THEDREAM

I
NSERT1
Thesoundhoot i
ngcar sfrom farapar tishear d.
Butnot hingbeat st hemel odicsoundoft he
bir
dsnotf rom af ar,i
tislikemusi ct omyear s.
Iti
squi teabl i
ssf ul mor ningtowakeupt obuti
cantseem t oev enwantt oopenmyey es,buti t
doesnotl astlongeraswar mr aysoft hesun
l
ightupt her oom, openingmyey esi am metby
hiscolgat esmi le, perfecttonedt orsowi thjust
atray,hol di
ngar ose, istretchmy selfpulli
ng
sheetst ocov ermynakedness.Hemademy
favouri
te, waffleswi t
hj ui
ceandf ruitsalad.He
putsitdowngi v est her ose.
Hi
m:Happyv
alent
inest
ime.
Ismil
eathim andpul
l hi
m cl
osert
omej ustasi
am aboutt
okisshim someoneshakesmeup.
Manager:
iwi l
lappr
eci
atei
fyouwil
lst
opday
dr
eaming,tabl
e6needsatt
endance.
Realitysinksin,
i l
ookacrosst her
estaurant
, i
ts
valentinestodayduet ospecialwearefull
y
booked.Ihav ebeenonmyf eetsi
ncemor ning,
somuchf oradream.Igrabmyor derbookand
pen, dragmyf eettotabl
e6.Igett her
eand
focusonmynot epad.)
Me:WelcometoEl
it
eRest
urant
,Iam Nandi
can
ipl
easetakey
ouror
der
.
Tr
evor
:sosadonl
over
sday
.
(Myhear
tturnsoverwhenihearhi
svoice,i
smil
eathim heret
urnsthesmil
ethenkisses
myhand.)
Tr
evor
:heybabe.
Me:
hiboo.
Tr
evor
:wewi
l
lhav
eourusual
.
(Il
ookacrossthetabl
eandheiswit
hhis
annoyi
ng,jer
k,pl
ayer,
younameital
lFr
iend
Miguel.Il
ookathi
m brief
lyt
henl
ookatTrevor
again.
)
Trevor
:iam t
aki
ngy
ououtt
oni
ghtber
eadyby
19:30.
Me:wi
l
lbewai
ti
ng.Youror
deri
scomi
ngr
ight
up.
(Iwalkt otheki t
chenwher eiplacet heiror der
andat tendt oothertables.Trevorhashi sor der
thenl eav es.Mymoodi ssuddenl yup, myshi f
ts
comest oanendat5pm gi vi
ngmeampl etime
togobackt ot heapar t
menti shar ewi t
hmy
cowor kerandgetr eadyformydat ewi thTr evor.
Iarri
v ei kicktakeof fmyshoesasi r
unt he
shower ,itakeof fmycl othesplayingsome
musi c.It akemyt imeintheshower ,iev ent ake
ti
met oshav eoffbadhai rdownt herewi thhope
toget tingsomet oni
ght.Undecidedonwhatt o
wearpl ushav i
ngnotaskedTr evorwher ehei s
taki
ngmei settl
ef ormyr edboot legj umpsui t
withabr ownbel twhichi boughtt woday sback.
Forshoesi decidet owearmybl ackni ptoe
heels.Icompl imentt helookbyhol dingmy
weav ei napony tail
.Imustt hankEl it
ef orthe
salaryaswellasthecustomert i
ps,iti
sthanks
toitthati
haveadecentl ife.Iwalkt ot
he
kit
chenwher eifi
xagl assofr edwi nefor
my self
.Gl
ancingatthewat chinoticei
tis
almost7,Trevori
snev erlateasi fhereadsmy
mind, myphonerings.Igrabi tandanswer.
Me:
babe.
Tr
evor
:Nana.
.
Me:
yeamyl
ove.
Trev
or:ihaveabusinessmeetingwhichseems
l
ikeitwi
l
l t
akelongerthanexpected.
(
Apangofdi
sappoi
ntmenthi
ts)
Me:
okay
.
Tr
evor
:iwi
l
lmakei
tupt
oyout
ommor
row.
Me:iwasreal
l
ylooki
ngf
orwar
dtoourf
ir
st
val
ent
inet
ogether
.
Tr
evor:sowasidontworrywewil
lhavemany
ot
hers.Bonababetshwanet
segotsamaya.
Me:
okayi
lov
e..
..
.
(Hecutst
hecallbef
orei
fini
shmyst
atementi
sinki
nthecouch.)
Me:
(hol
dingthewinebottl
e)l
ooksl
i
kei
tisj
ust
meandyouforthenight
.
(Igul
pdownt hewi nei
nt hegl
assandpour
anotheronef ormy sel
f.Myphoneri
ngsagai n
andi r
eachf oritimmediatel
yhopi
ngiti
sTr evor
tomydi sappont menti
tismyannoy i
ngfr
iend
Mpho. )
Me:
Post
er.
Mpho: i
knowy ouar eboredprobabl
yhornyalso
i
nthatbor i
ngf
lat.Getreadyin5i wi
llbet
here,i
t
i
saf r
idaymoreov erval
enti
nesdaywear e
pai
nti
ngt ownred.
Me:
iam notr
eal
l
yint
hemoodofgoi
ngout
.
Mpho:idi
dntaskify
ouar
e,i
sai
dwear
egoi
ng
out
.Getreadykwa.
(
Shehangsupandi
rusht
othebat
hroonf
ixi
ng
mypowder ,myface,
applyli
psti
ckandcheck
myselfagai
ninthemirr
or.mphopages,igrab
mybagandwal ktohercar,unl
ikeme,sheis
educatedandanaccountantbyprof
essi
on.I
getint
othecar)
Mpho:youar
edati
ngyety
ourval
enti
nesti
ll
sucksl
i
keoursboMpho.Okaelover
boy?
?
Me:dontmakemer egr
etcomingwi
thyou.For
j
usttodayl
etsf
orgetTr
evorandhav
efun.
Mpho:
finewithme.Asl
ongasi
getdr
unk
t
odayiam okay.
Me:
great
.
Shedriv
esust oAirportJuncti
onRhapsodyWe
walkinandfindaspotwesi tdownandenj oy
ourcocktai
l
s.Aftersomet i
mei noti
ceMi guel
walki
nginwithsomegi r
l.Ourgazesmeett hen
helooksatthegirlbyhissideandwal kpastus
l
ikehedidnotseeme.Youseewhyi hatethi
s
guyheissof ul
lofhimsel f
.
Mpho:
hei
shandsomei
snthe?
?
Me:
who?
?
Mpho:
theguywhoj
ustpassedusher
e??
Me:Miguel
ohplease!Ther
eisnothi
ng
handsomeaboutt
hatsonofabitch.
Mpho:
youknowhi
m.
Me:heisTr
evor
'sar
rogantf
ri
endi
tol
dyou
about
..
..
Mpho:t
hat
shi
m?Youdi
dntment
ionhei
sa
cat
ch.
Ir
oll
myey
esandi
gnor
ehercomment
.
'
'
NandiphaNanaWet huismynamef r
om a
vil
l
agecall
edShoshongi nBot
swana.Iwas
rai
sedbyasingl
emot herandlefthomeatthe
ageof20toseekempl oymentinthecity
Gaboroneaft
erf
ail
ingmyf orm 5.Iam now22
yearsol
dandworkatafr
enchrestaur
antcal
l
ed
Eli
teint
hemanhatt
enoftheci
ty.
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t2
Graci ousGod!Isi ghtomysel fasi goand
attendt hedoort hepesisteringknockerwont
j
ustgi veup.Myheadi sheav yandmybodyi s
stif
fnott hatiblamei tnotaf terthehecticy et
epicni ghti hadwi thMphoshedr oppedof fi n
theear l
yhour sofmor ni
ngasshedr oveiffto
herpl acei nTlokweng.Iopent hedoorandhei s
standi ngt hereholdingli
ver edr oseswith
chocol atesandagi f
tbaghemakesapuppy
beggi ngf acet hatocantr esist.Hiscolgate
smi l
esmakesmyi nsi
dest urn,itissai
dt hat
therear enohandsomekal angamanbuti
disagr eemykal angamani sahunk.Hepi cks
meupandswi ngsmear ound.Whenheput s
medowni goinsidethehouseandhef ollesme
puttingal lthi
ngshei sholdingdown
Hegr
avsmef t
om behi
ndandki
ssest
henape
ofmyneck.
)
Trev
or:i
am sor
ry.I
twasadeal
ofal
i
fet
imei
coul
dntl
eti
tpass.
Me:
okay
.
Tr
evor
:letmemakeitupforyoustar
ti
ngwi
th
br
eakf
astatyourf
avour
it
erestur
ant.
Me:
muggandbean
Tr
evor
:yesboo.
Me:
letmegoandgetr
eadyt
hen.
Tr
evor
:bequi
ck.
Me:
ainti
alway
squi
ck.
Tr
evor
:webot
hknowy
oumeant
heopposi
te.
(Ichuckleasi gett
heflowersi
nwaterandhav e
whati callaquickshower.I
nanhourt i
mewe
aresitt
ingrightacr
osseachotherotherin
MuggandBean.Hav i
ngourbreakf
ast.Trevor
keepsgl ancingatt
hedoorasifheexpect s
someonet
owal
kinanymi
nut
e.)
Me:
areweexpect
ingsomeonet
ojoi
nus?
?
Tr
evor
:noj
ustMi
guel
.
Me:
youi
nvi
tedhi
m.
Miguel
:(si
tt
ingdown)ofcour
sehedi dwhatdi
d
youexpect
??Somecosyt i
met oget
her.
(
Hei
swi
thanot
herdi
ff
erentgi
rl
)
Me:
yesexact
ly.
Miguel
:toobadiheret
ostay.Youaret
oo
upti
ght
,Trevyouneedtogi
veittohert
ohar
d.
Me:
ifhei
sst
ayi
ngt
heni
am l
eav
ingT.
Miguel
:youarej
ustwaytoocomfor
tabl
ethi
s
days,youevenhav
egutstothr
owtantr
ums.
Tr
ev or:Foroncecanihavebr
eakf
astwi
thmy
gi
rlandf ri
endwit
houtyouguyski
l
li
ngeach
ot
her .
(Thetabl
eisqui
teagai
nunt
ilt
hel
i
ttl
edev
il
openshismouthagai
n.)
Miguel
:iam sur
pri
sedyouar
eawakeaf
tery
ou
weresodrunkyest
erday
.
Me:
justshutupMi
guel
.
Miguel
:Beladyli
kewai
twhatam i
tal
ki
ngabout
noladyl
ikedri
nksli
ket
hat
..
Me: ohno!Youdontgett olectur
emeaboutme
bei
ngl adyli
keehil
styouareher eent
ert
aini
nga
di
fferentladyfr
om lastnight.Norealman
behav eslikearachethoe.
Her
:youwer
eouty
est
erdaywi
thanot
her
l
ady??
Mi
guel
:l
ookNat
ashai
canexpl
ain.
Her:
(shepicksherj
uicegl
assandspl
ashitint
o
hi
sface)youcantevengetmynameright
.Itis
Ameli
ayoumanwhor e.

Thepeopleintherest
urantar
enowlookingat
us,shegrabsherbagandwalksout,i
lookat
Miguelwhoissoakedinorangej
uiceandmy
i
nnerwomandoesav
ict
orydance.
)
Tr
evor
:oh!Thanky
ouf
orr
uini
ngmyper
fect
br
eakf
ast.
(
Hegrabshiswalletshovemoneyinthebi
lland
wal
ksout.Leav
ingmewi t
hthi
sli
tt
ledevi
l,
he
l
ooksatmeandl aughs.Isi
pmyjuice)
Mi
guel
:iwi
l
lgety
ouf
ort
his.
Me: i
am nott
heonewhospl
ashedy
ouwi
th
j
uice.
Miguel
:ohpleasesav
emet
hel
i
ne,
yout
oldher
onpurpose.
Me:youshouldstopchangi
ngwomenlike
under
wear,manwhor e(il
augh.Wheni
rai
semy
eyesTrev
orisinf
rontofme.)
Tr
evor
:ar
eyoucomi
ngornot
?
(Ist
andtomyf eetandfol
lowhim,heispaci
ng
tothecar
,igettothecarandheisalr
eady
star
ti
ngthecar.Thedri
vetothehouseisshort
.
Onceinsi
dethehousehet ur
nstoleandslaps
ri
ghtacrosst
hef
ace.Il
ookathi
m hol
dingmy
cheek)
Tr
evor
:whymusty
ouactl
i
keabi
tch?
?
Me:
didy
ouj
ustsl
apme?
?
Trev
or:(heraiseshi
shandatmeagain)i
wil
l
sl
apy ouagain,your
uinMiguel
'
sdat
esoy ou
cankeephim company .
Me:
what
??
Tr
ev or
:cutt
hecr
api knowwhatl
i
ttl
etownshi
p
bi
tchesli
keyout
hink.
Me:(sobbing)Tr
evorar
eyouev
enl
i
ster
ningt
o
your
selfri
ghtnow.
Trevor
:ididntspendayearinvesti
nginyouso
thatMiguelcanript
hebenefit
s.Wi peaway
thosecrocodil
etear
s.Iwil
lseey oulat
er.
(
Hewal ksoutshutt
ingthedoorbehi
ndhim.I
wal
kt otheki
tchenandgrabmixedvegsfrom
t
hefreezersoicanputonmyf acetoavoi
d
mar
ks.Istil
lcantbeli
eveTr
evorhaslai
dhis
handsonme.Wehav ebeentogetherforovera
yearnowi ti
smyf i
rstti
meseei ngthi
ssideof
him.Igoandl aydownabi tbutmysl eepiscut
shortasmyphoner ingsnonest op,i
tisnoone
otherthanmymom)
Me:
Dyna.
Dy
na:
Nandi
phaWet
hu.
Me:
yesmot
her
..
Dyna:mostchi
ldr
encal
lyowi
sht
hei
rpar
ent
sa
happyval
enti
ne.
Me:
ifor
got
.
Dy na:younev
erseem soamazemewhydoy
ou
takesomuchaf tery
ourusel
essgoodf
or
not hi
ngfat
her.
Me:
canwenotdot
hisnow?
Dyna:
whyy ousodown?Di
dyouhav
eitbadf
or
val
ent
ine?
Me:
howmuchdoy
ouwantDy
na?
Dy
na:
idontwantmoney
.
Me:
okayt
hengoodby
ethen.
Dyna:
waitokayf
inecany
oubur
rowmea
t
housand?
Me:idontreal
lygetwhyaheadt
eacherl
i
keyou
al
wayshav etoborr
owmoneyf r
om j
ustamere
wai
tr
esslikeme.
Dy
na:
dontst
art
..
Me:Youstil
lowemeP500soi willewal
l
etyou
P500.Dontbringi
tback.Dy
na:
thankyoubabe
youali
fesaviour.
Me:
goodby
e.
(Ihangupandewal letherP500.Shehat
esit
shei callhermom sheprefer
shernamesoi
j
ustadr essherwit
hhername.Appar ent
lybei
ng
call
edmom makesherol d.
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
Thedr
eam
I
nser
t3
Wor ry !
!Itissomet hingt hatcanmakey ouseem
desper ateev enwheny oudontwantt o,ispent
myweekendwor ry
ingaboutTr evordespi tethe
factt hathewal kedoutonme.Idontknowf or
howl ongi battl
edwi thmyi nnergoddesson
whet heri shouldpi ckthephoneandcal lhim
apol ogiseornot .Att heendi couldntdoi t
, i
decidedt ol ethim cool downhewi l
lcomet o
meoncehei sokay .Itsamondayandi am on
themor ni
ngshi ftasi fthemanagerr eadmy
mindaboutnotser vi
ngt odayheappoi ntsme
behi ndt het ell
er .Iam gi ggli
ngwi thLisalikea
bunchoft eenager s.Whenmyey esmeetup
withhi sgazeher egar dsmebr ief
lythen
focuseshi sattent i
onbackt ogent lemenhei s
with.Igueeshei sher eforal unchmeet i
ng.I
wat chasPear ldashest oattendt othem.
Lisa:
(whi
sper
ing)t
hebi
tchi
sreal
l
ytr
yinghar
d
togetyourman.
Me:idontknowwhyshecantj
ustgi
veup
al
ready
.ImeanTrevori
smine.
Li
sa:
letherj
ustwast
ehert
ime.
Me:
shewi
l
ldi
etr
ying.
(Weagai ngiggl e,iwat chhi m hehashi sbackat
mebuti canreal i
sehei st alking,iwat chashi s
handsmanuov er,andi r
ecal llhowt heyal ways
holdmewhenwemakel ov e.Il ovehim, iam
obssessedact ual l
y .Itrybyal lmeanst o
concentrateonmywor kbuti tsv eryhar dt odo
sowhenhesi tsr i
ghtacr ossme.Iadmi tto
my sel
fthati mi sshi m.Iputmymi ndatease
andconcent rateonmywor kbyt het i
mei l
i
ftmy
eyesup, theyar eleav ing, put ti
ngont heircoats
theywalkoutoft her estur ant.Thedayi smuch
slowerthani ant i
cipat edbyt het i
mei gohomei
soakmysel finawar m bat h.Justasi walkout
thereisaknock.It ight ent het owel aroundmy
selfandopent hedoor .Themi nutei openhe
l
ooksatmesi ncer elyt henpul lsmei nhi sarms
andkissesme.Wi thoutmuchwor dssai dhe
l
iftsmeupandwal kst ot hebedr oom wher ewe
hav eami ndblowi ngmakeupsex.Webot h
si
l
entasourbr
eat
hget
stonor
mal
.)
Tr
evor:i
am sor
ryiwasaj
erkt
helastti
me
mostl
yiam sor
ryi
putmyhandsony ou.
Me: i
dontgetwhyyouweresomadatme,
becauseiwasonl
ydefendi
ngmysel
faf
tery
our
fr
iendatt
ackedme.
Tr
evor
:itwaswr
ongofme.Iapol
ogi
se.
Me: Ialsofai
ltoundestandwhyy ousayy ou
haveinv est
edinmef oroveray earT.I
sthe
moneyy ougiv
emeandt herentsupposedt obe
aninvest ment
.Thewhol ereasonwhyi didnt
wantt hemoneyint hefir
stplaceisbecauseof
thi
s.
Trevor
:itcameoutwrongiam sorr
yNandi i
guessifeltj
eal
ousaf
terfi
ndi
ngy oulaughi
ng
withmyf r
iend.
Me:i
wasl aughingathi
m notl
aughingwit
hhim
andt
hatisafteryouwal
kedoutonmel eavi
ng
mewithhim.PlusMigueli
sonelastper
soni
wi
l
llaughwi
th.
Tr
evor
:iknowi
honest
lydontknowwhatcame
ov
erme.
Me:pr
omi
semet hatnomat
terwhaty
ouwi
l
l
nev
erl
ayy
ourhandsonmeagain.
Tr
evor
:pi
nki
epr
omi
se.Il
ovey
ouNandi
pha.
Me:
Andi
,youTr
evor
.
(
Hecur
lsupt
omeandputhi
m headonchest
,)
Tr
evor
:(pl
ayi
ngwi
thmyni
ppl
e)i
missedt
hese
l
it
tl
echest
.
Me:
itmi
ssedy
oual
so.
(Hestart
skissingmeagain,
whi l
ehishands
caressmyt i
nyboobs.Thi
ngsar eabouttoheat
upwhenhephonesr i
ngsbyt hebedsi
de.He
reachesfori
tandi f
eelhi
mt enseupi l
ookto
hisfacebutitgiv
esnone.
)
Me:
arenty
ougoi
ngt
oansweri
t.
Tr
evor
:(put
ti
ngi
taway
)it
stheof
fi
ceandt
hat
canwai
t,r
ightnowi
am occupi
ed.Wher
ewer
e
we??
(Hesay sashebrusheshi
sli
psonmeand
kissesmegently
.Wehav easlowgentl
esoft
l
ov emakingsessi
onbeforeidoseof
finhi
s
protect
ivear
ms.)
'
'
2MONTHSLATER
It
sacol dmor ning,aswest i
llexperiencet he
after
mat hoflastnightt hunder storms.Ihugmy
withcoattomysel ft oblockt hecoldwi nd.
Thereisnot axivisiblewhi chmakesmet owalk
downt heroadinhopi ngt ofindt henextone.
Thegr oundisst i
l
l wetandt herei swat erstil
l
heldupi nsomedi t
ches.Butt hemostar ousing
partaboutisthenat uralsmel lofsoilthat
makesmewantt ost opanddi gthegr oundhel p
my sel
ftoit.Icl
osemyey estobl ockt he
thoughtbutonlyt oopent hem i nshockasi get
soakedi nwat er .Icursei nagonyasi lookatmy
whitecoati snol ongersowhi te.Ilookatt he
roadtoseet hel it
tledev ilwhodi dthisandasee
thedriv erpul l hisRangeRov erSpor t2016
editi
onov er .Isighat l
eastherhadgut st ostop.
Fir
stthi ngi not i
cei st heexpensi veofficeshoe
thattouchest hegr oundast hecaropen.The
wholebodyf lows, i neverseenamanl ookso
greatinasui tbef or einBot swana, ionlysee
thi
st ypei nmagazi nes.Theni ggal ooksf ineina
sli
mf litdoubl ebr eastdeepmer oonsui twhich
hecompl i
ment swi thabl ackcoatj ustbel ow
knee.Igoupandi almosthav eahear tat t
ack
wheni real i
sewhoi tis.Hel ookssohandsome,
hisblondehai risst yl
edandcombedback.Hi s
pupilisdi latedandst ar r
ingatmesoi ntensil
y.
OhmyGod!Ipi nchmysel ftochecki fi am not
dreami ngt henpi nchmy selfagai nsoi get
my selft oget herandst opdr oolingov ermy
boyfri
end' sf r
iend.)
Me:
(inawhi
sper
)Mi
guel
.
Miguel
:didy
oul
osey
ourv
oicewhi
l
eiwas
gone.
..
..
.!
!

