Child I've been living all by myself even before you
and your sister came, don't worry about Rethabile. Even
when you here you can't discipline her, even when you
go it will still be the same. She's a teen she's going
through a phase, hopefully when she gets older she will
change
Me: I hope so
Her: I hope so too
_
NOMVELO
I parked the car then turned and looked at Nosi. She was
strapped at the back...
Me: I'll be right back
I got out and locked her inside. I don't know what Gugu
was thinking leaving her with me.
I made my way straight to tops, I had driven to our local
mall to get a few things well to be honest liqour was my
first priority. There's something about liquor stores,
when you enter there's this unsettling vibe you get both
from the guard at the door all the way to the cashiers. I
got a bottle of wine and a bottle of whiskey then I made
my way to the teller.
She gave me a weird look, I took out my card and handed
it to her. She swiped and then let me put in the pin, I
couldn't wait to get out of there..
Her: Uhmm.. Your card declined
Me: That's impossible.. Please try again
She tried again but still..
Me: I don't understand, I swear that I had at least R3000
left in my card..
I had exhausted all my money, I spent it recklessly while I
was still working and now I was financially dependent on
Nazo. I took my card and walked out, I did the walk of
shame while calling Nazo.. His phone sent me to voice
mail...
Me: My card declined, I don't know what's going but can
you please fix it.. Bye
[SEASON FINALE]
-
128
NOMSA
I was serving two of my customers when Danger walked
in, I put the plates on the table..
Me: Enjoy your food
Them: Thank you
Me: Would you like something else?
Lady: No thank you we are fine
Me: You will call me when you need something
Lady: Thank you (smiling)
I took the tray and made my way to him..
Him: Sawubona (Greetings)
He greeted me back..
Me: Hau.. Aren't you supposed to be at work? Is it lunch
already?
Him: No it's not lunch yet. I don't have any clients so I
thought that I should check up on you and how business
is going
Me: That's nice.. Thank you
I looked around..
Me: There's free chairs, we can sit
We walked to the chairs and sat down..
Me: How are things at home?
Him: Things are better, MaNgcobo is back she's doing
well and Nomvelo got discharged she's recovering well
Me: That's good.. I must go and see her sometime, every
time when I wanna go and see her something happens
Him: Well you should go and see her then before
something happens
We both laughed..
Me: Where are my manners? Would you like something
to drink?
He looked at his watch..
Him: I can squeeze in a glass or two
Me: Okay I'll get a coke
I walked to the shop to get the coke..
_
NOMVELO
I was pissed when I got home, after that embarrassment
I went inside the bank to enquire and apparently my
account has been frozen. How can Nazo do this to me?..
Gugu was back now, I put Nosi down..
Gugu: Hello Nana.. Umntwana Ka gog'wakhe bantu
She walked up to Gugu and Gugu picked her up.. I sat
down..
Gugu: Beniyekuphi? (where were you guys)
Me: Besiye eMall (We went to the mall)
Gugu: Wow that's nice.. You guys did shopping?
Me: I wish
Gugu: Hau kwenzenjani? (what happened)
Me: Nazo froze my account
Her: I wonder why
Me: I feel a bit of sarcasm in your tone
Her: Do you blame him kodwa? Nomvelo you lock
yourself in the room and drink the whole day every day!
Nazo goes to church alone all the time because you
hungover to even go to church
Me: Ohw so now we judging?
Her: I'm not judging. I'm sorry for what you went through
but drinking everyday, won't bring him back. You still
gonna wake up and he will be gone. You not just anyone,
you a preacher's wife! You supposed to be with him by
his side all the time. If my Grandson was here and let's
say something happens what was going to happen? You
were going to drink? You can't even take care of Nosi nje
just for a few hours wha-
Me: So you saying that I would've made a bad Mother?
Her: I'm saying fix yourself! For crying out loud! you and
your husband aren't even sharing the same bed
anymore, doesn't that bother you? Coming home
everyday is a drag for him because all you do is fight him.
Everyone is going through something Nomvelo, you not
the only one. Some other people don't have anyone but
you have us. My son loves you, we wanna be there for
you but you shutting us out. Hai maan this is too much
now, you abusing my son emotionally and I don't like it
anymore
Me: Wow!!
I stood up..
Me: Now your true colours are coming out
Her: My what?
Me: All this time you were pretending, so what? All of a
sudden I'm not perfect for your precious son? Your son
that you speak so highly of couldn't even save his own
Son!
Her: Wena wenzeni? (What did you do) You were busy
running up and down with your Cousin that we warned
you about!
Me: How would I have known that she was possessed?
Her: Haisuka! Even before that you were listening to her
more than your own husband! uNkuli was your husband!
I'm glad this happened, this is a true wake up call for you
and stop blaming everyone
I couldn't believe that Gugu was saying all of these things
to me.. Nosi started crying from all the shouting..
I walked up to the door and then walked out, I banged it
behind me..
Gugu: uhambe uyophula iminyango yakini yezwa? (Go
break your Grandmother's doors)
_
NKULI
Nurse: I opened
She forced the tongue depreser inside my mouth and ran
it through making sure that I swallowed all the pills
almost making me to vomit..
Nurse: Good!.. Next!!
I rolled my eyes and moved. As I was walking back I saw
the light going on and off, I then saw a shadow I knew
what was going to happen. I then heard some groaning..
Me: No please.. Please leave me alone!!
Nurse: I need some back up here!
What they do is sedate me and strap me in bed while the
demons torture me...
Me: Please!!!
It was quiet for a while, I looked around. Suddenly I felt
something grabbing my leg, I fell and it dragged me
across the corridor..
Me: Please stop!! (shouting)
The floor was slippery I couldn't grab on to anything..
Me: Stop please (Crying)
I saw the Nurses making their way to me, It was the two
Male Nurses and one female Nurse. The demon let me
go and then they held me down. The male Nurse pressed
his knee against my chest, I struggled to breath.
As they were about to inject me, we heard a voice..
Voice: Let her go
They stopped.. The male Nurse removed his knee against
my chest..
They stepped away from me as I got up, I only realised
then that it was Dawn.. I went up to him and hugged
him..
Me: Thank you.. Thank you for coming (Crying)
I didn't know that he was was going to come, but I'm glad
he did..
_
NAZO
The service was very good, I thought that I could preach
but Zaine. Let's just say he's still going to remain a GOAT,
I walked away from them while he was busy exchanging
handshakes. I checked my phone and I got a disturbing
message from Nomvelo..
"WHY DON'T YOU JUST MARRY YOUR MOM, BECAUSE
OBVIOUSLY I'M NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU!!"
I called her..
Her: What?
I walked away to a more quiet place..
Me: Excuse you?
Her: Why do I matter now? I have been trying to call you
and what not but you didn't get back to me!!
Me: Are you serious?
Her: You know what Nazo.. Obviously I'm a burden and
an embarrassment to you so I'll do you a favour and just
leave! I'm sure your Mom will be happy!!
Me: You know what? do it! Leave!
Her: Ohw so it's like that now?
Me: Leave Nomvelo I don't care anymore, I'm really
tired!! And know that I won't even come begging, just
leave okay? Hamba!
I hung up and then switched off my phone.
Voice: Shouldn't be this mad especially after such a
service
I looked at who was talking and it was Ramiel.. I even
forgot that she is my new guardian angel since Helena is
in Purgatory.
After what happened Helena was sent to Purgatory for
being disobedient, she might spend all eternity there..
I started walking back to the church..
Ramiel: Nazo I know that you used to Helena and you
two were very close, I hope that you and I could be close
too. Please trust me
I stopped and turned around, while looking at her..
Me: Why did you say that?
Her: Huh?
Me: What you just said, why did you say that?
Her: I don't understand
Me: You sound like you have emotions, aren't you
supposed to be emotionless?
Her: I.. That's a story for another day
(Silence)
Her: They calling for you
I looked at her for the last time and then made my way
to Zaine..
_
NOMVELO
Tears streamed down as I packed my things, I can't even
explain how I was feeling deep inside. I even felt my
breath seizing a bit, I stopped packing and sat on the bed
while crying. I wanted it all to go away, I wanted the pain
to go away..
_
NOMSA
Danger: Thank you for the cool drink
Me: You welcome
(Silence)
Me: Are you sure that you don't want anything to eat?
Him: No ngi sharp
Me: Okay
Him: Tell me something..
I looked at him..
Him: Why did you end up with JJ vele?
Me: Angizwa? (Pardon)
Him: You have always been a good woman, JJ tainted you
with his evil heart and evil deeds. But you were never a
bad person, how did you end up with him? Not forgetting
that he was treating you like trash
I exhaled..
Me: I don't wanna get to that now, maybe some other
time
Him: I understand.. Sorry for bringing it up
Me: It's okay.. Just that it takes me back to things that I
don't wanna remember
He nodded..
Him: I'm sorry
_
NOMVELO
I parked my car next to the fence at home, I don't even
know how I got here. I got out and rushed in, I opened
the door..
Me: Duchess!!! (shouting)
I made my way to the lounge..
Her: Velo.. Yini? (What's wrong)
I let go of my keys and they fell, she stood up from the
couch..
Her: What's wrong?
Me: It's.. Nazo doesn't want me anymore.. Kuphelile
Duchess (It's over Duchess)
She came and hugged me..
Me: I hate uNkuli Duchess!! She ruined my life (Crying)
Her: shhhhhhhhhh, thula phela sizokhuluma (calm down
so that we can talk)
I was beyond the word "Broken"

129
NOMVELO
I was laying in bed and my Grandmother was laying
behind me while holding me. It hurt, it hurt really bad. I
didn't know what to do, I was at my breaking point. I
couldn't breath, I felt like my soul was leaving me, my
heart was bleeding with endless needles piercing through
it. I was clouded with confusion, how can one go through
soo much pain? Is it normal? Is this what life is supposed
to be? I tried to give God a chance but it seems like he
doesn't hear my cries, he doesn't see how broken I am...
Grams: Yazi Velo when such things happen, it's better to
cry to God. Only he will understand your pain and what
you going through, we human beings we only going to
judge what our eyes see because we don't know what
you really going through. I wish that you could've turned
to your husband, you two share the same pain. He lost
his son too. Just because he doesn't show it, it doesn't
mean that he is not hurting. Yes he is spiritual and
everything but he is a human being, every human being
hurts
I wiped my tears..
Her: Remember now that you not his girlfriend, you his
wife. You can't just pack up and leave. It doesn't work
like that
I got up and wiped my tears..
Her: Do you love your husband?
Me: I do
Her: Then if you can't get better for yourself, get better
for him. He loves you and he needs you, Nazo is meant to
lead and he won't be able to do that without you. God
chose you for him, not any other girl but you. Don't let
the devil defeat you, pick yourself up and use prayer as
your weapon. Finding comfort in alcohol is only going to
lead to self destruction, you going to be the Mother of
the church. There's going to be a lot of young people that
are going to look up to you, how will you tell them about
God when you yourself don't believe? I'm sorry that Nkuli
did what she did but take this as a lesson, now you know
better than to just trust People. You need to decide Velo,
you can't keep on doing this to Nazo. You need to decide
if you wanna be his wife or you don't
We heard a knock at the door..
Her: I'm coming.. When I come back we going pray
She got out of bed and then walked out..
I got my phone and went on Google and started
searching "AA meetings in Johannesburg"
_
NAZO
I decided to have Facebook and Twitter, but I don't
usually post personal things other than daily motivational
messages and Bible verses. My Facebook page currently
has 750 000 followers and my Twitter account has 300
000 followers thus far, it's refreshing to preach the
gospel in such platforms because the message can get to
everyone. I have had requests from different people
asking if I can come by in Botswana, Zambia, Kenya and
all other places. I never thought that one day I could be
this influential..
Unfortunately I was trending on Twitter for a notorious
behaviour, rephrase that Nomvelo was the one who
initiated the whole thing. A picture of her at a bottle
store standing at the counter tightly clinging on to a
bottle of whiskey was circulating all over, tweets such as:
Dark Angel
@darkangel
"So he can heal people but he can't heal his wife's
alcohol addiction, ya neh we see things"
..
Zimmy
@Zimkhitha
"Yooh mara our Preacher Bae, can Nomvelo just give him
to some of us"
..
Sanele bhanda
@Bafanas
"Angithi ngiyabona? Continue following these preachers
who can't even save their own families but they busy
saving others"
..
It was a mess, most of them were defending and most
were attacking, indeed the internet can be the Devil's
playground at times..
Nosi started pulling my tshirt while crying, I put my
phone on the counter and picked her up. Gugu is in the
process of legally adopting her..
Me: What's wrong?
I went to the fridge and took out her juice and gave it to
her, I then went and got my phone to call Shine. It's been
a while..
Him: Ehh wuwe lo muntu? (Is it really you)
Me: Akekho omunye (Yes it's me)
Him: Fede? (How are you)
Me: Ang'rasi.. Uva? (I'm not saying anything.. Where are
you)
Him: Ndonda thina abanye siyaspana (Some of us are
working)
Me: konje (I forgot)
Him: Wena Uva? (where are you)
Me: ngisedladleni, ngizoza ngizo shaya I round (I'll stop
by)
Him: Ola poi
Me: Ngizok'cava jumpas (I'll see you later)
I looked at her: You wanna go and see Uncle Shine? Let's
go and see him
_
NKULI
We went and walked around in the yard, I was surprised
the Nurses even allowed for Dawn to take me outside.
The sun was shining very bright, haven't been exposed to
it for a while now. It blinded me a bit..
Him: Haven't been out?
I nodded..
I felt lighter ever since Dawn came, it was like a heavy
burden had been lifted off my shoulders..
Me: I feel lighter
Him: Your friends didn't follow us
Me: How many?
Him: There's a lot of evil spirits that are tormenting you,
it's like he opened the pandora box on you
I closed my eyes and then opened them..
Me: I've always heard about Good and Evil, but I never
took it too serious. Especially evil, I never thought that
evil could hit a person like this. I am restless, I see things,
I hear things. I hurt myself and my soul is weary I wanted
to die, I felt like dying
Him: You didn't just kill any baby, you killed a healer
Me: I thought I was doing the right thing, I didn't want
evil to have the baby
Him: I understand.. No sin is too big, your sins can be
pardoned only if you repent
Me: So you will help me?
He stopped and looked at me..
Him: Yes
I hugged him..
Me: Thank you
Him: But we will have to find a way to get you out of
here, I can't perform an exorcism here religious practices
are forbidden
As long as he helps me, that's all that I wanted..
_
NOMVELO
Grams: Amen
Me: Amen
Grams: You didn't say anything
Me: I didn't know what to say
We got up..
Her: You will get there.. Just remember that “Greater is
He who is in you than He who is in the world.”.. I'll go
and make us something to eat
I took my phone and checked Twitter, I had a lot of
notifications.. I checked and I was trending, I read a few
tweets and they were horrible. I never knew thad people
can be this mean. I threw my phone on the bed all
frustrated..
Me: Ohhh my God what have I done?
Nazo's reputation has been tainted because of me.. On
my previous search I found numbers and called them to
ask about their AA meetings, they told me that they will
email me all the necessary information that I needed..
_
NAZO
We got the office, and walked in..
Tumi: Whoa!! Look who came by
Me: Hey.. How are you?
Tumi: I'm good and you?
Me: I'm good
Tumi: And who is this little princess that you have with
you?
Me: Her name is Nosi, she's my Niece
Tumi: Hi Nosi
She left her station and came to pick Nosi up
Her: She is so adorable
Me: She is
Her: Hi Nosi.. Hi girl..
Shine came out of the office..
Him: Ehhh zkhiphani (what's going on)
He came and we fist bumped..
Him: Nja yami
He looked at Nosi..
Him: Then sphethe bani la? (who is this)
Me: Nosi my niece
Him: Your niece?
Me: Ya waka Niso (Niso's daughter)
He chuckled..
Him: Eehh kanjani manje? (how)
Me: Story for another day
Shine put his arm around Tumi's shoulders..
Shine: Uyazwana ney'ncosi neh (you love kids)
Tumi: very much
He kissed her on her cheek..
Him: Ungabi neStress uMpumi nje soon sizomlamisa
(Tumi will soon have a sibling)
Me: and then?
Tumi blushed..
Me: Ehh kanjalo vele? (Just like that)
Shine cleared his throat..
Me: Nini manje? (When)
Shine: Phuma lapho.. Asiringe ngale eyakho..konje
simbone kuphi? (Leave that.. Let's talk about Nomvelo)
Tumi: Twitter (soft voice)
Shine: Manje kushaphi? Phela jiki jiki sekuyisdakwa
(What's happening.. Now she's a drunk)
Nosi extended her arms to me, I got her..
Me: Eish
Shine: Makunjalo asilandeni amalobolo (If it's like that
let's fetch the Lobola money)
I exhaled..
Me: Ayi mina ang'sazi (I don't know anymore)
Shine: Uva manje? (Where is she)
Me: Ung'jindile.. Ubuyele kubo (she left me.. She went
back home)
Shine: Ayikho enye makulandwe amalobolo kubo bahlale
nesdakwa Sabo (there's no other way.. They can take
their drunk and give us our money back for Lobola)
I don't know what's with Nomvelo and I don't know if
she's going to ever change, but honestly speaking I'm
tired and done.
_
NKULI
Dr: I hear you Mr Baker but.. I can't release her, she's
clinically insane. She's a threat to herself and the society
Dawn: I understand but you don't know what's
happening with her
Dr: Mr Baker I respect what you do, please respect what I
do too
Dawn: I don't mean to sound somehow but.. What's
happening to her is spiritual, western medicine is not
helping
The Dr chuckled..
Dr: She has just started with her medication and therapy
Me: It's been almost a month now.. They not helping
Dr: You better than how you came here
Dawn: We will keep on going back and forth about this,
so what should we do to get her out? You can't force her
in here
Dr: We going to need the family member that's signed
her in
Dawn looked at me..
Me: Danger.. Nomvelo's father. I doubt he will agree
especially after what I did to Nomvelo
SEASON FINALE
_
130
NOMVELO
Later on that day I was still going through the trend and
reading all the horrible things that people were saying
about me, about us. I don't even know why I was putting
myself through such. I got out of bed and knelt down, I
closed my eyes and tried to say something but I couldn't.
My throat raised no words, and my heart was still
bleeding. How do you get through something like this? I
am carrying soo much inside of me that I can't seem to
find common ground with God. I can't talk to him, I don't
know what to say to him. I am emotionally dead inside..
I heard the kitchen door closing, then I heard my
Grandmother talking to someone. I got up from the floor
and went to the kitchen, it was Dawn..
Me: Dawn
Him: Hey Nomvelo
I went and hugged him..
Me: Wow uhm what are you doing here? It's good to see
you
Dawn: Good to see you too and I'm sorry about what
happened
I broke the hug..
Grams: Would you like something to drink?
Dawn: No thank you, I am not going to stay for long
He looked a bit serious..
Him: I went to see Nkuli today
That was a shock..
Me: You did?
Him: Yes.. Nkuli is not crazy, she has a lot of evil spirits
tormenting her. Sometimes signing a deal with the devil
isn't easy
(Silence)
Grams: Not to sound rude but.. You still haven't said why
you here
Dawn: I'm looking for Nomvelo's father. He is the one
who signed the form for Nkuli to be locked up so he
should be the one to sign her release form too, they
need his permission to release her
Me: What?
Grams: You want My Grandchild to be released from
where she is perfectly safe? And can't hurt anyone
Him: Unfortunately I need to help her
Me: Are you serious? After all that she has done?
Him: Don't take this the wrong way Nomvelo but.. This is
who I am, I am an exorcist I help people. I exorcise
demons
Me: Does Nazo know about this?
Him: No but I'll talk to him
I couldn't believe what I was hearing..
Me: Excuse me
I went back to the bedroom and threw myself on the bed
trying to process what I heard..
_
NAZO
After spending the day at the office we drove to
Richard's house, Gugu had sent me a message that
Richard would like us to come over for dinner. Things
between Richard and I weren't perfect, but I commend
him for trying I really wanna get to know the person that
he is.. We arrived at his place earlier than the dinner
time, Gugu was full hands on busy preparing dinner. His
house was very beautiful and it was big for him to live
alone. Nosi was very happy to see Gugu, she's getting
used to her. Slowly but surely...
Gugu: Hello baby
I put her down and she ran to Gugu, she took off the
oven gloves and picked her up..
Gugu: Hey baby
She then looked at me..
Gugu: How are you holding up?
I leaned against the counter..
Me: I'm good
Richard showed up, he was holding a glass of whiskey..
Richard: You guys are early, not that I'm complaining..
How is everything?
Me: Everything is fine
Gugu: Well Nosi and I we will finish up cooking. Dinner
will be ready soon
Richard signaled that we should go to the living room..
Gugu: Should I get you something to drink?
Me: No thank you.. I'm fine
We walked out and went to the balcony. He's view was
very nice, all those big trees and a big ass pool..
Richard: How are you holding up?
Me: I'll get there
Richard: How is Nomvelo?
Me: I'm really not sure
Him: Your mom mentioned that you two aren't really
seeing eye to eye
Me: Things are very tense, I'm even tired but.. I saw her
WhatsApp status update, tomorrow she's going to start
attending AA meetings
Him: That's good.. You should go with her
Me: I don't think so
He lit up a cigarette..
Him: I hope you don't mind
Me: It's cool
Him: I might not understand what's happening between
you two but I understand love, when you love someone
you don't give up on that person. Look at me and your
Mom, we lost so many years but here we are today
trying to get back what we lost. I don't want you and
Nomvelo to live in regrets one day, that you guys
should've fixed things. If she's really broken then you
need to be there for her, don't give without trying again.
Don't give up on her especially when she needs you the
most
He pat me on the shoulder and then we went back to
starring at the trees
_
TUMI
I talked to Shine about our families meeting, so before
we could have that he asked to meet my Aunt and my
Sister first. I know that he will get along well with my
Aunt, I wasn't sure how it was going to be with my little
sister..
Me: Rethabile please wash the dishes for me
She kept quiet..
Me: Rethabile!!
I was tired from work and then when I got home I had to
cook because my little sister who is a spoiled brat doesn't
want to help around, all she does is just be on her phone
or watch TV..
Me: Wash the dishes for me
Her: I'm tired Tumi
Me: What about me? I am tired too!
Her: I'm not the one who invited my boyfriend over for
dinner
I heard a knock at the door, I exhaled in frustration then I
went to open. It was Shine and Mpumi..
Shine: Hope we not late
Me: No it's okay, you guys are right on time
I took Mpumi from him..
Me: Hello sweetheart
He walked in and closed the door..
Me: I'm not done cooking
Him: Unga worry (Don't worry)
He followed me while I walked up to Rethabile..
Me: Rethabile our guests are here
She ignored me..
Me: Rethabile
She put her phone away and looked at us..
I faked a smile..
Me: This is my Sister Rethabile, and Rethabile this is my
boyfriend Shine and his cute Daughter Mpumi
Shine: Kunjani? (How are you)
She stood up and walked straight to the bedroom
without saying anything, I was very embarrassed..
Me: I'm sorry, sometimes her attitude is just..
Shine: No ku Grand, Akuna stress
He put Mpumi's bag down and took her from me..
Him: Before ushisa ukudla (Before you burn the food)
Me: My Aunt is out you will meet her later
Him: Sharp
I walked back to the pots, I was so embarrassed by
Rethabile's behaviour. I do everything for her and she
can't even do something so simple for me, respecting me
infront of my boyfriend..
_
NAZO
My half Sister Sarah and her Husband Marvin joined us
for dinner, it was good seeing her again. She seems like a
very nice person..
Richard: This is nice
Gugu: It's really nice
Sarah: Thank you for inviting us
Richard: You welcome
Sarah turned to me..
Sarah: I thought that Nomvelo was going to be joining us,
I was really looking forward to seeing her again I miss her
a lot at work
Me: Uhm ya Nomvelo is not well
Gugu: She is struggling to deal with the loss of her baby
Sarah: I'm truly sorry for your loss, I can only imagine
what you two are going through
Me: It's okay and thank you
Richard: This food is nice
Sarah: It's very nice.. Thank you Gugu
Gugu: You welcome
I observed everyone as they were eating and talking
about random things, it was a great moment. This is my
family..
_
TUMI
I took the food to them, My Aunt had come back just in
time. She was taken by Mpumi that she didn't wanna put
her down..
Me: Here we go
I put the plates on the small table..
Aunty: Thank you Tumi
Shine: Ta (thank you)
I took Mpumi from my Aunt so that she can eat..
Rethabile was still locked up in the bedroom, she will
miss this moment because soon I'll be gone..
Aunt: Thank you for making my Niece happy
Shine: She also makes me happy
I sat next to Shine..
Aunty: I'm glad you got her to leave this place, it's time
she lives her life and be happy she can't always babysit us
Shine: That's true
He turned to me..
Him: uyezwa? (do you hear)
Me: Just eat your food
He took his plate from the table and started eating..
Me: I'll dish up some pumpkin and mash potatoes for
Mpumi
I stood up with her and we went to the kitchen, leaving
my Aunt and Shine to talk.
I'm glad my Aunt likes him and she has given us her
blessings..
_
NOMVELO
The following day I woke up early and prepared myself,
the meeting was going to start at 9am, another one was
going to be at 18:00. I prefer the morning one.I was very
nervous, I don't know what is expected of me from this
meetings I mean it's not easy for me to talk about my
pain without shedding a tear. I got lost a bit but I finally
found the place, it wasn't that full as yet. There was
some lady standing at the door welcoming everyone, she
shook my hand as I walked in.. I had actually checked her
page on Facebook and it's getting good reviews, she
seems to know what she's doing..
Her: Good morning
Me: Morning
Her: Haven't seen this face before
Me: I'm actually new
Her: Ohw that's nice, I welcome you to our AA meetings..
What's your name?
She doesn't know me? I mean now the whole world
knows me I was trending on social media yesterday..
Me: Nomvelo.. Nomvelo Buthelezi
Her: Welcome Nomvelo and please feel free... We all
family here, no one will judge you
Me: Thank you
I went and sat down as everyone gave me weird looks, I
probably shouldn't have came here. This was harder than
I thought..
We waited for others before the meeting could start, and
when it was about the 8 of us she came back..
Her: Good morning and I thank everyone for coming.
Remember we are family, feel free to talk no one will
judge you
She said that while looking at me..
Her: My Name is Senzeni and I am the one who leads
these meetings, we meet 3 days a week. Morning session
from 9:00am-11:00 then again at 18:00-20:00 for those
who knock off late.. I think we can get started, Sis'Zodwa
we will start with you today..
The lady stood up and greeted us..
As the queue went on and it was getting closer and
closer to me, the air started to suffocate me even though
everyone in the room had the same problem as mine. I
felt like my clothes didn't hide my nakedness enough, a
part of my brain convinced me that they could see my
shame underneath even though I was wearing clothes.
When my turn finally came, all eyes were on me
I didn't want to stand up but I was forced too after all it's
tradition, when the next person is done talking the next
person has to stand up and say something too. The
weakness in my soul dragged down my physical being
from standing up but I had too, I had to find the strength
to face all these people and share my shame. It was very
quiet only their eyes raised a lot of questions without
their mouths even uttering a word, I also felt like I was
being judged before I even got a chance to tell my story..
Me: My name is.. My name is Nomvelo
A few minutes passed and they said nothing.
I would've been more comfortable with a bit of
encouragement something like "Hello Mvelo" isn't that
what they supposed to say? Or the movies exaggerate as
always?
Me: I am..
I looked at my hands trembling, this was hard for me..
Senzeni: Take your time Sisi
Senzeni was like Moses of these People leading them to
the promised land or Mother Theresa giving them inner
peace. I took a deep breath and my eyes wondered
around, I then saw him standing at the door. He had his
arms folded and was leaning against the doorframe
looking at me. How did he know I was here? Why is he
here? Is he here to make me feel more ashamed? Is he
here to judge me? I am already down I don't need him
putting me more and more down
Senzeni: Take another deep breath and relax we are here
for you, we're not going anywhere
She could've made a good psychologist..
I did as I was told, I took another deep breath but it
didn't make the situation any better. Instead, it made me
more and more paranoid..
Me: My name is.. I am.. I.. Am Nomv..
Didn't I say that already? I don't think I wanna be here
anymore if I say another word I'm going to drop dead
and die right here in front of everyone. It's going to be
the end of me.. A lot was going through my mind but the
best thing to do right now was to walk out, walk away
from this suffocating situation and save myself the
embarrassment..
I didn't even apologize nor looked at anyone I walked out
of there faster than I could let my breath out. Finally! A
breath of fresh air, I could feel the breeze against my skin
that's all that I needed a breath of fresh air..
Him: Nomvelo!
I stopped, his voice carried soo much authority. I was
struggling to breath, his presence has always been
unsettling. I turned around and looked at him, he made
his way to me. Stop right there! Don't get too close, it's
almost as if like he heard me. He stopped a bit far from
me with his hands buried deep inside his pockets a habit
of his, He looked different without his clerical collar. I
had a lot buried inside, there's a lot I wanna say but be
steady Velo after all he is the sanctified one..
He didn't say anything his look did more of the talking
than his lips..
Me: It's very hard.. It has been hard
He was torturing me with his silence, at least say
something dammit! Tell me that my pain is an excuse for
my unholy deeds. He is probably waiting to tell me that
I'm going to hell ain't that what they tell people at
church? Ain't that what they preach? Ain't that what they
tell sinners and the broken, instead of comforting them?
They tell them that the lake of fire is awaiting them were
they going to spend all eternity..
Me: I know that I'm going to hell
I shrugged my shoulders in defeat..
Me: I know that I'm not worthy to be in your presence
right now
He might have a lot to say but the human in him
probably doesn't allow him too, so he does have a
human heart after all?
Me: You know what? Just stay away from me
I turned and walked away while unzipping my bag, I
buried my hand deep inside trying to find my car keys in
that pile of unnecessary things.
Him: I'm human too
Did he have to speak? Couldn't he keep quiet and let me
leave in peace? I didn't wanna feel the ground trembling
under my feet at the sound of his voice..
Him: You not the only one who lost him, I lost him too.
Have you thought about how I feel?
Those words made my knees weak..
Him: He was my son too, I might be a Preacher and
everything but... I am human, a Father who lost his Son.
You not hurting alone, I'm hurting too
My eyes were filled with tears, my lower lip was
trembling..
Me: Why? Why did it have to be him? Why? (Crying)
He walked up to me..
Me: I.. I have no strength left in me Nazo.. It feels like my
heart had been ripped from my chest
He pulled me to him and held me closer..
Me: Why did God allow this to happen?
I grabbed his shirt..
Me: It hurts.. It hurts a lot, please make it stop (Crying)
He didn't say anything he just held me tight, as I cried on
his chest..
Me: Nazo make it stop.. Make it go away please (Crying)
SEASON FINALE
_
131
NOMVELO
I slowly woke up to Nazo's voice, I heard him talking. I
rose up from the pillow and he was sitting on the couch,
looked like he was playing a game with Nosi..
Nazo: No.. You press here, if you don't press here then he
won't talk... Now you press here
I observed the moment as Nosi seemed like she was
enjoying the game, each time when she pressed the right
key she would chuckled and clap her hands. She was
sitting on Nazo's lap and he seemed to be enjoying too
spending time with her..
After a very long time, he noticed that I was up..
Him: Hey..
Me: Hi..
He put Nosi on the couch and stood up, he kissed her on
her forehead..
Him: I'm coming baby
He made his way to me, he sat on the bed next to me..
Me: I will go back to the meeting at 18:00
Him: Maybe you can go back tomorrow morning
Me: I wanna go back tonight
Him: I can come with you if you want
Me: I'd appreciate that
We starred deep into each other's eyes and I realized
that, while I was trapped in my pain I almost lost
someone who meant the world to me.. I was too caught
up in the pains that pierced through my heart and held
my soul captive, I focused more on questions to things
that only God knows. They "why" why my son? Why me?
Why soo much pain? Only the one who created my life
knows, it was written before I even existed...
Me: I'm sorry
He put his hand on my cheek..
Him: You were hurting and I should've tried to be there
for you and maybe you wouldn't have turned into alcohol
for comfort
I shook my head..
Me: It wouldn't have made a difference, I pushed you
away. I humiliated you, things that People were say-
Him: People talk.. Tomorrow they'll be talking about
someone else, it's just how it is
Me: At that moment it didn't cross my mind that we no
longer just ordinary people that we were before you
answered to your calling
Him: We'll get there
He leaned over..
Him: I love you soo much
Me: I love you too
We kissed, the kiss dated back and brought back the
flame that once existed between us. The sparks that
make my soul to light up, and the strings of my heart
being played by the love that we share. I am so blessed
to have Nazo in my life and I know that he is always going
to be there for me.. It's been a while since we were last
intimate and the moment was taking over leading to
what we have both been yearning for, but unfortunately
we had to apply the breaks because there was a little
human being in the room with us..
Nosi: Yazo!!!!
We broke the kiss, she was standing on his side of the
bed. He picked her up put her in the middle. I can see
that Nosi is very fond of Nazo, I wish Niso could've met
his Daughter first before his untimely death..
Me: Hey... Hey Nosi
She didn't care about me she only cared about the tablet
that she was holding..
Nazo: She's now addicted to the games
Me: Let me see.. What are you playing?
Her: No!!!
She move the tablet and clicked her tongue. Me: Wow
she is indeed her Father's Daughter
Nazo laughed..
_
DANGER
I had received a call from someone named "Dawn" he
asked to meet up with me, said it's about Nkuli. I was
initially going to say no because I don't even know the
fellow, but when he mentioned Nkuli's name I assumed
that it was important. I looked around and I spotted him,
he had told me what he would be wearing and his hair
was neatly tied to the back.. I made my way to the table
that he was sitting at.. He stood up and extended his
hand for a handshake, I extended mine too..
Him: Danger?
Me: Yes
Him: Nice to meet you.. I'm Dawn
We shook hands and then we sat down, he was drinking
water..
Him: Would you like to order something?
Me: Maybe a beer
He called the waiter..
Me: Do you have castle lite beer or Windhoek?
Waiter: We have Windhoek and Heineken
Me: Windhoek please
Waiter: Would you like something else?
Me: No I'm good
He turned to Dawn..
Dawn: I'm still fine thank you
He walked away..
Me: Not a fan of beer?
Him: Not when I'm working
(Silence)
Me: You mentioned something about Nkuli
Him: Yes.. Uhm.. I went to see her
Me: You know her?
Him: Not entirely.. She called me
Me: I don't think I understand were you coming from
Him: I am an exorcist, that means I cast out demons.
Demons that have possesed people
Me: That's.. That sounds interesting but I still don't know
how it fits to everything
Him: Nkuli has evil spirits tormenting her
Me: Meaning she's possessed?
Him: No.. She's more like cursed, she has the mark of a
prey for demons. Something Lucifer rewarded her with
for betraying him
Me: I.. So why am I here?
Him: I want to help her, no rephrase that. I'm going to
help her but I can't do it at the institution, you need to
sign the forms for her release
Me: Nkuli almost killed my Daughter, she's lucky
Nomvelo didn't lay charges. She's better off where she is
Him: I understand your feelings towards this situation
and as a Father myself if something similar to Nomvelo
happened to her, I would go all out to protect her.
Unfortunately Sir what I am or who I am rather, I don't
get to choose who I want to help and who I don't want to
help. It doesn't work like that
Me: I respect what you do but Nkuli can't be release
Him: I am a neutral party in this situation, and trust me I
do not condone nor support what Nkuli did. It does
sound better, the idea of her being locked up but.. Nkuli
is a human being who thought she was doing the best,
she wants to get better so that she can rectify her
mistake. She understands the nature and the severity of
what she did therefore she is asking for a chance to
correct everything
Me: Why did she do it?
Him: The reasons behind are complicated
Me: For me to sign the forms.. I need to know why she
did, and I wanna hear it from her
Me: Of course.. We can choose a day that works for both
of us and we can go
The waiter brought the beer..
Me: Thank you
Waiter: Sorry that it took long, we were having a bit of a
problem at the bar
Me: It's okay
Waiter: Is there anything else?
Me: No.. That would be all, thank you
He walked away..
_
NOMVELO
We had bought a few clothes, no make that we bought a
lot of things for the baby we went all out to prepare for
his arrival. I liked the small blue&white blanket, it had
teddy bears and it was actually a twin pack. There's
another white one. I looked at the small vests and pants,
he is never going to get a chance to wear them. You
know I have seen on Tv and read stories of women who
miscarried or gave birth to still borns. I saw how broken
they were when they told those stories but deep inside
of me I never really understood, I never understood why
they would be that broken when they have never even
spent some time with the babies until it happened to me.
The bond is not created when the baby is born, the bond
is created everyday as you go through your pregnancy. I
miss his little kicks, everytime when he moved around
and all the food that we liked or he liked. Though the
morning sickness weren't so pleasant but we had an
amazing bond, I would talk to him every now and then,
he was always with me. I couldn't wait for him to get
here, I couldn't wait to hold him in my arms, He was
going to be my complete happiness. With everything that
I've been through, his birth was going to sooth my heart,
I was going to have a reason to live and a reason to smile
everyday no matter how bad my day was. But.. I was
robbed of my happiness by someone that I trusted the
most, someone that I considered a sister..
I felt Nazo's touch, his hand moved around my arm.. I put
the blanket back..
Complete silence engulfed the room, I think we didn't
know what to say to each other to make the situation
less depressing..
Him: I lie awake most nights wondering how he was
going to be like, would he take from me or would he take
from you. I was happy that I was going to be a Father, I
had a chance to be what Richard failed to be. When I
heard that he was gone, my whole world stopped for a
second deep down I was angry with myself that I couldn't
get there on time to save both of you. Had I-
Me: It's all my fault.. Everyone warned me about Nkuli
but I refused to listen. Seeing that she was once there for
me when I was at the verge of killing myself I went on to
trust her with my life, she was my sister someone who
was always there for me. She killed him, she didn't even
think twice she shoved that knife deep inside and..
I was getting emotional..
Me: I felt him trying to move, I wanted him to hold on a
bit longer but it became too much. Nkuli killed my Son in
the most gruesome way, she took a piece of me when
she killed him. I don't know how to move on, I don't
know how to get on with my life knowing that he is not
inside of me anymore and all I have are scars to remind
me of the whole ordeal. I wish it was me, I wish my life
was taken and he made it (Crying)
He hugged me..
Me: I can't do this without him.. I feel like I'm going to
lose it, I wish God could lift this pain and sorrow from me
(Crying)
_
TUMI
I enjoy spending time with Shine and his family than I do
with mine, don't get me wrong I love my family but the
tension at the flat can be very draining at times..
Me: I'm sorry about Rethabile's attitude
Him: Awusho.. Unje vele kuwe? (Tell me.. She's always
like this with you)
I nodded..
Him: And you think it's okay?
Me: She's just 16.. She will get better when she grows up
He chuckled...
Him: She won't get better.. Uzoba worse
Me: I just think my mother's death affected her the most,
she's still trying to deal with it
Him: Kodwa lokho akusho ukuthi k'mele adelele so (That
doesn't mean she should be this disrespectful)
I put my arms around his waist and exhaled, I laid my
head on his chest..
Me: Don't worry about her
Him: I'm not worried, ngifuna nje akwazi ukukuhlonipha
(I want her to respect you)
Me: I don't really care about it anymore, she is what she
is
Him: If she's on the list of meeting my Mom, umtshele ke
ukuthi uk'delela ak'shiye lapha kubo (tell her to leave
that attitude and disrespect at home)
I haven't thought of that, would she go as far as
disrespecting other people??

SEASON FINALE
_
132
NOMVELO
This time around the meeting was a bit better, maybe
that's because I stopped looking at who was judging me
and who wasn't, after all we were all there for the same
thing.. Nazo being there made the whole situation a bit
easier, it made me feel relaxed and I needed for him to
know how much and how deep this has hurt me. I know
it was too much for him because he didn't know how to
help me, I didn't need him to help me I just want him to
be there for me. I know he can't be there 24/7 because
he has other commitments, but whenever he can I want
him to be there. I want us to talk about it more often
that way it will help lessen the burden..
When the meeting came to an end we drove back home,
but we first stopped by at my Grandmother's place to get
my things. She was really excited to hear that Nazo and I
were getting back together, when Nazo was taking my
things to the car she sat me down so that she could give
me a lecture..
Her: I'm glad that you came to your senses and decided
to go back home, to your husband
Me: Me too
Her: I know that I'm old Velo and probably don't know
how things work with your generation, but in my times
what you doing now you wouldn't be doing. When you
married and had moved in with your in laws, you couldn't
just pack up and leave when things didn't go your way. It
didn't work like that. I'm not saying stay in a marriage
that is not good for you but, you need to grow up. No
one forced you to be his wife, you agreed on your own so
when you act like this it's not right... I would understand
if he was cheating on you or if you were in an abusive
relationship but you not, no matter how much he loves
you Velo but he is a man and he easily gets tired. They
get impatient very quickly and he will be setting his eyes
on the next best thing. I know you have this thing that he
is a preacher, he is spiritual etc but at the end of the day
he is a man and years later down the line when you get a
wake up call, another woman would've taken your place
and you will live your life in regrets. I'm just trying to
make you see differently, and if you won't take my advice
then it's fine after all what do I know? I'm just old.
Though don't forget that there's a possibility that Nkuli
might get out and she will regain her life, don't give her
power to ruin yours and your marriage. You will never
find a family that's going to love you like they do,
Especially Gugu you know how difficult she is and for her
to love you like this.. It means you special indeed
Nazo walked back in..
Grams: It's late you guys should be on your way home,
it's not right for Nomvelo to be in the streets at this time,
what if your Uncles stop by uninvited. I don't want
unwanted meetings
I got up from the chair..
Me: I'll call you
I walked up to her and hugged her..
Me: Thank you
Her: Go home, I don't want you here unless you visiting
We broke the hug..
Me: I love you Duchess
Her: I love you too
I made my way to Nazo..
Her: You two be safe on the streets now
Me: It's the same street Duchess and a few houses from
here
Her: It doesn't matter
Nazo laughed..
Nazo: Bye MaNgcobo
Grams: Bye Nazo.. Greet Gugu
Nazo: I will
She walked us out..
_
TUMI
Dinner at Shine's place was nerve wrecking, I was
nervous and scared that Rethabile might go all out to
embarrass me tonight, after all she has been in a mood
ever since we left home..
Me: Rethabile please behave
Retha: I would if I didn't have to be dragged here!
Aunt: Rethabile!!
Retha: What? This has nothing to do with me!
The door opened, it was Shine who opened..
Me: Hey
Shine: Ninjani? (how are you)
Me: We good
Shine: Please..
He opened the door wider and we walked in..