'
'
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t4
Heislookinggood,toodamngoodi must
admit.Am ievenall
owedt ocomplimentthe
ener
my ?Hei stheener myafteral
l r
ight??
Nandiphagetagr i
pi saytomy selfoncemore,
heisthearrogantty
coonj erkofcourseheisthe
ener
my .Ireassur
emy self
.Il
ookathi m agai
n
whil
ei composemy sel f
.
Me:
whatmakesy
out
hinki
wil
ll
osemyv
oice?
?
Mi
guel
:wel
lyouar
e..
.
Me:
(inter
rupt
inghim)lookwhaty
oudi
d!
(
Poi
ntingtomyj acket
)youdi
dthi
sonpur
pose
di
dnty
ou?
?
Miguel
:wemaynotl ikeeachot
herbutam nota
col
dbastardthatwil
lspl
ashaladywit
hdir
ty
wateronpurpose.
Me:
say
stheguywhosai
diwasntl
adyl
i
ke.
Mi
guel
:Iam sor
ryi
spl
ashedwat
erony
ou.
(Il
ookathi
m stunnedwhoi
sthi
sandwhaty
ou
donewit
hMi guel
.)
Miguel
:comel etmegoandgety
ouanewcoat
si
nceisplashedwaterony
ou.
Me:
whyar
eyouni
ceal
loft
hesudden?
Miguel
:(smill
i
ng)ial
waysbeenni
ce.(
Looki
ng
athi
swat ch)let
sgoti
meisntr
eal
lyonmy
ti
me.
Me:Noyougoiwil
lcatchataxi
icantaf
for
dto
got
oshopsiam al
readylat
e.
Miguel
:(
walki
nguptome)mustev
ery
thi
ngwi
th
youalwaysbedi
ff
icul
t.
(Hegrapsmebymyhandandpul l
smei ntohis
magnifi
centchest
,icatchmybr eathasmy
hear
tbeatsexceedingl
yhigh.Istareathis
mouth,hehasthemostbeaut if
ul l
ipsieversaw.
Whydidntinoti
cethisbefor
e.Mysensescome
backandwi ggl
emy sel
foutofhishol d)
Me:
whatt
hehel
ldoy
out
hinky
ouar
edoi
ng?
(
putshisfingeracr
ossmymouthtoshushme
t
henhisfingersworkonmycoatbut
ton, ihol
d
mybreathagain,hetakesof
fmywetjacketand
makesmewearhi scoat.
)
Miguel:si
nceyoudontwantmebuy ingyoua
newcoatat l
eastwearthat.i
tispret
tycold
Trevorwouldntwantyoucatchingacoldand
wearingadirt
ycoatallbecauseofme.Comei
will
dropyouof fbef
oreigo.
Me:
Noi
tisokayi
wil
lcat
chat
axi
.
(
Isuddenlydontwanttobeinhi
spr
esenceti
l
li
f
igur
eoutwhati swrongwit
hme.Because
t
hereisdefi
natel
yaprobl
em her
e)
Miguel:i
real
lydonthav
ethet
imetobegyou.
(
Hepi cksmeandput sbeonhi
sshoul
derand
walkstohiscar)
Me:
Miguel
putmedownt
hisi
nst
ant
.
Mi
guel
:youwi
l
lthankmel
ater
.
(Heput smeonhi scarandst r
apsinthebelt
thencrossesov ertohissidethatgivi
nme
enought i
met ocomposemy sel
fbuthowdoi
doi twheni am wearinghisj
acketandhi s
colognefil
lsupmynost ri
l
smaki ngmeweak.
Hest ar
tsthecaranddr i
vesduringthejour
neyi
keepgiv i
nghim glances.Helookssosexy
focusedont heroad..Oops!Didi j
ustsaysexy!
!
)
Mi
guel
:whati
sit
??
Me:
par
don.
Miguel
:youkeepongl
anci
ngatmesowhati
s
i
t??
Me:
not
hingj
ustt
haty
oul
ookandactso
di
ff
erent
.
Miguel
:iknowl
etsj
ustsayi
hadawakeup
cal
l.
(Isaynofurtherj
ustst ar
eoutoft hewi ndow
again.Withi
nani nstantwear ei
nf r
ontoft he
Eli
te,hewalksupt omysi deopenni ngthedoor
formeandhel psmeout .Whendi dhebecome
suchagent l
eman.Themi nutemyf eett ouch
thegroundmyey eslockwithTrevor '
swhoi s
givi
ngmeadeadst are,i
getshiversdownmy
spineiimmedi at
elyremov emyhandf rom
Miguel'
shand)
Mi
guel
:youar
elat
egoi
niwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m.
(Il
ookatTrevoroncemorethendasht othe
rest
urantiwonderwhatbri
ngshimt othe
rest
urantsoearl
y.Igoi
ntochangewheni
comeoutnoneoft hem i
sinsight.Isi
ghreli
ved.
TodayTrevordoesnotcomet otherestur
ant
l
ikeheusuall
ydoesandi am happywhent he
daycomest oanendandi fi
nall
yhomei nthe
l
atehour softhenight.Theperksofbeinga
waitress.Af t
erbathi
ngandwear ingmyni ghti
e.
Ireachf ormyphoneandcal lMphoi knowi ti
s
l
atebuti real
lyneedtot al
ktoher.I
tringstwice
beforeshepi cksup)
Mpho:
MmeWet
hu.
Me:
MmaKgosi
.
(
Webot
hchuckl
eatourcr
azi
ness)
Me:
myf
ri
end
Mpho:
iam al
lear
s.
Me:
hei
sback.
Mpho:
thear
rogantt
ycoon.
Me:yahwebumpedint
oeachot
herear
li
er
act
uall
yhespl
ashedmewit
hwater
.
Mpho:
sti
l
laj
erkass.
Me:Noactuall
yhewasagentl
emant hi
sti
me
heoff
eredtohavemycoatr
eplacedgaveme
hi
sandal i
ftontopofi
t.
Mpho:
itol
dyouhei
snotbad.
Me: t
hethingi
s,heisdif
ferent
,hei
shandsome
soodamnhandsomenowandhi sgent
leman
tendenci
esareoverthetop.
Mpho:ar
eyoul
ist
erningtoyour
sel
fri
ghrnow?
?
Youar
ecompli
mentingtheenermy
.
Me:i
knowi j
ustcanthel
pit
.Idontknowwhat
i
shappeni
ng!
Mpho:
y oubitch!Dontt
ell
mey
ouar
ecat
chi
ng
somefeel
ings.
Me:
whatofcour
senot
,youknowi
lov
eTr
evor
.
Mpho:butthatdosentr
uleoutt
hatpossi
bil
i
ty
ofhav
ingfeeli
ngsforMiguel
.
Me:
idontknowwhati
sit
.
Mpho:i
saygofori
tinev
erl
i
kedTr
evorhehas
somebaddar
kaura.
Me:(
laughi
ng)wher
eisy
ourl
oyal
ty?
?Icantgo
wi
ththatpl
ayer
.
Mpho:
youar
esosl
ow.
(Tr
evorwal
ksinmyr
oom.Hel
ooksatmeandi
getshi
ver
s.)
Me:
Mphowewi
l
ltal
kineedt
ogo.
(
Iimmediat
elyhangupandl
ookathi
m, i
murmura'Hi
'igetadeat
hst
arei
nretur
n)
Trev
or:
whydoyoutr
eatmel i
keafool
?Youar
e
nowevensl
eepi
ngoverathi
shouse.
Me:
huh?
?
Tr
evor
:youev
enhav egut
stol
ethi
m dr
opy
ou
of
fint
hemorning.
Me:idi
dnotsleepwi
thMiguel
ift
hatswhatyou
arei
nsi
niat
inghespl
ashedmewithwaterand
gavemeal i
ft
.
Trevor
:(shouti
ng)dontli
etomei sitbecause
heisnowr i
cherthanmet hatswhyy ou
openni
ngy ourlegsf
orhim.Iwill
teachy oua
l
essonthaty ouwil
lneverfor
get.
(Hethrowsabl owtomyf acethenjumpsonme
andattacksmewi thfi
stsheisstrongitryto
getawaybuthehol dsmedownandt hr
owsf i
st
icovermyf acetoatl
eastprot
ectitasicry.He
spit
ssalivaonmeandwal ksout.
)