Aunt: Thank you for having us
Shine: ngibonga ukufika kwenu (Thank you for making it)
Mamezala showed up from the living room..
Her: Good evening
Me: Evening
Aunt: Evening
She made our way to us..
Me: Aunty this is Shine's Mother, we call her Mamezala.
Mamezala this is my Aunt, she is more like a mother to
me and my Sister
Mamezala: It's very nice to meet you
Aunt: Nice to meet you too
They hugged..
Me: And uhm..
I cleared my throat..
Me: This is my little Sister, Rethabile
Mamezala: Nice to meet you too
Mamezala extended her hand to her..
Rethabile:...
Aunt: Retha
Rethabile reluctantly extended hers too..
Mamezala: Okay we can.. We can all go to the dinning
table in the living room I have prepared dinner for you
Aunt: Thank you very much for having us
My Aunt and Mamezala walked in first, Rethabile
followed then Shine looked at me..
Shine: Ang'funi uk'cikeka (I don't want to get irritated)
Me: Kodwa akashongo nex njena? (She didn't say
anything though)
He raised his eyebrows..
Him: Askies?
I kept quiet..
Him: Iza ngik'bekele iStory.. Ujwayele ukudelela nina
mara la ekhaya akekho umuntu odelela umamami
siyezwana? (Let me tell you something.. Here in this
house, no one disrespects my Mother are we clear)
I swallowed..
Me: You making a big deal out of nothing
Him: Tum-
Me: Everyone is waiting for us..
I made my way to the living room..
_
NOMVELO
Nazo went and put my luggage in the room while I made
my way inside the house, Gugu was in the kitchen..
Gugu: You almost missed Dinn-
She turned around and I think she expected to see
Nazo..
Her: Ohw Velo.. I thought it was Nazo
She wiped her hands with the swab..
Me: He's busy putting my luggage in the room
Her: Hau.. Kusho ukuthi ubuyile futhi? (That means you
back again)
I nodded..
Her: Are you staying this time around or? Phela wena you
a part time makoti la ekhaya
I didn't say anything for a few seconds, deep inside I
wanted to tell her off but then I remembered my
Grandmother's words
Me: I am staying
She looked at me with doubt..
Her: That's good because I am not going to apologize for
what I said the other day, I meant everything
Me: I understand and.. I should be the one apologizing.
I'm sorry for acting immature, this time around I'll
commit to my marriage I promise
Her: Isn't it too early to be making such a Promise?
She was really getting under my skin and it was irritating,
the best I could do was to remain quiet..
Her: Where are you guys coming from by the way?
Me: AA meeting.. I started today
Her: That's good.. How did you find it?
Me: Its okay.. I'll adjust as time goes on
Her: I'm glad you attending because I have something to
tell you
I looked at her..
Her: Richard asked me to marry him
I didn't know what to say..
Me: Wow that's.. That's good news
Her: So..
She extended her hand to me, I got closer extended mine
to hers. She then walked me to the lounge.. Nosi was
standing against the couch and playing a game..
Her: I love Nosi but I don't think taking her with me is the
best option. You and Nazo are still young you will make
good Parents, plus Nosi is very fond of Nazo and I don't
wanna break that bond between them
Me: Wha.. What are you saying?
Her: I'm saying that you and Nazo are the Parents that
Nosi needs, I mean Richard and I we old. We going to
spend most of our lives traveling the world and enjoying
what's left of the years that we have together
Me: I..
This was unexpected
Her: This is the gift that Niso has given you to remember
him with, I will inform the social workers about my
decision only if you agree. You guys are still young, and
I'm sure that you will make a great young Mom
Gugu really caught me off guard. Nosi threw the tablet
on the floor in frustration..
Her: Shit!!!! (Shouting)
My eyes widened..
Gugu: That's your queue
She pushed me a little, I wonder where she learned that
word..
I picked up the tablet and switched it off, thank goodness
the screen didn't crack.
I looked at her..
Me: See you broke it
She looked at me..
Me: You broke it.. It doesn't wanna switch on now
She looked at it and said things that didn't make sense,
she was saying a lot of gibberish..
Me: No you broke it
I stood up straight as she pulled my tshirt and started
crying..
Me: Nosi
She continued crying..
Me: You don't have any right to cry because you broke it
She forced her head in between my legs still crying..
Me: Nosi.. Stop
She cried louder..
Me: No..
Nazo: What's going on?
When she heard Nazo's voice she got her head from
between my legs and ran to him while crying..
Her: Yazo!!!
He picked her up..
Nazo: What's wrong?
She started talking a lot of gibberish again while wiping
her tears with her small hands..
Nazo walked over and sat on the armrest of the couch..
Him: Stop crying and tell Yazo what happened?
She didn't say anything, she just laid her head on his
chest and continued crying. Nazo looked at me...I
shrugged my shoulders..
_
TUMI
Dinner was going well but Rethabile was still in her
moods. We were busy talking about random things and I
wasn't participating in the conversation because my eyes
were stuck on Rethabile, she was on her phone the
whole time. She didn't even touch her food, it was very
embarrassing that I had to say something..
Me: Retha..
I cleared my throat..
Me: Retha.. Stop playing with your phone and eat your
food
Her: I'm not hungry
The atmosphere changed..
Aunt: Table manners Retha
Her facial expression changed, she was getting irritated..
Aunt: Re-
Retha: ohh my word leave me alone! I didn't even wanna
come here in the first place
Me: Rethabile stop it!!
Retha: This is not about me.. We not here for
Me! So leave me alone
Mamezala: Young lady I don't all-
Retha: Shut up!!!!!
That's when Shine lost it, he got up and went to were
Retha was sitting..
Shine: Stand up!
He was all fired up I saw Rethabile getting a bit scared..
Rethabile protested, Shine grabbed her arm and forced
her to stand up. He then pulled her to the kitchen..
Me: Shine what are you doing?
Rethabile: Let go of me you hurting me!
I got up and rushed to them..
Me: Shine..
Retha: Tumi!!
Shine opened the door and literally threw her out and
then locked, Retha started banging on the door while
crying..
Her: Tumi!!! Tumi!! (Shouting)
Me: Shine you can't do that!
I tried to get the keys but he pushed me back and them
from the door..
Retha: Tumi!!.. Tumi!! (Crying)
I tried to get the keys from him but he pushed me back
again..
Him: Tumi..
Me: No you can't do that.. Give me the keys! That's my
little sister
Him: Uzobuya Maka ready ukuhlonipha (She will come
back when she's ready to respect)
Retha: Tumi please open!! (Crying)
I tried getting them back and he still pushed me..
Him: Tumi ngiyakukhuza njalo (Tumi I am warning you)
He clicked his tongue and made his way back to the living
room, my heart was on my knees. I was so scared for my
sister, worse she doesn't even know this place.. How can
Shine be so cold??

133
NOMVELO
Me: Pout..
She didn't know what the hell that was so I showed her,
then she just started doing her own things busy sniffing
like a dog. It was hilarious and yet very adorable. Last
night Nazo had a night of his own, he had a whole night
prayer. We prayed together at 20:00 then at 23:00 he
drove out to the field were he feels very much connected
to the holy spirit and heaven as a whole then he came
back this morning, I didn't hear him though because I
slept in the house with Nosi. We slept in Niso's room. It
was actually good praying with Nazo, words were
expelled easily from my mouth. It gets a bit difficult when
I do it alone, I just say a few words and then I get
emotional. Nazo said I shouldn't be discouraged when
that happens, my broken heart and spirit is actually
connecting with the most high. Even when words fail me,
deep down he knows exactly what I wanted to say. Since
I haven't been at work for a while, I will be the one
babysitting Nosi and cleaning since Gugu is now
introducing her own style of clothing at the store she
won't be around most of the time. I am really proud of
her because I really like the morden traditional dresses
that she wears, though she has no background of fashion
design she seems to be doing well working with a few
people and presenting her ideas then they turn them
into exactly what she wants.
I will go back to work but not now, I wanna take some
time off and do my wifey duties and I also wanna spend
more time with Nosi.
Me: Do that again
She did it again and I took a video, then I sent it to Nazo. I
really don't know how Nazo does it, he doesn't sleep the
whole night. Comes back in the morning, sleeps for at
least 2 hours and then goes straight to work. I mean if it
was me I'd still be sleeping. I picked Nosi up and then we
went to the kitchen, I put her on the high chair. Being
short is really working for her seeing that she can still sit
nicely on her high chair.. I made her an instant soft
porridge..
Me: There you go
I took the spoon and tried to feed her but she wanted to
feed herself, Nosi is very stubborn just like her Father. It's
like Niso gave her all his stubbornness..
Me: Okay then let's see how you do it
She fed herself, wasn't perfect but it also wasn't bad. My
phone beeped, I checked and it was a WhatsApp
message from Nazo..
****************WhatsApp***********
Him: What is she doing? ( 😂😂)
Me: Lol that is how we pout nowadays ( 🤣)
Him: It's cute.. I like it (❤️)
Me: It's very cute
Him: Let me get back to work.. I'll see you guys later
Me: What a bummer (😔)
Him: Someone has to pay the bills woman
Me: You can come and babysit and I'll pay the bills
Him: Lol yeah right
Me: Okay see you later
Him: I love you
Me: Me too
Him: What is "Me too" 😐
Me: I love you too ❤️
**********
Just when I had put my phone down I heard a knock at
the door, I looked at Nosi..
Me: I wonder who it is
I made my way to the door to open and it was Mantwa, I
thought it was my Grandmother or Danger..
Me: Mantwa
Her: Hi.. Hey Velo
Me: Uhm.. Can I help you?
Her: Well I.. I'm looking for Gugu
Me: She's not here
Her: Nazo?
Me: He is not here
Her: Ohw.. No problem, I'll come back later
Me: What is it about?
Her: Nothing much.. Just wanted to show them photos of
my wedding that they failed to attend
I chuckled..
Her: I didn't know that I cracked a joke
Me: You didn't crack a joke.. Your a joke!
Her: Excuse me?
Me: Why is it important that every aspect of your life
should be known by my husband?
Her: Ohw it's not like that.. There's no need to be
insecure
Me: Insecure?
Her: I really don't wanna do this but.. Lately what has
been written about you is not good and in the process
your alcoholism is really ruining his reputation. Nazo is a
very res-
Me: Do you drink alcohol?
Her: Certainly not.. See I'm a Christian and I don't drink, if
I'm going through something I pray about it as a
Preacher's wife you should know that. Prayer is supposed
to be your best weapon and revenge against the devil
Me: Says the same person who almost committed suicide
where was your Christianity at that time?
That caught her off guard..
Me: Look I am not going to do this with you Miss
Christian because all your Christian didn't work for you,
he still left you and married an "Alcoholic" seriously get it
through your heard, Nazo doesn't want you.. Plus
shouldn't you be on your honeymoon or something?
Doing things that newlyweds do?
She really didn't have anything to say, I heard something
falling and Nosi started crying.
Me: I'm sorry.. I would rather entertain my Daughter
than what's happening here
I closed the door on her face, I turned around and Nosi
had dropped her dish. I hate when People use religion to
make themselves look better, The reason why most
people hate religion is because of being constantly
judged. Churches shouldn't be a place for Christians to
gloat but it should be a hospital for the broken, it should
be were people run too when all doesn't make sense. But
unfortunately that's not the case, where people should
find comfort is were they get hurt the most. I most
definitely don't believe that Christianity stands for that
type of behaviour and character.. I pray I don't become
that type of Christian, she surely was going to make a
horrible preacher's wife
_
TUMI
I was about to leave for work when I stumbled on
Rethabile laying on the couch, I thought that she long left
for school but.. I guess I was wrong..
Me: Retha?
She sat up straight, she was crying..
I feel very bad about what Shine did last night, locking my
Sister outside for an hour in a hood that she didn't even
know. What if something bad happened to her? I really
feel some type of way about what he did hence I think he
noticed that I was upset because he didn't call nor said
anything ever since that incident.. I sat next to her..
Me: I'm sorry about last night.. I know that he is a crazy
guy I just didn't think he would be that crazy as to do
something like that
She wiped her tears..
Me: I'm truly sorry
[Silence]
Her: What he did last night reminded me of the nights
that we used to spend outside when our Uncle and his
wife kicked us out, we would be running up and down on
the streets at night not knowing where to go. Though I
was young but I remember those cold nights, I remember
one night in particular when it was raining and he had
sent us to buy him some beers. You put me on your back
and all those men at the tavern were looking at us as if
like we were preys, you got so scared that we went back
home and he was angry that we didn't buy the beers he
sent us to buy. He pushed you and you hit the wall with
me on your back, I really thought he was going to kill us
that night
I exhaled.. Those are memories that I don't like to date
back too because there's nothing much that's there,
other than pain and sorrow.. I swallowed
Her: Since from then every challenge that we
encountered I would always say "If only Mom was here"
so when he threw me out last night.. If Aunty didn't
move to South Africa I don't know what was going to
happen to us
She closed her eyes..
I put my arm around her shoulders..
Me: I'm sorry and I'll make sure that something like that
won't happen again
Her: I don't know if I'll go back to that life when you
move out, Aunty is sick and she can die anytime.. What's
going to become of me because clearly your boyfriend
doesn't like me
I pulled her closer to me for her hug..
Me: It's always been you and me, I'll never let anyone get
in between us
I saw my Aunt standing there, looking at us and shaking
her head..
_
NOMVELO
I called Nazo..
Him: Is everything okay?
Me: Everything is fine
Him: Do you miss me that much?
Me: Not really.. I hope I didn't disturb you
Him: Not at all.. I'm just starring out of the window and
watching birds flying around, it's not like I have work to
do
Me: Don't be like that.. I will call you later then
Him: You already called
Me: But I don't-
Him: Khuluma MaButhelezi (Talk)
Me: Your ex was here
Him: That's not possible my ex is in a mental instution
Me: The other one
Him: I don't remember another one, other than that one
Me: Mantwa
Him: Ohh that one.. What did she want?
Me: Nothing other than she just wanted to ride your dick
Him: She's welcome.. Plus I haven't been regular in that
department
Me: Ohw pleeeeease I'm sure I ride it better
Him: Yaa I don't think I remember
Me: Well I will remind you tonight if you don't have any
appointments with the Angels
Him: Now we talking
Me: anyway she was here to show you her wedding
pictures
Him: She came all the way to show me that?
Me: She's done been after your dick it's irritating, she's
even stalking me on social media but don't worry I sorted
her out
Him: You did?
Me: Yeap I did
Him: You? The biggest cry baby in the world sorted her
out?
Me: Don't start with me that's not funny
He laughed..
Him: Look Nana I need to get back to work
Me: Okay see you later
Him: What is Nosi doing?
Me: She's watching Tv and talking alone
Him: I'll see you guys later
Me: Before you hang up I need to discuss something with
you
Him: It can't wait?
Me: Not really.. I... I need some female products
Him: Female products?
Me: Toiletries and what not
Him: I'll stop by at the bank and ask how long it will take
for them to unfreeze your account if it's not done
immediately I will withdraw some cash for you
Me: Ohw
Him: Ohw?
Me: I thought that you would need a list maybe
Him: Do I need a reason to ask for a list?
Me: No you don't
Him: Okay check your fuel too
Me: I'll do soo
Him: See you later
Me: later then
I lowered my phone and it was good to see that he is
starting to trust me again, and I won't disappoint him
again..
_
NKULI
Dawn came with Danger, I was surprised to see Danger. I
thought he would want nothing to do with me..
Me: Thank you for coming.. I appreciate it a lot
Danger: How are you feeling?
Me: It's hard but I'm hanging in there
Danger: You look better than the last time I saw you,
strapped on that bed
Me: Thank you
Danger: Those scratches on your face, the broken finger
nails.. What happened? You did this to yourself?
I didn't say anything..
Him: Dawn talked to me, he talked to me about getting
you out of here
I looked at him..
Him: I can't do it.. Nor until you tell me what happened,
why did you do that to your cousin? Nomvelo could've
died from too much bleeding
I looked at Dawn and he nodded..
Me: I don't even know where to start.. I'm trying to find
an explanation one that will seem sane
He kept quiet..
Me: When evil is being talked about we turn a deaf ear
because we just think it's bogus or not that deep enough.
Trust me, I have seen evil at first hand and it's not
something that one would wanna mess with. When I was
angry at Nomvelo and Nazo, I opened my heart to great
evil. One that damaged me. Danger I regretted what I
did, I didn't mean to hurt Velo and I'm not going to act
innocent in all of this because I brought it on myself. All I
need is a second chance, a second chance at life and to
fix the mess that I have created
He looked at me for a while..
Him: Even if I do sign but.. You won't be able to come
back home, Your Grandmother wants nothing to do with
you. The whole family doesn't want anything to do with
you
Dawn: I understand.. She will be staying with me and my
family up until she's rid of everything
Danger: Does Nazo know about this? What about Velo?
Dawn: Velo knows.. Nazo I'm still going to to talk to him
because he has to be a part of Nkuli's healing
Nazo is not going to agree, how can Dawn even think
about something like that???

SEASON FINALE
_
134
NOMVELO
Nosi ended up falling asleep I don't blame her she woke
up very early in the morning
I was glad that she was asleep, that will give me time to
do laundry and maybe clean a bit. I am not domesticated
but I do have a bit of knowledge about it, Plus I have
observed Gugu doing some chores at one point before
Nazo and I got married. Laundry is going to be easy
because of the washing machine, cleaning I can't really
say.. As I was busy getting Nazo's clothes I had an
unexpected visitor, it was Nomsa. I put the basket down
and went to hug her, I was really happy to see her..
Me: What are you doing here?
Her: I came to see you, it's been a while
We broke the hug..
Me: It has been a while indeed
Her: Wow you look.. You look beautiful as always
Me: Thank you.. You look good too
Her: At this age.. I try
Me: Let's go inside and have something to drink
I closed the door and we went inside the house..
Her: Never thought that one I would find you in leggings,
an oversize tshirt and a doek. Doing house chores, I mean
even on a normal lazy day you still looked good
I chuckled..
Me: Ya I know.. I am concentrating on my marriage,
being a wife and a good Makoti. I really would feel
uncomfortable when Nazo and I leave then we get a
helper and she does his laundry, cook for him, and clean
after him. It's just not right that's how they steal your
man.. Tea, juice, or cool drink?
Her: Tea would be nice
Me: Plus I don't want Gugu thinking that her Son made a
mistake by marrying me, she said some things that
weren't very pleasant I want them to see that I'm really
trying
Her: That's good, I'm impressed
[SILENCE]
Her: I'm sorry about what happened, Danger told me..
How are you holding up?
I sighed..
Me: I don't know.. Maybe that's the reason why I'm
keeping busy because I don't wanna think about it
Her: I actually stopped by the day that it happened, not
precisely when it happened but after it happened when
cops were there and everything. You were already taken
to the hospital
Her: I still don't understand why Nkuli would do
something like this
Me: Me too
Her: She was very fond of you, she didn't want anything
with you and then she goes and does something like
this..I have no words
Me: So how.. How are things going with you? How is the
restaurant?
I didn't wanna talk about what happened, I try to avoid
talking about it because it's not something that's easy to
date back too..
Her: Things are very good at the restaurant you must
come by some time and check it out
Me: I'll definitely do that.. Let me put a few clothes in the
machine while we catch up over a cup of tea
Her: uhm not to be forward or anything but.. How much
do you know about doing laundry?
Me: I know a.. I.. You put the whites first and then when
you done you put the other colours in
Her: That's true but.. Can I see his whites?
Me: Uhm.. Yeah sure
We went out to the outside room..
Me: I will start with his white shirts
She got one out from the basket and looked at it..
Her: Ya Velo this shirt is very white.. Gugu used to do this
before you?
Me: Pretty much
Her: Ya she knows her story
Me: She was a maid back in her days
Her: look.. Why don't you put the white shirts in a basin,
soak them with water and a bit of your washing soap.
After a few minutes use a sunlight green bar soap to
wash them again and rinse thoroughly
Me: You think?
Her: White is a very delicate colour so be careful, even
when you iron make sure that your iron doesn't have a
smudge on it and that it does stick. The last thing that
you want is to burn his clothes, and they look expensive
I exhaled..
Me: This is harder than I thought
Her: It's not and don't be hard on yourself.. You will get a
hang of it
Me: I don't wanna contribute a vagina only in this
marriage but I really wanna be a good wife
I sat on the bed frustrated..
Her: Don't give up now.. Tell you what, it's my day off
today and I wanted to spend the whole day with you. So
we can start off with the laundry, clean a bit and then see
where we end up
Me: You don't have too
She sat next to me..
Her: You will be doing most of the work, I'll just help you
here and there
Me: Are you sure?
Her: Yes I'm sure
She got up..
Her: We don't have much time so let's we might wanna
start now
Me: Okay.. Thank you very much
Her: Come on.. There's still a lot to do
Me: We should get to it before Nosi wakes up
Her: Who is Nosi?
Me: Long story.. I'll tell you some other time
_
TUMI
Nazo is very handsome and me checking him out doesn't
mean that I wanna be in a relationship with him, I think
that he will be too much for me. You know that you get
those guys who are very good looking but you just
wouldn't date them, to me he is one of them...
I really don't know how Nomvelo does it, I mean just
being in his presence is very intimidating. My heart was
beating abnormally, my mouth was dry and my hands
couldn't stop trembling. Despite his looks, he is not just
anyone and I think that's why this situation is very
difficult for me..
Him: I think you need to change it here..
Me: I will..
Him: I'm also going to need the invoices from our
suppliers
I cleared my throat..
Me: Sorry.. I'll get them for you
Him: Thank you very much.. Can I have the other files too
so that I can take a look at them
Me: No problem
All the while that he was talking, he was glued on the
documents that were in front of him, now that he was
done with them he kept eye contact..
Me: I'll get the files for.. For you
He smiled a little...
Him: I'd appreciate that very much
As I was about to walk out, Shine made his way in..
Shine: Umuntu eskhundleni sakhe (Someone is back to
his position)
Nazo: You know I'm a part time CEO
Shine looked at me before he could say anything I walked
out. I was still very angry at how he treated my Sister, I
know that she's not the best person but what he did
wasn't nice at all.. I got all the files and went through
them one by one to make sure that everything was filed
correctly, there were two signatures on each paper and
no careless mistakes. The last thing I want is to have a
lengthy conversation with Nazo in his office
Shine made his way to me..
Him: Ngiyazi ukuthi ukwatile, mara mina from my side
ngeke ng'xolise (I know that you angry and from my side I
won't apologize)
Me: Typical of you.. Plus I wasn't expecting any apology
from you
Him: Angazi ukuthi ukwateleni.. Bowufuna ngimuyeke
adelele ekhaya? (I don't even know why you angry.. You
wanted me to leave her while she was that
disrespectful)
I sighed in frustration..
Me: I don't like fighting and arguing Shine so please.. I
don't wanna do this with you right now
Him: This is why lo mntwana ayenza so, akek- (This is
why your sister acts in the way that she acts, ther-)
Me: Please.. I'm trying to get some work done
He didn't say anything, He just walked up to the door and
went out. I banged one of the files on the table and
closed my eyes, I really hate it when there's tension
between us..
Nazo: Everything okay?
I opened my eyes and looked at him, he was standing at
the door of his office while rolling his sleeves up. You
wouldn't miss that yellow gold wedding band on his
finger, it was shinning brighter than the sun..
Him: How are the files coming along?
I grabbed all of them and made my way to his office, I
put them on his table..
Him: Thank you
He went and sat on his chair while leaving a trail of his
cologne..
Me: Is there anything else that I can do for you?
Him: No thank you
He took one of the files..
Me: I'll be at my station
I walked out..
Him: Tumi??
I went back in..
He opened the file and went through it..
Him: couples do fight a lot.. It's healthy
Me: I'm not sure what you talking about
Him: Then you can go back on your station
Me: Yes Sir
I made my way out..
_
NKULI
Danger did sign for me to be released and Dawn wasn't
lying when he said he will take me home with him but
first, we stopped by at some restaurant...
Me: I wanna thank you again for helping me
Him: It's what I do
[SILENCE]
Me: I also appreciate you giving me a roof under my head
but I really don't want to cause any problems between
you and your wife
Him: You won't
Me: Not to sound ungrateful but.. Why did you agree to
help me?
He looked at me..
Me: Nazo is your friend and right now this might cause
some issues between you two
Him: God and Lucifer they not alike. Quite frankly if it
was up to me I wouldn't help you, I would let you rot in
that institution but.. God had mercy on your soul, you
are not a bad person you were just in a bad situation.
May this be a lesson to you
Me: You talked about Nazo having to be a part of my
getting better?
Him: He is a healer, he has to heal your broken soul so
that what Lucifer found in you, he cannot find it again
Me: Thank you again.. I appreciate it
_
NAZO
I was now standing at the window and staring out, I have
been battling with one constant vision lately. A vision of
me helping Nkuli, healing her from the heaviness that is
in her heart. When she was being tortured by the
demons, they pressed hard upon her soul and as time
goes on she will find it hard to live with what happened
and that will drive her to true insanity that she might not
recover from.. The human part of me is still battling with
different emotions deep inside of me, this is the same girl
who killed my baby and almost killed my wife. She almost
robbed me of everything that means a lot to me.. This is
going to be another set back for Nomvelo, she's doing
pretty well but then again Nkuli wants a chance to ask for
forgiveness.. If I refuse then I would've given in to Lucifer,
this is what he would want..
_
NKULI
Halfway through our meal I started to feel uneasy. I
looked around and the atmosphere was changing. Dawn
had went out to make a quick phone call, it was just after
he had stepped out that all of this started. I looked
around again and there was a lot of heavy spirits present
in the restaurant, they were all around and moving in a
fast pace that I got dizzy. I quickly stood up and made my
way to bathroom because I was feeling very nauseated. I
locked and sat on the bed toilet trying to breath in and
out, I was very scared.
Me: Lord please.. I'm begging you, let this not happen to
me anymore
The door flung open, a blast of wind made it's way inside
then I was lifted high up to the air. I felt something
clawing me, and it was also groaning. More like there
was an animal in the bathroom with me..
I tried to scream but it strangled me, then it sent me
flying across the room. I fell and as if that wasn't enough,
I was lifted up again my tshirt and bra ripped from me. I
felt a sharp nail digging it's way from my chest then my
stomach, more like it was writing something on my
body..
135
DAWN
I had gone outside for just a few minutes to check up on
my wife and Daughter, when I got back the restaurant
was in a panick. Some other customers were leaving and
a few workers were crowded at the ladies toilets just at
the door, I looked over at our table and it was empty. I
walked over to see what was going on and one of the
female staff walked out of the bathroom holding Nkuli
who struggled to walk a little, they had given her one of
the tshirts and she had blood on her legs..
Me: What happened?
Her: Just get me out of here please
She was shivering and looked a bit scared, I took off my
jacket and put it over her. I looked at the workers..
Me: Thank you very much.. I'll take it from here
Her: She needs to go to the hospital she's bleeding
Nkuli looked at me..
Nkuli: I can't.. If they see all these marks they will send
me back to the institution
Me: I know.. Let's go
I helped her to walk and we made our way to the the car
with a few people taking videos, the world that we live in
today..
_
TUMI
During my lunch break I called my Aunt since she wanted
me to bring her something later when I go back home.
Nazo had gone out, said he was going to pass by the bank
and Shine wasn't around. Ever since he left he hasn't
came back.. I called her on the landline phone...
Her: Hello?
Me: It's me Aunty
Her: Hi Tumi.. Is everything okay?
Me: Everything is fine just wanted to...
I cleared my throat..
Me: I..
I started crying..
Her: What's wrong?
Me: Everything Aunty.. I don't know what to do with
Shine and Retha because they both mean a lot to me and
I don't want to choose between them this is very difficult
for me
She exhaled..
Me: It's very hard for me
Her: I would give you advice but then again.. You won't
take it as always
I kept quiet..
Her: Tumi if you keep on doing this with Rethabile, I don't
wanna lie to you. You will never be happy
Me: This morning she told me that..
Her: I heard what she said.. You and I know that she's
using that as emotional blackmail. If you keep this up
sweetheart, you going to lose that man and I don't know
where you going to get another one who will love you as
much as Shine does. Let's face it starting over again is
going to be difficult, relationships nowadays they aren't
what they used to be and you not getting any younger
Me: What do you think I should do
Her: You really want my advice?
Me: Yes
Her: Put your foot down! Don't let Retha walk all over
you. What Shine did that night, it might seem cruel but
ever since that night have you heard her talking back or
giving you attitude? Other than just crying the whole
time?
Me: What if something happened Aunty?
Her: Something like what? She was in the yard.. I don't
think Shine would've done that if he didn't think that she
was going to be safe
Me: Maybe she should just go to a boarding school
Her: Now that's a good idea.. Plus you know I'm sick, I
won't be able to constantly deal with her attitude when
you gone
Me: Thank you Aunty..
Her: You welcome
Me: Let me go I'll see you later
Her: Okay don't stress that much
Me: Okay bye
Her: Bye
_
NOMVELO
The laundry was on the washing line, the house was
clean. What was left now was the ironing and cooking.
With cooking, I found some page on Facebook they post
recipes and really nice looking dishes. It's not
complicated dishes, just your normal meals that you can
prepare at home I don't think I can be defeated.. I was
very tired, I threw myself on the couch and let out a
breath of exhaustion.
Nosi: Lelo!!!!! (shouting)
I closed my eyes as the voice was nearing..
Nosi: Lelo!!.. Peepe..
Me: I'm not gonna get a breather
She pulled my leggings..
Her: Peepe Lelo!!!!!
Gugu is potty training her or was, I don't know how she
was doing it because she didn't buy her that small toilet
thing that toddlers use. Now I have to hold her at the
toilet while she goes about her business. I picked her up
and we went to the toilet, she peed and then I wiped
her.. When we were done with that we washed our
hands and then went to the kitchen so that I could make
her something to eat, Nomsa walked in with the basket
followed by Danger..
Nomsa: These ones are dry.. I got them for you
Me: Thank you very much
Her: I don't think I will help you with the cooking, the
laundry is a lot and ironing might take a while. Plus I need
to be gone at 18:00, no one should find me here
Me: Ohw yes the cooking I got it.. Let me make Nosi
something to eat very quickly and then we can start with
the ironing
She looked at Danger...
Her: Guess you'll come and get me later
Danger: No problem
Her: So where do we do the ironing?
Me: Niso's room.. The last door
Her: Let me go put the laundry there then
Me: Okay
She walked away and I looked at Danger..
Me: Ain't you supposed to be at work?
Him: Believe it or not, people find taxis more cheaper
than an Uber but next month I will be working for some
company. At least I will be transporting more than twice
a day
Me: What company?
Him: Some agency.. I pick up people from the airport to
their hotel
Me: That's better
Him: Ya it is..
Me: So Daddy Dearest what's happening?
Him: What's happening with what?
Me: You and Nomsa? I am sensing that something is
happening
Him: Nomsa and I we always had a good and sincere
relationship, we close friends even when JJ was still alive
Me: I see
Him: Yes any more questions?
Me: Nope nothing.. Although if something could happen
between you two that's more than a friendship, I am
totally f..
Nomsa came back..
Her: Time is not on our side.. We should start with the
ironing
Me: Yes of course.. Let me make Nosi something to eat
Danger: I will see you ladies later
Me: Later it is
He walked out..
Her: Let me take her while you prepare something for
her
Me: Okay
She tried taking Nosi from me but she didn't want..
Me: That's a first.. She's not usually this shy around
strangers
Her: Maybe she's getting used to you
Me: Ya maybe
_
TUMI
Shine finally got back from wherever he was and he
passed me as if like I didn't exist, Nazo was still not
around he did say though that he might not come back.. I
collected myself and went to the office, I knocked and he
looked at me then went back to what he was doing..
Me: Hey
He kept quiet..
I went and sat down opposite him..
Me: I.. I'm going to find Retha a boarding school
Him: Manje? (so)
Me: I.. Shine.. I really don't like the tension between us
and I think I have a right to be mad, she is my Sister after
all. The only family that I have currently should anything
happen to my Aunt. I know that Retha is a difficult
person to get along with but as her big sister it is my duty
to protect her at all times, I'm sorry if you find that
somehow
Him: Azange ngithi jikela usis'wakho (I never said turn
against her) kodwa lento yakhe yokungahloniphi
ang'hambelani nayo nje.. (This thing of hers being
disrespectful I am not for it)
Me: I know and I'm sorry that she disrespected your
Mom
Him: Kanti akunani.. Since ukhulume nge boarding
school, khona mina engiyaziyo nje ezoba right for yena
(It's okay.. Since you mentioned a boarding school,
there's one that I know)
Me: There is?
Him: Yebo.. Uyambona uNtokozo? (you remember my
sister Ntokozo)
Me: Ya?
Him: She was exactly like your sister agcwele ukudelela
(she was very disrespectful)
Me: And a boarding school straightened her?
Him: Yeap
Me: Wow... Uhm you should give me the name
Him: Or we can go check it out tomorrow
Me: I think that would be nice
He stood up and then went and closed the door..
Him: If there's nothing else..
He made his way to me and I stood up, He picked me up
and placed me ontop of the table..
Me: Nazo might come back
Him: That's why there door locks
Me: This is soo wrong
He started unbuttoning my shirt..
_
NOMVELO
My phone rang, it was Sway. Sway and I we starting to be
good friends when I was deep in my pain and posting not
so good things on social media, she would inbox me and
then after we exchanged numbers and started calling
each other. Well it was more of her calling me. I like
Sway because she's been through this road, maybe not
exactly what happened but she also lost her first baby so
we relate a lot to each other..
Me: Swayeza!!!!!
Her: Velo!!!
Me: How are you?
Her: I'm good and you?
Me: I'm good
Her: Was just checking up on you
Me: How sweet?? I'm well and how are you?
Her: I'm alright
Me: Enjoying Motherhood?
Her: Very much.. Enjoying your wifey duties? I saw on
Facebook
I laughed..
Me: I'm getting there
Her: We should plan a mini trip.. You, Me, Nosi, and
Angie
Me: That would be nice
Her: You should come by so we can talk then
Me: I will.. Thank you for calling again
Her: You welcome
Me: Love you babe
Her: Love you too.. Bye
Me: Bye
I put my phone down..
Nosi: Lelo!!!!!!
Here we go again..
_
SWAY
I put Angie down, she was fast asleep. I looked at her for
a while just making sure until I heard Dawn's voice calling
out downstairs. I went out of Angie's room and made my
way downstairs, she was with some lady and she was in a
very disturbing state. She was shivering and it looked like
she was bleeding. I quickly made my way to them and
helped him out, in the state that she was in we couldn't
really go upstairs so we put her on the couch..
Me: What happened?
Him: It's a long story
Me: She has to go to the hospital
Him: Ya we can't take her there
Me: Why?
Him: Because..
Me: Because?
He kept quiet..
Me: Dawn!
Him: It's Nkuli.. Nomvelo's cousin
Me: What?
I stepped away..
Him: Honey I know wha-
Me: Why did you bring her here?
Him: She needs my help
Me: She needs your.. Dawn does Nazo know about this?
Him: Not yet
Me: Are you serious? Nomvelo is my friend! I can't do
this to her, plus it's a danger bringing her here while we
have a baby in the house Dawn she's dangerous
He came to me..
Him: Sway you have to trust me
Me: Dawn I want her out of my house.. Today! Or Angie
and I are going to leave
I made my way upstairs..
Me: Today!!
136
SNAZO
On my way home I received a call from Dawn and he
discussed something with me, something about helping
Nkuli..
Him: Sway doesn't wanna understand so Nkuli is going to
sleep at the cottage, tomorrow morning at my studio I'll
do the cleansing and you will have to be there
I kept quiet..
Him: I know that you have been having visions about
helping her and so have I, my human nature doesn't
wanna do it because I have seen how it almost broke you
and your wife. Nomvelo was a mess, you guys almost
broke up but at the same time this is who we are. The
only way that Nkuli can forgive herself is if she sees that
you have forgiven her, it might take a bit longer with
Nomvelo but one day she will forgive her
I thought for a while..
Me: I will come
Him: Thank you.. I'll see you then
I believe that Forgiveness is saying "God this and that
happened. Now I am setting my heart free from the hurt
and the anger, I ask you to take the wheel on this
situation" Yes Nkuli hurt me more than anyone has ever
hurt me before but holding to what she did will only
burden me and imprison my heart, she will move on and
I'll be held back. What she did I believe that she has been
punished enough, being tormented by demons that
much is not a walk in a park..
_
TUMI
I checked the boarding school again and I wasn't really
sure about it, it seems very hardcore and there's bad
reviews about it. Parents fear for their Children's safety,
there was one article that I stumbled upon were a
teacher hit a student and accidentally broke her arm.
Another article which led to parents signing a petition
that the school must close was one incident were a
student was beat to death, this made me feel somehow..
Shine got close on my pillow and kissed me on my neck..
Me: Shine.. I am not really sure about this school, did you
see what they saying about it?
Him: kdala they were difficult, bebasiqinisa isandla.
Manje kungconywana (long time ago they were difficult
but now they a bit better)
Me: A student died..
Him: That's why bangasasenzisi udlambe (That's why
they no longer use copral punishment)
Me: I seriously don't know
Him: Bheka Tumi.. Noma ungamvikela kangakani kodwa
angeke umvikele impilo yakhe. Rethabile mele azi ukuthi
ukunzima la ngaphandle, masowungekho uzoyenza
njani? (Look Tumi.. You cannot protect her forever.
Rethabile needs to know that life is difficult, how she
going to survive when you no longer around)
He had a point, I want Rethabile to be independent and
be able to stand on her own two feet should something
happen to me..
Me: Okay let's do this.. We can enroll her for a year and
see, if it doesn't work out then I'm taking her out
Him: Deal
Shine's Mom and Mpumi weren't around, they had gone
to visit some relatives so Shine was all alone. They be
back after the weekend and I'll leave when they get back,
now I'm just keeping him company..
He got ontop of me and I looked at him..
Me: Let's do it
Him: Do what?
Me: Get our own place
He smiled at me and kissed me. We had sex at work,
when we knocked off and got home we found ourselves
in bed again. This time around we were using condoms
just to be safe. I was a bit sore, condoms are
uncomfortable at times but we had bought a lubricant
which makes things better. He rubbed himself at the
entrance of my cookie up until he was rock hard and I
was wet, we continued kissing and I extended my hand
to get the condom. We broke the kiss and I helped him to
put it on and then he put a bit of some lubricant. I don't
know why but it's always painful when he enters me, no
matter how many times we have had sex in one day. He
made his way in and I flinched in pain, it gets a bit better
when he is fully in..
_
NKULI
I heard a knock at the door..
Me: Come in
The door opened and Dawn walked in holding a few
things, I was still feeling a bit dizzy and in pain. Think I
bled a lot from was was drawn on my skin, I didn't think
that the bruises were that deep. At least I wasn't
tortured, ever since I stepped foot in Dawn's place I
haven't felt the presence of any demon..
Dawn: I have brought you a few things, some food,
towels, pain killers, antiseptic, ointment and gauzes to
clean your wounds
Me: Thank you.. Thank you for everything
[SILENCE]
Me: Your wife seemed pretty upset
Him: Her and Nomvelo are pretty close now so..
Me: Ohh I understand.. I wish that Nomvelo and I could
go back to how things were before
Him: I doubt you will.. She might forgive you but she will
never trust you again
Another moment of silence passed..
Him: Do you still feel the same way about Nazo?
I shook my no..
Me: Somehow I have released him from my heart, wish I
did so a bit sooner then I wasn't going to end up in this
mess
Dawn: Maybe you should eat something, drink pain
killers and then get some rest.. Tomorrow it's going to be
a long day, Nazo has agreed
I looked at him..
Me: Deep down Nazo has always had a good heart
He stood up..
Him: eat something
Me: Thank you again
Him: You welcome
_
NOMVELO
I had just finished bathing and all I wanted to do was to
sleep, I was very tired. I had cleaned the house, did
laundry, cooked, and then babysat Nosi. Being a woman
is not an easy job..
Me: Nosi wait..
I had wrapped a towel around my naked body, and now I
was dressing up Nosi in her Pjs. She is a lot of work she
doesn't wanna hold still..
Me: Nosi I'm really tired I don't have time to go back and
forth with you
I heard a knock at the door and I went to open, It was
Gugu..
Gugu: Sanibonani (Greetings)
I let her in..
Her: Unjani? (How are you)
Me: Tired.. Very tired
Her: Nosi was troubling you?
She went and got her..
Me: Yes and cleaning
Her: I was wondering when I walked in, the house was
very clean.. Thank you
Me: You welcome
Her: You cooked too?
Me: Yes
Her: The chicken seems deli-
She paused..
Her: Wait you did the laundry too?
Me: Yes
Her: All by yourself?
Me: Yes
Her: Wow I.. I am very impressed
Me: Thank you
Her: Tomorrow morning I'm taking you out shopping,
everything is on me
Me: You don't have to indirectly pay me, it's my duty to
do all the things that I did today
Her: Who said I'm repaying you?
I looked at her..
Her: I'm just proud of you.. You becoming the wife that I
imagined for my Son and you taking back charge of your
life
Me: Thank you
Her: Let me get Nosi to bed and we will see you
tomorrow morning
Me: Good night
When they headed to the door, Nosi looked at me and
cried..
Her: Lelo!!!!
Gugu: Hau so fast she's used to you?
She started fighting with Gugu busy trying to pull her
earrings..
Gugu: Nosi stop!!!
Me: I'll put her to sleep and bring her to you when she's
sleeping
Gugu: Are you sure?
Me: Yes
I went and got Nosi from her..
Gugu: Sekaqala uyak'thanda (She's starting to become
fond of you)
I laid her head on my shoulder and rocked her to sleep..
Gugu opened the door and walked out..
_
SWAY
I was laying on the bed with Angie busy playing with her,
she has the most beautiful smile...
Me: Who is mommy's big girl????
I was busy tickling her and she was laughing..
Me: Yes you are.. Yes you are..
Dawn walked in.. I held my peace. He made his way to us
and picked up Angie from the bed. He sat at the edge of
the bed and sat her on his lap..
Dawn: No demon will possess you or my Daughter, I
would never put you guys in danger
Me: Is she gone or should we start packing?
Him: You overreacting
Me: Am I? Didn't your fiancé get possessed by a demon
that you brought home? Didn't it kill her?
He looked at me while shaking his head..
Me: I'm sorry.. I didn't mean that
He got up and walked away..
Me: Dawn I'm.. I'm sorry
_
NOMVELO
When she had fallen asleep I took her inside and gently
laid her on the bed, she only wears nappies when she
sleeps at night..
I went back to Gugu..
Me: She's fast asleep
Her: Thank you, and I must say that your chicken is very
delicious
Me: Thank you very much
Her: How did you do it?