'
sor
ryi
coul
dnotposty
est
erdaywasnotf
eel
i
ng
wel
l
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t5
Li
sa:
whathappenedt
oyourf
ace?
?
(
Shesay
sassoonasi
wal
kint
othechangi
ng
r
oom)
Me:
itr
ippedandf
ell
int
othecof
feet
abl
ecor
ner
.
(Il
i
ethroughmyteethandshegi
vesal
ookt
hat
saysidontbel
i
evethatshi
t)
Li
sa:
that
sal
i
neusedbyev
erywomanwho
getsbeat
enupbyei
therboy
fri
endorhusband.
DidTdothis?
?
Me:(sobbi
ng)i
twasal
lmyf
aul
timadehi
m
angr
y.
Li
sa:
(angril
y)t
hatsonofab**
*hthatdoesnot
gi
vehim anyri
ghtt
obeatyouup.
Me:i
twasonl
ythisonceandami
stake.Hewas
angr
yandl
ostcontr
ol.
Lisa:
haveyouseenyour
selft
hati
snomi st
ake.
Icantbel
i
eveyouaredefendi
nghi
mrightnow.
Me:weloveeachot
herLi
sa.If
orgivehimij
ust
hopehefor
givesmeal
soicantlosehim.
Li
sa:
idontbel
i
evemyear
s.
(Shelooksatmewithpityandwal ksout.Ifi
sh
myphoneoutoft hepocketandcal lhimitgoes
strai
ghttovoi
cemailagain.Idecidetoleave
him amessageagain."hi l
oveitismeagai n.
Pleasecall
meassoonasy ougett his,
dont
wor r
yiam okayj
ustabr okenlip.Pleasecome
bytheflatsowetalk.Iam sorr
y.Il
ovey
ouT."I
hangupputt hephonebacki nt
omypocketasi
change.Ibumpintomymanagerwhoor der
s
met ofoll
owhimt ohisoff
ice)
Manager
:whathappenedt
oyourf
ace?
?
Me:
ihadanacci
dent
.
Manager
:weser
vepeopl
eofhi
ghpr
est
igeher
e.
Me:
iknowSi
rthi
swoul
dbet
hel
astt
ime.
Manager:
itbett
erbe,youcannotser
ve
cust
omersliket
hat.Igi
v ey
oualeavefor5day
s
toheal
orelseiwil
lletyougo.
Me:
thanky
ousi
r.
Manager
:goandchanget
henl
eav
ebef
oret
he
newownerget
shere.
Me:sotherumuor
swer
etr
ueEl
i
tehasbeen
sol
doff
? ?
Manage:
yesmydear
.
Me:
okaywel
lthanky
ou.
(Itakeat axitomyapar tment .Mywhol ebodyi s
i
npai nandi cantlaughcauseev er ytimei laugh
feelslikemyr ipsar ecr ackingapar t.Igethome,
myr oommat ei snoty etbackf rom hert r
ipi
actuallymi ssher .Ichangei ntomybaggy
pyjamas, grabaspoonandi cecr eam asi si
t
downandwat ch" Hitthef l
oor"i am oneof
thosegi r
lsthatf antasizeaboutDer ekRomani
meant heguyi ssuperf ineitisanotasur prise
thatAshaj ustkeepsscr ewinghi m, hel ooksl i
ke
typet ogi veithar dandgood.Shemustj ust
dumpGer manf orDer eki meanwhywoul di
hav ev anil
laicecr eam wheni canhav eBarone.
Ther eisaknockatt hedoori am r el uctantto
attendi tbecausemyf av ouri
tepar tisonAsha
andDer ekmaki ngout .Howev eri attendt oitas
ithinki tmustbeTr ev or.IopenandMi guel
wal ksr i
ghtinhol dingashoppi ngbag. )
Me:inev
ersai
dcomeinplusy
out
hel
ast
per
soniwantt
oseeri
ghtnow.
Mi
guel
:ihast
oseef
ormy
sel
fsoLi
sawas
t
ell
i
ngt
het
rut
h.
Me:y
ouandl i
samustj
ustl
ear
ntomi
ndy
ou
ownbusi
ness.
Mi
guel
:henowhi
tswoman.
Me:thi
sisallyourfaul
t.Youpoisonedhishead
i
ntobeli
evingisl
eptwithyou.Iknewi shoul
d
havenotletyouexplai
nanythi
ngt ohi
m.
Miguel:Whoa! !holdy ourhorselady.Iam not
themonst erher ethemonst eristheperson
whowr eckedy ourface.Itol
dTr evornot
hing
butthetruthitaintmyf aul
theisinsecure.
ify
ou
dontbeli
ev emegor i
ghtaheadcal lhi
m hereso
youaskhi minmypr esence.
Me: St
il
lishoul
dhav enotgot
tenint
hecarwit
h
you.Hehadev eryri
ghtt
odot hi
s.Hewasangry
aft
erlastti
mei shoul
dhaveknownbett
er.
Miguel
:ar
ey ouki
ddingme? ?Youaredefendi
ng
hi
sacti
ons??Sothisisnoteventhefi
rstti
me.
Justwow!!
(Helooksangr
yandl
i
kehi
svei
nscanpopout
anyt
ime)
Me:
whatdoy
ouwantMi
guel
??
Miguel:i
dontevenknowwhyi bother
edcomi
ng
here.(
Heshovestheplast
icbaginmyhands
andwalksout.)
Mi
guel:
youareact
ual
lyt
hegr
eat
estf
ool
iev
er
metNandi
phaWethu.
(Wit
hthatheisoutshut ti
ngt hedoorbehind
him.Igoandsi tdownasi opentheshopping
backthereisabr andnewcoat ,t
hepr i
ceinit
makesmebl i
nkf ewt imes.Thereisalso
medicinefr
om aphar macyi readinstr
ucti
ons
aft
erthatiapplytheoi ntmentandt akethepi
ll
s.
Itr
ywat chi
ngtelevisionbutitisboringforme
soinsteadidecidet osleep.
DAY2
Thereisnot
hingboringli
kestayi
nghomedoi
ng
nothi
ng,wit
hinaninstantideci
detogohome.I
couldusewi t
hsomef r
eshairandmama' s
crazy nessbeforeihavesecondt hought siam
packi ngmybag.Twohour sl
aterimi nat axi
headi ngtothebusr ank.Iam browsingabout
cour sesoffer
edbyABM col l
egesomet hi
ngi
hav ebeenpost poningforquit
esomet i
menow.
Iwantt odoashor tcourseonBusi ness
managementi cannotstayawai t
ressf orever
.
Althoughi knowi ti
sbadi deaireachf ormy
phoneandcal lMama.
Dy
na:
Nanat
hisi
saqui
tepl
easantsur
pri
se.
Me:
HiD.Iam comi
nghomepl
easet
ell
Aunt
y
Mav
ist
opreparemyroom.
Dyna:
ilongf
ir
edthatl
azyhel
peral
lsheev
erdi
d
waseatmyfoodanddonothi
ng.
Me:(
rol
li
ngmyeyes)okay
,canyoupl
ease
comeandgetmeatMahalapy
e.
Dyna:i
wil
ltr
y.Whatarecomingtodoher e?
?I
hopeyouar
enotpregnantimademy sel
fcl
ear
l
astti
methatify
oueverfal
lpregnantdont
bot
hercomi
ngbackher
e.
Me:iam notpr
egnant.Doi
needar
easont
o
comehomemot her??
Dyna:
okaygood.Iar
entr
eadytobesomeone'
s
gr
andmother.Cut
ti
ngmyy out
hshor
tnoway .
Me:
(chuckl
es)okseey
oul
ater
.
Dyna:
iwi
l
lsendt
hel
i
stoft
hingsi
needj
ust
now.
Me:
buti
donthav
emoneyma.
Dy
na:ir
aisedy
ouupt
hel
easty
oucandof
or
meist
his.
(Hey
!Trustpar
entst
oalwaysusethei r
aised
youcardever
yti
metheywanttocorneryouint
o
somethi
ng)
Me: okaytheybet
ternotbeexpensi
veitol
dyou
iam savingiwanttoenrol
lforapar
tti
me
program atABM.
Dy
na:
theywont
.Seey
oul
aterNana.
Me:
lat
erMot
her
.
(Ihangup.Imitat
inghervoice"
Cutmyy out
h
short"ismi
letomy sel
fforsomeonewhoi sin
hermi d50sidontknowwhaty outhshei s
tal
kingabout.Ansmscomest hrough.Theli
st.
Youseewhynowi sai
ditisabadi dea.
)
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t6
Me: Thenextst op..
(isayasi putmyshadeson
andgat hertheplasti
cssoi cangetof fthebus.
Vil
lagethingsthebushasnoconduct orandyou
havet oshoutatt hetopofy ourlungsasiti
san
oldbust hatmakessomuchnoi se.Wecal l
them "Sekorokoro"inmyl anguage.Itakea
hugebr eathaft
erget ti
ngoff.Inot i
cea
mer cedezbenzpackedmyt hestop.The
windowr oll
sdown. )
Dy
na:
youngl
adyi
donthav
ethewhol
eday
.
(
Iexcl
aimsasi
wal
ktot
hecar
,iputt
hepl
ast
ics
al
ongwi t
hmybagatt heback.It
aket
heback
seatasthereisal
readysomeoneamaninthe
passengerseat.
)
Me:
goodday
.
Dy
na:
himybaby
,howar
eyou?
?
Me:
im okaymot
her
.
Dyna:goodsi
ncewebothnoti
nahurr
yal
low
met odropmyfr
iendathi
shouset
henwecan
gohome.
Me:
okaynopr
obl
em.
(Isayasifishoutmyphoneandcheckmy
whatsapp,therear
emessagesf rom Mphoand
Lisabutnothingfr
om Tr
evor.Ichatwit
hthem
wheni rai
semyheadwear einf
rontofavery
bigyardwithascreenwall
.).
Dy
na:
thanky
ouf
ort
hel
unch.Wasamazi
ng.
Him:(
kissi
ngherhand)i
tsal
way
sapl
easur
e.
Letsdoitagai
nsoon.
Dy
na:
looki
ngf
orwar
dtoi
tal
ready
.
(Ir
ollmyey
es, heget
sof
fimmedi
atel
yigoand
seatatt
hefront.)
Me:
youar
enowseei
ngt
hecounci
l
lor
.
Dyna:
notthati
tsanyofyourbusi
nessbut
Johm andiar
ejustf
ri
ends.
Me:
okay,
soy
ouboughtanewcar
??
Dyna:
whati swit
ht hei
ntegorr
ati
on?
?Icoul
dnt
dr
ivetheavensusitwasjust,
howdoi sayi
t,
cr
ampi ngmystyl
e.
Me:
(laughi
ng)y
ouar
ejustsomet
hingel
se.
(Okyi
tst i
mei descr i
bemymot hertoyouwel l
DynaWet hu,shei sadiva,ifyouusedt owat ch
gener
ationswheni twasstil
ltheoldcrew, you
wouldknowQueen, mymot herisexactl
ylike
Queen.Manyt i
mespeopl eactuall
ythinkshei s
mysisterratherthanmot her.Shehasbeen
marri
ed3t imes, l
ostfir
sthusband,divorced
2ndand3r dhusbands.Wemov edher esince
2003,aftershewasgi vent heplotfordivorce
sett
lement .Sheisaheadmast erofthepr i
mary
school.That sbasi
call
yherbi o.Shepacks
i
nfrontofthegat e.Igetofftogoandopen.We
l
iveinacast l
e,wit
hahi ghfence.Oury ardis
fi
ll
edwi t
ht reesandhasabeaut if
ulbacky ard.
Mymom i sobssesedwi t
hf l
owersandt rees.I
getthebagsandwal kinsideassheal ready
openedf orme. )
Me:
your
edecor
atedt
hehouseagai
n.
Dyna:
itol
dyouahouseshoul
dnev
erl
osei
t
t
ouch.
(ishakemyheadi dontknowhowmanyt i
mes
thi
spoorhousehasbeenr emodel ed, themost
painfult
hingaboutiti
sthatshehir esani nter
ior
designerever
yti
mesher edecoratesi t.Iwalkto
myr oom.Iopenitandi l
eftspeechl es)
Dy
na:
closey
ourmout
haf
lywi
l
lgeti
nsi
de.
(I
tispai
ntedv
iol
et,
akingsizebedfi
nal
lyt
he
uncomfort
abl
esi
nglebedisgone.Wit
hwhite
andv iol
etbedcov ers.Thereisawall wardrope
andamakeupdr essingtable.Thecarpet
makesmet akeof fmyshoesandwal ki
nto
smoot hness.Thereisadooradj oini
ngit,i
i
mmedi atel
yopeni tandinsideismyl i
tt
le
bathroom abathtube, si
nkandt owel.Behind
thedoori sagownwhi chhasmyname" Nana"
brandedt oit
.Iwalkbackt ot hebedr
oom. )
Dy
na: wel
l,
itj
ustneedsanai
rcondi
ti
onerandi
t
wi
llbeokay.
Me:oh!Mamathisi
sbeaut
if
ul.Thanky
oui
l
oveever
ybi
tofit
.
(Ij
umpandhugher
,put
ti
ngmyheadonher
shoul
der
s)
Dyna:
okayy
oungl
adyy
ouar
esqueezi
ngt
he
l
if
eoutofme.
Me:il
ethergoandl
augh.Whendi
dyoudoal
l
t
his?
?
Dy
na:
begnni
ngoft
hey
ear
.Ihi
redacompany
t
odoi
t.
Me:thanky
oui f
inal
l
yhavemyownbat hr
oom.I
canstopcr
yingwhenyoutakehour
stofi
nish
bat
hing.
Dyna:iwil
lgoprepar
esuppery
outakeatour
aroundthenashower.Iwi
ll
cal
lyouwheniam
done.
Me:
youar
ecooki
ng?
?
Dyna:
ofcourseiam cooki
ngi
final
l
ylear
ntt
o
dothi
ngsformysel
f.
Me:
whoarey
ouandwhathav
eyoudonet
omy
mot
her
??
Dyna: youwi l
lbeshockedkgarebe.Idonteven
knowwhyy ouarewearingsunglassesint
he
house.Takeoft hatdir
t.(Shesaysasshewal ks
away .Iclosethedoorandl ayonmy
comf ortabl
ebed.Itakeoft hedi
rtthatshe
Talkedabout .
Wear
eint
hedi
nni
ngr
oom,
myf
acei
sdowni
cantf
aceherbuti
feel
herey
espi
eci
ngt
hrough
me.)
Dyna:soyouwanttotel
lmethaty
oudidnot
evenpresschar
gesagai
nstt
hebastar
dthatdi
d
that
.
Me:i
lov
ehi
m mama,
hewi
l
lleav
emei
fir
epor
t
hi
m.
Dyna:icantbel
iev
et hi
s.Whatdoyouknow
aboutlove??Yourhaveablueeyesandmar ks
i
ny ourbodyandy outel
lmeiti
slove.Whatkind
ofloveisthi
s??
Me:
itwasami
stake.
Dy na:(angril
y)NandiphaWet hu,i
wil
lsmack
youwi ththisglass.Idi
dnotletyoutogoand
l
eav einGabor onesoy oucanbeabused.Ihave
nev erlai
dmyhandsony ounotevenonceand
youl etanabuserbeaty ouandy ouhavegut
sto
standt heredefendinghi
m.
(
Whenshecal
l
smebymynamei
knowshei
s
supermad)
Dyna:idontcarei
fyoulovehim ornot
.Iam not
abouttoletyouti
eyoursel
fdownt oaguythat
doesnotcher i
shandrespecty
ou.Youwill
leave
thatboyyouhearme?
Me:
butmaa.
..
.
Dyna:
(int
err
upt
ingme)nobut
si sai
dyouar
e
goi
ngtodumphi m ar
ewecl
ear?
?
Me:
yeboMa,
igoti
t.
(
Isul
k)
Dyna:good.Cl
earthedishesthencometoyour
room iwil
lpr
eparesomesal t
sinyourwat
er
t
harwi l
lhel
pwiththatblueeye.
(
Shestandsandwalktothebedr
oom.Icansee
t
hatsheissad.Nomatterwhat
,thet
hingisi
l
ovethi
sladyandseei
ngherthi
ssadbr eaks
makesmesad. )
"
Wear esitti
nginthelivi
ngroom lookingateach
other.Icantbeli
evehehasf oll
owedmeher e,i
meani tsbeenonl y3dayssincei l
eftthecit
y.I
thoughti l
osthim butheishere.Aft
erhi s
genuineapologyont hekneesi havedecidedto
forgi
vehim, depi
tewhatev ery
bodysay sil
ove
him andhel ovesmet hatsal
lthatmat ter
s.
Tr
evor
:yourmom hasav
erybeaut
if
ulhome.
Me:
thanky
oui
wil
ltel
lherwhensheget
sher
e.
Trevor
:iwantt
omeetthewomanwhogave
bi
rthtosuchabeaut
if
ulgi
rl
.Shemustbea
beautyher
sel
f.
(
Thedooropen)
Me:
speakoft
hedev
il
.
Dyna:whosecaris.
..
..
(shestopsasshenoti
ces
Tr
ev orwhoseal
readyonhisfeetal
ongwit
hme
l
ookingatmom)whoi sthi
s??
Me:Mot
her,
thi
sisTrev
or,
myboyfr
iend.Tt
his
i
sthel
adybehi
ndall
thi
sbeaut
y.
Tr
evor:(
ext
eedi
nghi
shand)i
tisapl
easur
e
meeti
ngyouMrsWethu.
(Shelooksathi
shandandwalksr
ightpasthi
m
toherbedroom.Trev
orl
ooksatmeandi just
shrugmyshoulder.Weonceagai
nsitdown.)
Dyna:(sheret
urnswi
thawoodenspponthati
s
usedtomixpap)areyout
hebast
ardthatput
hi
sfil
thyhandsonmychil
d??
(
Shesay
sassheat
tackshi
m wi
tht
hespoon.
)
Me:
whoa!Mom.
.
Dy
na:
stepasi
deNandi
pha.
(Shewall
opTr evorwhoisbusyt
ryi
ngtoblock
theat
tacks,bythetimehemakesittothedoor
hehasalreadyrecei
vedmorethan10lashes.
)
Dyna:(shout
ing)whogaveyout
herighttobeat
herup.Comebackher eagai
niwil
lteachyoua
l
essony ouwillnev
erf
orget
.
(
Sheshut
sthedoorandwal
kspastmet
oher
r
oom)
'
'
'
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t7
Irecal
lourl
astconvesat
ionbefor
eshedropped
meof fi
nMahalapyewher eiwassupposedl
y
taki
ngabusbackt oGabarone.
Dyna:
i knowmywordsar
ehitt
ingdeafear
s,
youarenotgoi
ngt
odumpt hatTrev
orboy.
Me:
aomama!Sol
i
ttl
efai
thi
nme.
Dy na:y
ourf acesaysitall
plusy ouwer
ecosy
withhimi nmyhouseaf t
eritoldyoudumphim.
Any waywhati wanttosayisthatthev
erynext
ti
mehel ayshishandsony oumakesur eyou
takehimt ot hePoli
ce.
Me:
ther
ewontbeanextt
ime.
Dy
na:
howi
wishi
hady
ourf
ait
hNana.When
yougett
her
egoandaskhowmucht
uit
ioni
sat
ABM?
Me:
why
?
Dyna:soi
preparemyfi
nancesandber
eadyt
o
payonceyouareenr
oll
ed.
Me:
wil
lyoumanage?
?
Dyna:iam yourmotheri
am suppposedto
provi
def ory
ou.I
tssomethi
ngishouldhave
doneal ongti
meago.
Me:
okayi
wil
lgoanddot
hat
.
Dyna:(huggi
ngme)whenitgetst
oughther
e,
comebackhome, t
hishouseisal
waysopenfor
you.Iam her
efory
ouNandipha.
Me:
iknowmama,
ILov
eyou.
Dyna:(
wi pi
nghert
ear
saway)notasmuchasi
l
oveyouNana.Letsgobef
oreallbusesl
eav
e
youbehind.
Me:
asi
fthatcoul
dhappen.
(
Webot
hchuckl
easwegeti
nthecar
)
.
..
..
..
(Hesqueezesmyhandandki ssesi
tbringi
ng
mebackt oli
fe.Hisot
herhandisonthesterri
ng
wheel
.Wear edr i
vi
ngbacktoGaborone.Aday
agowhenmamachasedhi m outhewaitedfor
meinMahal apye)
Tr
evor
:ar
eyouokay
?Youseem mi
l
esaway
.
Me:
(smi
l
ing)j
ustt
hinki
ngaboutmama.
Tr
evor
:yourmot
heri
sonet
oughl
ady
!
Me:
yebooneandhel
ltoughcooki
e.
Trevor:howi
wishyounevert
oldhernowshe
despisesmeandiwil
lnev
ergetachanceto
knowherbetter
.
Me:andhowwoul
dihav
eexpl
ainedt
hebl
ue
ey
e??
Tr
evor
:cookedsomest
ory
..
Me:
icantl
i
etoher
,sheal
way
sseest
hrough
me.
Trev
or:
okaybabe.Imi
ssedy
oust
handwa
same.
Me:ial
somissedyou.Imadeapr
omiset
oher
t
hatify
oulayyourhandsonmeagai
niwi
ll
l
eaveyouandreporther
.
Trevor
:(ki
ssi
ngmyhand)dontwor
ryi
wil
l
neverl
aymyhandsonyou.
Me:
yousai
dthesamet
hingaf
tert
hesl
ap.
Tr
evor
:thi
sti
mei
sdi
ff
erenty
ouwi
l
lsee.Tr
ust
me.
(
Hekissesmycheek.Thenconcent
rat
eont
he
r
oadagain.
)
.
..
..
..
Wear enowpar kinginf
rontofsomecr ibi
n
block9,wear ri
ved4hour swher eihadampl e
ti
met osleep,makeoutwi thTrev orandprepare
forthi
soutingdespitethefactthatijustwanted
tostayindoors,Trev
ortwistedmyhandt i
lli
agreed.Iaskedhimi fitwoul dbeokayt obring
Mphoal ongandheagr eed.It extedherthe
di
recti
onsaswegoti nside.Iwor ebodycon
navybluedr esswithazi pont hef r
ontandnavy
bl
uesov ietsneakers.Tr evorisinbluedeni
ms,
ti
mber l
andsandar ed-tshirt
,helookscute.He
holdsmyhandaswewal kin..
..
.therear
elotof
peoplethani expected.
Tr
evor
:rel
axt
heywontbi
te.
Me:
i knowjustwi
shMphowi
l
lgethersoon.I
f
eeloutofspace.
Trevor
:comel
etmei
ntr
oducey
out
osomeof
them.
(
Wewal
ktot
heguy
sinsi
det
hehouse.)
Dr
e:f
inal
l
y!Hei
sher
e,man!I
tsal
ready8.
Tr
evor
:whatmat
ter
sisi
am her
e.
Wi
l
l:whohav
eyoubr
oughtwi
th,
shei
sfi
ne.
!
Trev
or:
behaveWil
l
.BabeThatsWil
l(poi
nti
ngt
o
thewhi
teguywi
thdreadl
ocks)Dr
e(heis
car
amel li
keTrevorwi
thpinkli
ps)Thagi
soand
Bakang.(Thagi
soisdarkski
nnedandmuscular
.
Bakanglooksli
keanerd.)Gentsthi
sis
Nandipha,orj
ustcal
lherNanaorNandie.
Dr
e:ohht
hisi
stheeNandi
pha.
Trevor:
yaht hi
sisher,andthatsCassysheis
withDre(pointi
ngtothegirli
ntheredbiki
ni)
Kese'sThagiso'
sgirl
(shor
tgirlt
anktopwith
bum shorts)andthatsNaledishei
swi t
hBk.
Me:idontknowifiwill
rememberall
your
namesbutitsapleasuremeet
ingyoual
l.
Wi
l
l:(
kissi
ngmyhand)pl
easur
eisal
lmi
ne.
Nal
edi
:whatcani
gety
ou?
?
(
IlookatTr
evorwhoseey
esar
eonme)
Trev
or:
youknowi gowi
thhei
nekengether
Reddsl
emonv odka.
(Hesi
tsdownandpul l
smei nt
ohislap.St
ar
bri
ngsourdri
nks,
theyarechatt
ing,
imjust
uncomfor
tabl
e.Miguelwal
ksinheiswearinga
blackkneeshor t
swi t
hal lstarsneakers, guess
Tshirtandacheckshi rtont opwhichi s
unbut toned.Wel li havenev erdescr i
bedhei sa
blondewi thmar bleey esandl i
pssoki ssabl e
from whatTt ol
dmei sthathemot herisa
afri
kaansanddadngwat o.Hei sneit
hershor t
noht alljustper fecthei ghtwi thabuffychest
thesizesofGhadaf hifr
om gener ati
onsandhi s
hairisl i
ket hatofindianguy s.Anywaybackt o
thescene.Behi ndhi misThabi sowhocomesi n
Mphowhoseem r athert oocosy .Miguel looks
atmebr ieflythengr eetsev eryone.
Intr
oduct ionsgoonf orMpho.I t
squite
surprisingt hatit
smyf i
rsttimemeet ingt hem
whilei hav ebeenwi thTr evoralmostay earnow.
IonlyknowThabi andMi guelwhosenow
pretendi ngasi fhedoesnotknowmeori m sort
ofacont agiousdi sease.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
I
m wit
hMphosi
tt
ingi
nthecouchescat
chi
ng
up.
Me:youandThabi
soy
ouar
eal
lov
ereachot
her
what
shappeni
ng??
Mpho:heistheguyi
havebeentel
l
ingy
ou
about
,theonewhohasbeenchasi
ngaft
erme
formonths.
Me:
oh!
!Suchasmal
lwor
ld.
Mpho:i
ndeedanywayhowisDyna?Youare
gl
owingshemusthavebeent
reati
ngyougood.
Me:sti
l
ldramati
casal
ways.Bei
ngadivasheis
shetookmet oaspaandyoumustvi
sither
,
shehasredecor
atedt
hehouseagai
n.
Mpho:
(smi
l
li
ng)i
cantkeepupwi
thy
ourmom.
Me: i
knowri
ght
.Sheof
fer
edt
opayf
ormy
schoolf
ees.
Mpho:
youl
i
e..
.
Me:
im bei
nghonest
.
(Icanf
eelhi
seyespierci
ngthr
oughmei l
ook
backandheisstandi
ngwi t
hWill
andThabi
so
seepi
nghi
shei
neken.Ourgazesmeetandi
l
ookaway.
)
Mpho:
whati
shappeni
ngbet
weeny
out
wo?
?
Me:
not
hing.
Mpho:
hehasbeenst
ari
ngaty
out
hewhol
e
t
imesi
ncewegother
e.
Me:
itsMi
guel
justbei
ngMi
guel
.
Mpho:youguy sshoul
djustki
ssandget
t
ogetheral
ready.
Me:
Mpho,
youknowi
am wi
thTr
evor
.
Mpho:bet
ruet
oyour
sel
fyourhear
tiswi
tht
he
bl
ondeguy
.
Inot
iceTrevorcomingourwayandichanget
he
subj
ect.Put
tinghi
sphoneonthepocket.)
Trev
or:
lookbabeineedt
orushhomet
her
eis
anemergencyt
her
e.
Me:
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
??
Tr
evor
:yeahdontwor
ry,
shoul
digoanddr
op
y
ouof
forMphowi
l
l?
Me:dontwor
ryMphowi
l
ldr
opmeof
fri
ght
Mpho??
Mpho:
yahi
wil
l
.
Trev
or:okayt
akegoodcareofmygi
rl
.(Ki
ssi
ng)
iwil
lseeyoui
nthemorning.
Me:
dri
vesaf
ely
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iwat chhi
m ashesay shi sgoodby es.Icontinue
tochatwithMphot i
llThagisodeci dest osteal
herawayt henimj ustleftalone.Ifeeloutof
spaceagain,iwantt ogohomebuti dontwant
tocutMpho' snightbecausesheseemst obe
havingfunsoi goout sidetocal l
acab.Iam
giv
ingoutdi r
ecti
onswhenMi guel snatchest he
phoneaway .
Miguel
:wewontbeneedi
ngacab.Thanky
ou.
(
Hehangsupandhandsmet hephone)
Me:
whatdi
dyoudot
hatf
or?
?
Mi
guel
:comei
wil
ltakey
ouhome.
Me:
No!Idontwanty
orui
ntheni
ghtf
ory
ou.
Mi
guel
:ii
nsi
st.
Me:
okay
.
Wewal ktothecarandgetin.Thi
stimearound
heisgoingwithabmwi 8.Heopenst hedoor
formeandgoest ohisside.Thedri
veback
homei sawkwardl
ysil
ent.Heisplayi
ngsome
rnb.Befor
eiknowitwear eatmyf l
at.
.
..
..
..
..
..
Openni
ngthedoorf
ormei
hav
enochoi
cebut
t
oholdhishand.
Me:
thanky
ou.
Mi
guel
:f*
*kt
his.
Hesayashepushesmeagai nstthecarand
bri
ngshisli
pst ome.Hekissesmej ustl
ikei
thoughthi
slipsaresof
t,hi
sbreathisminty.I
cantresi
sttheurgetoki
sshim back.Iputmy
handsaroundhi swaistpul
l
inghi
m closerand
returnhi
skissesthatmakesmykneesweaki
thankmy sel
fthatichosetowearsneakers
i
nst eadi
fheels.
...
..
..
..
..
'
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t8
Thepouri
ngrai
nbri
ngsmebacktomysenses.
Miguel
stepsawayf
rom me.Bi
ti
nghi
slowerl
ip.
Miguel
:(cl
ear
shist
hroat
)youshoul
dgoi
n
befor
eyoucatchacol
d.
(Inodmyheadbuticantbr
ingmy
sel
ftotakea
step.Asi
fhesensesi
thepull
smyhand.
)
Mi
guel
:iwi
l
lwal
kyout
othedoor
.
(Iacceptandwewal
ksi
l
entl
ytomydoorst
ep
oncet her
ehehel
psmeopen.)
Miguel
:aboutwhatjusthappenedi
am sor
ryi
j
ustcouldntr
esi
st.DontworryTwontknow
abouti
t.
Me:
okay
.
Mi
guel
:Goodni
ghtbeau.
(Hekissesmyf oreheadandwal ksaway ,oncei
am insidetheconf i