Me: Just my own recipe
Her: Your own recipe?
Me: Yes my own recipe.. I'm going to sleep, Good night
Her: Good night baby
I made my way out, I wanted to sleep and wake up a bit
late tomorrow. I don't even know how I will do that since
Gugu wants to take us out.. When I got to the room,
Nazo had arrived..
Him: I was wondering where you were
Me: I was putting Nosi to sleep
I closed the door..
Him: You guys seem to enjoy spending time with each
other
Me: You can say that
He yawned..
Him: Tired?
Me: I cleaned, cooked, did laundry and looked after Nosi
all by myself
Him: All by yourself?
Me: Yes all by myself
Him: That's.. I don't even know what to say, I was
wondering why the washing basket was empty
Me: Ya I did a lot today
Him: You sure did
Me: I just wanna sleep I'm tired
Him: See these chores are getting in a way of having my
time with you
Me: I'm still new in this.. Hopefully I'll be better as time
goes on
Him: Or we can hire a helper
Me: No.. I'll be fine
He walked up to me and just as he was about to kiss me I
yawned, he forfeited..
Me: I'm sorry.. I'm just really tired
Him: Okay then you can just lay back and I'll do
everything
Me: That sounds like a good idea
He picked me up and placed me on the bed, he came
ontop of me and halfway through us kissing I just passed
out. That's how tired I was..
_
DAWN
The next morning I woke up and prepared myself, since
we had a long day ahead of us. Before I left I checked up
on Angie and she was peacefully sleeping, I went and
checked up on Sway too. She was sleeping. I slept in the
guest room since things weren't really good between us,
I can't wait to be done with helping Nkuli so that the
tension can go between me and my wife.. As I made my
way downstairs I got a call from Nazo..
Me: Nazo?
Him: I'm on my way to your house
Me: Thought we were going to meet at the studio
Him: I wanna talk to Nkuli first
Me: Alright we'll wait
Him: I'm not that far
Me: Cool.. See you then
Him: Sharp
I made my out to the cottage to see if Nkuli was ready, I
knocked a few times and there was no answer. I opened
and made my way
In..
Me: Nkuli??
It was quiet. I proceeded and then I found an envelope
on the bed addressed to "Nomvelo". I took it and looked
at it..
Me: Nkuli??
Listening closely I heard water running in the bathroom
and I made my way there, I knocked a few times. I saw
water coming out from under the door, I opened the
door and made my way in. It was flooded.. I looked at the
bathtub and Nkuli had drowned herself, her hand was
hanging on the side of the bathtub with blood dropping.
The water water was mixed with blood..
137
SNAZO
Upon my arriving at Dawn's place, I was met by a few
cars. It was Police cars, an Ambulance, Forensics, and
Pathologists. I parked a few distance away and made my
way to his house on foot, I went to the cottage since
almost everyone was gathered there. Sway was standing
at a far distance with another cop. Dawn was sitting not
far from the door, he looked a bit devastated..
Me: Hey Man
He got up and we did a handshake and bumped
shoulders..
Me: What's.. What's happening?
Before he could say anything, they wheeled out a body
bag from the cottage, I stepped away to let them pass.
Dawn sighed..
Him: It's Nkuli.. She.. She committed suicide
Me: What?
He got an envelope from his pocket and handed it to
me..
Him: It's addressed to Nomvelo, if I give it to the
Detectives they will confiscate it. It's addressed to
Nomvelo so only her she can open it
I put it in my pocket. I can't believe Nkuli would do this,
we were very close to helping her..
Me: Why would she do this?
Him: I don't know.. Things are a bit bad considering the
video that's circulating too
Me: What video?
Voice: Mr Baker.. I would like to have a word with you
I turned around and some lady was standing behind me..
Her: I am Detective Bronx and I am in charge of the case
Me: A case? I thought it was suicide
Her: Can we talk somewhere in Private?
Dawn: It's okay.. You can talk
She was reluctant at first but then she came around..
Her: What is your relation to the deceased?
Dawn: None.. She's..
He exhaled..
Dawn: She was one of my charges
Bronx: Do you often bring your "Charges" at home?
Dawn: No I don't.. She was the first
Bronx: Why her in particular?
Dawn: She called me from the institution and asked for
my help
Bronx: How did you get her out?
Dawn: I asked her Step Uncle to do so
Bronx: So if I'm correct, you got her from a perfectly safe
place and brought her here where she supposedly killed
herself?
[SILENCE]
Dawn: Detective I didn't kill her
Bronx: Ohh I know and I wasn't insinuating that you did,
though the coroner will issue a medical report on the
exact cause of death. What I don't understand is, why
take her from a safe place were she was getting proper
help and brought her here to her demise? Where you
somewhat trying to get more views for your show and
make money out of a deranged girl?
That was unnecessary..
Dawn: No.. That's not what I stand for
Me: If I may speak-
She turned and looked at me..
Her: I'm so sorry but where you here when this
happened?
Me: No..
Her: Do you live here?
Me: No
Her: Then No.. You may not speak Rev Buthelezi
She looked at Dawn..
Her: I'm going to take you down to the police station
Dawn: Am I under arrest?
Her: For further questioning
Dawn looked at me..
Me: It's fine go.. I'll call the GOAT and we'll meet you
there
Her: Yes please call the GOAT! what is he going to do?
Pray for the bars to drop and make this go away? Zaine
Radebe is not above the law, what your friend needs is a
bloody good damn lawyer!
Me: I thought you said he didn't kill her
Her: Even if he didn't.. We can still charge him for
negligence. neglecting the needs of the patient just to
get his next paper
Dawn: Nazo it's fine.. Just meet me down at the police
station
She pushed him a bit..
Her: Let's go!! The press will have a glorious day, your
face will be splashed all over the papers.. I can't wait!
She escorted him to the car and that got Sway's
attention..
Sway: Excuse me what are you doing?
Bronx: Mam' I'm going to need you to step away and let
me do my job
Sway: No.. Where are you taking my husband?
Sway tried to intervene but Bronx pushed her and she
fell..
Dawn: Excuse you?
Bronx took out the cuffs and tackled Dawn to the ground
unexpectedly, while he was down she handcuffed him..
I made my way to Sway and helped her up..
Sway: Can she do that?
Bronx got Dawn up and looked at us..
Her: Yes I can
She winked at me and then they walked away..
Me: She's a devil worshiper
Her: What?
Me: She has a tattoo of an upside down cross and under
the cross it's written "Antichrist"
Her: How did she get in?
Me: She can get in everywhere, she's not a demon.. She's
a devil worshiper
Her: What about the Angels?
Me: She is of flesh.. She needs an exorcism and holy
water to burn the evil spirit inside of her.. This is going to
be tricky
Her: What are we going to do?
Me: I'll call Nomvelo to come over and stay with you
while we sort this thing out
Her: Please bring my husband back home
I nodded..
Me: Please do me a favour
I took out the envelope and handed it to her..
Me: Give this to Nomvelo.. It's from Nkuli she left it for
her before she..
She took it from me..
Her: I'll give it to her
Me: Thank you
I hugged her..
Me: Everything is going to be okay.. I promise
Her: Just bring my husband back home
_
NOMVELO
I found a few hundreds under my phone on the couch
with a note that read:
"Enjoy your day.. I love you", I was still a bit tired and I
wanted to get more sleep but then I have to do shopping
with Gugu. I walked over to the wardbrobe to check
what I can wear and my phone beeped, I went and got it.
It was a text message from Snazo:
"Dawn was taken down to the police station, Sway is
alone and confused. She needs you"
I called Nazo but the line was busy, I called Sway. At first
she didn't pick up, I tried her again and she picked up..
Her: Velo
Me: Hey Sway.. I got a text from Naxo, he says that Dawn
has been taken down to the police station.. What
happened?
Her: Nkuli happened
Me: What do you mean Nkuli happened?
Her: I can't really talk about it on the phone, it's
complicated
Me: I'm on my way
Her: Okay
Me: I'll be there in no time
Her: Okay I'll wait for you
I hung up and quickly dressed up. I took my hand bag and
put a few things then I made my way to the house..
Me: Gugu!!
Her: Singapha
I went to her bedroom.. She was dressing up Nosi..
Her: You ready, I haven't even bathe
Nosi extended her arms to me..
Me: I'm sorry.. I can't go shopping with you anymore
Her: Why? Is everything okay?
Nosi was almost at the verge of crying for me to pick her
up..
Nosi: Lelo!!!
Me: Dawn was taken down to the police station, Sway is
alone.. I have to go and be with her
Gugu: What happened?
Me: I really don't know but she said Nkuli happened
Gugu: Nkuli again? Now she's troubling another couple?
Me: I really don't know what her problem is.. I'll take
Nosi with me
Gugu: You don't have too.. You can have a day off from
her
Me: It's okay.. I'll take her with
Gugu: Okay then, I'll pack her bag
I went and finished up dressing her while Gugu packed
her bag
_
TUMI
I took Retha out for breakfast so that I can discuss the
Boarding school thing with her..
I let her enjoy her food as I looked at her, A part of me
didn't want to do this but a part of me had too. You know
Shine said some really important things, Retha can't
always be dependent on me. Life is unpredictable,
tomorrow something might happen to me and what is
she going to do??
Me: Retha we need to talk
She stopped eating, it's like she was waiting for this..
Me: You know that I love you..
Her: But..
Me: To be honest life is difficult Retha, tomorrow I might
die what's going to happen?
Her: I am going to school to have a better future.. I am
not sure what this conversation is really about
Me: You need to be emotionally independent too
sweetheart
Her: Tumi you confusing me
Me: How do you feel about going to a boarding school?
Her: You sending me away?
Me: I am sending you away so you can learn how to be
independent, I'll be moving out soon and Aunty is too
sick to be looking after you. I want you at a boarding
school until you get your matric so that you can go to
varsity
Her: Your boyfriend doesn't want me?
Me: That's not it.. Shine doesn't like your attitude that's
all and his disciplinary tactics are a bit harsh I don't
wanna be stuck in the middle all the time
She kept quiet..
Me: Monday we will go and check out the boarding
school.. I'm afraid you don't have much of a choice
_
NAZO
I got to the police station first, Zaine said he was on his
way. I had called Badru too..
Journalists were camping at the gate, when my car drove
in they followed me. I got out and they were on my
throat with different questions..
"Rev Buthelezi is it true that you, Prophet Zaine, and
Dawn Baker are into conspiracy theories"
I ignored..
"Is this some kind of Illuminati disguised with religion?
Was this girl sacrificed for riches"
I wanted to say a lot but keeping quiet is the best thing to
do..
"Is it true that your healing powers come from the
Devil?"
It was a mess I don't even know why they allowed them
into the yard, they were only prevented from entering
the building..
I made my way to the counter..
Me: Good morning
Some constable attended me..
Him: Good morning Sir
Me: I am here for Dawn Baker.. He was brought in not so
long ago
Him: He is in the interrogation room
Me: Okay... Thank you
I went and sat down with a few eyes glued on me..
_
DAWN
Bronx: Are you sure that you don't need a lawyer?
Me: No thank you.. I have nothing to hide
Bronx: So Mr Baker, what was the story with the girl?
Me: I don't understand
Her: You don't bring your charges at home.. Why her?
Me: She had nowhere to go
Her: What made you believe that she was possessed?
How do you know when someone is possessed?
Me: I just know
She took out a box of cigarettes..
Her: I hope you don't mind
Me: Not at all
Her: Good.. The last thing I want is the ground opening
up and I go straight to hell, for smoking
I didn't say anything..
Her: Mr Baker your kind has brainwashed and hurt a lot
of people. Mental unstable patients are led to believe
that they possessed while they not, a mental illness is not
always possession. Weaning off a mental unstable
patient from their medication is dangerous, they a
danger to themselves. You killed that poor girl Baker,
even if you didn't do it physically but you initiated it and
I'll make sure that you go down
I still remained quiet..
Me: For how long have you been a devil worshiper?
She looked at me..
Her: Pardon?
Me: For how long?
Her: Excuse me.. I'm not a devil worshiper I am an
atheist
Me: An atheist doesn't believe in Heaven or hell.. Most
atheist believe in science and that tattoo you have
hidden under your uniform of "Antichrist" says a lot
She looked at the camera..
Me: This is not about a girl committing suicide, this is a
personal attack. I can clearly distinguish between
possession and a mental illness detective.. Can you?
138
NOMVELO
A FEW DAYS LATER
This was the most embarrassing situation that I found
myself in, the Baker family is going through a lot and for
us to be here disturbing their peace was not right. It was
a Friday morning, a day before Nkuli's funeral. My Uncles
saw fit that they should go and collect Nkuli's spirit from
where she had died so that she can be brought home,
and tomorrow be laid to rest. This has to be done before
her body arrives at home later today. I chose to tag along
even though one of my Uncles kept on provoking me
about being a Christian and not believing in what they
going to do of which I didn't even say, I just offered to
drive them and he kept on pestering me with that. The
only reason why I wanted to be here was to make sure
that they don't tire Sway, She is not coping with Dawn
being locked up. They welcomed us in, Dawn's Mother
was the one who availed herself to talk to us.. She led us
to the living room and we all sat down, a moment of
silence passed..
Mrs B: Would you like something to drink?
I looked at my Uncles and they were quiet..
Me: No thank you, we.. We not here to stay
Her: What can I help you with then?
Sway made her way downstairs while holding Angie, I got
up and met her halfway.
Me: Excuse me
She looked exhausted, I'm sure she hasn't slept ever
since they took Dawn away. She was physically tired and
emotionally drained..
Me: Hey
Her: Hey
We moved away from the elders..
Me: How are you holding up?
I took Angie from her..
She sighed..
Her: What can I say
Me: He's going to come back home
We have been praying, we wake up everyday at 00:00am
and pray. On my side it's not that easy anymore since I've
been at my Grandmother's place to help them prepare
for the Funeral..
Sway: Have you had time to read Nkuli's letter?
Me: No.. Not yet
Her: Ohw
Me: I know that the letter is supposed to help Dawn's
case but the letter alone is not going to be enough. They
can easily say he forced her to write it or he forged it,
and I haven't been able to find a document at home to
match her writing so that we can prove she is the one
who wrote the letter
Her: I totally understand
Me: I will read it.. When I have read it I will let you know
Her: I'd appreciate that
The only thing that's going to free Dawn is the Medical
report and the letter that Nkuli wrote to me. The medical
report will state the cause of death and also it will prove
that most wounds that she had were self inflicted. The
medical report has been drafted but the coroner hasn't
submitted it for reasons known only to him, and the
police aren't even persuading him to submit it, we really
don't know what's going on..
We heard Mrs Baker raising her voice, we made our way
to them..
Mrs B: You ought to be ashamed of yourselves! My Son is
in jail right now because of this girl that he tried to help!
Our family is torn apart and you wanna come here and
do this.. Have you no shame?
Uncle: We understand that our beliefs are not the same
but... We have to do this, so that our Daughter can rest in
peace. If we don't take her spirit she will trouble you and
your family. We want to lay her to rest, we are owed that
much especially given the circumstances surrounding her
death
Mrs B: Your Daughter's spirit resides here no more, it was
trapped in hell the moment that she decided to take her
own life, that's where you supposed to get her. In hell!!
Uncle: There is no reason to be harsh Mam' we have
come here in peace and not to exchange words. Both
families are going through a lot and on our side this is our
culture and tradition, her spirit has to be set free so that
she can be with her ancestors
Mrs B: I think it's time that-
Sway: I will take you to where she.. It was in the cottage
outside
They all looked at her..
Sway: I will take you there
Uncle: Thank you
Sway led the way and we followed..
_
NAZO
Me: Gratitude opens a door for more blessings and
opportunities to come your way. Being grateful for even
the little things such as a glass of water, the bread that
you despise so much because you only have margarine to
eat it with that shouldn't prevent you from being
grateful. When you start being grateful you will see how
blessed and fortunate you're, you will see that your life is
worth living no matter how difficult it seems.. Maybe you
find it difficult appreciating the life that you righ now
become soo much has happened, trust me there's a lot
of people who wish to have the life that you soo much
hate. Complaining everyday won't do anything other
than blocking the good that you supposed to have,
negative energy prevents good things from coming your
way. Whilst a positive mind and a grateful heart, brings
about a joyful life..
I looked at the hall that was almost full..
Me: Start being grateful for the little things that you
have, and they will make way for bigger things
I closed my Bible as they gave me a round of applause. I
have been in Mpumalanga for a week now, Nomvelo was
supposed to be here with me but she couldn't because of
Nkuli's funeral. I didn't expect to get such a crowd, Ever
since I started with the revival people have been
attending. I hold two services, one in the morning and
one at night for those who can't attend in the morning
because of work and school.. I so much wanted to be at
home supporting those who are close to me and going
through a lot, especially Dawn who is going through the
most. Unfortunately there's nothing we can do for him,
other than waiting for the Coroner to submit the medical
report..
_
DAWN
I saw Khumalo limping his way to me. Khumalo was
sentenced to life in prison for killing his wife and his
wife's lover after finding them in bed together. He shot
the wife 3 times and the lover at least 8 times. He has
been locked up for almost 10 years now and he has been
a good impact around here, reason why he forfeited a
maximum prison. He is not eligible for Parole and that
didn't stop him from being a good person, I mean if it
was someone else he would've caused havock around
here because he has nothing to lose. Khumalo started a
choir and a church in here, most prisoners were able to
be paroled because of him and keeping them in place.
Though he is doing a good deed but not everyone is
happy with him. Since most prisoners are opting for a
better life, a lot operations and small businesses are
being affected. Those who were dealing drugs left to join
his choir and his church as to change their ways and get
Parole. I believe that he is a good Person who was caught
up in a messy situation and he let anger took over, hence
why he is here today.. He sat down, and I closed the book
that I was reading. That's what I've been doing since I've
been here, read books to keep busy.. It is important to
mind your own business around here and stay out of
trouble..
Him: Have you seen Slovo?
Mr Khumalo has a problem with his leg, it has a woud
that doesn't want to heal. The leg is even starting to rot
now and he is not getting the medical help that he
needs..
I looked around..
Me: I haven't seen him today
Slovo runs errands for Khumalo since Khumalo can't do
much for himself..
Me: Wanted something?
Khumalo: Just my pain killers and a glass of water
Me: You feeling pain?
Him: Yes
Me: Can't we do something? Those painkillers won't
help.. You need medical attention, serious medical
attention
Khumalo looked at the guards and then he looked at
me..
Him: Most people don't like me around here
Me: That shouldn't b-
Him: Let it be Dawn.. If you mess with the wrong people
here they will get you killed, these guards are corrupt.
They run operations with most of the prisoners here and
some of the prisoners have changed their ways by
coming to the church, that's why they hate me.. So stay
away from such situations or else you will get hurt.
Remember, you not like the rest of us. When the Coroner
issues the report you will be out don't ruin your chances
of getting out of here and don't worry about me.
_
NOMVELO
I watched as my Uncle started the whole ceremony if I
could call it that, he started with burning the insence and
went to the bathroom with it since it was said that, that's
were she took her life. Next to the incense was a small
tree branch that we have to take home with us when
everything is done. Sway had given us privacy, she went
back to the house.. I stood at a far distance as they knelt
down, my Uncle turned and looked at me..
Him: Are you going to join us?
I looked at them..
Him: Nomvelo?
Uncle 2: Even though you married to a Pastor or
whatever he is, you will respect our culture. Plus we
didn't force you to come, you wanted to come
Uncle 3: Yekani umntwana.. U Velo wakwa Buthelezi
manje, Yekani ingane ilandele imiyalo yakwa Buthelezi
(Leave the child alone.. Velo now belongs to the
Buthelezi family, let her follow how things are done in
the Buthelezi households)
Uncle 1: Mapholoba, Nyuswa, Fuze, Mavela,
Mafuz'afulele njengefu lemvula. Mashiya amahle ngath
azoshumayela, Dambuza, Mthabathe, Mabhala ngozipho
abanye bebhala ngepensela. Mavulankungu kuvel'ilanga.
Sididane, Ngongoma, Maqadi amakhulu, Mbili!..
Ngcobo!!
He cleared his throat..
Him: Nkululeko Ngcobo, lo okhulumayo uMalume wakho
uSkhumbuzo Ngcobo. Ngila ngize nabanye Oomalume
bakho. Sizokulanda Ngane yam' Sizokulanda ukuthi
uhambe nathi ekhaya, khona ksasa uzokhona
ukuyobekwa uwamukelwe okhokho bakho. Sicela
uhambe nathi, ngeke ukwazi ukuhlala la akusikho
ekhaya. Sicela ubuyele nathi ekhaya ukuze uzokhona uku
Lala ngoxolo (Nkululeko Ngcobo. It is me your Uncle
Skhumbuzo Ngcobo, I am not here alone but I'm with
your other Uncles. We are here to fetch you my child, so
that tomorrow you can be buried and be welcomed by
your Ancestors. Please come with us, you can't stay here
it's not your home. Come with us so you can rest in
peace)
I know that Nkuli and I weren't seeing eye to eye
anymore but this hurt me, it hurt me deeply that I
walked out to get fresh air and wiped my tears. Why?
Why did all of this mess had to happen to her, Now I lost
a sister and a friend. It truly hurt I don't wanna lie..

139
TUMI
The boarding school seemed like a good environment. It
was clean, the building was old but it was still in good
condition. It is a multiracial school and the students
seemed to be well behaved. Some were sitting under the
tree with their books, others were sitting at the tables by
the park and chit chatting. Furthermore a few of them
were playing sports. I was even surprised when that they
enrolled Rethabile, I thought that there would be no
space seeing that it was the middle of the year. I was also
happy that her previous school didn't give us a tough
time with a referral letter. Shine remained in the car
since there's bad blood between him and Retha, I was
the one who went in with her..
The rooms were a bit smaller than what I expected I
hope that she will settle in pretty well. I looked over at
the other bed and it was neatly made up, her roommate
wasn't around. It had been a busy week, after registering
her we had to buy her uniform and textbooks it was a lot
to do in just a week. She won't be required to cook since
there's a cafeteria at the school, the only thing that I can
buy her are snacks. They not allowed to go out anywhere
alone, there's supervised visits to the mall twice a month
and nothing more. The only time when they go home is
on school holidays or if there's an emergency...
She has been really down ever since the changing of
schools, I know that deep down she hates me but it's for
the best. Retha needs to be independent..
Me: It seems like a good school
She sat down on the bed..
There was an awkward moment between us.
Me: Look I know th-
Her: Please.. Don't make this more harder. It was your
decision to put me here even after I've done research
and this school has a lot of abuse cases but you still put
me here. If anything happens it'll be on you, I just hope
that you will be able to live with yourself
Emotional blackmail is the hardest but I can't drop the
ball now..
Me: Nothing will happen.. As long as you follow the rules
then you won't be disciplined
I extended my hand and she gave me her cellphone..
Me: We will send each other Emails, at least there's free
wifi you can use your laptop
She kept quiet..
Me: I'm leaving now..
She still didn't say anything and it broke me to leave her
here like this..
_
SWAY
This will be my very first time visiting Dawn ever since he
got locked up, his mother agreed to babysit Angie while I
come here to see him.. It has been hard without him and
I pray that the Coroner turns in the medical report so
that they can free my husband..
Something about prison that is unsettling, it was scary
and you ask yourself how the prisoners survive being
locked up like Animals. There were guards standing in all
4 corners of the room, and there was one standing by the
door. I looked around and the room wasn't that full of
visitors, I think it was 5 of us. I looked at the time and
then took a deep breath, I was very nervous..
The door opened and the guard walked out first,
followed by Dawn. I was expecting an orange jumpsuit
but they were wearing differently. Blue pants, a white
vest and a blue jacket though Dawn wasn't wearing the
jacket. I stood up as he made his way to me, I got all
emotional seeing him. He looked okay at least he was still
in one piece, that was a good sign..
He smiled at me and I soo much wanted to hug him but
the guard didn't allow. We sat down, he sat opposite
me..
Me: You look.. You look good
I wiped my tears as he looked at me..
He forced a smile..
Him: When was the last time you had a good night sleep?
I shrugged my shoulders..
Me: I don't remember.. I toss and turn most of the time..
Sleep eludes me
He nodded..
Me: Did they really have to cuff you?
Him: Unfortunately Yes..
Me: It's unnecessary
Him: I know but.. That's how they do things
Me: Are you eating well? Is everything okay in there
Him: Everything is fine.. I'm good
I nodded repeatedly with tears burning my eyes..
Me: The Coroner hasn't said anything and Nomvelo
hasn't read the letter too.. I don't know why the Coroner
is delaying to submit the report, I don't-
Him: Hey
He looked around and then held my hand..
Him: Everything is going to be okay
Gaurd: No touching
He let go of my hand..
Me: Can't we just contact our Lawyer?
Him: No.. If we get our Lawyer then the case is going to
drag and that will make me look guilty, Bronx has to be
behind everything she wants me to crack
I exhaled in defeat..
Him: I'm sorry that I got us into this mess..
Me: No.. It's not your fault, you were just trying to help
Him: How is Angie?
Me: She's good but I think she can sense that you not
around
Him: Did my Mom come?
Me: Yes she did.. She's looking after Angie
Him: Okay that's good
Me: I should've brought you something to eat
Him: Sway I don't want you to worry about me, I want
you to go home and get some rest. I don't like seeing you
this broken
[SILENCE]
Me: Nkuli's funeral is tomorrow
Him: At what time?
Me: 9am.. I wanna go
Him: You can go.. I think Nomvelo would appreciate it
very much
Me: Just come home please.. I miss you a lot and I need
you
Him: All of this is going to be over soon.. I promise
_
NOMVELO
With everything that's been going on at home I decided
to go out a bit and get some fresh air. I took Nosi with me
and we drove to steers, I needed time alone to read
Nkuli's letter. Gugu has since been babysitting Nosi
considering how busy I have been, but today I'll be
sleeping over at her place since my Grandmother's house
will be full. I missed spending time with Nosi though after
5min of us being here, I was already getting tired of her.
She couldn't keep still, just a little bite of the burger she
wonders around busy disturbing other customers by
trying to push their chairs. She would come for another
bite and run around again, she was giving me a
headache. I looked at the envelope with my meal right in
front of me, I haven't touched it. I looked at Nosi and she
was busy running around and then I opened the
envelope. I took the letter out and started reading:
"Dear Nomvelo
If you reading this letter then that means I am no longer
around, it means that my suicide was a success. One
might see my act as foolish but trust me, no amount of
help from the world could've mended my troubled soul.
Yes maybe the exorcism could've worked but I don't
think I would've been able to live with what I have done
to you. You don't know how sorry I am, I wish that I could
go back in time to rectify everything. I wish I could go
back and make different decisions.. You might forgive me
but I'll never forgive myself and my life would be empty
without my family. Let's be honest forgiving me wasn't
going to make any difference, our relationship wasn't
going to go back to how it used to be and I couldn't have
that. I kept on thinking about life without my family and
it seemed so lonely. Once more I am sorry Velo, you
wasn't going have a normal life because my face would
always remind you of the pain that I caused you. I hope
that you will find it in your heart to forgive me, I did this
so that you can live free. If I'm not around then I won't
be able to hurt you, and Please extend my apologies to
Dawn. He really wanted to help me.. May your God
continue to give you strength, till we meet again in the
next life..
Signed:
Nkuli
I was so taken by the letter that I didn't even feel Nosi
who was busy pulling my dress, up until I saw the mess
on the floor. I think my being unresponsive she pulled
everything down the table, including my ribs and chips.
I looked at her and she pointed on the floor.
Her: Look
I closed my eyes while shaking my head..
Her: Mama look..
I went from Lelo to "Mama" I think Gugu is the one who
has been teaching her to call me that..
_
DAWN
Seeing Sway in that state was very difficult for me, she
looked very drained. I really need to get out of here.. On
my way back to the cell I was met by a pool of blood,
Slovo was on the floor laying in his own pool of blood.
The guard opened and we both made our way in, I went
to him and tried to locate his pulse but it wasn't there.
He was gone..
It didn't make sense, who would come into our cell and
kill Slovo. That kid had no problem with anyone and he
was always doing his own thing, trying to make a few
cents by selling cigarettes..
Who would do something like this?? He was stabbed a
lot of times.. While the guard called for help, I noticed
that he was bleeding on his hand too. I looked at it and
he had a deep cut of an upside down cross. I looked at
him again and noticed a paper inside his mouth, I took it
and it read:
"Khumalo is next, and then you.. Tick tok! Tick tok!"
SEASON FINALE
_
140
DAWN
It had been a long and tiring day with the mysterious
murder of Slovo. At least we weren't here when it
happened or else we were going to be the first suspects.
I'm not saying that I don't feel sorry for the poor kid, I do
but then a murder case would totally ruin Me. I needed
to get out of here, this was beginning to be more and
more messy.
I was alone in the cell, Khumalo had been out to argue
with the guards about protection. Even with the threat
they still don't wanna give us the protection that we
need..
Ramiel showed up as I was laying on my bed reading a
book..
Her: Don't give it away that we talking.. Keep the book
closer and pretend that you reading out loud to yourself,
no eye contact just focus on the book
Me: What's happening?
Her: Bronx is indeed a devil worshiper, Lucifer thought
that by using a human being this time around he might
get an upper hand
Me: So what are we going to do now? I can't stay here
forever
Her: You will be out by next week, all you need is to trap
her with the Devil's trap. She will be coming for you
tonight
Me: I thought a Devils trap only worked in demons and
Lucifer himself
Her: You have to expand your knowledge Dawn.. You an
exorcist, I told you to keep up with Bible scholars. Bronx
is a devil worshiper that collects blood for high ranked
devil worshipers, she mostly causes accidents. She's a
high rank devil worshiper herself, she can conjure her
spirit out of her body at night during the witchful hour
and get to any car that she wants then she can roll it
over. There was one accident in particular that she
caused not aware that inside the vehicle there was a
child of God, a Prayer warrior to be more exact. She was
to do a nightshift, and she had prayed before leaving
then immediately when their work transport took a turn
in a very dark road Bronx was waiting for them. As they
were driving through that road the lady felt an urge to
sing a certain song, and she started singing. Her
colleagues weren't disturbed by her singing because they
knew that she was a devoted Christian. Bronx got in and
the lady started singing that particular song and though
Bronx did cause the accident by they all got out with
minor injuries, they all survived. From there on Bronx
stopped collecting blood from prayer warriors or God's
children because the blood weakness them..
Me: I thought she was just a small fish
Her: Not entirely.. A devil's trap will work on her because
she has sold her soul, she will be forced to have you
released if she doesn't want to be trapped forever.. I
mean what reason would you give to your colleagues in
why you standing in one place and don't wanna move
Me: Why me though?
Her: Why not you?
Me: You can't answer a question with a question
Her: Doing what you do doesn't necessarily mean that
you immune to attacks, you need to be armed and ready
at all times. The devil works tirelessly in trying to collect a
lot of soul, if you let your guard down you handing over
many souls to the devil in a silver platter. Yes trust God
but don't be too proud
I heard voices..
Her: Don't ever let your guard down, there's a difference
between relaxing because you trust God and being too
proud
She then disappeared..
Ramiel was right, there was a time when I was starting to
become too proud in what I do. There were times when I
thought I could exorcise on my own without involving the
holy spirit. This is a wake up call, I shouldn't rely on what
I think I know..
_
NOMVELO
Nkuli's coffin had arrived at around 17:30. I think after
30min of it arriving the neighbours, close family friends,
and family were already getting busy with peeling the
vegetables and setting up everything to make it easier for
tomorrow morning. When Nkuli's coffin had been taken
out from the hearse and put down on the ground just
close to the gate, my Uncle put that small tree branch
ontop of her coffin and started talking. Immediately
when she started talking the weather changed. It got
cloudy, and there was a bit of wind and it started
drizzling a bit. The weather only got better when her
coffin was inside the house..
I couldn't wait for the funeral to be over and done with,
this whole grieving and mourning process has been very
emotional draining. I just want everything to be done so
that I can pick up the pieces and mend my broken heart
again, I still can't believe that my cousin is gone. Life is
indeed very unpredictable..
_
NAZO
This was my last sermon and I was very happy with how
successful the revival was.
When I was praying earlier on the holy spirit revealed to
me that a lot of souls needed healing. Physical healing,
and emotional healing. It was touching to come into the
realization that the devil is holding a lot of souls captive
through pain, some are being held captive by
Depression.. Before I could start with the healing, I
needed to share something for those who were mentally
held captive by depression. Those souls that have given
up all the will to leave because of circumstances and
traumatic experiences..
Before uttering even a single word I looked at the crowd
that was gathered here again, God showed me a few
souls but it went beyond the human eye. I saw them in
spirit and the message I got was "This is who they are in
spirit, most of my children are suffering from scars and
wounds that bleed internally" they looked so beautiful
and strong on the outside, by in their spirit form they
carrying a lot. They being held captive and most were
bleeding inside. It wasn't a pleasant thing to see, it was
heavy on me. Their pain was heavy on me..
Me: We all have our different experiences with life, some
experiences cut deep pass the flesh and they touch the
soul. Tonight I want everyone to view life from a
different perspective. Now, I'm going to create a scenario
one that almost everyone is going to relate too. We often
hear that life is a journey, that's no lie. It is indeed a
journey.
Life is no different from buying a bus ticket to a
destination of your choice, say you buy the ticket today
in advance and your bus leaves in two or three days.
Keep in mind that the destination of your choice is the
future that you envision for yourself, and what you do in
the meantime to get there is very crucial. When you
were born God had already created your future, your
future is always bright but whatever you do and how you
live your life in the time being of you going to your
destination (future) can either break or make you. Now
back to the bus scenario. Say the time for you to leave
has finally arrived now usually in the bus not everyone
gets off at the same destination, there's people who will
get off before you and People who will get off after you
or you might just be the last one to get off. It all depends
on your destination if it's shorter or longer. Say the trip is
roughly 6 hours long and thinking about those hours that
you going to spend in the bus you will get discouraged
because you don't wanna be patient, you wanna get
there as fast as you can and at your own time. Now the
journey doesn't depend on you, it depends on the bus
driver. The bus driver is the one who knows the route
very well that will lead you to your destination, the bus
driver knows very well where you headed and he won't
let you get off at a destination that is not meant for you.
He will make sure you get off where you supposed to get
off. That's how it is with God, you make him the driver
that's going to lead you to your destination (Future). He
knows where and when you supposed to get there and
no matter how impatient you're as long as you trust him
he will never let you get off at a stop or a destination that
is not yours. Many will succeed before you, and many
will succeed after you but whatever success is meant for
you. It will come at the time that God sets for you. When
you in the bus, you have no choice but to trust the
Driver, and his goal is to get you there safely.
He is very cautious with your life and he will make sure
not to drink nor resort to anything that will cause you
harm. In the bus most people have good views and most
people don't have good views, most people see beautiful
buildings and most just see trees and nothing more. In
this journey of life we all have different views, some see
it worth living (Beautiful buildings) and some see it not
worth living (Tress, thorns, and dead grass). Say the bus
stops at different destinations and people get off, you
sitting there and you envy them because your journey is
taking longer. Now that's when you see most of your
friends or cousins or your age mates making it before you
and that discourages you because you also wanna get
there. Going back to the journey that's when at times
you get minor breaks to get refreshments then continue
with your journey, life is like that too. At times it will give
you joyful days and when you think that it's now looking
up, the journey will start again. Some of the friends you
made in the bus they get off before you and now you all
alone never to see them again, they look happy to have
arrived and they tell you that you will get there too.
That's how it is at times, the friends you started the
journey with or family when time goes on and their lives
start to look up they leave and never to remember you
again. Then you have to continue the journey alone,
buried in your thoughts until you get there. Your journey
might take longer but you will get there, when the bus
stops and the driver says "You have arrived" You get a
sense of relief, you don't believe it but at the same time
you get happy. Though you might be tired and what not
but at the end you will arrive at your destination and you
will even forget that it even rained at some point and
there was traffic too that slowed the journey down. You
forget about all the hiccups and you get happy that you
have made it, and the bus driver that you trusted never
failed you. If the bus breaks down he doesn't say "Let me
go you will see how to get there" No he carries you
through until you get there. That's now God is, he will
never leave nor forsake you even when times get
difficult. He will carry you through until you get there. Be
patient, have faith in your bus driver (God) he will lead
you to your destination (Future) don't even envy those
who get off before you, because what you don't know is
that your destination might even be more than theirs.
That is how life is..It's a journey..
The hall went wild, people were screaming, crying and
praying. The message really touched those who needed
to hear it, the holy spirit was moving around delivering
those who needed deliverance. I requested a song and I
went to the crowd placing my hands on most individuals
and healing those who needed healing.. It was a very
blessed service
_
DAWN
The cells have this small mats inside, incase for rainy days
you can wipe your muddy shoes there. It's something
that came about last year, so I was told. Before going to
sleep I took the sunlight bar soap and started drawing a
Devil's trap right at the spot where the mat was. I then
put then mat over, when she sneaks in tonight she will
be trapped there, or rather her spirit will be..
Khumalo came back from taking a shower. We shower
before going down to the hall to have dinner..
Him: hai mfo.. We have to move fast and get to the hall
before it gets full, I don't want another small portion just
because those who got there before us had more than
enough
Me: Ya we should go
He looked at me..
Him: Are you alright?
Me: Ya I am.. Just a bit disturbed by Slovo's passing
Him: I understand.. Nami ingiphethe kabi (It doesn't sit
well with me)
I looked at his leg..
Me: I'll have a friend of mine come take a look at your leg
this Monday
Him: A friend of yours?
Me: Yeah he is pretty good
Him: Ngingabonga (I would appreciate it)
The guard came to our cell..
Him: asambe sboshwa (let's go prisoner)
I looked at Khumalo..
Him: It's time to go and eat
I moved closer to him and he put his hand on my
shoulder for balance and we made our way out..

SEASON FINALE
_
141
DAWN
We wake up very early to go and shower, then we eat
and do chores. Chores including cleaning our own cells
under strict supervision. I slept late last night because I
spent most of my time praying and lost deep in my
thoughts, I miss my wife, I miss my Daughter and I miss
my Excorsim sessions. I basically miss my life.. When I
woke up the next morning I stumbled upon the biggest
surprise of my life, Bronx was trapped and she couldn't
move. She was standing on the mat of which had the
Devil's trap drawn under it..
Khumalo: Good morning mfo
Me: Good morning
Before we could start a conversation the Guard showed
up and opened up..
Khumalo got up and limped his way out, passing through
Bronx. I was taken, it wasn't her physical being that was
trapped but it was her spirit. Meaning last night as usual
her spirit was at was work, she probably was looking for
ways on how she could have access and harm us but
then she got trapped. She probably wouldn't have been
able to harm us personally, but she could've encouraged
us to harm each other. Unlike Slovo I think that she sent
someone to kill him.. The warden looked at me..
I sat up straight and cleared my throat..
Me: Uhm.. I would like some time to myself
Him: Time to yourself?
Me: I am a married man I always share my bed with my
wife, unless I'm travelling. I have been here for what? A
week now, it is a very difficult situation for me
He looked at me without saying anything..
Me: There's no privacy in the showers
Him: You need to go and shower so we can search your
cell
Me: I'm asking for 5min
He wanted to decline but then I gave him no choice..
Him: 5min
Me: That's all I'm asking for
He walked out while locking..
I looked at Bronx..
Her: That was smart I gotta give you that
Me: I only asked because I need to find my soap, I
misplaced it last night when I was drawing the devil's
trap
I started looking for the soap till I found it..
Me: Ohh well I have to go and shower
I took my towel and headed to the bars..
Her: Weight
I stopped..
Her: We can cut a deal
I went back to my bed..
Me: You lost that privilege when you started messing
with Me, I can leave you trapped like this forever. Come
to think of it, if you don't turn up for work you will be
reported missing. Then your body will be found at your
apartment, unfortunately not only your body will be
found there but also a few other things. Charms and
everything else that connects you to the other world.
They going to run a story on you, I'll make sure they do
and you will be buried with the title of being a Devil
worshipper. It will be a shame for your Mother who is a
Christian
Her: I only follow orders Dawn.. I..
Me: Why?
Her: There was a point in my life where things weren't
going well. My Mother told me to never stop praying, she
told me that everything is going to be okay I should never
lose my faith in God. I kept on but things never got
better, it was taking time and I was at my lowest point.
The thing is God's timing is never that of a human being,
he doesn't get God when you want him to get God. He
has his own time. Lucifer on the other hand riches from
him are quick, but you pay the price. He owns your soul
and your soul will do anything that he wants to do with
it. I got what I wanted. I was promoted, I am the best
detective. I have power and the pay is good, I moved up
the ranks.. I am a powerful devil worshipper and I follow
orders. We thought Nkuli was going to be our gateway to
you but she grew a conscience and guilt ate her alive, she
couldn't live with the guilt.. Instead we used her death to
get to you, we wanted to destroy your image. We
wanted to break you
Me: I have a good mind of trapping you you here for a
long time
Her: I have the medical report from the Coroner, I will
turn it in next week
Me: And you expect me to believe you?
Her: Do you have much of a choice?
I looked at her..
Me: Let me see your code name
She remained quiet..
Me: If you want out then you will show me your code
name
Her: What are you going to do with it?
Me: It's for insurance.. Incase you don't do the right
thing
She showed me on her shoulder..
Me: "76667"
Her: Happy now?
Me: Very
I went and lifted the mat and rubbed off a part of the
drawing so that she could be free. If she doesn't keep to
her end, I can still conjure her spirit back into the trap by
using her code name. If she knows what's good for her
she won't mess with me..
_
NOMVELO
We decided to have the funeral at home, there was a
tent erected at the front where everything was going to
take place. My Grandmother's Pastor was the one who
was going to preach, at first he didn't want because he
said Nkuli never stepped foot at his church. My
Grandmother had to beg him and because of my
Grandmother's faithfulness to the church, he came
through for her. The service was going to be from
9:00am till 11:00am. At 11:00am we meant to leave for
the cemetery. We were all gathered outside in the tent, I
kept my eyes on her coffin. Deep down I couldn't believe
that she was gone, my cousin who was full of life and
enjoyed the life she chose for herself was no more. No
matter how much I wanted to hate her for what she did,
deep down the sisterhood love and bond that we shared
made it impossible for me to hate her.. Nkuli was gone,
Never to be heard from ever again. My Aunt was broken,
despite the endless fights that they had. Nkuli was her
only child I know that she loved her more than
anything..
_
RETHABILE
I laid back on my bed while facing up, a lot was running
through my head. I hated Shine, hated him with all that I
had in me. Tumi would have never done this if it wasn't
for him, now she just dumped me in a place that I don't
even know. A place that holds no memory of "Home". I
can't wait to complete my matric and just cut all ties with
her. I won't even accept any visitations from her. I am
done! This is how she wants to play then I'll play the
game better..