ment sofmyapar t
menti
l
eanagai nstthedoorandf i
nal
lybr eat
h.Justa
kissfrom him makesmel osemysenses.Iwal k
tothebat hr
oom andst areatmyr efl
ecti
on.I
touchmyswol lenli
psasi rel
iv
et hemoment
again.Miguel whatarey oudoingt ome??Like
anaut omatedr ebortichangei ntomypy j
amas
thengetst r
aightinbed. )
.
..
..
..
..
..
I
mindr
eamlandwhenmyphoner
ingsi
t3am i
n
t
hemor
ning.
Me:
(hoar
sev
oice)Hel
l
o.
Mpho:
wher
ethehel
lar
eyou?
?
Me:
iam home.
Mpho:whendi
dyouleav
ei havebeenturni
ng
t
hispl
aceupsi
dedownlookingforyou.
Me:iam sor
ryi
didntwantt
odi
stur
byourf
un
soi
tookacabhome.
Mpho:okay
.Wel
lyourguyhasdi
sapper
ed
al
so.
.
Me:
arey
oudr
unk,
Trev
orl
eftwhi
l
eiwast
her
e.
Mpho: i
m nott
alki
ngaboutthatidioti
meanthe
handsomeblonde.Thagit
ellherthatt
heywi
l
l
makeanamazi ngcouplewit
hMi guel.
Thagi
:yeahdef
inat
elypl
usheador
esy
ou.
Me:
youar
ereal
l
ydr
unkhey
!
Thagi
:nowear ebei
ngreali
sticpl
usTrevor
doesnotdeser
veyourloyal
ty.Me:iam goi
ngt
o
bedpl
easedriv
esafelybackhome.
Mpho:
wel
ovey
ouNana.
Me:
iknow.
(
Ihangupandcl
osemyey
es.Ij
ustdontget
whatim supposedtodoi loveTr
evor
,yetim
attr
actedtoMigueltheyhappentobealso
fr
iends.Thi
sisjustsofu**edup.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Mi
guel
'
sPOV
AfterdroppingoffNana.Iknewi couldntgo
backtot hepartymostlybecausei wentther
ein
thefir
stplacetogoandseeher .Iknowshei s
theforbiddenfr
uitbutthereissomet hi
ngabout
her.Plusi sawherfi
rstthenTr evorjusthadto
beselffi
shandbeatmet oher.Acal lfr
om Wil
l
comest hrough.
Mi
guel
:yah!
Wi
l
l:wher
ear
eyou?
?
Mi
guel
:i
m headi
nghome,
why
??
Will
:comeandgetme,t
hispl
acei
sget
ti
ng
f
il
ledupwit
hcrooksnow.
Mi
guel
:wher
eisy
ourcar
??
Wi
l
l:i
lef
titathome.
Mi
guel
:okaygi
veme5mi
nut
es.
Wi
l
l:sur
e.
(Ichangedir
ect
ionandheadt
oblock9agai
n.I
decidetocal
lhi
m.Af t
erawhi
lehecomes.)
Wil
l:(
get
tingi
ntot
hecar
)soi
tist
ruey
ou
boughtt
hismachi
ne?
?
Mi
guel
:wi
l
libedr
ivi
ngi
tifi
tsnotmi
ne?
Wil
l:
respectmyni
ggaabmwi
8.Wher
edi
dyou
di
sappearto?
?
Mi
guel
:wentt
odr
opNandi
e.
Wi
l
l:y
ouarewor
kingyourasshar
dfort
hatass.
Wi
l
lyouj
ustt
apital
ready?
?
Miguel
:shei
snott
hebangi
ngonceandl
eav
e
t
ype.
Wi
l
l:y
ouar
ereal
youhav
efeel
i
ngsf
orher
??
Miguel
:nev
erbeenser
iousl
i
ket
his.Iwantt
hat
gi
rltobemineWil
l.
Wi
l
l:wel
lTwontj
ustl
ethergowi
thoutaf
ight
.
Miguel
:Tisjustbeingsel
ff
ish.Iam goi
ngt
o
havetobeathim athisowngame.
Wi
l
l:y
ouar
enotpl
ayi
ngf
airnow.
Mi
guel
:inev
erpr
omisedtobefai
r.Nandi
pha
wi
l
lbemineonewayortheot
her.
Wi
ll
:mayt
hebestmanwin.Iwi
ll
justbeher
e
wi
thmybi
***
esandhei
neken.
Mi
guel
:youj
ustr
anawayl
eav
ingt
hem behi
nd.
Wil
l
:im sti
l
lbr okeniggathi
sGaboronegirl
swill
mil
ky oudry.Yousleepwi t
hthem t
heystart
makingall
sor tsofdemandsmor eespecial
yif
t
heyseewher ey oulive.
Miguel
:whichi
swhyi al
waysbangt
hebi**
hat
herpl
aceorhotelr
oom t
henyoudonthav
et o
dealwi
ththei
rdrama.
Wi
l
l:wi
l
lst
artdoi
ngt
hat
.
Mi
guel
:Gr
eat
,hav
eyout
alkedt
otheol
dman
l
atel
y?
Wil
l:noiwaspl
anni
ngt
odr
ivet
her
ethi
s
weekend.
Miguel
:iwaswithhi
m onwednesday.Hei
sst
il
l
pr
ettyshakenbyPheny
o'spassi
ng.
Wi
l
l:weal
lar
e.
(Weconti
nuet
ochat
.Idr
ophi
m of
fathi
spl
ace
andheadhome.)
.
..
..
..
.
Thatfeel
ingwheny ouwakeupandf eel l
i
key ou
canthatdayt akeEv ery
thi
ngt heworldt hrowsat
you.Thatshowi fel
tthatmor ni
ngasst retched
i
nbed.Wi t
houtl etti
ngany t
hingruinmymoment
iwalkint
ot hebat hroom wher eitaket i
meonce
i
m done.Ist epint omybl ackpencilskirt,whit
e
shi
rtandbl ackbl azer.Havingadivalikemy
mom i grewupknowi ngthatanout f
itisnev er
complimentwi thoutheel ssoi st
epintobl ack
andwhi t
eheel s.Igr abmyPol ohandbaganda
bi
bleasiheadt
oChri
sti
anRev
ival
Chur
cht
ogo
andprai
semyawesomeGod.
Todayisnotli
keotherdayswher eij
ustsit
downwai t
ingfort
heserv i
cetostar
t,if
lasha
smil
easi goaroundgreetingpeopl
e.Aftert
he
serv
iceigooutsingi
ng,itwasagoodmessage
about"GuardYourHeart
".
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Im walki
ngtothetaxi
stopwhenhi
scarpul
l
s
over.Hesmilesatmeandiret
urni
nasigetin
andkisshischeek.
Tr
evor
:youl
ooki
ngbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
don'
tial
way
s..
..Thanky
ou.
Trevor
:youar
ewel
come.Howaboutl
unchat
cuppacci
nos?
Me:
youar
ethebestdoy
ouknowt
hat
??
Tr
evor
:iknow.
Wepul
li
nfr
ontoft
heshopandwal
kin.I
tsa
chi
ll
edsundaywit
houtmanypeopl
ewear e
enj
oyingourmealwit
hsomeredwineanda
gooddecentconr
vesati
on.
Tr
evor
:nana.
Me:
(ir
aisemyhandsandl
ookathi
m)babe.
.
Tr
evor
:iml
eav
ing.
Me:
towher
e??
Tr
evor:t
her
eisabusi
nessconfer
encei
n
Monaccowhichi
havetoat
tend.
Me:
wow!Forhowl
ongwi
l
lyoubegone.
Tr
evor
:amont
horso.
.
Me:
okay
.
Tr
evor
:iwast
hinki
ngwhydonty
oucomewi
th
me?
Me:
(ast
onoshed)huh!
Tr
evor
:youwi
l
lconsi
deri
tasahol
i
day
.
Me:
icantmyl
ovewhataboutmywor
kpl
usi
wantt
ogot
oschool
.
Trevor
:okayi
undestand.Wewil
lj
ustset
tl
ef or
skypeandwhatsappforcommuni
cati
onthen.
(Hesmil
esasifheisrel
ievedthatit
urnedthe
off
erdown.Wehav eourlunchthengoback
homewherewechi l
lwatchingmovies.Heends
upspendi
ngthenightoveratmyplace.)
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t9
Im walki
ngtohimt othecaronl yinmygown
andsleeper
s.Im havingsecondt houghtsabout
ref
usingtogowi t
hhim.Iam goi ngtomi sshim
abittoomuchact ual
ly.West andbyhi scarnot
muchwor dssaid.Hel eansagainsthiscarand
pull
sinfr
onthol
dingmebymywai st.Westare
i
ntoeachother'
sey es.
Tr
evor
:Dontbesadi
wi l
lbebackbef
orey
ou
ev
ennoti
cethati
am gone.
Me:
doy
our
eal
l
lyhav
etogo?
?
Trevor
:yesmylove.Dontwor
rywewil
ltal
kto
eachotherev
eryday.i
wil
lcal
l
,wewil
lskype
evenhavephonesex.
Me:
(smi
l
li
ng)Tr
evor
!
Tr
evor
:that
sthesmi
l
eiwant
edt
osee.
Me:
bebacksoon.Iwi
l
lmi
ssy
ou.
Tr
evor
:iknow.Iwi
l
lmi
ssy
oumor
e.
(Weki ss,akissf
il
ledwit
hsomuchemot ions.I
feell
ikecr yi
ngashiscardr
iveoutoft
he
parkinglot.Hewav esmegoodbyeandistand
theretil
lthecari
soutofsit
e.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
Ther estoft heweeki sslowandt aki
ngi tsatol
l
onme.It alktoTrev ormostoft hetime.Buti
sti
l
l f
indmy selfmissinghim alltheti
me.I tsa
Fri
dayaf r eedayf ormesoi goappl yatABM.
Aft
erwar dsi gotomyapar tmentt opr eparef
or
myout ingwi thLisaMpho, al adi
esni ghtouti
agreedmost lybecausei dontwantt ohel dupin
myapar tmentferl
i
ngsorryformy selfthatidi
d
notgowi thTrevor
.Wear epainti
ngt hetowm
red.Iputonnudehi ghwaistshort
s, alace
stri
ngtopandsomecheckshi rtontopwhi chi
donotbut tonup,iwearmywhi teleathersovi
et
sneakers.
...
.!
!
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Wepul li
nfr
ontoftheclub.Icheckmymakeup
onelastti
methenwegeti nsi
de.Wesett
lefora
tabl
eof3andenj oythecoldrefreshi
ngr
edds.
Mpho:
Gosh!It
sagoodt
hingnoworkf
orme
t
ommor owipl
ant
ogetdr
unktoday
.
Me:makest
woofusi
am dr
inki
ngmysor
rows
away
.
Li
sa:
(exci
tedl
y)weshoul
ddot
hisof
ten.
Mpho:
butwedo.
.
Me:(gi
ggl
i
ng)thi
nkshemeantweshoul
dtag
heral
ongoft
en.
Mpho:
okay
..
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
Thabi
so:
(ki
ssi
ngMpho'
scheek)wehav
ethe
nextr
ound.Hi
babe.
(Itur
naroundandhisey
esar
eonme,
ijust
stareathi
m absor
bingi
n)
Wi
l
l:(
kissi
ngLi
sa'
shand)i
am Wi
l
l.
.
Li
sa:
(bl
ushi
ng)Li
sa.
.
Mi
guel
:
(si
tt
ingnextt
ome)Nana.
.
Me:
(si
ppi
ngmydr
ink)hi
..
.
Thabiso:gentsl
etsgr
absomedr
inkswewi
l
l
j
ointheladies.
(
Theyst
andandwal
ktot
hebar
).
..
Me:
youi
nvi
tedt
hem?
?
Mpho:
no!
Me:
Mphoi
knowt
hatl
ook.
Mpho:
okayf
inei
did.
.
Me:
Mphowhymusty
ouputmei
nthi
s
si
tuat
ion.
Li
sa:
am i
missi
ngsomet
hing?
?
Mpho:NanaandMi
guel
hav
efeel
i
ngf
oreach
ot
her.
Li
sa:
oh!That
.
Mpho:
youknew.
.?
?
Li
sa:
wit
hthei
rendl
essf
ight
sitwasnothar
dto
pi
cki
tup.
Mpho:donty
out
hinkt
heywi
l
lmakeacut
e
coupl
e??
Li
sa:t
heydo,
shedosentdeser
vet
hatabusi
ve
j
erkTr
evor
.
Me:
Lisa.
..
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Wecuttheconservati
onshortastheyj oi
nus
agai
n.Wit
hthei
rdr i
nksandourr ef
il
ls.Wechill
andtal
kaboutrandom st
affbeforei knowit
Thabi
soandMphoar eal
lovereachot her,Wi
ll
andLisahav
edisapper
esdGodknowst
owher
e.
Iti
sjustmeandMiguel
.
Mi
guel
:youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
..
Me:
youknowyoudonthav
etot
ryt
ofl
att
erme
t
ogeti
ntomypant
s.
Miguel:
itwasjustacompl
i
ment
.At
hanky
ou
wouldnthavehurt
..
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Mi
guel
:(smi
l
li
ng)t
hatdi
dnthur
tri
ght
??
(I
fonl
yheknewhowhi
ssmilemakesmef
eel
hewouldntsmi
l
esomuch)
Mi
guel
:dancewi
thme.
Me:
idontknowhowt
odance!
Mi
guel
:iwi
l
lteachy
ou.
(Hepull
smet othedancef
loorbeforeican
prot
est.Hishandscomearoundmyt i
nywaist
andpullshim cl
osert
ohim.Hest art
smov i
ng
andifoll
owhi sl
ead.Wedancenowhei s
huggi
ngf
rom behi
nd.)
Miguel:
(whi
sper
inginmyear)i
fiwant
edtoget
i
ny ourpant
siwouldhav
elongdoneso.
(Igetashiver,iwoul
dbel y
ingifisai
diam not
turnedonbecausei am tot
all
yturnedon
withoutreal
isi
ngmyact i
onsi t
urnaroundput
myhandsar oundhisneckandkisshim,my
kneesgoweakasher et
urnmykiss.Thisman
willbethedeathofme)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
(Hei
swalki
ngmetomydoor
,iam pr
ett
ydr
unk
andhei
sholdi
ngmebymywaist
.)
Me:
howdoy
oudoi
t??Mi
guel
:Dowhat
??
Me: makemelosemysenses.Makeme
at
tract
edtoyou.
Mi
guel
:that
swhati
mtr
yingt
ofi
ndoutmy
sel
f.
Me:
thi
sissowr
ongy
etf
eel
ssor
ight
.
Mi
guel
:howabouti
fipr
ovedt
oyout
hisi
snot
wr
ong.
Me:
how?
?
Miguel
:tommorowat7i
wil
lbeher
etopi
cky
ou
up.Bereadybyt
hen.
Heopensthedoorformeonceim saf
elyi
nthe
r
oom heleav
eslockingmei
nsidethehouse.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iam notdr
eamingsomeonejustpour
edme
withcol
dwater.Iopenmyey
est oseewhodi
d
thatandi
tsMiguel.
Me:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e??Howdi
dyouget
i
nhere?
?
Miguel
:getupti
mei snotonoursi
de.Igi
veyou
f
ivetobrushyourt
eethandchangecl
othes.
Me:
what
??
Mi
guel
:yourt
imest
art
snow.
Ibol
toutoft
hebedt
othebat
hroom.
.
..
..
..
..
30mi nuteslat
eriminabotiquetryingout
dresses.Hechoosesapeachf lairdresswith
l
aceatt heback,nudeheelsandpur se.Wedr i
ve
toahot elwhereihaveabathandst yl
i
stdoing
myhai randmakeup.Whenwal koutWi l
land
Miguel l
ookstunned.Theyescortmet othe
car.
Me:
wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
?
Miguel
:iam pr
ovi
ngtoyouwhyi
tisnotwr
ong.
..
bepati
entwealmostt
here.
i
nmi nut
esthecarstopsi
nfr
ontofwhatl
ooks
asachurch,hehol
dmyhandandwewal k
i
n..
..
..
..
.
Me:
oh!
!Godno!
!
.
..
..
..
.
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t10
Al
leyesar
eont hem,shei
sthemostbeaut
if
ul
br
ideheeverl
ayhiseyeson.Shesmi
l
es
ner
vousl
yathi
m.
Pastor:
Ifthereanyonewhoisagai
nstthi
s
couplemar r
iageifsospeaknoworfor
everhol
d
yourpeace.
(
Thewholechurchgetssi
lentandl
ookaround.
Hestar
sint
oKat l
ego'
seyes.Sil
ent
lypr
ayi
ng
t
hatnoonewalksin)
Past
or:well
looksl
i
ket
her
eisnoonemaywe
car
ryon..
(
Thedoorwal
kopensal ar
geli
ghtcomesinas
t
heygetl
ooki
ngallgl
amorous.Shei
sglowi
ng
i
napeachfl
airdr
ess.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Istil
ldontbelievewhati see,i
tsaweddingat
thealterstandsnoonebutmyTr evor
.Il
ookat
Mi guelwhoi slooki
ngst r
aightfor
ward.I
tsli
ke
thisisadr eam.Ipinchmy selft
owakemy sel
f
from thi
sdr eam.All ey
esar eonus.Asifhe
sensest hatim nervousherholdsmyhand.
Trevor '
sey esonmehel ooksshockedt osee.I
keepmyey esonhi m.Wewal kt il
lwear eatt he
fr
ont .Mi guel guidesmet ot hechai rsont hel eft
fr
om andwesi tdownast hePast orcar rieson.
Imt herephy sicalybuti nsidemyhear tis
breakingdowni npieces.Isi tti
ngdowni na
churchf ul lofst r
anger swat chingmyboy fri
end
getmar ri
edt oanot herlady .Il ookatherand
shei sabeaut y ,sheisay ellowbonewi that iny
mout h,ther eisnotasur priset hatshei st he
oneget tingt her ingrightnow, shei sway
beaut i
ful andi cantcompet ewi t
ht hat .Ijust
wisht hegr oundcanopenupandswal lowme.
Miguel touchmyhandandi comebackt oear t
h
everyonei sstandi ngupcl appi nghandsast he
newl ywedsseal i
twithaki ss.Iwat chast he
l
ov eofmyl if
e, myf ir
stboy friend, myf ir
st
everythingwal kt othef rontsmi l
li
ngwi t
hhi s
wifet othedoorandi am t hr owi ngf lowerpet als
atthem.Ir ealiset hebr i
desmai dsar eal l people
fr
om t hepar tyitsKese, CasseyandSt ar.The
groomsmeni sDr e,Thagi
soandBakang.Final
l
y
i
thitmewhyt hegirl
sgavemesomeki ndof
atti
tudetheyarefri
endswithbri
de.Anoldman
walkspastmehest aresatMiguel
thenMe.
Thenal adywhor esemblesMeikiMaputl
afrom
skeem saam alsoflowsshebeatsMiguelon
theshoulder.
Maggi
e:youar el
atet
oy ourownbr
other
's
weddi
ng.Tomakemat tersworsey
oumakea
gr
andentrance.
Et
han: (
kissi
nghercheek)i
am sor
rymom
at
leastiam her
e.
Shelooksathim andwal ksout.Didijusthear
herclear
lydi
dshej ustsay"Brother
",Miguelis
Trevor'
sbrot
her.It
houghtt heyarefri
endsjust
whatdoi knowaboutt hisguythaticl
aimedt o
l
ov eandbeinar el
ationshi
pf oral
mosty ear.
Iknowthusmyquetol
eave.Ishoul
dhav
e
neverbeenher
eint
hef
ir
stplace.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Irundownt hestreetasi fi
m bei ngchased
away .Ibl
amet hedamnheel st haticantrun
fastbecauseicanf eelhim behi ndmecal l
ing
afterme.Ilett
het earsthati heldforsolong
fal
l f
rom myeyes.Myhear tisinpai niwishi
cant akei
toutandt hrowal lofitaway .
Miguel
:(cat
chi
ngupwi
thme)l
ookNandiphai
sm sor
rythaty
ouhadt
ofi
ndoutl
iket
his.
..
(
Hetri
est
owi
peawaymyt
ear
sawaybuti
mov
emyhead)
Me:
don'
t.
..
Mi
guel
:iam sor
ry.
.
Me:
arey
our
eal
l
ysor
ryMi
guel
?
Miguel:
wel li
m notsorr
ythaty
ouknowbutfor
thewayt hatyoufoundoutandthaty
ouar
e
hurt
ingri
ghtnow.
Me:
isi
ttr
uehei
syourbr
other
??
Mi
guel
:(t
ensi
ngup)st
epbr
other
.Icanexpl
ain.
Me:youdontowemeanyexplanati
onandi
dontwanttoheari
t.Iwi
l
lappr
eciat
eiti
fthi
s
wouldbethelastt
imeweeverseeeachother
.
Miguel:(
taki
ngast
ept
owar
dsme)pl
ease
Nandipha.
Me:dontMiguel
.Thanky
ouf
oropenni
ngmy
ey
es.Goodbye.
(It
urnar
oundandwalkawayf
rom hi
m,i
am
cry
ingmylungsout
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Im wal ki
ngdownt hestreet
,myshoesonmy
handt ear sstreami ngdownmyf ace.Peopleare
l
ooki ngatmel i
kei am crazybutidontcare.
UnlikeCi ndrell
ai am withnocarriageandi cant
takeacabbecausei l
eftmypurseathomeand
mypr i
ncechar mingisnowmar ri
edtosomeone
else.Ilif
tmyey esandMphoi srunningatme.
Shei sinherpy jamashai rmessy.Thabisois
behindher .Whensher eachesmeshehugsme
asi letmyt earsallout.
Mpho:comel
etsgo,Miguel
cal
l
edsay
ingwe
shoul
dcomeforyou.
(Shetakesmet othecar,Thabilooksatme
pit
if
ul asheopensthedoorf orus.Myheadis
onMpho' slap.Sheisstr
okingmyhai ras
Thabisodri
v estoherapart
ment .
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
I
m annowinpyj
amaswear ehav
ingcof
fee.I
m
t
ell
i
ngherwhathappened.
Me:idontbeli
eveihav
ebeenabi
gfool
imean
al
lsi
gnswer ether
e.
Mpho:
dontbeaty
our
sel
fupy
oudi
dntknow.
.
Me: ishouldhav eknown.ImeanGi f
t,i
hav e
neverbeent ohisapar t
mentheal waysmade
excuseswhenwehadt ogothere.Somet i
mes
hisphonewi ll
ringnothewi ll
answerorl eave
i
mmedi atel
yafterthosephonecal l
sli
keatt he
part
yl astti
me.Andonv alent
inesdaywhenhe
di
dnotpi
tchforourdi
nneri
tshoul
dhav ebeen
awakeupcallf
orme.Andthebeati
ngs,that
s
whyhecoul
dhitmebecauseheneverlovedme.
Mpho:iam notgoi
ngtol
etyouall
owdot hi
sto
your
self
.Tr
evordoesnotdeser
veyourt
earsnot
atal
l.
Me:whati
swr
ongwit
hme?
?Whycoul
dibet
he
onet
owearhi
sri
ng?
?
Mpho:becausehei
sal
ousymanwhor
ethat
s
why.
Me:
(cr
ying)i
thur
tssobadMpho.Sobad.
Mpho: y
ouwi l
lbefi
neinnoti
medontworry
.
(Huggi
ngme)cr yal
lthewayyouwant
.Letthe
painout.
..
..
..
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t11
*
***
2MONTHSLATER*
***
Thepastt
womont
hshav
ebeent
oughonmea
l
ittl
ebi thardi mustadmi tdealingwi thahear t
breaki stough.Onet hingi l
earntf r
om al lt
his
wasnev erbedependentonany one.Af ter
reali
singt hatTr evorisnotmi nehei snow
l
egal lymar ri
edi wasf orcedt omov et oapl ace
thati couldaf fordluckilyLisaneededa
roommat esoi j
oinedher .Ienrolledf or
Busi nessManagementandat t
endedni ght
l
ect ures.Newsr eachedatwor kandi start
ed
beingt hedai lygossi ptalkofmyot her
coll
egues.At leasti hadLi sabymy sidet ohelp
gett hroughmyday st here.Ihav enotseen
neitherMi guel nohTr evoreversincet hatday .
Wel lexceptf ortodaybecauseTr ev ori shere
withhi swi f
eandherf r
iendshav i
ngl unch, the
badpar ti
st hatimt herewai t
ress.Thewi fe
wear ingdesi gnercl othesf r
om headt ot oe,she
i
sgi v i
ngmeahar dt i
me.Iwi shi cant hrowj ui
ce
onherf acejustt or ubof fthesmi rksmi leon
herf ace.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Kat
:whati
sthi
s!!Idi
dnotor
dert
hisr
ubbi
sh!
Me: i
am sor
ryma'
am i
wil
lhav
eyouror
der
changed.
(Irushtothekit
chenandplaceanotheror
der.
Wheni br
ingi
tbackshetakesamout hful
tast
e
andgr absaglassofwaterandpouritonmy
face)
Kat
:youarej
usttoodumptobeawai tr
ess.I
demandtoseeyourmanagerr
ightnow.
Me:
for
giv
emema'
am.
..
.
Miguel:
whatist
hepr
obl
em?
?Iam t
heownerof
t
her est
urant
.
(Myeyesal
mostpopoutoft
hei
rsocket
s.His
col
ogneengal
vesiam t
ooembar
assedtolook
athi
sface)
Tr
evor
:what
??
Miguel
:iboughtEli
tet
womonthsbackaf
teri
gotback.Ma'am y
ourprobl
em?
?
Kat
:thi
stoodumpwai
tr
esscantseem t
oget
myorderri
ght
!
Miguel:
ist
hatwhyy
ouspl
ashedwi
thher
water?
?
Star
:ofcour
seMi
guel
sosheget
sherhead
ri
ght.
Miguel:AtMiguelswedonotall
owoppr essi
on
especial
lywhenitcomestomyst af
f(hetakes
hishandchiefandwipeswat
eroffmyf ace)iam
sorr
ybuti m goi
ngtoaskyoutoleavemy
rest
urantri
ghtnow.
Kese:
(shocked)what
??
Miguel
:ihopei
wonthav
etor
epeatmy
sel
f
agai
n.
(Hetakesmyhandandwalksout.Icansee
otherwai
tr
esseyespoppi
ngoutaswewal k
out.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
(
hei
sscr
atchi
nghi
sheadandl
ooksatme,
ican
seehei
sangr
y)
Miguel
:(angr
il
y)howdoy
oul
etherdot
hatt
o
you??
Me:ihav
etoputmycust
omer
'shappi
ness
bef
oremine.
Miguel
:shewasdoi
ngt
hatbecauseshe
despi
sesyou.
Me:cani bl
ameheraft
erall
ihav
ebeenseei
ng
herhusbandwhoattheti
mewasherfi
ance
behi
ndherback.
Mi
guel
:st
il
lthatdosentgi
veheranyr
ight
.
Me:
youshoul
dgoinandapol
ogi
se.Thengi
ve
t
hem t
hei
rmealsf
orf
ree.
Mi
guel
:nev
er.
.
Me:gounl
essy ouwantt
ostartl
osi
ng
cust
omersbecauseofpoorcust
omerser
vice.
Mi
guel
:idontcar
e.
Me:
imustgetbackt
owor
k.
Miguel
:dontl
etanycust
omer
spourwat
eri
n
youoriwil
lpuncht
hem.
Me:
Goodby
eMi
guel
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Therainispouringdownandt hefactt
heihave
noumbr ell
agivesmeheartacheasi st
andin
thestopshadewai t
ingf
orat axi
.Inoti
cehi
scar
pull
byt hestopandhegetsof fwi
than
umbrell
at ome.
Me:
arey
ouf
oll
owi
ngmenow?
?
Miguel
:fort
hepastt
womont
hssur
pri
sedy
ou
noti
ceonlynow!
Me:
iti
snotaf
unnyj
okeMi
guel
.
Miguel
:iam bei
nggenui
ne.Inot
icedyoudi
d
nothaveanyumbrel
lawhenyouleft
.
Me:
howdi
dyouknowi
wil
lbeher
e??
Mi
guel
:iknowy
ouat
tendl
atecl
assesher
e.
Me:
youar
ecr
eepyMi
guel
.
Mi
guel
:iknow,
comei
wil
ldr
opy
ouof
fathome.
Me:
iwi
l
ljustwai
tfort
het
axi
.
Mi
guel
:iam nott
aki
ngnof
orananswer
.
(Heholdst
heumbr
ell
aundermyheadand
usher
smet ohi
swai
ti
ngcar.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Wedr ovepastMuggandBeanget
ti
ngsome
cappuccino.
Mi
guel
:howhav
eyoubeen?
Me:
Good.Andy
ou?
?
Mi
guel
:badi
missedy
ou.
(
Irol
lmyey
es)
Mi
guel
:i
tsgoodt
oseey
ousmi
l
li
ngagai
nbeau.
Me:i
tsbeenr
ough2mont
hs.Buti
am good
now.
Mi
guel
:iam gl
ad.
Me:
whydi
dyoubuyEl
i
te?
?
Mi
guel
:agoodi
nvest
ment
..
Me:
okay
..
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Wearesi
lentagai
nashedr
ivesmehomei
n
bl
ock6.
Me:
thanky
ou