_
NAZO
I was going back home today and I was very happy, I miss
my wife and my Niece very much. I was proud of
Nomvelo, she went through this all alone and not even
once did she think of turning to the bottle. It does look
like she is growing up after all..
Agent: So what do you think?
I walked over to the sliding door and starred out looking
at the pool, I liked the backyard. It was beautiful. Not far
from the pool, it had a built in grill. Perfect for lunch
outside when we have guests..
Me: I like it.. I really like it
The Agent exhaled..
Her: I can now relax
We both laughed..
Me: I hope my wife will like it
Her: Any woman would be happy to find out that her
husband bought her a house that costs 1.5mill
Me: My wife is difficult.. She might surprise me, I hope
she doesn't because I've been saving up for it
Her: May all the odds be in your favour
I looked around again, it was a beautiful house no lie..
Her: We can go back to the office and start with the
paper work
Me: After you
As soon as we get the paperwork done and the house is
furnished, then we can move in. The time has come for
me to start my church here in Mpumalanga..
_
TUMI
I walked over to the couch and watched TV, my Aunt
walked in..
Her: Tumi
Me: Good morning Aunty
Her: How are you?
Me: I'm good I guess
Her: Still worries about Retha?
Me: Yes.. When I called yesterday at 19:00, I was told
that she's refusing to talk to me
She walked over and sat on the couch..
Her: She's going to come around, Rethabile is being
Rethabile
Me: I do hope she will come around.. I hope I didn't make
a mistake by sending her there
_
NOMVELO
"uJehova ubephile, uJehova uthathile. Malibongwe
igama lakhe, kwenzeke intando yakhe.. Sezalapha
emhlabeni singaphethe lutho. Ngokunjalo sizohamba,
singaphethe lutho.. Lala ngokuthula, Lala uphumule, Lala
ubuthongo, obungunaphakade.." I looked at the coffin
being lowered down at the cemetery as the church choir
bid her farewell with that song. When the coffin was
buried deep in that hole, the Pastor signalled that the
choir can stop singing now and they did. One of the
church members took a shovel and carried it through to
the pastor. It had soil on it. He took a handful of the soil
and poured it in the coffin..
Him: Umhlabathi entlabathini.. Uthuli ethulwini.. Lala
ngoxolo, uphumulile kuzozo zonke izinkinga zalo mhla a
(Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.. Rest in peace, you are now
free from all the troubles of this world)
They then asked us to go and pour soil on her coffin. I will
never see my cousin again, she is gone.. She is gone
forever

SEASON FINALE
_
142
NOMVELO
3 YEARS LATER
Me: "Row, row, row your boat Gently down the stream..
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream" (Singing)
I looked at her and she was fast asleep now, I lowered
my voice..
Me: "Row, row, row.."
Voice: Mommy!!!!!!
I sighed..
The bedroom door flung open..
Me: Nono keep your voice down Nae is sleeping
She made her way to us..
Nosi: Let me see
Me: Nosi No..
She tried to pull Naledi's foot..
Me: Nosi stop it!!
Naledi slowly opened her eyes and I gently rocked her to
sleep again..
Me: Go and watch cartoons (Whispering)
She shook her head no..
Me: You want me to call Daddy?
She made her way out. 7 months back I gave birth to an
adorable baby girl, we named her Naledi. Nosi doesn't
really like Naledi, I thought that maybe as time went on
she would let it go but even today she still doesn't like
her. I think it's jealousy because Naledi is a baby and she
gets a bit more attention than her so she doesn't like it....
I don't even know where to begin, my life has changed
from how it was 3 years ago. One day I just woke up and
decided to tell my story, I told my pain from word to
word and I got a lot of attention. It was just random
home made videos that I uploaded on YouTube and they
got a lot of views. Before I knew it I was doing interviews,
being invited on seminars to motivate it has been busy.
Following my videos my followers encouraged me to
write a book titled "Nomvelo", I went and poured my
heart out. I wrote about my Mom's death, My Uncle,
how I lost everything and moved to my Grandmother's
house. I wrote about my relationship with Niso, then
about Nazo and the whole Nkuli saga. People couldn't
believe that I've been through all that and still standing,
my book sold a lot of copies globally. Now I'm getting
interview requests from other countries, I never thought
that things would get to this point. Wherever I go almost
everyone recognizes me it's a very overwhelming
situation. I understand now, most of the things that
happened to me were leading me here. If my Uncle
didn't die, If Niso didn't die then I wouldn't be where I
am today. Some of my pain was shaping me to be strong
both mentally and emotionally. I had to see the power of
God working in me, I had to see his Grace upon me for
me to grow spiritually and have a more healthy
relationship with him. Nazo finally built a church in
Mpumalanga, currently we standing on approximately
300 members and the church is still growing that we now
have extended the building. Nazo is really doing a great
job there's a lot of projects at our church that we running
and I am full hands on in helping. I am in charge of a
project that supplies sanitary towels and toiletries for
girls who can't afford, we also buy groceries every month
for families that can't afford, we have a mobile kitchen
that feeds homeless people, and we buy school shoes
with school bags for a number of kids. that's just some of
the projects that I am in charge of. Every year we pay
registration for most first year students who can't afford
it, we sponsor orphanages with food and hospitals that
don't get much funding from the government. We use
the money for offering and tithes to fund the projects,
Nazo also takes some money from his company since
now it's also here in Mpumalanga and there's also a few
sponsors that we have who lend a helping hand. The
more that Nazo gives the more and more God blesses
him financially, both his companies are doing very well
and he wants to expand more maybe have another
branch in Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal. Shine is full
hands on at the one in Gauteng whilst Nazo is busy with
the one here in Mpumalanga. There's been a lot of
financial breakthroughs at our church mainly because he
is a good leader, he takes all that money from church and
use it to help those who are in need then in return God
blesses the church. Never and not even once has he ever
pleasured himself with any financial contribution from
the church, instead we live off from his monthly salary.
We never even had to touch my money because he
makes soo much from both his companies.. We are richly
blessed..
After putting Naledi down I went to Nosi's room. Mpumi
was also fast asleep, she's visiting us for a few days.
Mpumi and Nosi are very close, it's funny how Nosi loves
Mpumi more than she loves her own Sister....
I went to the Tv room and Nosi was watching cartoons, I
sat down on the couch..
Me: Nono come here
Her: I'm still watching
Me: I know you watching.. It won't take long
Her: Nooooo
Nosi is very stubborn and cheeky, she only does that with
Me though because I'm a bit of a softy. Unlike Nazo he is
big on discipline, so most of the time I'll threaten her
with him if I want her to do something. She got up from
the carpet and made her way to me, I held her hands..
Me: We have had this conversation a lot of times and we
going to still have it until you accept that Nae is your
baby Sister
Her: No she's not
Me: Nono
Her: She's not my baby sister
Me: Yes she is
Her: She's not.. She is the hospital's baby sister
Me: Nosi you not listening to me
Her: You not too listening to me mommy
I let go of her..
Me: That doesn't even sound right
He shrugged her shoulders..
Her: It doesn't matter
She sat down and watched Tv again..
_
TUMI
I made my way to the kitchen, Rethabile was washing
dishes..
Me: Hey
She wiped her hands with the cloth..
Her: Good morning.. Want me to get you your chair?
I took a deep breath and exhaled..
Her: You okay?
All of a sudden I started being emotional..
Her: Awii what's wrong?
Me: I'm very exhausted
Her: That's why I asked if I could get you a chair
Me: I don't want a chair.. I want him to come already
Her: He will come.. You 8 months pregnant now
remember?
Me: That doesn't make it better
Her: Let me get you a chair and then make you
something to eat.. How about that?
Me: I don't know (Crying)
Her: Ahhh Tumz don't cry
She came to me..
Her: Don't cry
Rethabile is way better than how she was back when she
was 16. A few months of her being at the Boarding
school 3 years back our Aunt passed on, by then I was
still in the process of moving out. Life got real for her, she
started being rebellious and she failed her grade 10.
Shine suggested that we take her out of the boarding
school and she moved in with us, things got worse.
Rethabile was stressful but Shine was able to be strict
with her and enforced discipline, if you could see her
now you would even deny that she was once a headache.
She's 19 years old now and doing matric, I am really
proud of her for turning her life around.. She came back
with the chair...
Me: Thank you
Her: Want me to make you something to eat?
Me: No I'm fine
My Aunt's death sort of fixed things between us and our
relatives in Botswana, or should I say when they learned
about my financial stability all of a sudden they wanted
to be family again. I really don't want much to do with
them, even when Shine and I decide to get married I
don't want them to come..
Speaking of the devil, he walked in. Shine has been very
busy lately. He is doing some business training part time
since he is now running the company singlehandedly. If
he was doing it full time then he would be done in
1yr6mnths, then if it's part time the training will take 2
years. Actually this is his last year. He started last year..
He's English has gotten better, he had no choice but to
take it seriously we now dealing with high profiled
clients. Retha has been helping him here and there and
he's getting there, he's English has improved.
He was home today only because it's a long weekend..
He hit Retha on her forehead, that's how he teases her
from time to time..
Retha: Violence in the house?
Him: That's hardly violence, angikuthintanga
nokuk'thinta (I didn't even touch you)
He came to me..
Him: and nou?
Me: I'll be fine
He squeezed my cheeks and kissed me..
Him: Ringa nami.. K'hambani? (Talk to me.. What's
happening)
I don't know why I wasn't able to control my emotions..
Shine: Rex??
Retha: She's just not feeling well.. I guess it happens
Shine: It happens?? I pay a lot of school fees for you to
come and say "It happens" biology nyana yenu ithini?
(What does your biology say)
Retha: It's Life Sciences now
Shine: Same thing
Retha: But it's now life sciences we no l
longer do biology.. It's not Bantu education
Shine chuckled..
Shine: But biology is biology
Retha: Life sciences
Shine: In my house it's biology
Retha: Where I live it's life sciences
Shine: uhlala kwami (You live in my house)
They like to joke a lot even when something is serious, at
times they just irritate me..
I slowly got up from the chair..
Shine: Let me help you
I pushed him back..
Me: Ngi right! (I'm alright)
I made my way to the bedroom..
Shine: Sengenzeni manje? (What did I do now)
_
SWAY
Her: How does it look?
I looked around..
Me: Let's change the duvet again
Her: This is the 3rd one that you don't like Mam'
Me: I want her to feel at home
Her: It's not her first time coming here
Me: It's her first time sleeping over
Sway is coming later today, she will be here for almost
the whole weekend. Tomorrow she has a big day ahead
of her, she has a seminar at Purgatory early in the
morning from 10:00-15:00. I am really proud of her, she
has come a long way and she's doing very well for
herself. She's very well spoken and she has inspired a lot
of women with her book "Nomvelo". I am very proud of
her..
Dawn walked in followed by Angie, Angie ran to the bed
and touched the duvet with her dirty hands..
Prudence: Ohh No!!!
I looked at her and she had chocolate all over, I turned
and looked at Dawn..
Dawn: She got a little bit too much with the chocolate
syrup
Me: How much of it did she have?
Dawn: Errr.
Angie wiped her hands on her tshirt and then she looked
at me for a comment..
I looked at Dawn..
Me: I'm not even going to say anything
Dawn went and picked her up..
Dawn: Let's go get you cleaned up
Dawn spoils Angie a lot, whatever she wants She gets.
Not that I'm complaining though but at times it's too
much..

SEASON FINALE
_
143
DAWN
Ever since I got released from prison I promised Khumalo
that I'll keep in contact and also get him the medical
attention that he needed. Indeed I kept to my promise,
and it turned out that he has type diabetes. Bronx kept
to her end of the deal, I let her go and she submitted the
medical report which stated the cause of death being
hyporthemia and too much loss of blood. It also proved
that the wounds were self inflicted considering how they
were cut, and also the letter that she wrote to Nomvelo
helped me. After that whole deal she asked for a transfer
and I hear that she's somewhere in Cape Town. After
that incident we never crossed paths again.. I looked at
the prisoners enjoying themselves with their loved ones,
they looked so happy and relaxed..
Khumalo: hai kanti Mfo things are better since Bronx is
gone
I had proposed that Khumalo should appeal his case, he
refused and told me that jail is the only place that he
knows. He told me that this is home for him, he has been
here for a while now..
Khumalo: Thank you for coming
Me: I've meant to come with my Daughter but.. Maybe
next time
Khumalo: Ya maybe next time
I had brought food along and we started eating..
Me: I almost forgot.. I have brought you this book to
read
He took it..
Me: It's demonology
Him: Thank you Mfo
Me: It will help you since you run a church here
Him: Hai ushaye khona (this is good)
Khumalo's life is very sad, ever since I've been here
haven't seen any visitor stopping by. He once mentioned
it to me that his family hates me, they hate him a lot for
what he did..
_
TUMI
Me: Look at the screen phela
Nomvelo: Can you see Mommy??
Mpumi nodded..
Me: Hi Baby..
Mpumi: Hi mommy
Me: I miss you soo much
Mpumi: Miss you too
Me: How is-
Nosi: I also wanna see
Nomvelo: See what? Mpumi is talking to her Mommy
Nosi: I wanna see!!
She snatched the phone from Mpumi..
Me: Nosi hi
Nosi: Hi
Me: How are you?
Mpumi got closer..
Me: Are you girls behaving?
Mpumi nodded..
Nosi: Yes
Me: Nosi how is Naledi?
Nosi: She's not my Sister
Nomvelo: If you going to be like that then give me my
phone
Nomvelo took the phone..
Me: She still doesn't like her?
Nomvelo: Not at all
Me: That's sad
Nomvelo: How are you holding up by the way?
Me: I'm tired.. Just want him to come already
Nomvelo: He will come.. I hope he doesn't come out
looking like Shine, all that 9 months for him to look like
Shine
I laughed..
Me: You and Shine will never like each other
Nomvelo: Not in this life time.. Well later on I'll be gone
so you guys will have to call Nazo since he will be the one
babysitting for the weekend
Me: Okay thank you
Nomvelo: Be good and don't worry he is going to come
She lowered the phone..
Nomvelo: Mpumi come and say bye to mommy
_
GUGU
My life has changed a great deal in the period of 2 years,
from the ghetto to a high love. Richard and I had a small
wedding ceremony, only close family and friends
attended. It was a very beautiful ceremony..
I never thought that at this age it was possible for me to
be this much in love again, Richard is the best and I'm so
happy to spend these remaining years of my life with
him. Though we old but he hasn't lost his charm, he still
makes my heart melt..
Tonight we were leaving for the weekend, he was taking
me to Thailand. We did say that we wanna spend most of
our time traveling..
Me: I feel bad about leaving, Nomvelo has a big day
tomorrow
Him: I know but we bought these tickets way before she
informed us about the seminar
Me: I'm very proud of her.. She has come a long way
Him: She is a special woman
Me: How is Thailand?
Him: I've been there a few times.. The weather is a bit
unstable at times but don't pack the whole closet
I laughed..
Me: I wasn't planning on packing the whole wardrobe
Him: Yeah and I believe you
He's phone rang..
Him: I need to take this, it's the boutique
He walked out and I continued packing..
_
NOMSA
MaNgcobo: Hai ulipheka ngcono kunami (You cook it
better than I do)
Me: Hau ngeke (I don't think so)
Her: Uyazi I Misjudged you, I should've spent more time
with you
Me: It's all in the past now
Danger and I we have always been close, ever since JJ
was still alive but at that time we were just friends. I
think that bond made it easier for us to feel something
more for each other because in our midst of spending
time with each other lately, we ended falling head over
heels with each other..
I am soo happy that I am in a relationship were I am this
much happy, not forgetting that Nomvelo and I we have
a much better relationship now. I can say that I am in a
happy place for once in my life, and furthermore into the
blessings my business is doing very good. Way better
than how I had imagined..
_
TUMI
I've been locked up in the bedroom for the whole
morning but now since I've spoken to Mpumi I felt a
whole lot better. I got out of bed bedroom and Shine was
in the living room, sitting at the table with a few text
books and documents..
Him: How are you feeling now?
Me: Better
I picked one of the text books and looked at it..
Me: How is it going?
Him: kuyancengeka (I'm getting there)
Me: That's good
He stood up and came to open the chair for me, I sat
down. He put his hands on my shoulders and kissed me
on my neck..
Him: Hade neh? (sorry)
Me: For?
Him: for the whole pregnancy situation.. Kube kuyangami
ngabe siyashintshisana (if it was up to me we would be
taking turns)
Me: I just want him to come already
Him: Sekusele kancane (you close to giving birth)
He kept on massaging me..
Me: I love you
Him: I love you too
He kissed me again..
_
NOMVELO
I looked at the watch.. In a couple of hours I'll be leaving,
I am very nervous about tomorrow. Purgatory is a
different crowd and a very big congregation, I don't think
I'm ready for that. I packed my clothes nicely in the
suitcase trying not to think much about tomorrow.. My
little bundle of joy crawled her way in.. She crawled to
the bed pulled the duvet so that she can stand up, luckily
my suitcase was on the bed so the duvet didn't fall over..
Me: Hi Nae.. Hi baby
I picked her up and put her on the bed, she reached for
my clothes in the suitcase..
Me: No Nae..
I think Nae is going to start walking first before she can
talk, she hardly says anything she always wants her
pacifier in her mouth...
Nazo walked in..
Me: Look who's home Nae
Nazo: What's happening here?
Me: We packing-
Nae took out my clothes from the suitcase..
Me: Nae stop it..
Nazo picked her up..
Me: Where is Nosi and Mpumi?
Nazo: They watching Tv.. Didn't even look at me
He put Nae down and she crawled around the room..
Nazo sat on the bed..
Him: At what time are you leaving?
Me: At around 18:00.. Are you going to be cope alone
with the girls? Should I call the Nanny?
Him: I'll be fine.. Plus I wanna bond with them, it's been a
while
Me: It has been a while
He pulled me closer to him and I got in between his
legs..
Him: I'm very proud of you do you know that?
Me: I'm proud of myself.. I might even be bigger than
you
He chuckled..
Him: Ya keep on dreaming
Me: My last video on YouTube got more views than
yours
Him: I don't have a video.. I have videos, you only have
what? 3?4? I've been a GOAT
Me: Ohh listen to your Ego talking
Him: It's not my Ego if it's true
He leaned closer and kissed me..
Him: I'm going to miss you very much
Me: I'm going to miss you two
We continued kissing and he was squeezing my waist I
had my arms around his neck. He lowered his hands and
squeezed my ass..
We hardly get time to ourselves especially with the kids
our busy schedules, so whenever we can get free time
even if it's 3min we use it to our advantage...
He moved his hands up to my breasts, he squeezed them
and my breast milk shot through.. He laid back on the
bed as I laughed..
Him: I forgot
Me: It's okay (Laughing)
Him: Eish
Me: It's not that bad come on (Laughing)
When I was about to get ontop of Nazo I heard Naledi
falling, she screamed. I quickly made my way to her and
picked her up..
Naledi needs to be monitored when she's standing and
holding on to something, sometimes her small hands slip
and she falls or gets too excited and starts dancing then
she falls..
Me: I'm sorry baby
Nazo came to us..
Him: Didn't she hurt herself?
Me: I don't know.. I'm not sure
He got her from me, her cry was so sad that it pierced
through my heart..
Nosi and Mpumi made their way in..
Nosi: Haaa mommy you wet!!!
I took her again from Nazo..
Me: Let me try and breast feed her
I sat down on the bed..
Mpumi: Why she crying?
Nazo: She fell
Nosi laughed.. Nazo gave her a serious look, Mpumi
came to us and started patting Naledi on her head..
Mpumi: Sorry Nae
Naledi calmed down as I breastfed her while Mpumi still
stood next to us for emotional support..
Nazo: Nosi say sorry to Nae
She folded her arms..
Nosi: No!!!
Nazo: I'm not asking you I'm telling you
Nosi moved back to the a corner with her arms still
folded and a frown on her face..
Nazo: Nosi..
Me: Babe leave her
He moved closer to her and crouched..
Nazo: I said go say sorry to your Sister
Nosi kept quiet..
Nazo: Look at me.. I said go say sorry to Nae
Mpumi: Nosi say sorry
Nosi: Shut up!!
Nazo gave her a spanking of her dear little life..
Nazo: You don't talk like that to others do you
understand me?
She nodded while crying..
Nazo: Say sorry to Mpumi
Nosi: Sorry Mpumi (Crying)
Nazo: Say sorry to Nae
Nosi: Sorry Nae
Nazo: Are you going to be disrespecful again?
Nosi: No.. (Crying)
Nazo: Promise?
Nosi: I promise
Nazo: Give Daddy a hug
She hugged him and Nazo picked her up..
He walked over to us..
Nazo: Come Mpumi, let's go out to Spur
He held Mpumi's hand..
Nazo: We'll be back
Me: Okay
Mpumi: Bye Aunty
Me: Hau you coming back nje.. Or are you g for good?
Mpumi: No
Me: Ncoooh you such a sweety
I looked at Nosi..
Me: Bye baby
Nosi: Bye Mommy
They walked out..
Sometimes I worry a bit about Nosi's attitude..
SEASON FINALE
_
144
RETHABILE
I have misjudged Shine, honestly speaking underneath all
that tough act he is a very good person. Which guy would
take in his girlfriend's little sister who had an attitude,
then take care of her as if like she was your baby sister
too? He is a bit strict here and there but he is a very good
person. He's putting me through school, one of the best
private schools and he is helping Tumi in saving money
for me when I go to varsity. I have a good relationship
with her Sister Ntokozo, Ntokozo changed the course
that she was doing previously she's now doing
accounting. I like her a lot she is a very good person and a
good influence..
I have a boyfriend we go to the same school and he is
also doing grade 12, he is a good rugby player but the
only problem is that he is white. Our relationship is good
but we don't know how our loved ones are going to feel
about it. Tumi is definitely going to okay with it but Shine
is unpredictable sometimes, I don't know how he is going
to feel about it
Me: Hey I ordered pizza
Tumi: Big as I am you want to get more big? I'm trying to
eat healthy so I can have a natural birth
Me: I doubt that you will put more weight plus it's not
like you eat pizza everyday
Her: Thank you but I'll pass
Me: Okay
Her: How is school going?
Me: School is going well so far .. No complaints
Her: I'm glad to hear that
(Silence)
Her: How is your boyfriend?
I looked at her..
Her: most of the time you're on your phone busy smiling
like a retard now I doubt your female friends would bring
you such a smile
Me: Uhm..
Her: Does he also go to your school?
Me: Yes
Her: You love him?
Me: I do
Her: That's good just don't fall pregnant, practice safe sex
and don't let your relationship get in between you and
your studies. Matric is a very critical year
Me: I know and thank you
Another moment for silence passed by..
Me: He's white
Her: Sorry?
Me: My boyfriend.. He's white
Her: Wow I.. That's unexpected
Me: I know
Her: Wow Retha..
Me: I know it's bad
Her: It's not bad just unexpected
Me: I hope he's family won't have a problem with me
should our Relationship go any further
Me: I hope so too
_
NOMVELO
I was on the phone with Gugu, she won't attend my
sermon tomorrow so she called to wish me good luck..
Her: She just feels like Naledi might be getting more
attention, having to get used to the fact that she's no
longer the only child is what makes her to dislike Naledi
Me: It's been 7 months now, thought that she would've
gotten used to her by now
Her: Niso never got used to the fact that my Mom loved
Nazo more, the only reason why they were close was
because Nazo loved his little Brother more than anything.
When he started getting into trouble that's when their
relationship was affected because Nazo couldn't stay at
home for that long since cops were always looking for
him. Nosi takes after her Father though Niso was worse
I laughed..
Me: I know you as a person who do not tolerate
nonsense, but when it came to Niso he seemed difficult
for you to handle
Her: Niso was very stubborn and disrespectful, the only
person who was able to get him in line was Nazo
Me: Nazo is very big on discipline
Her: That he is.. Where are the kids?
Me: They watching Tv
Her: Well I'm about to board soon so I'll call them
tomorrow, I'll call Nazo
Me: Okay enjoy your trip
Her: Thank you baby and may all go well with your
sermon tomorrow
Me: Thank you
Her: I love you
Me: I love you too
Her: Bye
Me: Bye
I hung up and made my way to check on the kids. Only
Naledi and Mpumi were in the Tv room..
Me: Mpumi
She looked at me..
Me: Don't let that one fall
Her: Okay
She moved closer to Naledi..
Me: Where is Nosi?
Her: I don't know
Me: Okay
I went to look for Nosi and I heard Nazo talking with her
in the guest room, I stood halfway to eavesdrop before I
could disturb.
Nazo: And who is this?
Nosi: That's.. That's my other Daddy!
Nazo: What's his name?
Nosi: Niso
Nazo: Where is he now?
Nosi: He is with the Angels... Is he going to come back?
Nazo: No he is not going to come back
Nosi: Why did he leave?
Nazo: Because the Angels wanted him to come and live
with them
Nosi: Are you also going to go and live with the Angels?
Nazo: No I'm not going
Nosi: Are you going to go tomorrow?
Nazo chuckled..
Nazo: No.. Not even tomorrow
Nosi: Not even tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow?
Nazo: Not ever
Nosi: If you go are you going to go with me and Mommy?
And Mr Barney the dinasour?
Nazo: What about Naledi?
Nosi: And Naledi
Nazo: You know Naledi is your little sister.. Meaning that
you as her big sister you need to love her and always look
after her, making sure that she doesn't fall and hurt
herself
Nosi didn't say anything..
Nazo: Just like your other Daddy he was my little Brother
and I always took care of him. That's why when he left go
live with the Angels he made me your Daddy so that I can
love you and protect you always
Nosi: Is he Naledi's other daddy too?
Me: Well something like that
I walked in on them..
Me: Hey guys
Nosi: Mommy my other Daddy is not coming back, the
Angels don't want him to come back
Me: I know Baby
Nazo put her down..
Nazo: Go play with Naledi and Mpumi, make sure that
Naledi doesn't fall
Her: Okay
She ran out..
Me: it's heartbreaking that she never met Niso, she's only
going to know him from the Pictures. I don't know why
Connie never contacted Niso and told him, he deserved
to know
Nazo: Ya I know.. If Nosi was introduced to us earlier
maybe that was going to be reason enough for Niso to
change his ways
Me: Ya maybe
Nazo: At what time are you leaving?
Me: 19:00
Nazo: I still think that you should've left earlier than that,
I don't want you driving alone at night
Me: I'll be fine
He looked at me..
Me: I'll call you every now and then
Him: That's better.. Don't take shortcuts, they dangerous
Me: Yes sir
Him: I'm serious MaButhelezi
Me: I'll be fine.. I promise, I should be asking you if you
will be able to cope with the girls
Him: I will cope plus it's been a while since I last spent
time with them
I went closer to him and wrapped my arms around his
neck..
Me: Well I hope you do have fun babysitting tomorrow
Him: It might just be fun
His hands moved down to my butt and he grabbed my
ass while he kissed me, we always have stolen intimate
moments when the kids are sleeping or being kept busy
by cartoons. Even at night it's a bit of a difficult situation
especially when Naledi slept in the afternoon, it becomes
challenging for her to sleep at night. So we have to stay
up till late, not forgetting our busy schedules that clash a
lot.. We moved back while still kissing to close the door,
and then he pinned me against the closed door..
Him: Are you still on that injection?
Me: Up until we decide to have another baby
Him: That's good
He kissed me again and I snuck my hand inside his
trackpants, he was getting hard already. I started
massaging him while he gently bit my neck, I could also
feel his warm breath as he started breathing heavy.
There more I kept on massaging him there more he
became vulnerable, he was glued to me. He pressed his
lips hard against mine and then after he picked me up
and he sat on the bed, with me sitting ontop of him. I
took off my tshirt and he started leaving wet kisses all
over. He got me off him and placed me on the bed, I took
off my leggings while he also undressed. I opened my
legs more wider and he came ontop, he rubbed himself
against me while he kissed me in between my moaning.
He then moved down and ran his tongue in circles
around my belly button, he then moved down and came
in contact with my already throbbing bean. He played
around with his tongue there while he inserted his finger
deep inside, it only started being uncomfortable when he
inserted another finger but as he continued pleasured
kicked in. I enjoy his tounge playing around my bean, the
warm and the wetness makes it more and more nice. I
was in other state, I really didn't know what to do with
myself. When I tried to close my thighs his strong arms
would open wider again..
Me: Oooooooooh Nazo
My hand was running at the back of his head, I was at the
point of no return. An orgasm was building up and my
body was responding to that by almost curling up, he
moved back up and kissed me and then he slowly
entered me. Starring deep in my eyes while pinning my
hands against the bed he went for it, he really went for
it..
_
DAWN
Since I've learned about the possibility of Angie
becoming an Exorcist in the near future I have decided to
train her while she is still young so that it can be easier
for her to tap into it when she is older. I had a hologram
of a demon, or I created one rather I want to see how
she would respond to it. I put it in the middle of the
room and put her close to it, she stood there looking at
it. The hologram of the demon looked so real that it
wasn't still but there was motion from it, I made it look
like it was alive.. I looked at Angie as she moved closer,
when she was very close the demon hissed like a snake
and she started crying and ran to me. I picked her up..
Me: It's okay baby
Sway: What are you doing?
She walked in..
Her: Is that a hologram?
Me: Yes
She took her from me..
Her: Practicing an Exorcism?
Me: Yes but not for me
Her: Huh?
Me: It's..
I cleared my throat..
Me: For Angie
Her: What do you mean for Angie?
Me: Sweetheart there's something that I have to talk to
you about
Her: What is it?
Me: Angie.. She.. Angie is an Exorcist
Her: She's a what?
Me: She will have to relieve me in future
Her: Dawn I don't understand.. You telling that my
Daughter is..
She looked at Angie..
Sway: But how?
Me: I'm not an Exorcist by training, I'm an Exorcist by
birth. I was born an Exorcist and I've only learned about
my gift at a later stage. When I was young I could see
things that I didn't understand, my parents since they
weren't much believers in such thought that I had a
mental sickness of some sort. I was put on medication,
therapy, I was subjected to a lot of unnecessary things. I
don't want Angie to go through that too, I don't want her
being scared when she sees a demon or senses an evil
spirit. I want her to know and understand who she is
Sway: I...
She went and sat down then looked at Angie..
Her: My Daughter is.. I.. I don't know what to say
I moved to them and sat next to her..
Me: I know
Her: It's scary Dawn
I put my arm around her and kissed her on her
forehead..
Me: I know it is.. It was also scary for me when I realized
that she has the gift of exorcizing
_
NOMVELO
Nazo came deep inside of me, this time around we went
longer without being disturbed. He remained ontop of
me while we caught our breaths. I couldn't feel my legs,
opening them that wide made them numb...
Him: if it was up to me we would do this all night until
one of us passes out
Me: That's a great idea but unfortunately I have to bath
and go
I kissed him..
Him: Come on
Me: It's already getting late
His phone rang..
Me: Plus you have a call
We kissed again and then he got off me, he searched for
his phone until he got it. He looked at the screen..
Him: It's Shine.. He probably wants to talk to Mpumi
He put on his briefs and his jeans then he walked out, I
laid there for a couple of seconds and then I got up.
Didn't even realize his sperms had came out, until I saw
them on my thighs. I looked around and there was no
towel..
Nosi: Mommy!!!
I sat down and put the pillow on my thighs, she walked in
with Naledi. She wasn't even holding her properly..
Nosi: She is crying for you
She put her down as she caught her breath..
Nosi: Mommy why are you naked?
Me: I was bathing
Her: Why are your clothes on the floor?
Me: I told you that I was bathing
Her: Your hair is untidy Mommy you didn't comb it
Me: Bring Naledi to and stop asking a lot of questions
She got Naledi and brought her to me..
Me: Go to Mpumi Daddy is going to run you guys a bath
Her: Okay
Me: You know that Mommy is right?
She nodded..
Me: You going to behave right?
I nodded..
Me: Good girl
She ran out.. Nosi is way too smart for a 5 year old, and
she asks a lot of questions too..

FINALE
_
SNAZO
The next day for me was very difficult. At least Mpumi
and Nosi woke up and brushed their teeth, then they
asked me to make them cereal. After that they were
glued to the Tv as always. Naledi on the other hand she
hasn't been her usual herself, she was crying most of the
time and just didn't wanna do things that usually does
when Nomvelo is around. She was too clingy, even when
she was on my arms she would still cry. She woke up
exactly at 6am and at around 9am she fell asleep again,
after I had fed her and made sure to change her nappy.
When she was sleeping I prepared a bath for Mpumi and
Nosi so that they don't bother me as the day goes by
with bathing, after bathing they went back to watching
Tv.. As they were entertained by their Disney Channel I
thought that I could catch up on some work, but then
Naledi started crying again. I seriously don't know how
my wife does it because the Nanny comes part time to
babysit, she only babysit when Nomvelo is not around...
Our Nanny is actually our helper, we wanted to hire both
a nanny and a helper but she availed herself for both
positions. So the money that would've went to the nanny
goes to her.. I would call her to come but I don't wanna
disturb her, we have given her a two weeks paid leave.
She really needed to rest because she does soo much
around here.. I walked out of the living room and went to
get Naledi from the bedroom..
Me: You okay baby I got you..
I really don't know why she was acting like this, I mean I
did everything on the list. I fed her, I change her nappy
constantly and I give her the bottle though she refuses
it..
We walked out of the bedroom to go and check how Nosi
and Mpumi were doing, Those two rascals weren't
watching Tv. I looked for them until I spotted them in the
kitchen, they were up to no good as always. Nosi had
claimed a chair, she was getting M&M sweets from the
pantry and giving them to Mpumi who was stacking them
in that small basket that Nosi used when she was my
Mother's flower girl. I looked at them stealing the sweets
and they were only made aware of my presence when
Naledi started crying. They were surprised to see me..
Me: What is going on here?
Mpumi: Nothing
Me: Really?
I looked at Nosi.. She remained quiet...
Me: Get down from the chair please
She got down with Mpumi's help..
I looked at Mpumi..
Me: May I have the basket please Mam'
She handed it to me..
Me: Thank you
I looked at them..
Me: Now you girls just proved to me that you not meant
to be trusted.. I asked you nicely to look after the baby
but you didn't.. There won't be Tv for a few hours, I want
you both to sit in the TV room and stare at the blank
screen of the Tv until you guys realize that what you did
was wrong.. Do we understand each other?
They nodded..
Me: Thank you.. Now let's go
I followed them..
Nosi: We not going to watch Mommy on tv?
Me: Not anymore.. You guys lost that privilege when you
decided to steal
I put Naledi down next to them but she started crying
again, she's done been crying that she had hiccups now..
I really didn't know what to do..
Me: Nosi go get Daddy's phone in the living room
Nosi rushed to get my phone and I put Naledi on her
electronic chair, you just plug it and it rocks her back and
forth...
Me: Mpumi go get her pacifier in the bedroom
Mpumi: Okay
Nosi came back..
Nosi: Here is your phone Daddy
Me: Thank you
I took it and went through my contacts. Can't call my
Mom she's out the country, Sway and Bonolo are already
at Purgatory plus Bonolo is the MC so they won't pick up.
I wouldn't dare call my wife, I don't want her thinking
that I can't babysit.. I ran through my contacts again until
I stumbled on Nomsa's number I called her. I waited for
her to pick up while I looked at Nosi trying to calm Naledi
down..
Nosi: Shhhh Nae.. Do you want Mommy?
Mpumi came back with Naledi's pacifier and went to put
it in Naledi's mouth..
Nomsa finally picked up..
Her: Hello Nazo
Me: Hey hope I didn't catch you at a bad time
Her: Not really is everything okay?
Me: Not really
Her: Is that Naledi crying?
Me: Something like that.. She doesn't want to stop
crying
Her: Did you give her-
Me: I did everything.. Still
Her: Nomvelo is still breastfeeding right?
Me: Yes she is
Her: Ya Naledi is going to give you a problem, plus she
spends more time with Velo than she does with you
Me: I know but what do I do?
Her: Shuuu this is difficult.. Try to rock her sleep and try
to give her, her bottle until she sucks it
Me: Okay I'll do that.. Thank you
Her: Good luck
I lowered my phone and looked at them..
Me: Nosi go get her bottle
Nosi ran out to get Nosi her bottle, this is going to be a
long day..
_
SHINE
The best thing that I ever did for my child was to
eliminate that useless Mother of hers. Sbosh was toxic,
Mpumi wouldn't have had a good upbringing if Sbosh
was still around, though I won full custody she was still
going to be a thorn in our lives because she wouldn't
getting money for maintenance anymore. What I hated
the most was the fact that she had different niggas
around my child, what if something happened? What if
they sexually violated my baby? Not to mention the
heavy consumption of alcohol. Those are some of the
main reasons why I decided to get rid of her. Tumi was
the best thing that has ever happened to Mpumi, she's a
good stepmother and a bloody good girlfriend. That's
why I have decided that after the birth of our Son we
should get married, but only when our Son has turned
one of two..
_
NOMVELO
only 3min to go before I climb the stage, it was so full
that I started to get nervous. I have never been infront of
such a large crowd, but God wants me to share my story
here and I know that everything is going to go well. I just
need to speak from the heart. I was a bit unsettled, I
could sense that Naledi was missing me and crying for
me. I know my baby, she's always like this when I'm not
around. We always together when I'm around and I was
also missing her. Last night I even hardly slept. I felt like
going out and calling Nazo but I didn't want him to think
that I didn't trust him..
_
TUMI
I was really missing Mpumi, Shine is going to fetch her
tomorrow. Today we were having a mini braai, we have
invited Ntokozo and Mamezala. As always they were
right on time, Mamezala wanted to handle the cooking
since I struggle a bit to do things. Ntokozo and Retha
were going to help her. I am happy with where my life is
right now, I don't wanna lie I am truly blessed. I wish my
Mother was still here to see my life and the good I've
done, but I know that wherever she is... She is looking
down on me..
.
NOMVELO
it was a bit quiet, everyone was looking at me and
waiting for me to say something. When I climbed the
stage, they gave me a round of applause and they made
a joyful noise. They here to hear me speak, so I got this.. I
took a deep breath and exhaled, I have already greeted..
Me: If I didn't go through what I went through, then it
would be useless for me to stand here before you and
talk like this. I had to go through the most cruel pain
known to human beings so that when I stand here and
talk about pain you will understand. I had to forgive
someone who hurt me so bad so that when I talk to you
about forgiveness, I'll know what I'm talking about. My
pain is no longer a heavy burden because now I
understand, I understand why I went through everything
that I went through.
I felt tears nearing..
Me: People usually say "You have told your story so
many times and it still makes you cry" Yes it does
because I always feel like I'm telling it for the first time
I lowered the mic as I tried to hold back the tears..
Me: Before I even touch on my life and everything I've
been through, I want you to know that whatever you
going through.. You going to come out of it, alive. You
will get through it! I don't care what anybody says but
know that you will get through it. Take heart over the
fact that God knows, that situation you can't seem
overcome he knows it.. The tears you cry every night
alone when everyone is sleeping, when you act like
everything is okay trying to keep up appearances and
smiling everyday but deep inside you breaking. He
knows! God knows!!
I took off my heels and took the mic from it's stand, I
started moving around..
Me: I feel better when I'm free.. Within a few seconds I'll
be jumping around and screaming don't fret that's just
me
A few people laughed...
Me: I know that most of us always say "Why me" Why
am I going through this? Why am I going through that?
Dear if not you then who?? Aren't you here now? Aren't
you still breathing? That proves you stronger than what
you going through!!! Situations come and go but you still
here, you not shaken and you still going to be here!!!!!!
They started clapping hands and a few of them stood up,
I knew that I was on the right path. Once upon a time I
had plans of my own, but what I didn't know is that God
already had his own plans with my life. That spoiled rich
girl who was doing Fashion design, she is now a Mother,
a Wife, a motivational speaker, best selling author, and a
preacher's wife. This is who I am, and this is what I
destined for...
_
NAZO
Naledi cried up until she gave up and then fell asleep, she
gave us time to watch Nomvelo. She was live on the
Purgatory channel, while she was busy being her crazy
self all jumping around and everything I checked
comments on Twitter and she was trending. I was really
proud of her, just to think she was a mess when I first
started dating her, I know God doesn't make mistakes
but I thought he made a mistake with Nomvelo. Until
now, now I understand he didn't make a mistake.. That is
my wife and the Mother of my kids, I am so proud of
her..
Nosi clapped her hands in excitement..
Nosi: That's my Mommy!!! Mpumi look that's my
Mommy!
I decided to let them watch with me even though they
still being punished, I didn't want them to irritate me..
I heard someone ringing the bell, that was weird. The
person didn't press the intercom.
I got up from the couch and went to open, it was some
lady standing at my door step. I have never seen her
before.. She didn't look good, she looked pale and a bit
sick..
Me: May I help you? And how did you get in without
pressing the intercom?
Her: Really Nazo?
Me: Pardon?
Her: May I come in?
Me: Who are you? And how do you know me?
She wasn't evil... I couldn't sense any evil around her..
Her: Excuse me
She pushed me out of the way and walked in
Me: Who are you?
Her: It's Me Nazo.. It's Helena
Me: What??
My jaw dropped.. I closed the door..
Me: Helena?
Her: Hi
She held on to the kitchen counter, preventing herself
from falling..
Me: Wha?? How??
Her: She was dead.. I used her body as a vessel
Me: You possessed a dead person?
Her: I didn't possess her.. Well not in so many ways, she
was dead already when I entered her body. Rest assured
she's not from around here
Me: Aren't you supposed to be in Purgatory?
Her: I escaped
Me: You escaped? You escaped Purgatory?
Her: Let's talk about you forgetting me.. Thought we
were a team, Partner!
Me: Dammit Helena! Ramiel could be anywhere right
now
Her: I k.. I.. I..
She collapsed and I rushed to her..
Me: Helena..
I gently pulled her hair back that was crowding her face..
Me: Hey wake up.. Wake up
She slowly opened her eyes..
Me: You alright.. I'm here
Her: Think the body is too.. I think the body is too weak
to contain me.. I..
Me: Its okay.. You don't have to say anything
She smiled and then closed her eyes again...
I looked at her..
Me: I knew that you were crazy.. I never knew you were
this crazy..
Her: Naz-
Me: Shhhh I got you
She held on to me for dear life..
Her: Don't let them.. Don't let heaven get to me
I held her tight...
Me: It's okay.. We going to think of something.. You
going to be okay
In my life of being a preacher and healer, this is the most
hardest thing that I had to deal with..
I AM NAZO BUTHELEZI, AND THIS.. THIS IS ANOTHER
STORM ON OUR PEACEFUL LIVES. I HOPE WE SHALL GET
THROUGH THIS TOO ❤️❤️❤️
**************THE
END***************