Mi
guel
:i
tisapl
easur
e.Takecar
e
Me:
youal
so.
.
..
..
.
It
smor ni
ng,i
m walki
ngenjoyi
ngt hewarm
sunshi
neonmyf ace,wi
nterisf astappr
oachi
ng.
Therei
saknockont hedoori goi nthr
oughthe
ki
tchendoormakingmywayt ot hemaindoor.I
openandgetashockingsurprise.
Trevor:
befor
eyoushutt
hedooronmyf
acecan
iexplai
n??
Me:
No!Idontwantt
oheary
oul
i
ttl
e
expl
anat
ion.Keepi
tfory
our
sel
f.
Tr
evor
:Pl
easeNanai
begy
ou.
Me:
youhav
e2mi
nut
es.
Tr
evor
:okaycani
geti
n?
Me:
(tappi
ngmyf
oot
)thecl
ocki
sti
cki
ng.
Trev
or:Sheisexpect
ingmychildihadno
choi
cebuttomar r
yher .Myf
atherdoesnot
al
lowil
l
igit
imatechil
dren.
Me:
forhowl
onghav
eyoubeenseei
ngher
??
Tr
evor
:wear
e3y
ear
stoget
her
.
Me:okay.Congradul
ati
ons!Forhowlongwere
yougoi
ngt okeepfooli
ngaroundwit
hme? ?
Tr
evor
:don'
tsayt
hat
.Il
ovey
ou.
Me: t
akeyourl
oveandgi
vei
ttoyournewbr
ide.
Letthi
sbethelastt
imey
oushowupwherei
stay
.
(
Ishutt
hedooronhi
sface)
"
"
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t12
I
mlaughi
ngmylungsoutt
alki
ngi'
m outwi
th
MphoandMom whocamet ogetafewthi
ngs
i
nTown.
Dyna:i
m genuine,
youl ethi
m got oeasi
l
yi
wouldhaveinvi
tedhimi nandofferhimtea
whil
eheisbusydr i
nkingitiwouldhaveboil
ed
somewat erandburnedhi m wi
thit.
Me:
(excl
aims)Mama!
Dy
na:
hedeser
vesi
t.
Mpho:
tot
all
yagr
ee.
.
Me:canwejustgetwhaty
ouwanty
ouwant
mamaandleave?
Dy
na:
sowher
eist
hest
epbr
other
??
Me:
hei
spr
obabl
yatwor
k.
Dyna:
t heyal
lsoundl
i
kebadnewsst
ayaway
fr
om them.
Mpho:
Butifeel
li
keMi
guel
isgenui
nel
yinl
ove
wi
thNana.
Me:aft
erwhathi
sstepbrot
hermademego
t
hroughidontwantany
thi
ngtodowit
hhi
m.
Dyna:i
tspossi
blet
hatt
heycoul
dbedi
ff
erent
youknow.
Me:
nah!Act
ual
l
yMi
guel
iswor
se.
Mpho: i
disagree..justbecausehenev
erhad
anyseri
ousr elat
ionshipdoesntmeanheis
anyt
hingli
ket hatjerkTrevor.
Me:whyar
eweeventalkingaboutthem?
?We
cameher
etoshopnotdiscussthem.
Dyna:(
holdi
ngoutadress)t
hiscoul
dbe
sui
tabl
eforyourdat
ewithLeati
l
etommorow.
Mpho:
youhav
eadat
e??
Me:
Mom hasor
gani
sedabl
i
nddat
eforme.
Dyna:
sheneedst
ogetoutandmeetot
her
peopl
e.
Mpho:
itani
cedr
ess.Needspumpheel
s.
Me:
idontknowi
snti
tabi
ttoor
eveal
i
ng.
Dy
na:
goi
nandt
ryi
t.
(
Itakethedressandgoint
ot hedr
essingr
oom.
I
tisaroyalbluebody
condresskneelengt
hwit
h
abareback.Igoout)
Dyna:y
ouseei
tol
dyoui
twi
l
lsui
tyouj
ust
perf
ect
ly.
Mpho:
wowi
tbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
andexpensi
vei
cantaf
for
dit
.
Dy
na:
whosai
dyouar
epay
ingt
hisi
sal
lonme.
Me:
mom.
..
Dyna:
im bei
nggenerous.Nowl
etsl
ookf
ora
dr
essforyouli
tt
lel
ady.
Mpho:
who?Me?
Dy
na:
yesl
ady
.
Mpho:
ihav
enodat
e.
Dy
na:
imf
eel
i
nggener
oust
oday
.
(Mphoandi
shar
equi
zzi
cal
looksasmom t
urns
around)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
wearenowsi
tt
ingi
nMuggandBeanhav
ingour
l
unch.
Me:
Doy
ouhav
etogobackt
oday
?
Dyna:y
esy
oul
ady
.Ihav
eat
askt
ocompl
ete
t
onight
.
Me:okayi
twascool
spendi
ngt
hedaywi
th
you.
Dyna:(l
ookingatthedoor)mymyi ti
sbeen
l
ongsincei sawaf i
neyoungman.God!Hei s
sohandsome, andthatsuitdoesntdohi
m any
j
usti
ce.SoBot swanadoeshav ehunksafteral
l.
Dontturnyourheadheiswal ki
nginyouwi l
lsee
hi
m oncehei
sinsi
de.
(
Hiscol
ognefeel
smeupandi
knowwi
thi
nan
i
nst
antt
hatiti
shim.
)
Mpho:
itsMi
guel
.
Dy
na:
That
stheeMi
guel
??
Me:
yesmom
Dyna:
whydidnty oumenti
onhei st
hisdead
dr
opgorgeous??Lookatthosebroadshoul
der
s.
Andmarbl
eey es.Isheacolour
ed??
Me:
(i
rr
it
ated)i
dontknowmama.
Mpho:Thagisai
dsomethi
ngabouthi
smom
bei
ngafri
kaansanddadngwat
o.
Dyna:thatexpl
ainshi
sski
ncol
ourand
handsome.
(
Miguelnot
icesmeandsmi
l
esashewal
ks
t
owardsus)
Miguel
:ial
mostdi
dnotseey
ouguy
sher
e.
l
adies!
Mpho:
hie!
Me:
Hie.
Dy
na: (
ext
endi
ngherhand)Dy
naWet
hu,
Nana'
s
mother
.
Miguel
:(kissi
ngherhand)Mi
guel
,i
tsapl
easur
e
t
omeety ouMr sWethu.
Dy
na:
pleasur
eisal
lmi
ne.
Miguel
:youhav
esuchabeaut
if
ulmot
her
Nana.
Me:
(gi
vi
nghi
m af
akesmi
l
e)t
hanky
ou.
Miguel
:(l
ooki
ngathi
swatch)iwi
shicanstay
l
ongerbutineedt
ogetmylunchanddash.Im
r
unninglat
etoameeti
ng.
Dyna:
youshoul
dmarr
ysoonsoy ourwi
fecan
br
ingyoul
unchatwor
k,sav
ingy
out hi
shustl
e.
Miguel
:(l
ookingatme)t
hat
sthepl
an.Enj
oy
yourl
unchladies.
(
Hewal
kst
othet
il
lwher
ehegr
abshi
slunch
andwal
ksout
,)
Dy
na:
hei
ssuchagent
leman.
Me:st
opgivi
nghi
mt oomuchcr
edi
t.Dy
na:st
op
bei
ngbit
ter
,cr
edi
tshoul
dbegi
venwhendue.
Mpho:whymustyoufightit
,youli
ketheguy
,he
l
ikesy
ousojustbetogetheral
ready.
Me:iseewhatt
hisi
s!Youaregangi
ngupon
me.(
Iwaveatthewait
resssohecanbri
ngour
bi
l
l)
Wai
ter
:cani
hel
pyouma'
am?
?
Me:
Canwehav
eourbi
l
l??
Waiter
:MrMokoenahasal
readyt
akencar
eof
yourbi
ll
.
Me:
great
!Thanky
ouf
ort
hemeal
.
(
Hewal
ksaway
)
Dy
na:
Whoi
sMrMokoena?
Mpho:
(smi
l
ing)Mi
guel
.
Me:her
ewegoagai
n.Iwi
l
lbei
nthecary
ouwi
l
l
f
indmether
ewhenyouwr
apuphere.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Fri
daynightout,
withmygi r
lshavingfunsome
fun.I
tsbeenlongtimesinceidrank,my
dri
nki
ngcapacityislow.I
m begnningtoget
ti
psy.
Mpho:
slowdowny
ouwi
l
lsoonhav
eabl
ack
out
.
Me: i
m goodjustl
etmegetdrunkthi
sonce
wit
houtTrevororany
onebreathi
ngdownonmy
neck.
Li
sa:Wil
li
scomingtogetmesoonsoi
dont
wantt
ogetdrunk.
Me:greati
wi l
lhaveyourshot
s!(Ir
aisemyhand
aski
ngfortecqui
lashotsfr
om thebarman)
Mpho:
youandWi
l
lit
sget
ti
ngpr
ett
yser
ious?
?
Me:justdontgi
vehi
mthecooki
eyett
hisguy
s
cantbetrust
ed.
Mpho: (
roll
ingherey
es)y
ouj ustgivei
tal
lyou
hardifi
tendsuphappening.Itendsup
happenning.
Me:QuotingJust
inBiebernow.(Downingthe
shot
)loverboysarehere.(
Pointi
ngatThagiso
andWill
.Thatsmyque, im goi
ngtodanceabit.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
I
m drunkbey
ondmeasur es.Iam si
tt
ingwit
ha
bunchofguy
si dontknow.Whenoneoft hem
getst
ouchytouchy.
Hi
m:comeon,
iknowy
ouwanti
t.
Me:(st
utt
eri
ng)keepy
ourhandst
oyoursel
f,
bef
oreismackyou.
Hi
m: f
ier
ce.Il
i
kethem f
iercel
i
key ou.(
Hol
ding
myfaceashebri
ngshisfacecloser
)
Miguel
:(t
wist
inghi
shand)i
thi
nkt
hel
adysai
d
no.
Hi
m:ouchouch!Okayi
goti
t.
(
Hel
etsgoandpusheshi
m away
)
Me:
Miguel
!
Mi
guel
:youar
edr
unk.Let
sgo.
Me:
im notgoi
ngany
waywi
thy
ou.
Mi
guel
:let
sgoNandi
pha.Dontmakemer
epeat
my
self
.
Me:
thendont
.Justgo.
Mi
guel
:youdr
ivemecr
azyatt
imes.
(Hepicksmeupli
keachil
dputsmeov erhis
shoul
derandwal
ksout,
whilei
scream atthe
topofmylungst
hathel
etmedown. )
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Myheadi spounding, asiwakeup.Wheni open
myey esimi nastrangeroom, aroom sobig
wit
hwhi l
ewal l
.Ther oundbedt hatimin,i
salso
white.I
m alsoinawhi teshi
rtnothingbeneathi
t.
Igetscared,andburymyheadonmyhands,
tr
yingtorecallwhathappened.Wheni r
aisemy
handhewal ksoutoftheadjourningr
oom, i
n
nothi
ngbutat owelwrappedar oundhi
swai st
al
lwet,theothertowelbusydryinghi
sdump
hai
r.God!Ibli
nkjust,
asmyey esgoov erhi
s
body,whymusthebet hi
ssexy .
Miguel
:
oh!youar
eawake!(
Giv
ingmegenui
ne
smil
e)Morni
ng.
Heav
enl
yFat
herwhyy
oudoi
ngt
hist
omemar
a!!
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t13
I
tli
keim dreami
ngbutiknowiam nothei
s
r
eall
ystandingi
nfr
ontofme,smi
ll
i
ng.
Me:
(shy
ly)Hi
e..
!!
Mi
guel
:fi
nal
l
yyouar
eawake.
Me:
wher
eam i
??
Mi
guel
:youar
einmyapar
tmenti
nbl
ock10.
Me:
howdi
digether
e??
Mi
guel
:it
oldy
out
hewayy
oudr
inki
snotso
l
adyl ike.Youdontevenrememberl astni
ght.
Wheny oubeggedmet obr
ingy ouhereandf**k
theday li
ghtoutofyou.(Mi
mi cki
ngmyv oice)
PleaseMi guel,
ial
sowantt astewhatothergi
rls
tasted.Giveitt
omehar d.
Me:
idi
dntsayt
hat
..
Mi
guel
:yesy
oudi
d.
Me:
(bi
ti
ngmynai
l
)di
dwedoi
t??
Miguel
:iwoul
dntt
akeadv
ant
ageofadr
unk
woman.
Me:
howt
hendi
diendupi
nthi
sshi
rt
?
Miguel:
ihadnochoi
cebuttochangey
ouaf
ter
yourthr
ewupinyourcl
othes.
Me:
oh!Youchangedme.
Miguel:
yesididdontwor
ryy
ouhav
enot
hingi
haventseenbefor
e.
Me:
wel
lthanky
ou.
Mi
guel
:wel
come,
youcangoi
ntohav
eabat
h,i
t
ookl
ibert
yofbuy
ingy
ousomecl
othesi
hope
t
heyf
it.
Me:
youdi
dnthav
eto.
Miguel
:okay
!Whatwerey
ougoingt
oweart
hen?
Gobackhomewearingmyshi
rt
?
Me:
thecl
othesi
wor
elastni
ght
.
Miguel
:it
hrewthem i
nthedust
bin.Feel
freet
o
goanddigini
tlooki
ngfort
hem.
(Hewal kstowhatl ookslikeani nbuil
tincloset.
Givi
ngmet imetocomposemy self
.Igotot he
bathroom.Andl ookmy sel fint hemirror
.Iopen
thedr awesbelowt hesinkandgr aba
toothbrush.Ir
insemymout h.Itakeoftheshirt.
Thent hebathroom door sopensandhewal ks
i
n.Themomenti sawkwar df oramoment ,
imi n
nothingbutlaceythongsandt hismani s
starr
ingatmesol ustf
ul.If eelmycheeksbur n
up.)
Me:
donty
ouknowhowt
oknock?
?
Mi
guel
:i
tismyhouse,
whyshoul
diknock?
?
Me:
tsk!Youar
est
arr
ingi
tisr
ude.
Mi
guel
:iknow.Ibr
oughty
ousomedr
ytowel
s.
(Hehandsthem tome.I
nst
eadofwalki
ngaway
hecomesbehindhim.Maki
ngmef acethe
mirr
or.Ist
areathimi
nthemir
ror
)
(
hol
dmywai stt
henki
ssesmyneckhisey
eson
me,
igetbut
terf
li
esonmystomach.)
Mi guel:t
hedayi deci detogranty ou,yourwi sh,
iwi l
ldoitwheny ouar eful
lawakel ikenow, so
thatmemor iesofmyl ovemakingbecomes
i
mpai r
ediny ourmi nd.( Mov i
nghishandst omy
nippleshest rokest hem)soy ourememberhow
i
tf el
tliketohav emyhandsmov ingony our
smoot hbody .Soy our emembermysi zeand
howi sf i
ll
edy ouupgi vingyougreatsat i
sf acti
on.
(Hemov escl osersoi feel
hismanhoodi nmy
but t
)itwil
lbeani ghtofpassi on.Andi nt he
mor ningiwi l
l havey ouagainhere, j
ustliket hi
s,
l
ooki ngaty ourf aceasi gi
veyou
sati
sfact
ion.(amoanescapesmymout h)t
hat
dayiscomi ngsoon.(Hekissesmycheekthen
walksoutonme.Leav i
ngmehands.Thi si
s
dangerous,heislet
hal ,
adangert omy
exi
stenceifhiswordscar r
ysomuchi mpact
whataboutt herealt
hing.Igetashiv
erasist
ep
i
ntotheshowerbl ocki
ngmyt hought
s.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Wheni getoutthebat hroom hei snowher ein
sight,t
hebedal readymadeup.f rom theway
thingsinthebathr oom andt hisroom ar eorgan.
Iknowwi t
hinani nstantt hathei sacl eanfreak.
Istepintothecal vinkleinundi eshegotme, a
pairofskinnyjeans, blacksl eevelesstopand
blackhighheels.Al lisper f
ectf i
t,iwalkoutand
ireali
sethatimi naf l
at.Abi gf l
at.Ilookaround
andt hereisabigpi ctureofhi m, allseri
ousi na
suitmount edinthehal l
.Ther eisanot hertwo
roomsup.Iwal kdownst airsintoacosyl i
vi
ng
room, hehast wobi ggr eyLcouches, ascreen
mount edtot hewal l.Awhi tecar petwi t
hagl ass
coffeetable.Somet hingscatchesmyey ebyt he
fi
replace,itisframedphot oofme, laughing.Its
apicturefrom lastyeari wasoutwithMpho
beforeistarteddat i
ngTrev or
.Thereisanot her
onealsobesi dei t
.Myey esclosed,i
m att he
stop.Inoti
cehi mi nthekitchen.Igr
abt he
photosandwal kupt ohim.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Me:
whati
sthi
s??
Miguel
:whogav
eyouper
missi
ont
otouchmy
t
hings?
Me:whogav
eyouper
missi
ont
otakepi
ctur
es
ofme?
Miguel
:(gr
abbi
ngt
hepict
ures)i
hat
eitwhen
peopl
emov emyst
aff.
(Hetakesthem back.I
mjustspecchl
ess
star
ingathim)
Miguel:t
heyar
epict
urei
tookthefi
rstt
imei
sawy ou.Youwer
ewithMpho.Iwascapti
vat
ed
byyourbeaut
ythatitookapict
ure.Thesecond
1itookwheni wasTrevor
.Hewant edtosee
thi
sbeauti
ful
girl
ikepttal
ki
ngabout .
Me:
(ner
vousl
y)whatar
eyousay
ingMi
guel
?
Miguel:
Isawy oufi
rstthenTrev
orbeinga
duckheadthatheisdecidedt
oapproachyou
fi
rst
.Comeonsi t,
y ourfoodi
sgett
ingcol
d.
(Isi
nki nt
othestoolnexttohim andeatt
he
breakfasthecooked.Whenhei sdonehe
standsupandwal kout .If
ini
sheati
ngandwash
thedishes.I
tstheleasticando.)
Miguel
:yourphonehasbeenr
ingi
ngnonest
op.
(
Handingitovertome)
Me:
shi
t!If
orgot
,Dy
nai
sgoi
ngt
oki
l
lme.Ineed
t
ogo.
Miguel
:mydr
iveri
sreadyout
sidehewi
l
ltake
youhome.
Me:
thanky
ou.Forev
ery
thi
ng.Seey
ouar
ound.
Mi
guel
:hav
eagoodday
.(Het
urnsandwal
ks
upst
air
s.Igr
abmyhandbagandr
unout
side.I
m
l
ateformydatewi
thLeat
il
e)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
(weareatAvanihav
ingl
unch.I
m boredt
o
deat
h.Heisaniceguybutmyhearti
snotreal
l
y
i
nit)
Leat
il
e:yourmotherf
orgott
oment
iont
haty
ou
aret
hisbeaut
if
ul.
Me:(smi
l
li
ng)Thanky
oui
guessi
takeaf
ter
her
.
Leat
il
e:sowhatdoy
oudof
oral
i
ving?
?
Me:
wel
liam a.
..
.
Mi
guel
:(ki
ssi
ngmycheek)shei
sahousewi
fe.
Hi
babe.
(
Hesay
sashesi
tsdowngr
abbi
ngt
hemenu.
)
Me:(
ast
oni
shed)Mi
guel
whatar
eyoudoi
ng
her
e??
Leat
il
e:y
ouar
emar
ri
ed?
?
Me:
No!
Miguel
:yessheis,
(ki
ssi
ngmycheek)mywife
andmotherinlawdothi
sal
lthet
imewheni
haveadisagr
eementwit
hmywi f
e.Theywant
topuni
shme.
Leat
il
e:What
?
Mi
guel
:i
m Mi
guel
Mokoenaherhusband.
Leat
il
e:im sor
ryMrMokoenai
didntr
eal
i
set
hat
shei
st aken.
Mi
guel
:i
tisokay
.Youmaygonow.
(
Hest
andsupandl
eav
es.
)
Me:
whatt
hehel
lwast
hatabout
?
Miguel:soyoul
eavemei nthemor ni
ngafter
spendingtheni
ghtwithmef oradatewit
h
anotherman.Me:im notyoursMiguel
.Whati
dowi t
hmyspar et
imei snoneofyour
busi
ness.
(
Heki
ssesme.Thensmi
l
es)
Miguel
:yousocutewhenyouar
ewor
kedup.
Youarenotal
lowedtogoondat
eswi
thot
her
men.
Me:
what
?
Miguel:
comesi nceyouhadl unchiwil
ltakeyou
home.Youar everydi
srespectful
.Youareeven
weari
ngt hecl
othesigotyout othi
sstupid
date.
Me:
ihadnot
imet
ogoandchange.
Miguel
:(hol
dingmyhand)y
ouar
esomet
hing
beau.
(
Ilethi
m payt
hebi
l
lthenwewal
ktohi
scar)
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t14
Aftergett
ingascoldfrom mom aboutthedat
e.
Igetamynov elanddeci
det oj
uststayinmy
room enjoyi
ngthegoodr eadsi
nceLisaisout
withWi l
l
.ThisMokoenaguy sarej
ust
somet hi
ngelse.Thenovelisgr
eatbuticant
real
l
yconcentrateikeeprepeat
ibgt
hesame
l
ineoverandov eragai
nbecauseheisonmy
mind.Heismaki ngmel osemysanit
y.Asifhe
knowsimt hi
nkingofme.Myphoner ings.
Me:
hel
l
o.
Miguel
:hi
ma'am i
sthi
sthegasser
vices
company??
Me:
(smi
l
li
ng)r
eal
l
ynow!
Miguel:i
wantedtoknowify
oucanbeabl
eto
del
iver48kgcyl
inderi
nbl
ock10.
Me:
youar
enotbei
ngser
iousr
ightnow.
Mi
guel
:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
?
Me:
readi
nganov
el.
Miguel
:howaboutwegooutl
aterj
ustt
het
wo
ofus??
Me:
arey
ouaski
ngmeadat
e??
Miguel
:yesiam.MsWethucany
oudomean
honourandgoonadat
ewi t
hme??
Me:
im al
l
owedt
osayno!
Mi gl
:no,
youarenot.Dontt
ellmeyouwantme
tosweatbeforeicanhaveyou??Youar
enot
playi
nghardtoget,r
ight
??
Me:
whati
fiam?
?
Miguel:
youbewast
ingbot
hmyt i
meandy
our
s
becausenomatt
erhowmuchmakemesweat
foryouNana,
youwil
lbemine.
Me:
youar
esosur
ear
enty
ou?
?
Miguel
:ihaveever
yreasonto.Idonteasi
l
ygi
ve
upbeauy oushoul
dknowt hatbynow.
(t
her
eisaknockatt
hedoor
)
Me:
Ther
eissomeoneatt
hedoor
.Ineedt
ogo.
Miguel
:goandchasewhoev
eri
taway
.Ist
il
l
wanttotal
ktoyou.
Me:
(laughi
ng)y
ouar
ecr
azyy
ouknowt
hat
.
Miguel
:6pm ber
eady
,iwi
l
lbet
her
etot
ake
you.
(Hehangsupbefor
eicanprotest
.Ismil
eatmy
phoneasiwalkt
othedoor.Foronlyt
hesmil
e
todi
sappeari
mmediat
elywheni seewhoison
mydoorstep)
Me: whatdoy
ouwantTr
evor
?Al
readyt
ir
edof
yourwife?
?
Tr
evor
:Ihavecomet
obegyoutopl
easef
orgi
ve
meandletmebacki
ntoy
ourl
if
e.
Me:
ist
hissomeki
ndofj
oke?
Tr
evor:i
m genuine,
(hegr
absmyhear tandput
s
i
toverhi
sheart)thi
shear
titbeat
sforyou,I
l
oveyouNandipha.
Me:
buty
oumar
ri
edher
.
Tr
evor
:iwi
l
ldi
vor
ceherf
ory
ou.Ipr
omi
se.
Me:
(snatchi
ngmyhand)Iti
sali
tt
lebi
ttool
ate
f
oryou.Itol
dyoui
neverwantt
oseeyouagain.
Trevor
:isitbecausenowyouarebei
ngbanged
bymybr otherthatwhyyouwantnot
hingt
odo
withme? ?
Me:
Excuseme!
Trevor:
youareab* **
hNandi pha.Fr
om mybed
youjumpi nt
omybr other
'sbed.Icantbel
i
evei
fel
lforyourl
itt
lei
nnocentlook.
(
irai
sedmyhandandsl
appedhi
mri
ghtacr
oss
t
heface)
Me:aft
erev erythi
ngyouputmet hr
ough.You
havegutstost andthereandcallmenames.
Andforther ecordwhoeveriletshagme, ei
ther
Miguelorany oneoutthere.I
snoneofy our
busi
ness.
Tr
evor
:iam sor
ryi
d..
..
.
Me:(i
nter
ruptinghi
m)keepy oursor r
iesTrevor
.
Looki
ngathowmuchy ouwantMi gueltoshagg
me.Iam goingtolethi
m doi t
.Gobackgoy ou
wif
eandleav emet hehell
alone.(Ishutthe
dooronhisfaceasi walktomyr oom.He
makesmesomad)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Il
ookatmy sel
foncemor
eint
omirror
,im
weari
ngthedressmymom gotme.Iwalkt
o
outhol
dingapurse.
Li
sa:
wow!Gi
rly
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul.Ahotdat
e.
Me:
youcansayt
hat
.Doi
lookokay
??
Li
sa:okayisanundestatement
.Yourdatewont
beabletoconcent
rat
et hewholeni
ght.
Miguel:(
standi
ngatt
hedoor)yeah,Li
sayouar
e
r
ight.Idontthi
nkiwi
l
lbeableto.(Hel
ooksat
meandsmi l
es)Ar
eyouready?
?
Me:
yeahi
am.Li
sai
wil
lseey
oul
ater
.
Li
sa:
(wi
nki
ng)hav
efun.
(
Mi guel
openst
hedoorandwalksmet
othe
waiti
ngcar
.Heopensthedoorf
ormet
hen
j
oinsmeattheback.)
Mi
guel
:youl
ooksobeaut
if
ulMaShenge.
Me:
(looki
ngaway
)thanky
ou.
Mi
guel
:(hol
dingmebymycheek)heyl
ookat
me.Youdr
ivi
ngmecr
azydoy
ouknowt
hat
??
Me:
thef
eel
i
ngi
smut
ual
.
Mi
guel
:whatam i
todowi
thy
ou?
?
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Thedinnerdatewasjustamazi
ng,underthe
moonlight
,shari
ngjokesl
ikeanol
dcouple,j
ust
aperf
ectev er
ningwit
hanamazingguy .
Mi
guel
:mor
ewi
ne?
?
Me:
yespl
ease.
Mi
guel
:youbet
ternotgetdr
unk.
Me:
im notar
etar
ddr
unkar
dthaty
ouassumei
am.
Mi
guel
:iknowanywaywhoi
sNandi
pha!Tel
l
meaboutyour
sel
f.
Me:t
her
eisnot
hingr
eal
l
y,i
m sur
eyouknow
ev
ery
thi
ng.
Mi
guel
:iwi
l
lli
ket
oheari
tfr
om t
hehor
se'
s
mout
h.
Me: im 22.Onl ychil
dofDy na.Idontknowmy
father,Dynadoesnotl i
keitwheni askabout
him.Ihav ehad3st epfathers,andnolongerin
touchwi tht hem aft
ertheotheronepassed
awayandt wodivorcedmom.Nochi ld.Im doi
ng
abusi nessmanagementcour seri
ghtnow
becausei dontintendonbeingawai tressallmy
l
ife.Thatsbasi call
yit.
Miguel
:okayi
see,
youar
eaf asci
nat
ingy
oung
l
ady.Canwetakeawal
ksincewebothdone.
Me:
yeahokay
!
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Wear etaki
ngawayint
hest r
eet
,acoolchi
l
led
ni
ght.Ihavemyhabdswrappedaroundmy
body
.
Miguel
:(put
ti
nghi
sjacketonme)y
oumustbe
col
d.
Me:t
hankyou.Sowhoi
sMi
guel
Mokoena?
Howoldar
ey ou?
?
Mi
guel
:ol
denough.
.
Me:
oldenought
owhat
??
Mi
guel
:Getmar
ri
ed.
Me:
stopdodgi
ngt
hequest
ion.
Miguel:im 28y earsold.Iam hal faf r
ikaansand
ngwat o.Mymot herwasadr ugaddi ctshe
passedawaywheni wasy oungsoi wasr aised
bymyst epmot herMaggi et hewomanatt he
weddingwhoscol dedme.Iam f r
om av ery
l
argef ami l
y.Myf atherhas3wi f
es.(Ilookat
him athim shocked)y eahi know, Maggi eisthe
fi
rstwi f
eshehad3chi l
dreni ncl udingmebut
Pheny othef i
rstbornpassedawaysonow
remainsj ustmeandFer guson.Thesecond
wifehas4, Trevorand3si ster s.The3r dwi fei
s
youngert hanmebyay earandshei sexpect i
ng.
Myf atherisav il
lagechief.Ir unt hef amily
businesst hi
ssidewi thTrev or .That sbasicall
y
Miguel'sbackgr ound.
Me:
soy
ourf
ami
l
ypr
act
icespol
ygamy
??
Mi
guel
:myf
athernotmyf
ami
l
y.
Me:
may
bey
ouar
egoi
ngt
otakeaf
terhi
m.
Miguel
:Dontwor
ryy
ouwi
l
lbet
heonl
ywi
fei
have.
Me:
youar
eget
ti
ngwayaheadofy
our
sel
fMr
.
(Suddenl
yther ai
npoursdown,Mi
guelgrabsmy
handandhur r
iestothecart
hatwasfol
lowing
usatadistance.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Weareinf
rontofmyhouse.I
nhisumbr
ell
a.He
i
nsi
stedonwalkingmetothedoor
.
Me:
thanky
oui
hadf
un.
Mi
guel
:sodi
di.Weshoul
ddot
hisagai
nsoon.
Me:
wewi
l
l.Wel
lGoodni
ght
.
Mi
guel
:Goodni
ghtMashenge.
Me:
Dri
vesaf
ely
.
Mi
guel
:heki
ssesmyf
orwar
d)i
wil
ltel
lAust
on
t
odr
iveext
racar
eful
.By
e.
(Hewal
ksbacktothecarwhi
l
eistepi
ntot
he
houset
ofi
ndLisaandMphostar
ri
ngatme)
.
.
.
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t15
Ist
arebackatthem asipasstomyroom .Li
ke
aut
omat edr
obortt
heycomer ushi
ngaft
erme, i
si
mplyignor
ethem asigetoutofmydressand
wearmypy j
amas.
Mpho:comeon,
arey
our
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
okeepus
i
nsuspense?
Me:
huh?
?
Li
sa:
comeonNandi
,thesuspensei
ski
l
li
ng
me.
Me:
iwoul
dli
kei
cecr
eam andaf
ootmassage.
Mpho:
youwantust
owor
kfori
t??
Me:
youwantt
hedet
ail
sornot
??
Li
sa:
ofcour
sewedo.
Me:
thenj
ustdoasi
say
.
Mpho:
Lisawhatar
est
il
lwai
ti
ngf
or.
(
Im nar
rat
ingmystory
.Andthegir
lsar
e
l
i
sterni
ngatt
ent
ivel
ytoever
ydetai
l)
Me:
that
sbasi
cal
l
yit
!
Mpho:
hei
ssor
omant
ic.
Me:
iknowr
ight
..
Li
sa:
shei
sbl
ushi
ng.
Mpho:
admi
tity
ouhav
efeel
i
ngf
orhi
m.
Me:okayali
tt
lebi
t,butt
hef
actt
hatheis
Tr
evor'
sbrot
herbr
ingsmebit
ter
ness.
Mpho:
for
getaboutt
hatbl
ackbast
ard!Gof
or
t
hecol
our
edbrother
.
Li
sa:
yesi
agr
eepl
usTr
evori
smar
ri
edmoss.
Mpho:
may
behewant
sherasasecondwi
fe.
Me:
(ni
ger
ianaccent
)GodFor
biddo!
!
(
Wecr
ackupl
aughi
ng)
Mpho:
(hi
tt
ingmewit
hapil
low)youarebad!
Whydi
dntyout
ell
usyouar
egoingforadate
wi
thhi
m.
Me:y
ouarenotDyna.Whyshoul
dir
epor
t
ev
ery
thi
ngtoyou?
?
(Wehav eourpi
ll
owf i
ghtlaughingwef al
lback
i
nmybed.Myphoner ings.It
sMi guel
.Ichase
thegi
rlsoutofmyroom.Leani ngagainstthe
door,
breathl
essianswer)
Me:
missi
ngmeal
ready
??
Mi
guel
:youhav
enoi
dea!
Me:
didy
ouar
ri
vesaf
ely
??
Miguel
:idi
dbeau,j
ustgoti
nbed.Thoughti
can
t
ohearmygi r
l'
svoi
cebefor
eisleep.
Me:yourgi
rl
??Justaf
ter1dat
eyouar
eal
ready
decl
ari
ngmey ourgi
rl
.
Miguel
:l
ongdecl
aredyoumygi
rlbef
orewe
ev
enwentonthatdate.
Me:
isi
t??
Mi
guel
:yes!Whatar
eyoust
il
ldoi
ngup?
Me:
im wi
thLi
saandMpho.
Miguel
:okaywell
letmenotdi
stur
byourgir
ls
checkup.Iknowyoubusyf
il
li
ngthem upon
howthedatewas.
Me:
im not
!
Miguel:iknowgi
rl
s!Youevengot
otheext
ent
ofdiscussingmydi
ck'
ssize.
Me:
(laughi
ng)r
eal
l
ynow.
Mi
guel:youknowi
mtel
l
ingt
het
rut
h.Goodni
ght
Mashenge.
Me:
snuggl
eti
ght
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
*
***
**Mont
hlat
er*
**
Wear eonour5t hdate,holdi
nghandsaf t
eran
operani
ght,.
wal kingbacktot hecar.Anot
her
wayofspendingaf ri
daynight ,
Miguelhasbeen
busyint
roducingmet opeoplehereashi s
gi
rlf
ri
end.Nott hati minded.
Me:amongstal
lourdat
es,
thi
swast
hewor
st
Mi
guel.Oper
a!!
Miguel:
imr eal
l
yfal
l
ingf
orafarm gi
rl
!
Ngwany anawamasimostr
aight
!Operai
sthe
l
astestthi
ng.
Me:(
ist
andsti
ll
andhol
dmywai
stl
ooki
ngat
hi
m)far
m gi
rl
!
Miguel
:(ki
ssi
ngmycheek)st
opsul
kingi
m
sorr
yyouarenotaf
arm gi
rl
.Youar
emygi r
l.
Me:thatwasbori
ngmar
e,i
sthathowr
ich
peopl
espendthei
rfr
eet
ime.
Miguel
:i
m of
fendedar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osayi
m
bori
ng.
Me:
yourl
i
fest
ylesar
ebor
ing.
Miguel
:youweresl
eepingduri
ngtheshow.
Anywaysincewedidnothavedinnerwhatar
e
wegoingtohave?
Me:
imi
nmoodoff
astf
ood.
Mi
guel:t
henfastfoodi
tis.Iwantt
oholdyouin
mychesttoni
ghtnotdoanythi
ngbutj
ust.
..
..
.
Me:
(putti
ngmyfingerinhi
sli
ps)sh!
!Noneed
t
oexpl
ainiwantt
hatalso.
Mi
guel
:gr
eatl
etsgo.
.
..
..
..
..
..
Wear einhisapart
mentsitti
ngdownont he
fl
oorhavingpizzaandlaughi
ngl i
kewehave
knowneachot herforyear
s.Whowoul dhave
thoughtfr
om enermiestothis?
Mi
guel
:youl
ookmi
l
esaway
!
Me:
imj
ustt
hinki
ng.
Mi
guel
:about
??
Me:
not
hingi
mpor
tant
!Ar
eyoudone?
?
Miguel
:yeahgoinandhav eabat
h.Myshir
ts
ar
eintheclosetopposi
te.Iwi
l
lwrapupher
e.
Me:
okay
.
(Iwal
kupst ai
rsandtakeashower.Thengeti
n
bed.Miguel j
oinsmeshor
tl
yafterhavi
nga
showeralso.)
Miguel
:(hi
shandswr
appedar
oundme)What
doyouwanttodotommorow?
Me:
stayi
ndoor
swat
chmov
ies.
Mi
guel
:wi
l
lrentoutsomemov
iest
hen.
Me:okay!Remindmet ocal
lDynatomor
row.
Aft
erbunkingoutonherbli
nddat
eshemustbe
supermad.
Miguel
:tel
lyourmom thatyouar
etakenand
yourmanisv er
yter
ri
tori
al.
Me:
iwi
l
lrel
ayt
hemessagev
erywel
l
.
Mi
guel
:whydoy
oucal
lherwi
thhername?
?
Me:
cal
l
inghermom appar
ent
lyj
ustmakesher
ol
d.Mi
guel
:shesoundsl
i
keadi
va.
Me: y
ouhav enoidea.Shedoesnotwantmet
o
getpregnantbecauseiwi
llcuthery
out
h
younger.
Miguel
:youbett
ert
ell
hert
hati
ntendt
oknock
youupafteri
givey
oumyring.
Me:
youar
equi
tebusyMrMokoena.
Miguel:i
dontseemyfutur
ewit
houtyou
Nandipha.Comelet
sgetsomesleep.
Me:
goodni
ght
.
Mi
guel
:notsof
asti
needmygoodni
ghtki
ss.
(Hepossessesmymout
handgi
vesmemy
goodni
ghtkiss)
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t17
WhenGodgiv
esy oupeopl
ewhounder stand
andl
oveyoui
tisalwaysbesttocher
ishthem
andgi
vet
hem theloveal
so.Forthef
riendshe
placedi
nmylif
ei wil
lalwaysbegratef
ul.Si
tt
ing
downhav i
ngourcocktai
lsatRhapsody.A
chil
ledf
ri
dayni
ght.!
!
Mpho:
ithasbeensol
ongsi
ncewecameher
e!
Lisa:
orevenwhenwehadourout
ingswi
thout
theguys!
Mpho:t
heyhav
etot
all
yhi
j
ackedourout
ings
t
hisday
s.
Me:i
tisagoodt
hingt
hatnoneoft
hem ar
eher
e
t
oday.
Li
sa:andi
m gl
adyouareher
ethi
sdaysim
begnni
ngt
odoubtify
ouevenli
veatourhouse.
Me:
whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay
??
Mpho: ThatMi
guelhasdefi
nat
elystol
eour
f
riend.Youtwoarealway
sgluedtogetherl
i
ke
f
ingerandnail
.
Me:
Miguel
doesntwantt
oletmeof
fhi
ssi
te!
Li
sa:
hemustbegi
vi
ngi
thar
dtoi
fhegoty
ou
wr
appedar
oundhi
sli
tt
lef
ingerl
i
ket
his!
Me:i
fyouguysonlynewthathehasnotev
en
t
appedthecooki
ey et
!!
Mpho:
youar
ely
ing!
!
Me:iknowiti
shardt
obel
i
evebutwehav
ent
donethedeedyet
.
Li
sa:
ithasbeenov
eramont
h!Why
??
Me:t
herei
sthatt
hingcal
l
edt
aki
ngt
hings
sl
ow.
..
Mpho:Mi
guell
ooksli
keafuckboyi
m sur
pri
sed
t
hathehasnotyett
appedi
t.
Me:
evenf
uckboy
sset
tl
edownatt
imes.
Li
sa:
her
eal
l
ylov
esy
ouhey
!!
Me:
andhet
reat
smesogood.Il
ovehi
m al
so.
Mpho:l
ovei
stheai
r.Guy
sim cr
avi
ng
somet
hingmeat
y.
Me:howaboutwegetoursel
vessomeredds
t
hengohomeandhav esomebr ai
i
.Just3ofus
noMi
guel
,noThabi
andWi
l
l.
Li
sa:soundsl
i
keapl
an.Pl
usi
m st
il
lmadat
Wil
l.
Mpho:j
ustki
ssandmakeupal
ready
,that
s
whaty
oualwaysdo.
Li
sa:themakeupsexisal
way
smi
ndbl
owi
ng.I
wi
llseehi
mt ommorow.
Mpho:st
opt
alki
ngaboutsexy
ouwi
l
lmaket
he
wai
ti
ngoneherehor
ny.
Me:
(r
oll
i
ngmyey
es)r
eal
l
ynow!Let
sjustgo.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Themusicisnice,
thegreatni
ger
ianr
eggae.We
areenj
oyi
ngsweetr oseandsomebrai
imeat
wegot.Agirl
scatchup.Therei
saknockatthe
door,welookateachother.
Me:
iti
snotMi
guel
.
Li
sa:
itcantal
sobeWi
l
l.
Mpho:
asf
arasi
knowThabi
soi
swi
tht
heboy
s.
Aguy
sni
ghtouti
hear
d.
Li
sa:
wel
ll
etmegoandseewhoi
tis.
Me:j
ustchasewhoev
eri
tawayev
eni
fiti
s
Mi
guel.
(Li
saopenthedoorandthedr
unkTrevor
stumbl
esin,smel
li
ngli
keashebeen.
)
Tr
evor
:wher
eisshe?
(
Hewal
ksst
rai
ghtt
omeandhugsme)
Me:
Trev
orwhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e??
Tr
evor
:imissedy
ouNana,
imi
sshol
dingy
ou
myarms.
Me:(pushi
nghim away
)pl
easel
eav
e.Idont
wantyouhere?
Trev
or:whyisi
tbecauseofMi
guel?
?Me:
are
youfor
gett
ingt
hatyouaremar
ried?
?
(
Hekneel
sbef
oreher
)
Trev
or:pl
easebr
eakupwit
hMiguel,
comeback
tome.Letmetakeyouasmysecondwif
e.
(
Mphoexcl
aims)
Me:i
sthi
sguyevenli
steni
ngt
ohi
msel
fri
ght
now?
?IloveMi
guel!
(
Hegi
vesmeacol
dst
aret
henst
andsup)
Trevor:(sar
cast i
claugh)Lov ewhatdoy ou
knowaboutl ove??Stopdr eamingandsmel lt
he
coffee.(Holdingmyt i
ghtlybythecheeks
pressinghardont othem)i am theoneyoulove,
notMi guel,
me.Iowny ouNandi phaandyouar e
notallowedt odateev enmybr other
.Youare
mine.
(
Hegethy
ster
icandbegi
nst
rashi
ngourpl
ace.
)
Mpho:Tr
evorst
opthis!Youaremar ri
edfor
heav
ensakewhatdidy ouexpecthertodoit
.
Tr
evor:
youst
ayoutoft
hisMpho.I
fyouknow
what
sgoodfory
ou.
(Hegrabsmyhandandwalkst
omyr oom and
closesdowndoor
.Hebegi
nstr
ashi
ngitdown
agai
n.Ij
ustst
andt
her
est
arr
ingathi
m)
Me: canyoujustst
opt
hisandgobackhomet
o
yourwife??
Trev
or :
(screami
ng)shutup!Di
dithav
etobe
mybr otherofal
lpeopl
e.Whyhim!Whycant
youunder st
andthatil
oveyou!
(Hedr opstohiskneesandcr y
.Ev ersi
ncei
start
eddat i
ngTr evorinev ersawhi mt hi
s
brokenandmess.Wi t
houtr eali
singwhati am
doingi dr
opt omykneesandwi pehistears
away .Despi
tet hefactthathebr okemyhear t
anddi danunf orgi
vabledeedagai nstme.Icant
helpbutbreaki nsi
deasi seehiml i
kethi
s.)
Me:
iti
sokay
,youdonthav
etocr
yli
ket
his.
.
Trev
or:i
ficanthav
ey out
hennoonewi
l
lhav
e
youespeci
all
ynotMiguel
.
Suddenl
yhepushesmet odownonthemat
andhishandscometomyt hr
oat
.Hechokes
me, il
ookathi
m beggi
ngformyli
fe.If
eel
my sel
ftakeloosingmybr eathanditakedeep
breathasisayashor tprayertothealmight
yto
spareme.Iam noty etreadytotakedie.Asi
am abouttot akemyl astbreaththedooropens
andMi guelr
ushesi n.)
Miguel:(
kicki
nghisbr
otherof
fme)youbast
ard.
(
Hepi ckshim upandpuncheshi
m,Mphohelps
meupl ooking.
(
Irusht
oMi
guel
andhugshi
mfr
om behi
nd.)
Me:
Dontbeathi
m!Hei
sdr
unkl
ethi
m be.
(
Ihearhi
m si
ghandt
akeadeepbr
eat
h)
Mi
guel
:heal
mostki
l
ledy
ou.
Me:
buthedi
dnt
.
(
Wil
lhel
psTr
evorupandt
akeshi
m home.
)
Mi
guel
:(Huggi
ngme)comey
ouar
ecomi
ng
wi
thme..
Me:
but
!
Mi
guel
:nobut
s!!Justpacky
ourbag.
IlookatMphowhonodswi thherhead.Ipacka
fewofmycl othesandleavewit
hMi guel
.Ican
seehei ssti
l
langryfocusedontheroad.I
unbucklemybel tandputmyheadonhi s
shoulder.
Mi
guel
:ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ogetuski
l
led?
?
(
Ismi
l
etomy
sel
fandki
sshi
scheek)
Me:
dontbeangr
y.Iam okay
!
.
..
..
..
..
Iam wear i
ngagownandsl eeper
ssimil
artohi
s.
Sippingsomewarm waterasi st
areout
sidet
he
balcony.Hehugsmefrom behind.
Miguel
:arey
ousur
eyoudontneedt
oseea
doctor
??
Me:
yesi
am f
inest
opwor
ryi
ng.
Mi
guel
:okywhati
str
oubl
i
ngy
out
hen?
?
Me:if
eel
responsi
blef
orwhati
shappeni
ng!He
l
ookssol
ost.
Miguel
:thi
sisnoty
ourf
aul
tatal
l
.Tr
evori
sa
gr
ownmanNanaheknewwhathewasdoi ng.
Me:sti
ll
itisbr
eaki
nghi
m apar
ttoseeus
t
ogether.
Miguel:
(fur
ious)i
fyoust
il
lhav
efeeli
ngsfor
hi
mt henwhydonty ougoandbewithhim?Im
angoingtobeashadowofmybr other.
(
Itur
nar
oundandl
ookathi
m)
Me:il
oveyoubutyouneedt
oundestandthati
am f
eel
ingthati
m comi
ngbetweeny
out wo.
Miguel:youarenot.Trevorwil
lbeokayst
op
worryi
ng.Ilov
ey ouNanabuti fyousti
l
lhave
feel
i
ngf ormybr othertel
lmenowi dontwantt
o
bestreamedal ongfornothi
ng.
Me:ilov
eyouandonlyyou.Letsst
optal
king
aboutTbecausehei
sjustrui
ningourmood.
Mi
guel
:comei
tisl
atel
etsgot
obed.
(
Het
akesmyhandandwal
kst
othebed.)
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
Thedr
eam
I
nser
t16
Iwakeupandl ookatt hecl ock,i
tis9am.Il ook
atthemanpeacef ull
ysleepi ngbesideme.I
smile.Caref
ul nottowakehi m upi getoutof
bed.Irinsemymout hbef orei godownst air
st o
preparebreakfast.Ideci
det obakeal sowhilei
makeasi mplebreakfast.Im busywhi ski
ng
eggswhenhewal ksinonl yinhispy j
ama
bottoms.
Miguel
:(huggi
nghimf
rom behi
nd)mor
ning.
Youareupearly!
(
Igetbut
ter
fl
iesi
nmyst
omach,
backhugsar
e
myweakness)
Me:(bl
ushi
ng)mor
ning!Iwant
edt
omakey
ou
br
eakfast
.
Miguel
:smell
sdevi
nei nhere.(Heki
ssesmy
neckashewalkstothekitchen.Hegetsmi
lk
whichhepoursi
nagl assandgulpdown.)
(
Wej usthadbreakfast.Heissit
ti
ngontopof
t
hekitchencounter
, watchi
ngmeasi mixmy
i
ngr
idents.Hegivesmeawi ckedgri
n.)
Me:whatar
eyouthi
nki
ngabout
??Wit
hthat
wi
ckedgri
niknowyouupt
otonogood.
Miguel
:i
mj ustadmi
ri
ng.(
Heput
shi
shandi
n
t
hebowl )
Me:
hey !(
Bef
orei
canpr
otesthesmear
siti
nto
myface)
Me:noyoudi
dntjustdot
hat
.(Idi
pmyhand
andtur
ntoat
tackbuthei
salr
eadyrunni
ng
way.
)
Me:
im notl
ett
ingy
ougot
hateasi
l
y.
(
Chasi
ngaf
terhi
m.)
Mi
guel
:youl
ooksocut
e.
(
Wehav efunchasi
ngeachotherwit
hf l
oor
mixt
ure.Hebr
ingsoutt
heyoungv er
sionof
me.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Wear esit
ti
ngont hecarpetiam inbet
weenhi s
l
egs, wearewatchingmov ies.I
m onhiscalv
in
underwearandhisshir
t.Yeah!iknowijustcant
resi
stthem.
Mi
guel
:youser
iousl
ywantmet
owat
cht
his?
?
Me:
shhh!
!
Mi
guel
:babemma!
!
Me:Canwepleasejustwat
ch?Ihavebeen
wat
chingy
ourterr
ibl
emov i
eshere.
Mi
guel
:youwi
n
(Wefal
lsi
l
entandfocusbackonthet
elev
isi
on.
Therei
saknockatthemaindoor
.Welookat
eachot
herandsi
gh)
Mi
guel
:l
etsj
ustkeepqui
tet
heywi
l
lgoaway
.
Me:(smi
l
ing)y
ouar
ebad.Goandseewhoi
tis
Mr.
(
Hegr
oansashewal
kst
othedoor
.Openni
ng
thedoorTrev
or,Dreal
ongwit
hKatl
egoand
Casseyareatthedoorwi
thacool
er.
)
Tr
evor
:whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
?
Mi
guel
:whatar
eyouguy
sdoi
ngher
e??
Dre:Duh!Weareher
etocheckupony
oui
thas
beenlongsi
ncewesawy ou.
Cassey:
weknowy ouareal
onebecausey
ou
neverbr
ingt
hem hoesher
e??
Trev
or:
(pushi
nghim outoft
heway)wedidnt
comeheretostandoutsi
det
hewholeday
.
(Hewalksst
rai
ghtt otheli
vi
ngr
oom butonl
yto
stoponhist
rackswhenheseesmei ntheli
vi
ng
room.Oureyeslock.Kat,
Cassy
,Dr
eandMi guel
foll
ow.)
Miguel:
beaul
ooksl
i
kewehav
esome
i
ntruder
s.
Kat
:whati
sshedoi
ngher
e??
Mi
guel
:i
tisnoneofy
ourbusi
nessbutsi
ncey
ou
woul
dli
ketoknow,
Shedoesnotneedar
eason
t
oheresi
ncewearedat
ing.
Cassy
:what
??
Mi
guel
:exact
ly??
Dr
e:Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
?
Me:
Ithi
nkt
hat
'smyque!
(
Ist
andt
oleav
ebutMi
guel
grabsmyhand)
Miguel
:youarenotgoi
nganywayi
fanyoft
hem
hasaproblem t
hedoori
sopen.
Tr
evor
:(si
tt
ingdown)br
ingt
hecool
ert
hegame
i
sabouttostar
t??
Kat
:wear
est
ayi
ng?
?
Trev
or:
im st
ayi
ngi
fyouhav
eapr
obl
em y
ou
hear
dtheman.
(
Theysulkbutsi
tdown,Katl
egoisl
ooki
ngat
menotforget
ti
ngherpuppetCassy
)
Me:
iwi
l
lgoandputonsomet
hingdecent
.
Miguel
:(ki
ssi
ngmyhand)i
wil
lber
ightbehi
nd
you.
(iwalktothestair
sandi canf
eelt
hei
reyeson
me.Icanher eanargumenterr
uptasir
eachthe
thebedroom.Ijustputonmyjeanswhen
Miguelwalksin.
)
Mi
guel
:ar
eyouokay
??
Me:
theydontl
i
keme.
Miguel
:idontcar
eift
heyli
keyouornot
.Il
ove
youandthatswhatmatt
ers.
(
Myey
espopoutwhenhesay
shel
ovesme)
Me:i
dontwantt
ocauset
roubl
efory
ouand
t
hem!
Miguel:l
i
stentome, l
i
kei sai
ddownstai
rsthe
doorisopeniftheywanttoleav
e.Iam not
goi
ngt oletany
onecy berbul
lyyou.
.
Me:
okay
.Ibel
i
evewehav
eguest
stoent
ert
ain.
Mi
guel
:bl
oodyi
ntr
uder
s.(
Hehi
ssesaswewal
k
downst
air
s)
Me:
manner
sMrMokoena.
.
..
..
..
..
Trevorisbusydowni ngbottl
es,hedoeanot
evengivet hem br
eaksandt hetensioni
nthe
room isjusttoomuch.Iexcusemy sel
ftogo
andprepar ethem snacks.Katandherpuppet
comebehi ndmyback.Iputchi psont hesmall
bowels.
Kat
:youhav
enoshame,
doy
ouknowt
hat
??
Me:
excuseme?
?
Kat:
from myhusband'
sbedt
ohi
sbr
other
's
bed.
Me:at
leasti
tisnoty
ourhusbandsowhyar
e
youworkedup??
Cassy
:youar
eab*
**h.
Me:
itt
akesonet
oknowonehun!
(t
heyseem sur
pri
sedt
hati
m st
andi
ndupt
o
t
hei
rbul
l
yness.Ikeepmyey
esf
ixedont
hem)
Me: i
di dnotknowt hatTrevorwasengagedi
onlyfoundoutont hedayoft heweddi ng.I
endedt hi
ngswi t
hhi m sot hereisnoneedt obe
i
nsecur ebecauseasy oucany oulosesome,
youwi n.Sogetov ery ourinsecuri
tylady,if
ar
fr
om want i
ngy ourhusband.
(Sher
aisesherhandt
osl
apmebuti
cat
chher
handandholdit
)
Me:iletyoupourwat erwithmet hatsokayi
underst
ood.Butdontt akethatasaweakness
l
ady.Keepy ourhandst oyoursel
f,imightnotbe
sonicenexttime.Andoh! !Pl
easekeepy our
husbandont heleash.Hemustst opbot heri
ng
me.
(Mi
guel
wal
ksinandhugsmef
rom behi
nd
ki
ssi
ngmycheek)
Mi
guel
:ev
ery
thi
ngokaybabe.
Me:
ever
ythi
ngi
sjustper
fectmyl
ove.The
snacki
sreadyhel
pme.
(
Wegett
hesnackandwal
kbackt
othel
i
ving
r
oom)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
Thedr
eam
I
nser
t18
Mymi ndi sall over
,itisonl ynowt hatthet i
me
i
sher ethati reali
sethatt imef lees.Wi thmy
examsar oundt hecorner ,ihavebeengi v
ena
l
eav eatwor kt oforcusonmyst udiest heper ks
ofdatingtheowner .Mi guel i
soutoft hecount r
y
foraweekonbusi ness.Im sur pr i
sedt hatev en
withtheconst antcallsandemai lswesend
eachot her,istil
lmisshi m.Ihav entseenTr evor
i
s2f ullmont hst helasttimei sawhi m was
whenhet r
iedt okil
l me.It hinkitisagoodt hing
thatourpat hshav enoty etmetal thoughi m
sureitwontbel ongsi ncebasi callyhewi llbe
mybr otherinl awthati sifievergett hechance
towalkdownt heaislewi t
hMi guel .Im starring
atmybookstryi
ngtoreadwheni hearapi
ng
soundannounci
nganemai l
.Wit
houthesit
ati
on
itakemyphonetocheckitout
.
.
..
..
..
..
Fr
om:
Miguel
Mokoena
Subj
ect
:YourCompany
To:
NanaWet
hu

Thi
shotelroom al
ongwit
hi t
sbedsocold
wit
houtyou.Cantwai
ttosleepnextt
oyounext
week.

Youhaventt
oldmether
easonbehi
ndy
ou
bei
ngcall
ed"Nana"

Mi
guel
Mokoena
YourMan!
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Ichuckl
easi l
ookatt
helastcapt
ion.Hereall
y
knowshowt obri
ngasmiletomyf ace.Ir
oll
my
eyesasirespondt
ohisemail
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Fr
om:
NanaWet
hu
Subj
ect
:YourMan
To:
Miguel
Mokoena

Myman!Feel sgoodcall
ingyoumyman!Howi
al
sowi shyouwereherei mi
ssyourcompany!
Plusyoucouldexpl
ainsomeofthisdi
ff
icul
t
concepts.

Asformynamei t
hinki
tsbet
tery
oucal
lDy
na
andaskher
.Ial
sodontknow.

NanaWet
hu
Mi
guel
'l
ady(
Yourwoman)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Ilaydownont hebedf ullofpaper
sandhug
my sel
fasiwaitforhisresponse.Iknowimust
readbuticantbri
ngmy selft
o.Anotherpi
ng
announci
ngt hearr
ivalofmyr esponse.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Fr
om:
Miguel
Mokoena
Subj
ect
:Mywoman
To:
NanaWet
hu

Howilovet
hesoundofthat
,mywoman.YEAH!
yout
ellt
hem al
lthi
rst
yni
ggasoutt
her
eyouar
e
t
akenandminealone.

Ikeepforget
ti
ngthati
m st
uckwit
hthisdump
gir
lasmygi r
l.Emai
lmetheconcept
swewi l
lgo
overthem i
ntheweekendwhenicome.
Iam st
il
lnotcomf
ort
ablewi
thcalli
ngherDy
na.
Itf
eeksli
kesomesorti
fdi
srespect.

Mi
guel
Mokoena
(
YourMan)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Ismil
etomysel
foncemore.Whati sthi
sman
doi
ngtome.Ibegi
ntoty
pemyr esponsebut
onl
ytobedi
stur
bedbyDyna'scallalongthe
way.
(
Picki
ngup)
Me:
Mot
her
..
Dy
na:
Nana.
.
Me:
yousoundwor
ri
edwhati
swr
ong?
?
Dyna:howam isupposedt
otel
lyout
his?
?I
keepfai
ll
i
ngyouNanasomucht hati
dont
deser
vetocal
lyoumydaughter
.
Me:
what
swr
ongMama,
youscar
ingme?
?
Dyna:iam sor
rymygi
rl
.Igotr
obbedtodaythey
t
ookal lt
hemoneythatwassupposedtopay
foryourfees.
Me:
what
!!ar
eyouokay
??Whathappened?
?
Dyna:wehavebeenwarnedsomuchaboutt
his
cr
ooksbythePoliceandt
odayi
justhadt
obe
st
upidandfal
ltr
icks!
Mama: mamay ouar
espeaki
ngi
npar
abl
es
whathappened??
Dyna: i
wasonmywayt oMahal apy ewheni
sawt hi
swi dowbyt heroadf eelingbadf orheri
stoppedforhert ogiv
eherar ide.Justf ew
milesawayf rom mahalapy ethiswi dowt urnsto
bemandi sguisedint
hosebl ackcl othes.He
pull
edakni feoutandor deredmet ost op.Then
hedrov eoffwi t
hmycaral ongwi t
hmycar ds
andmoneyl eavingmeint hemi ddleofno
where.
Me: (
shocked)aomama!Thatssad.I
m sor
ry
thatyouhadtogothr
oughall
that.Sohehas
notbeencaught??
Dyna:Thecarwasfoundi
nmahalapy
e.Butmy
phonesandmoneygone.Ishoul
dhavenot
wait
edforanyone.
Me: dontbl
amey our
sel
fmama.Youdiddnt
knowt hi
swouldhappenatl
eastt
heydidnot
hurtyou.Yousoundsoawrf
ulmaybeishoul
d
comehomet oseeyou.
Dyna:
noyouf
ocusonyourexam.Iwi
ll
beokay
andmakeapl
antomakeapay ment
.
Me:
arey
ousur
eyouwi
l
lbeokay
?
Dyna:
YesNanast
opwor
ryi
ng.Il
ovemy
pumpkin.
Me:ilov
eyoual
soMama.Takeext
racar
eof
your
self
.
Dy
na:
Thanky
ou.Goodni
ght
!
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Idontknowhowi managetosl
eepaftert
hat
call
.Iwasworri
edsi
ckaboutmother,
suchan
ordi
landbadthingt
ohappentoher.i
cantel
l
herthatt
hishas
shakenhimtothecor
ealt
houghshewas
pret
endi
ngtobeokay!Thephonecall
wokeme
up.Ist
aredatt
hephoneandsmile.
Me:
Myman.
Mi
guel
:Mi
guel
'
slady
!
Me:
yes!
Miguel:yousoundli
keyouhav ebeensl
eepi
ng
wheny oushouldbestudyi
ng.Youknowitis
r
udet oleavethepar
tnerwait
ing.
Me:
imusthav
efal
l
enasl
eept
alki
ngt
omy
mom.
Miguel
:isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?Yousound
st
ressed.
Me:mymom wasrobbedt
oday.Theyt
ook
awaymymoneyt
hatwassupposedtopayfor
myexams.
Mi
guel
:what
??I
ssheokayt
hough?
?
Me:
ali
tt
leshakenbutokay
!
Miguel
:i
tshal
lbewellmylove.Wewi
l
lgoand
checkonmotherwhenigethome.
Me:okay!Imi
ssy
ouMrMokoena.Pl
easeget
backsoon.
Miguel
:oh!Mashengei
alsomi
ssy
oual
so.Iwi
l
l
behomesoon.Dontworry!
Me:
okay
!Whatar
eyoust
il
ldoi
ngupsol
ate?
?
Mi
guel
:wai
ti
ngf
ormyr
esponse!
Me:
youl
i
e!
Mi
guel
:ihadal
atebusi
nessdi
nner
.
Me:thosel
atedi
nner
s.Ihopey
oul
ett
hem
knowthaty
ouaremine.
Mi
guel
:ar
ewej
eal
ousnowBeau?
?
Me:
Noi
mjustbei
ngt
err
it
ori
al.
Miguel
:
(chuckl
es)y
eahr
ight
!Goodni
ghtmy
l
ove.
Me:
Ont
ore.(
Dream aboutme)
Mi
guel
:asi
fidontdot
hatev
ery
night
.
Me:
ilov
eyou.
Mi
guel
:il
ovey
oumor
e
(
Ihangupandsmi
l
etomy
sel
f)
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Im walki
ngtothetaxistop.Wheni rai
semy
eyesistarei
ntohisface.Hesmi l
esatmewi th
hisarmsopen.Idonthesi t
ateforasecondi
quickl
yrunint
ohisar ms,helif
tmeupashe
whirl
saroundIgiggleli
keat oddl
er.Heisf
inal
ly
homej ustwhatineeded.
Me:
whendi
dyougether
e??
Mi
guel
:j
ustnow.
Me:
howi
missedy
ou!
Mi
guel
:iam her
enow!Let
sgohome.Ineedt
o
f
reshenup.
(
Ismi
l
eathi
m aswegeti
ntot
hecar
.)
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t19
Iknowt hattherei snosucht hingasaPer f
ect
PersonbutMi guel i
sjustt ooper fectthatit
scaresme.Thi sguy ,t
hismanofmi ne,thelove
heshower smeev erydayscar esmet othecor e.
Isti
lldontunder standwhyhel ov esmeso
much, ithoughtamanofhi scl asswillnever
l
ookt wiceatamer ewai tr
essl ikeme.Imean
Im neit
herrichnoheducat edl i
kehi m.Howi she
thathefellforme?Wear eont her oaddr i
ving
homet ocheckonmot heraf terwhathappened
twoday sback.Mi guelinsistedt hatwegoand
checkherev ent houghi wasagai nsttheidea.I
hadnochoi cebutt oagr eetoi t.Ilookathim
andsmi letomy self
.
Mi
guel
:imusthav
emi
ssedt
hej
oke.
Me:
whatj
oke?
?
Miguel
:theonet
hatmaki
ngy
ousmi
l
eony
our
own.
Me:
iam j
ustl
ooki
ngatt
hehandsomeguynext
t
ome.
Mi
guel
:oh!I
sit
??
Me:yeboo.Idontknowifheknowshowmuch
hehasstolenmyheart?
Mi
guel
:i
m sur
ethef
eel
i
ngi
smut
ual
.
(
Heki
ssesmyhand.)
Miguel:
Gosh!Andi
havet
odr i
vebackf
rom
here.Aemaan!I
mtir
edal
ready.
Me: y
ouaret
heonewhoi
nsi
stedt
hatwecome
al
lthewaydownher
e.
Miguel
:whyisagrownupwomanli
key
oust
il
l
doi
ngwithoutadr
iver
'sl
i
cense.
Me:
inev
erhadanyi
nter
esti
nbef
ore.
Mi
guel
:thi
sday
sadr
iver
sli
censei
soneoft
he
r
ecqui
rementsthatmeanwantwhenl
ookong
f
orgir
lf
ri
ends.Ij
ustdontknowhowimissed
t
hatpart
?
Me:may
bey
oushoul
dteachmehowt
odr
ive
t
hen!
Miguel:
idefi
nat
elywi
l
loncewegetbackat
Gaborone.
Me:Goodnowst
opwhi
nni
ngandt
aket
hel
eft
t
urn.
Mi
guel
:di
dyouj
ustsayi
m whi
nni
ng?
?
Me:
youheardmecorrect
ly.Whydoy
ouwant
metor
epeatmysel
f??
Mi
guel
:youar
ever
ydi
srespect
ful
.
..
Me:
stopi
nfr
ontoft
hosebi
ggat
es.
Mi
guel
:that
syourhome?
?
Me:
yest
hatmyl
i
ttl
emom'
ssanct
uar
y.
Miguel
:(st
oppingthecari
nfr
ontoft
hegat
es)
wow!Iloveital
ready
..
Me:
every
onedoes!(Iwi
nkathi
m)i
wil
lopen
t
hegat
es.
(hedr i
vesinandi cl
oset hegat
ebehi ndhim as
mot herstepsoutsi
dethehouse, pr
obablyto
seewhoi sbusyopenninghergate.Iseeher
smileasi walktoher.Miguelj
oinsmeaf ter
parkingthecar.
)
Me:
(huggi
ngher
)mama!
!
Dy
na:
ohh!Baby
,youcame?
?
Me:
yesaf
tery
ourhor
ri
blei
nci
denti
hadt
o.
Dy
na:
thanky
ousomuchmybaby
.
Me:mama,
thi
sisMi
guel
myboy
fri
end.Mi
guel
i
tisDy
namymom.
Mi
guel
:(ki
ssi
ngherhand)Wemeetagai
nMr
s
Wet
hu.
Dy
na:
iti
sni
cet
oseey
ouagai
n.Pl
easecal
lme
Dy
na.
Me:
goi
nandi
wil
lbr
ingt
heshoppi
ngbags
i
nsi
de.
Mi
guel
:iwi
l
lhel
psi
ncet
her
ear
equi
teal
ot.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Weareintheli
vi
ngroom hav
ingi
cet
eaand
chat
ti
ng.Icanseethatmymom i
sst
il
lshaken
bywhathappened.
Mi
guel
:youhav
ear
eal
l
yni
cehome.
Dy
na:
thanky
ou!
Me:
hast
hepol
i
cemadeanypr
ogr
ess!
!
Dyna:Not
heypromi
sedt
ocont
actmei
fthey
haveanyi
nfor
mati
on.
Me:
itwi
l
lwor
koutdontwor
ry.
..
Dyna:buti
m worr
iedabouty
ourexamsy
ou
supposedtost
artonmondaybutwehavenot
pai
dy et
.
Mi
guel
:ihav
epai
dforherexamsy
est
erday
.
Me:
(ast
oni
shed)y
oudi
dwhat
??
Dyna:oh!Mi
guel
howshoul
dweev
err
epayy
ou?
Thankyousomuch.
Miguel
:i
tisokaymot
her
,iwoul
dgi
vemywhol
e
worl
dforNana.
Dyna:
howromant
ic!Nanay
oushoul
dhol
don
t
ightt
ohi
m.
(
Igi
veherat
ightsmi
l
e)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Wearesay
ingourgoodby
est
ogobackt
othe
ci
ty.
Dy
na:
pleasev
isi
tsoonagai
n.
Me:
wewi
l
lmot
herdontwor
ry.
Mi
guel
:Takecar
eofy
our
sel
fmot
her
.
(
Shestandsbythegatesasourcardi
sapper
s.
Oncei
ntheroad.Miguell
ooksatmecasuall
y)
Miguel
:okay!Whatdidi
donow?
?Youhav
e
beenawrful
l
yquite!
Me:
doy
ouev
enhav
etoask?
?
Mi
guel
:i
m cl
uel
essmyl
ove.
Me: whogaveyoutheaut
hor
it
ytogot
omy
schoolandpayformyexams.
Miguel:y
ouarewor
kedupbecausei
pai
dfor
yourexams??
Me:
yes.
.
Miguel
:buti
dontmind.I
twasnotev
en
somethi
ngtoworr
yabout.
Me: y
oujustdontgetitdoy ou?
?Idontwant
yourmoney !Idontwantyouspendingonme
becausenextthingyouwill
bet el
l
ingmehow
muchy ouinvestedonme?Ort ryi
ngtocont
rol
meorev enwor sebeatmeup.
Miguel
:okayiseewhatthisi
s!Whyy
ou
compari
ngy outomybrother
??
Me:howcani notcompareyoutohi
m when
youdoexcatl
ythesamethingshedi
dtry
ingto
l
uremewi t
hy ourmoney.
Mi
guel
:
(fur
iousl
y)Goddammi
tNandi
pha!i
am
not
hingcompar
edt
omybr other
.Stop
compari
ngmetohi
m becausethatj
ustan
i
nsul
t.
Me:aninsul
tisyougoingt
opayf
ormyst
udi
es
wi
thoutmyper missi
on.
Miguel
:thi
sist
het
hanksi
getf
ort
ryi
ngt
ohel
p
you.
Me:soy ouwer
efi
shingforathankyouwhen
youpaidthem?
?(Cl
appinghands)welldone!
!
Brav
o!!Theher
ototherescueonceagain.
Miguel:
idontwanttodothisespeci
all
ynot
now!Idontknowwhyi am gett
ingpunishedfor
mybr ot
hersacts?
?Maybei dodeserveitaft
er
goi
ngaf t
erhisex.
Me:dontt
rytoplayt
hepsychol
ogi
cal
blackmai
l
onme,Miguel
.Itwontwor
k.
Miguel
:l
etsj
ustkeepqui
tebef
orewebothsay
somethi
ngwemi ghtr
egr
ettommorow.
Me:
goodpl
easet
akemet
omyapar
tment
whenwegeti
nGabor
one.
Mi
guel
:wi
thpl
easur
e.
Me:
great
.
(OncewegetinGchegoesst
rai
ghtt
oblock6
oncether
eigetof
fbangi
nghi
scardoorbehi
nd
asiwalktomyapart
ment.
)
[
06/
21,
15:
06]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t20
Im am outwi t
hMphoandLi sa.Iwasnotreal
ly
i
nt hemoodofgoi ngoutbuticantsayNo!To
thesetwo.Theyhav eawayoft wisti
ngmyarm
togivein.Ireal
lydontknowhowl ongihave
beenplayingwi t
hthestrawinmycocktail
yeti
havenotev entakenasipfrom i
tsincei
t
arri
ved.
Mpho:
shoul
dior
dery
ousomet
hingel
se?
?
Me:
(puzzl
ed)huh?
?
Li
sa:
youar
emi
l
esawayev
ersi
ncey
ougot
backf
rom home.Ev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ght
??
Me:
wehadourf
ir
stf
ightt
oday
.
Mpho:Ev
enpowercoupleshavefi
ghtsal
lthe
ti
medontwor
ryhun,i
tisthefi
rstofmanyto
come?
?
Li
sa:
whatwast
hef
ightabout
??
Me:
hepai
dmyexam f
ees.
Mpho:
so?
?
Me:i
didntl
i
kei
t,whogav
ehi
m per
missi
ont
o
doi
t?
Mpho:youknowt
hatyouareinsanel
ycr
azy
,he
i
syourguyiti
shi
sresponsi
bil
i
ty.
Me: inev
eraskedhimtostepupt
ot hat
responsi
bil
it
y.t
henextt
hinghewi
llbeacti
ngup
andwant i
ngtobeatmeup.
Mpho:
thathy
pocrit
eTrev
orhasdest
oyedy
ou.
Hemustbecelebr
ati
ngwher
eheis.
Li
sa:
pleasedontgi
vet
hatj
erkar
easont
obe
happy.Youhavesuchagoodthi
ngwi
thMi
guel
butyoutoobli
ndtoevenseei
t.
Mpho:sheisri
ghtgirl
,goodmanlikehim ar
e
har
dtofind.l
ethi
ml oveyoulethi
mt akecare
ofyouNana.Dontletthi
sgoodthi
ngpassy ou
by.
Li
sa:andstopcompari
nghimt oTrevorthey
mightbebrother
sact
uall
ystepbrother
sf ort
hat
matterbutt
heyaredi
ff
erent
.
Me:okayokaymay
bei
over
reat
edi
wil
lgo
apol
ogise.
Mpho:j
ustgi
vehi
mt hecooki
eal
readyy
ouwil
l
seet
herewil
lnol
ongerbeanyar
guments.
Me:
sexdoesnosol
veev
ery
thi
ng.
Li
sa:itdoes.
..al
lthegr
umpinesswi
l
lgoawayi
t
workswithWi l
lal
lthet
ime.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Thecabpull
sinfr
ontoftheapart
ment.i
paythe
guygener
ouslyasigetoff
.idi
tchedt
hegir
ls
anddeci dedt
ocomeandmakepeacewi thmy
man.pl usiam mi
serabl
ewithouthi
m.Asi wai
t
forthedoortoopen.icanhearther
eisabig
noiseinsidel
i
keheishavingcompany.iam
abouttoopenwhensomegi r
linapurpl
ebiki
ni
open.
Her
:Hi
!Cani
hel
pyou?
?
Me:
iwil
lhel
pmysel
f.(
Isayasipushheroutof
mywayandgeti
nsi
dethehouse)
Her
:Hey
!youcantj
ustbudgei
nher
eli
ket
hat
.
Me:
ijustdi
dwhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
?
(Iwalkintotheapar t
mentandnot i
cepeopl ein
thepool area.Thereisev enbraii.i scanmy
surroundingsandmyey esmakecont actwith
Cassey ,Katl
ego,KeseandNal edi allcookedup
i
nt hecouch.Out sidetherear esomeguy si
dontknowaswel l
asThagi so,Bk, Dre, Trevor
andMi guel.Katlooksatmewi thsomeat t
it
ude
buti i
gnoreherandwal ksouti nt hegar den
area.Thegi rl
issti
llbl
abbi ngbehi ndme.i see
Miguel
getsur
pri
sedwhenheseesmei
nfr
ont
ofhim)
Her:shej
ustf
orcedherwayi
n,i
tri
edt
ost
op
herBoo.
Dre:
youcantst
opthemadam oft
hehouse
fr
om get
ti
nginPhemo.
(theyal
lchuckl
eexpectf
ormeandthese
stunnedgir
l.it
urnar
oundandwal
kupstai
rst
o
thebedroom.)
Thabi
so:
youbet
terf
oll
owherupboy
.
Phemo:
wai
t!whyi
sshesocomf
ort
abl
e??
Mi
guel
:becauseshei
sthegi
rl
fr
iend.
(hefol
l
owedmeupt othebedroom.i
was
sit
ti
ngonthebedf
acingthedoor)
Mi
guel
:whatbr
ingsy
ouher
e??
Me:
youar
eser
iousl
ygoi
ngt
oaskmet
hat
??
Miguel
:yesiti
sonl
yhoursagowheny
ou
wantednothi
ngtodowit
hme.
Me:
okayi
wil
lbeonmywayt
hen.
(ist
andupt owal
ktothebedroom doorput
Miguelst
oppedmebypushingmeagai nstt
he
doorandkissi
ngt
hedayl
ight
soutofme)
Miguel:yout ot
all
yfrust
ratemeatt i
mes.Il ove
youNandi phai r
eall
ydo, andi wishr eall
ywi sh
thatyouwi l
lstopcompar ingmet oTr evor,iam
notTrevor.Youar emygi rlandspendi ngmy
fort
uneony oushouldntbot heryoubecausei t
i
ssomet hingi wanttodo.Iwontst opdoi ngit
andy oumustj ustacceptt hatforasl ongas
youar emygi rl
,mymoneyi syours.itisjustan
accessorythatcomeswi thmebei ngy ourguy.
Me: i
cameher etoapol ogiseformyout burst
,it
wasinsensiti
veofmemor eespeaciall
y
becauseyoudi ditoutoft hegoodnessofy our
heart
.ishouldreall
ybet hankfulforihavea
l
ovingguylikeyouMi guel iti
snoteveryonewho
i
sluckyasme.Asmuchasi hatethefactt
hati
wasinvolv
edwi thyourbr otherbefor
ebuti want
t
oputt hepastbehi
ndmeandf ocusinusnow.i
mightnotknowwhatthefut
ureholdsforusbut
iknowi l
ookforwar
dtoitwi
thyou.Il
ov eyou
MrMokoena.
(hesmi
l
edandki
ssedmeonceagai
n)
Mi
guel
:l
etusgoj
oint
heot
her
s.
Me:i
m notint
hsmoodforpart
ying.soi
m
goi
ngtotakeashowert
henhaveanearl
y
ni
ght.
Mi
guel
:okayi
wil
lbebacksoon.
(
Hest
eppedoutandi
didexcat
lyasi
sai
diwi
l
l)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Me:Whydonty out
akeanddr
ivet
hen?
?(i
snappedback)
Wewer einanoldroad,hewast
eachingmet
o
dr
iveexpectthef
actthathewastot
ally
i
mpatientwit
hme.
Mi
guel
:Ev
enaf
ivey
earol
dcandomuchbet
ter
t
hant
his.
Me:
iwi
l
lnotl
ety
oui
nsul
tmel
i
ket
hisMi
guel
.
Mi
guel
:idontev
enknowwhyi
bot
her
edmy
sel
f
wi
tht
his.
Me:
ial
sodontknowwhyy
oubot
her
ed.
Miguel
:Justst
opthecar.i
wil
lj
ustpayf
ory
our
dr
ivi
ngschooll
essons.
Me: idontknowwhyy
ouof f
eredinthef
ir
st
placewhensomeonecoulddot hej
obbett
er
thany ou.y
ouaret
heworstteacher
.
(
ist
oppedt
hecar)
Miguel
:andy
ouar
ethemostdumpestst
udenti
ev
erseen.
(Weswit
chedseat
sanddr
ovebackt
ohi
s
apar
tment.
)
[
06/
21,
20:
34]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t21
Fi
nal
l
y!!Theexamsar
edone!t
hepastt
woweks
hav ebeenst raini
ngwi thallmyconcentration
onmybooksi rarel
yseenMi guel.Itf
eel
slikea
l
ifeti
mesi ncei l
astsawhi m.Ismi let
omy sel f
asi seehi m wai t
ingformeatmyhousegat eas
iwal koutwi thov er
nightbag.Hei sablue3
quat ertrousers,pumasneaker s,agreytshirt.
Hei sl eani
ngont hecarbonnetandsmi lesasi
makemywayt ohim andi di
e.Afterbei
ngwi t
h
hi
mf oralmsot4mont hsnowhi ssmi l
estil
l
gi
v esmebut terfl
iesandi dontthinki
twillever
stopaf f
ecti
ngme.
Miguel
:aweekwi
thoutseei
ngy
ouf
eel
sli
ke
er
tenit
y.
Me:i
knowr
ightt
hat
sjusthowi
feel
.(huggi
ng
hi
m)Himybabe.
Miguel
:(ki
ssingmyforehead)t
hiswi
llbet
he
l
astti
mei takequi
telongtoseeyou.
Me:
whatdoy
oupl
anondoi
ng?
?ki
dnapme?
?
Mi
guel
:i
fihav
etoi
wil
l
...
Me:
youar
einsane.
Miguel
:abouty
ou.Yes!
!Comemyhousei
s
emptynofoodwashopingt
hemadam wi
l
lhel
p
me.
Me:
ify
ouaskni
cel
y.
Miguel
:iam aski
ngnicel
y.Hav
eyoubeengoi
ng
t
odr i
vi
nglessons??
Me:
No!
Mi
guel
:Why
??
Me:ihav
ebeenbusyy ouknowi
t.i
fyouli
stened
t
omei nthefir
stpl
acewewouldnotbehaving
t
hisconvesat
ionri
ghtnow.
Miguel
:i
fyouwereagoodli
stenerandl
ear
ner
.I
wouldhavet
aughty
oumy sel
f.
Me: l
ookwhoistalki
ng!
!Theimpati
entteacher
.
Iam noyget
tngintoafi
ghtwit
hyounow
becauseoft
his.Comeletsgobefor
ei change
mymi nd.
Mi
guel
:Youwoul
dnt
.
(
Hesay
sasheopenst
hedoorf
ormeandi
sli
p
i
n.)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Me:Ithi
nki
willcooktri
peandsti
ffpapawit
h
spi
nachonthesidefortoday
.Isi
tokay??
(isayasil
ookatt
hepackagedtr
ipe.Wear
ein
squaremar
tdoi
nggrossar
yshopping.
)
Mi
guel:
itperf
ect
,imissedy
ourhomecooked
meal
s.Will
alsoneedsomeredandwhit
e
wi
nes.
Me:whathappenedt
othewi
nesweboughtl
ast
t
ime??
Mi
guel
:dr
inki
nghappened.
Me:
huh!sopr
ouddr
inki
nghappened.
Miguel
:Whichf
lav
ourdoy
oupr
efer
??(
Hol
ding
outcondoms)
(
ifeel
myf
acebur
nupasi
blush)
Me:
Miguel
!
Miguel
:what
??idoi
ntendonchowi
ngy
ouup.
Youbeensogrumpyi
tsti
mei gi
vey
ouwhat
s
due.
(ipusht
hetrol
l
eypasthi
m.I
gnor
inghi
s
st
atement)
Miguel:
runni
ngawaynow?
?Dontwor
ryi
wont
beusingtherubber
.
(hesaysashepull
smebehi ndinhi
smanl
y
chestandii
mmedi atel
yfeel
hishar
der
ect
ion
onmybut t
ocks.i
flash)
Miguel
:(
kissesmyneckwhil
ewhi
speri
ngi
nmy
ear)Doyouf eelhowmuchy
ouaf
fectmewit
h
j
ustsoli
ttleeffort
??
Me:
(inawhi
sper
)wehav
eanaudi
ence.wear
e
i
nashop.
(
hesmil
eswickedl
yashepassesmepushi
ng
t
hetr
oll
eyt
ot hewi
nesect
ion.
)
.
..
..
..
weparkingarealoadingtheshoppingbagsin
thebootofthecar.Justaswecl osetheboot
shewalksupt ohim.Totall
yignori
ngthefact
thati
am withhim andf l
auntsherbodyathim,
huggi
nghim closely
.
Amanda:it
houghti
wasnotseei
ngcl
ear
ly.i
tis
cl
ear
lyyou.
(iuseoppor tuni
tyt
olookather ,
Shei sina
blackdresst hatcl
ungstohercur veousbody ,i
t
i
sv -neckcutexposingherperfectcl evage.Her
hairishel
di napony t
ail
andherf acehasheav y
makeupi nr edniptoepumpheel s.Herf ake
perfumef eelsmynostri
ll
s.Everythingobout
thisladyi
sf ake.)
Amanda:Katl
egomenti
onedy ouwer
ebacki
n
townbutit
houghtshewasjustbl
uff
ing.
Miguel
:Ihav
ealmost4months.Iseeyouare
gl
owingtheStat
eshast
reat
edy oubet
ter!
Amanda:(
soothi
ngdownherdr
ess)I
twas
goodbuti
tisal
waysgoodt
obebackhome.
Miguel
:okaygoodwegl
adyouar
eback.Oh!
t
hisismywomanNandipha,
Nanasheismy
f
ri
endAmanda.
Me:
nicemeet
ingy
ou.
Amanda:
li
kewi
se.
me:
Babei
wil
lwai
tint
hecar
.
Mi
guel
:okay5mi
nut
esi
wil
lbecomi
ng.
(
igetinthecarandwatchasthewomankeeps
f
launt
ingherfakenessatmyman.Myinner
womanf ol
dsherar ms)
Amanda:
youset
tl
eddown!
Mi
guel
:wasl
ongov
erdue.
.
Amanda: j
ustneverthoughtyouwi
lldoi
tso
soon.Legal
ey ouarentmarri
edyet
.
Miguel
:Yahiknowishoul
dcountt
heeggs
befor
etheyhat
chbutsheist
heone.
Amanda:(
giv
inghim at
ightsmi
l
e)Iam happy
fory
ou.Weshouldli
nkupsoon.
Miguel
:yeahj
ustgi
vemey
ounumber
s.Iwi
l
l
t
alktoyou.
Amanda:(
handshi
m hercar
d)Callsoon.See
youar
oundMiguel
.(ki
ssi
nghischeek)
Mi
guel
:takecar
e,wasni
ceseei
ngy
ou.
Amanda:
sameher
e.
(shewal
ksawayandheget
sint
othecar)
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Wear el
ist
eni
ngt ocl
assi
cmusicaswedri
ve
backtothehouse,hei
sholdi
ngmyhandashe
dri
vessomethi
nghedoesal l
thet
ime.
Me:
idontl
i
keher
.
Mi
guel
:who?Amy
??
Me:
shei
sAmynow?
?
Miguel
:(chuckl
es)r
eal
l
ynow!whydonty
oul
i
ke
her?
?
Me:
ijustdont
,herf
akeness.
Mi
guel
:(l
aughi
ng)t
hat
srude.
..
Me:
shewant
syou.
Mi
guel
:ar
ewej
eal
ousnowMsWet
hu?
?
Me:Noiam not,i
canj
ustseet hatseethayshe
want
smyman.Youbet tertel
lherthati
wont
gi
veyouupwithoutaf
ight.
Miguel
:doyouknowhowsexyy
ousoundnow
al
lworkedup??
Me:
imeani
t.
Miguel
:(chuckl
esandki
ssmycheek)Youdont
havetogetcoldfeel
iam noti
nter
est
edi
n
Amanda.Myey esareonyouonly.
Me:
idonthav
eanycol
dfeet
.
Mi
guel
:il
ovey
ouev
enwheny
ouar
ejeal
ous.
Me:
Iam t
err
it
ori
almyl
ove.
..
.
(
Ourfavouri
tet
rackget
sis"
Soul
Prov
ider
"and
webothsingal
ong..)
[
06/
21,
20:
34]Ron:
TheDREAM
I
NSERT22

Iquicklychangedassoonaswegott ot he
apartmentintoaflor
al dressandsleeper s.
putti
nganapr onon, i
st artst
artmakingl unch.I
playli
ghtmusi conthest ereoandhelpmy self
toagl assofredwine.asi st
irt
hepot sifeelmy
neckhai rst
andupwi thoutev entur
ningt o
confir
mi tiknowitishim, thi
sisthekindof
effecthehasonme.Hehugsmeandpl aces
hischinonmyshoul derashepi cksal ookin
thepot s.
Miguel:smel
l
sdel
i
ciousi
nher
e??Iam
f
ami shed.
Me:
arey
oudone?
?
Mi
guel
:yesi
am donemyl
ove.
(
put
ti
ngal
i
dont
hepot
)
me:thefoodisst
il
lfarf
rom bei
ngr
eady
.how
aboutif
ixyouasandwich?
Mi
guel
:okaywi
thsomeor
angej
uice.Iwi
l
lbei
n
myst
udy.
(hewalkstohisst
udyasi f
ixhi
m aquick
sandwich.Af
tergi
vinghi
m hefood,Ist
alkback
theki
tchentoconti
nuewithmytask.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
ifindmy selfenj oyi
ngt hegoodmusi candt he
winegl ass.Asi waitfort hef oodt ober eadyi
i
ndul gemy selfinami llandboonmoder n
romancenov elbyJacquel ineBai rdcalled
"Boughtbyt heGr eekty coon".Aknockatt he
doordi sturbsmer i
singt omyf eel iwal
kt othe
doori openmy sel
fstarringatt hi
sgi gant i
cman
witht hemostbeaut if
ul ey esi eversaw, ilook
upcl osel yhehasbi tofMi guel'sr esembl ance.
Besi dehi mi sawomanwhoi ssmi li
ngatme.
Shei swear ingaGer manpr i
ntdr esswhi chhas
pleat s,withnudeheel sandaheadscar f,her
out fi
tmat chest heman' sshi rt.ismi lener vousl
y
att hem.
Me:
dumel
ang!
pleasecomei
n.
(theycomei ndraggi
ngt
heluggagebagi
nside,
oncet heysett
ledint
hecomfort
softhel
i
ving
room)
Me:
iwi
l
ltaket
hebag.
(isayasitaket
hei
rbagstot
heguestr
oom..
Oncei'
m backdownst
air
sagai
niwalkt
othe
l
iv
ingroom)
me:
cani
gety
ousomet
hing?
?
Fer
guson:
sothi
sbr
atwasr
eal
,her
eal
l
yas
set
tl
eddown.
Lesedi
:Fer
gusonyoumakingt
hepoorl
adyshy
!
Wewi l
lhav
ewaterplease.
Me:
taporcol
d??
Lesedi
:Tapf
ormeandcol
dforhi
m.
(
iusethatasanexcuset
odashtotheki
tchen
f
rom t
hekitcheni
canhearMi
guel'
svoi
ce)
Mi
guel
:it
houghti
hear
dvoi
ces.Ah!
!it
syou
guy
s.
(
hehugsl
esedi
)
Mi
guel
;bestsi
ster
..
Lesedi
:i
fiti
snotmyf
avl
i
ttl
ebr
other
.
(hef
istbumpwithFer
gusonwhot
henpul
l
shi
m
andgiveshi
m hug,
)
Fer
guson:aeman!t
hisci
tyboyt
endencies
mustfal
l.wemissyoubackhome.legal
ewe
canseenowwhatskeepi
ngyouinthecity
.
Miguel
:donotevenstar
tifi
gohomewhodoi
l
iv
et hebusi
nesswit
h.
Lesedi
:Tr
evori
sher
eisn'
ti
t??
Miguel
:okayi
seet
his,
youar
eal
lgangi
ngup
onmenow.
(iret
urnwit
hthei
rwat
erasr
equest
edand
Miguelhol
dsmyhandasipl
antogobackt
o
theki
tchen)
Mi
guel
;babe,
letmei
ntr
oducey
out
othe
i
ntrudershere.meetmybrotherFer
gusonand
hi
swi feLesedi.Fam t
hisi
sthegem it
oldyou
about,Nandipha.
Fer
guson;
Final
l
yimeett
hemy
ster
ylady
..
.
l
esedi
;wehear
dsomuchabouty
ou.
..
me;
goodt
hingsi
hope.
l
esedi
;yesal
lgood.
me:
okaywel
ll
etmewr
apupcooki
ng.
..
..
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Thehouseisfi
ll
edwi t
hlaught
er,Wi
ll
,Tr
evor
hasal
sojoinedalongwithLi
saandkatl
ego.
Li
saishelpi
ngmecl earthedi
shesaf
terwehad
l
unchinthegarden.
Ferguson:i
wouldn'
tmindbei
ngtheonetosent
togoandasky ourhandi
nmarri
ageyourfood
areamazing.
me;
(bl
ushi
ng)t
hanky
ou!
Wi
l
l;ory
oucanj
ustt
akeherasasecondwi
fe.i
am sur
eLi
ghtwi
l
lnotmi
nd.
Fer
guson:
that
sagoodanswer
..
.
Miguel
:iwi
l
lbedamnedi
fthatev
erhappened.
sheismymine.
Lesedi
:ihav
eyourbackGael
.
Katl
ego:orshecanj
ustmar
ryt
het
wo
brot
hers.
Me:unf
ort
unat
elyi
onl
ygotmyey
esf
orGael
al
one.
Kat
lego:
yahr
ight
..
Li
sa;
comeonl
etst
aket
hedi
shesaway
..
Lesedi
:iwi
l
lhel
pwashi
ngt
hem.
Me;Noy ouaret
heguestLi
sawil
lhel
pme.You
j
ustsi
tthereandenj
oythei
rcompany
..
..
'
[
06/
21,
20:
34]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t23
Wear et wowomenwhohav et wosimilar
i
nterests:"
Inlov
ewi t
htwobrother
s"from last
ni
ght '
sgettogetheri
havegrowncloset o
Lesedi.Sheissuchacarefr
eesoul.Nowi nt he
ki
tchensi t
ti
ngdownasi watchherprepare
breakfast,
wear ehavi
ngcof
feeandcat ching
up.
Lesedi
:youshoul
dn'
tmi
ndKat
legoatal
lshei
s
j
ustabitt
erwoman.
Me:i
reall
ydon'
tcar
ewhatshet hinksofme,hi
s
manistheonewhodishonestnotasmatterof
f
actiam j
ustavi
cti
ml i
keher.
Lesedi
:Iundest
andwhaatmakesherbi
tt
er,
it
happensinmostarr
angedmarr
iagest
hatwives
becomeinsecur
e.
Me:
Trev
orandKat
'smar
ri
agei
sar
ranged?
?
Lesedi:yesyoudi
dntknow,3yearsback.A
businessarr
angementmadebypar ent
st hat
theywill
mar ry
.Tr
evorwaskeenont heideaand
suddenlychangedhi
smi ndl
astyear,Chief
Mokoenawasnotimpressedneitherwas
Katl
egososhegotpr
egnantt r
appingTwiththe
baby.Nochi
l
dcanbebor nil
legi
timateint
hat
famil
ysohehadnochoicebutt omarryher
..
Me: wow!sheissomanipul
ati
ng.Theyact
ual
l
y
deserveeachother
.Bot
hmanupilat
ors.
Lesedi
:Wai tunti
lyoumeet,T'
smom Kennao
youwillsee,sheisexcat
lyl
i
keKatl
ego.Fr
om a
shebeenqueent oa2ndQueen.Sheispower
hungry.
Me:
soundsdr
amat
ic.
Lesedi:i
tsabigf
ami l
ysuchthi
bgsareexpect
ed.
Anywaycantwaittoseey oumarri
edand
cookingustgebreakf
astther
e.Thebigpotof
softporr
idgeonfir
eisthemostterr
if
ying.
Me:
(ichokeonmycof
fee)mar
ri
age?
?
Lesedi:
(smil
ing)Ofcoursemar r
iage,
Theway
Gaelisobsessedwithyou,ibetbytheendof
thi
syearyouwi l
lbeMrsMi guelMokoena.
Me:
Letusnotgetwayaheadofour
sel
fs.
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Wear ei
naspaget t
ingf
ull
bodymassages,
Lesedil
i
ter
all
ydraggedmeher e,aft
erij
ust
wantedtospendmydaywat chingmovies.I
mustadmit,i
tisni
cetobeoutwi thher
.My
phoneri
ngs.
Lesedi
:ibeti
tisMi
guel
.Fer
gusonhasbeen
cal
li
ngnonestop.
Me:Iti
shi
mletmeputhi
noutofhi
smi
ser
yand
answer
.
(
Ireachf
ormyphone)
Me:
Hie!
!
Mi
guel
:whydoy
out
akel
ongt
oanswer
??
Me:
(br
eat
hless)I
m sor
ry!
Mi
guel
:yousoundbr
eat
hlesswher
ear
eyou?
?
Me:
att
hespar
ecei
vi
ngamassage.
Mi
guel
:whoi
sgi
vi
ngy
out
hemassage?
Me:(r
oll
i
ngmyey es)someguywit
hver
y
r
efi
nedhands.Whydidyoucal
l?
Mi
guel
:Ref
in.
..
Me:
Babei
wil
lseey
oul
ater
.Lov
eyou.
Mi
guel
:wai
t.
..
..
(
Ihangupbef
orehecanr
espond)
Lesedi
:Youdi
dhi
m good.Hewi
l
lknownott
o
di
sturbl
adi
esout
ings.
Me:
aker
e..
(
wel
ookateachot
herandl
augh.
)
i
twasadaywor thit, f
rom massaget odoing
facial
s, pedicur
eandmani cur et ohavi
nga
styl
istdomyhai r,ofwhi chiset tl
edfora
peruvianwav ewithal acefr
ont al
.Thenbeing
dragsi nshopsdoi ngshoppi ng.Lesedi changed
i
ntoal ongr ed,
barebackdr esswhi chshe
revealedherhourgl assbody .Shei sthety
peof
l
adywhot urnedheadswher ev ershewalked.
Afterhav ingafullforfedebateaboutwhyi
shouldchangei wore,agol ddresswhich
rev
ealedmyexqui si
tecleavageandnudeheel s.
Iwasabutshockedwhywear echangi ngand
l
esedi sai
dwhenal adygoesoutwhenshe
ret
urnsitmustshowt hatindeedi twasahappy
l
adiesouting.Lookingatt hemirrorial
most
couldnotrecognisemy self.
.
..
..
..
..
.
Thecarwasdri
vi
ngusbackhomewheni
t
suddenl
ytookawrongt
urn
Me:t
hat
snotawayt
otheapar
tment
swher
eis
i
tgoi
ng?
?
Lesedi
:Justr
elax.
(
ikeptqui
teandl
ookedupst
rai
ght
.)
Lesedi
:(handi
ngbeabl
i
ndf
older
)domeaf
avor
andputthison.
Me:
but
??
Lesedi
:Nobut
spl
ease.
..
(ididasinstr
uct
edandmi nuteslat
erthecar
stopped,iwassoanxiousthatithoughtimight
die.Thecardooropenedandhi scolognefi
ll
ed
meup, ashehelpedmegetof fabdbrushedhis
l
ipsov ermine)
Me:
whati
sgoi
ngon?
?
Miguel:
youaresobeaut
if
ulthatianeven
tempedtopushyouint
othiscarandhaveyou
here.
(mycheekshi
tupasi
blush)
Mi
guel
:butthatwi
l
lhav
etowai
tjustf
ornow.
Ar
eyouready??
Me:
yesi
am.
Miguel:
iam goi
ngtocountt
o3t
henr
emov
e
t
heblindfol
dokay.
Me:
yes.
Mi
guel
:dontf
aint
,her
ewego,
1,2,
3
Her
emov
est
hebl
i
ndf
oldandi
findmy
sel
f
starri
ngatourfri
endsandot herbunchi fpeople
whoagl eami
ngwi thhappiness.Amongt hem i
noticemymom.Il ookatMi guel hei
sabl ack
tuxedo,hehasdy edhisblondehai rblack,
l
ooki ngabsol
utel
yamazi ng!Buthi sfacegiv es
nothingaway.isearchthesur roundi
ngsand
noticethatweareinfrontofEliteResturant.al
l
thesepeopleseem t oknowwhati shappeni ng
expectme.
Me:(i
nawhisper
)Cansomeonepl
easet
ell
me
whati
sgoi
ngon? ?
(Fer
gusonwhi stl
esandsuddenlyEli
teli
ghttur
n
on,expectthatatiti
tsbrandednamewher eit
usedtowr i
te"Eli
te"i
tsisaglowupwi t
hmy
namebr anded,"NaNa"iturntol
ookatMi guel
whoi ssmil
lingatme.)
Me:
Mokoena,
Whati
sthi
s??
Miguel
:Ihav
emetawomanwhomakesme
f
eelthewayifeel
Mashenge,
iam amani
nlove
wi
thav er
ybeauti
ful
womanandwishtol
ove
heral
lday
sofmyl
i
fe.
Me:
Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay
??
(
helooksatmef
orsol
onghi
sey
essear
chi
ng
mine)
[
06/
21,
20:
34]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t24
Hislooki ntensi f
iesandsuddenl yigetner vous.
Mybr ai nstartst othinkmor ethanitshoul d.He
possiblycantbepr oposingwehav ebeen
togetherf oronl y4mont hs.Iknowi lovehi m
butmar ri
agei sabi gst ept hatiam noty et
readyt otake." Whati fhepopst hequestion,
whatar eyougoi ngtosay ?"i ti
saquest i
oni ask
my self.Il
ookathi m shaki ngwi thterrori
nsi de
andi takeabr iefpray eri
nsi demyhear t"
Ilov e
him Heav enlyf ather,youknowi dobutpl ease
donttestmyl ov ef orhimi nt hi
sway .Iam not
ready,webar elyknoweachot her"Il
ookatt his
amazi ngguyi nfrontofmeagai n.Asi fhe
sensesmyner vousnesshegi v
esmeasmi l
e. .
..
Miguel
:iknowy ouhatei
twhenispoil
y oubuti
canthel
pityouaremineandiwanttospend
mymoneyony ou,Iwantt
hebestforyou?Do
youknowwhatdayi ti
stoday
??
(
Ishakemyheadner
vousl
y)
Dyna:YouaretoomuchNandi
pha,
whof
orget
s
herownbir
thday??
Me:
(shocked)I
sitMay25?
??
Miguel:Yesity
ourbir
thday,Iwantedtogiveyou
somet hi
ngworthyonyourbirt
hdayi hopeyou
wil
lacceptmygi f
tbecauseitconesf r
om my
heart
.Thisrest
uranti
snol ongercal
ledElit
eit
i
scalledNaNaandnol ongerminebuty our
s
now.
(
Final
l
yif
eel
mysel
fbr
eat
hagai
n)
Me:
Miguel
!
Mi
guel
:Happybi
rhdaymyl
ove.
Me:
Thanky
oumyl
ove(
ihughi
m)
.
..
..
..
..
..
Steppinginsidemynewr esturantaf tercut t
ing
theri
bboni reali
set hewhol eresturanthasbeen
remodel edintoasophi sticatedone, i
i
mmedi atelyfalli
nlov e.Myst affmember s
standinaquei ntheirnewuni form andbowas
theyseeme.I m ov erwhel medwi t
hemot ions.
Thekitchenhasbeent ransformedsoast he
manager '
sofficeandt hereisal somyOf fice
whichhasmynamei nt hedoor .Iti
sacosy
offi
cewi thbigmahagonydeskandcor porate
chair
sandaacouchont hesi dealongwi tha
bookshel f.Ther oom i sfill
edwi thlaught er.i
am standingwi t
hLi saandMphodr inking
champagne.
Me:Youguy
scanki
l
lmenoneofy
oubot
her
ed
gi
vi
ngmeheadsup.
Mpho:
andr
uint
hesur
pri
senohoney
!
Lisa:
oh!t
hatpr
icel
essl
ooky
ouhadony
our
face.
Me:
ist
il
lcantbel
i
evet
hati
ownt
hispl
ace.
Mpho:
Miguel
isgenui
nel
ycr
azyabouty
ou.
Me:
youcansayt
hatagai
n.
(It
urnmyheadandmakeeyecont
actwi
th
AmandaandKat,t
heyar
ebusychat
ti
ngwit
h
Miguel
andTrev
or)
Mpho:
whoi
sthebr
unet
te?
?
Me:i
tisAmandat hei
rfr
iendwhohasbeen
ov
erseas.Thebi
tchwantsmyman.
Li
sa:
Youbet
terwat
chhercl
osel
y.
Me:
iwi
l
lbedamnedi
fil
etherhav
emyman.
.
..
..
..
..
Afterhav
ingf oodiwat
chdownasi l
ookat
peopledancing.Thi
speopl
ehavewhitepeopl
e
tendenci
es,thissl
owhandinhanddances.
Trevorwalksuptomeandof f
ershi
shand.
Tr
evor
:dancewi
tht
hrbi
rt
hdaygi
rl
??
Me:
Idontknowhowt
odance.
Tr
evor
:youwi
l
lfol
l
owmyl
ead.
(iam hesistantf
orasecondthenstandand
walktot hedancefl
oorwithhim.Heput shis
handar oundmywai standanotheroneholds
myhand.Iputmyhandov erhi
sshoulderand
foll
owhi sleadashesays)
Tr
evor
:Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
?
Me:
im goodt
hanky
ou!Howabouty
ou?
?
Tr
evor:
iam al
sogood.Ar
eyouhappy
Nandi
pha?
?
Me:
mor
ethanhappyact
ual
l
y.
Trevor
:i see,ihavereal
isedthatyouandMiguel
l
ov eeachot hersoiwillnolongerbot
heryou.I
am sorryi havebeenajerklatel
yandforal
lthe
painsicausedy ou.Forgiveme.
Me:
Itsal
lwat
erunderbr
idge.
Tr
evor
:Thanky
ou!
Me:
Wel
come.
(
Ifeelsomeonet
apmyshoul
deri
stopandl
ook
t
of i
ndKatl
ego.
)
Kat:Caninowhav
eadancewi
thmy
husband?
?
Me:
hei
sal
lyour
s!!
(
ist
epasi
deandFer
gusonst
epsi
n)
Fer
guson:
Notsof
ast
,iti
snowmyt
urn.
(
irol
lmyeyesatLesedi
whoi
ssmi
l
li
ngdanci
ng
wi
thWil
l)
Ferguson:
whatl
ovepor
ti
onhav
eyougi
venmy
brother
??
Me:
(l
aughi
ng)whatl
ovepor
ti
onhashegi
ven
me!
Ferguson: Thel
asttimeisawhimt hi
shappy
wasf iv
ey earsback.Youmakehim happythat
i
swhyi supportyourrel
ati
onshi
pdespit
ethe
factthatiknowy ouwerewithTrev
orbefor
e.
Me:
Itwasnev
ermyi
ntent
iont
odat
ethesame
br
other
s.
Fer
guson:Iti
sokay!noneedtoexpl
ain.Don'
t
hur
thim hehasbeenthroughal
ot.
Me:
Iwon'
t.
Ferguson:
That
sal
lineededt
oknow.Thank
you.
Me:
itsmypl
easur
e!
Igetof
fthedancefl
oorandspotmymom
tal
ki
ngtoaman.i wal
kuptoherandki
ssher
cheek.
Dyna:
youfi
nal
l
yremember
edt
haty
ourmot
her
i
shereal
so!
Me:maybeift
hemothercoul
dhavegi
venme
headsupiwoul
dhav
enotf or
got
tenher
.
Dyna:Youareget
ti
ngt
obi
gfory
ourshoes
younglady
.
(
irol
lmyey
es)
Dy
na:
Johnmeetmydaught
erNana,
Nanamy
f
ri
endJohn.
John:(
shaki
ngmyhand)Youar
eabeaut
yjust
l
ikeyoumother
.
Me:Thanky
ouitisni
cet
omeety
ou!Dwher
e
ar
eyoustay
ing?
?
Dy
na:
Crest
aHot
elwhyy
ouaski
ng?
?
Me:
wasj
ustcur
ious.
Dy
na:
mysoni
nlawbookedmear
oom t
her
e.
Me:
Hei
ssuddenl
ysoni
nlaw!
Dyna:
yesandyoubet
terhol
dontothatboy
Nandi
pha.Goodmanli
kehim ar
ehardtofi
nd.
Miguel
:(putt
ingahandar oundmywaist
)Take
yourmom' sadvi
ceseriousl
ytheyknowbet
ter
.
Mothercani st
ealherawaynow.
Dyna:Yesdoshewasdi
stur
bingme.Iwi
l
lsee
hertommorowbefor
eil
eave.
.
..
..
..
Hepul
l
smeawayf
rom t
hecr
owd,
thenki
sses
mesohar
dhi
sar
mssqueezi
ngmybums.
Miguel
:Thisdr
essyouar
ewearingi
tis
tomenti
ngme,icantwai
tanyl
onger
.Letusget
outofhere.
Me:
canwedot
hat
??l
eav
eourguest
sandgo?
?
Mi
guel
:Yeswecanandwewi
l
l.
.
Me:
okayl
etusgo.
(
Wewal
khandi
nhandt
othecar
)
[
06/
21,
20:
34]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t25
Thedrivehome,nowi getwhyheboughtthe
BMW i8, t
hespeed,iam watchi
ngasheget si
n
betwwencarsovert
aking,t
hiscarhonest
lyi
s
notmeanttobedr i
veninthi
sBotswanaclosed
roads.
Me:(t
easi
ngl
y)areyoutryi
ngtogetuski
l
led
bef
oremypromisedpleasure.
(
Hedasheshi
sey
est
omet
henbackt
othe
r
oadagai
n)
Miguel
:Thedeat
hwi
ll
havetodaywi
ll
beonly
f
rom thepl
easur
ewewil
lgi
veoneanother
.
(
Ifl
ushasgetbut
ter
fl
ies.i
am al
readydr
ippi
ng
wetdownt
here.
)
Me:
Ithoughtwegoi
nghome.
(i
sayashepul
l
sinfr
ontahotel
.
Hepacksand
gi
vesmeadeaddropwickedsmil
e)
Miguel
:Im notabouttohaveyouscream my
namewithmybr otherandsist
erl
ist
ening.
(Ibl
ushasheopensthedoorforme, steppi
ng
outimovecl
osertohim abdwhisperinhisear
sofl
y.
)
Me:Iam notascr
eameract
ual
l
yiam a
moaner
.
(Ihearhi
m growlbehindme.Steppi
nginsidehe
hashishandsaroundmywai st
.Iwi
tnessasthe
l
adiesatrecept
ionfacesl
ightupwhent heysee
him andpangofjeal
ousyhits.)
Recepti
onist
:MrMokoena,thepr
esi
denti
al
sui
teisready,andbut
lerr
eadytoat
tendto
youreveryneed.
(Idontwhatisitabouthom butsomething
abouthimjustdemandsauthorit
yovery ou.He
getsthekeysandwegeti nt
otheelevatortothe
room.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
Themomenti stepintot her oom i feelli
kea
pri
ncess, fr
om anamazi ngnightt ot hi
s
exquisit
ehot el r
oom, ifeelterribl
yamazi ngand
hereismypr i
nceoghl ingatmel ookingreadyto
eatme.Myhear tspal pitat
eashest epsf or
ward
iabandonmyshoesbef oreher eachesme.
Takingmei nhi sarmswest andi nt hemi ddl
eof
theroom kissing, hisfreshmi ntybr eat
hdr i
ves
meov ertheedgeashi skissesmedownt omy
neck.Imov ei ttogi vehi m abi tofroom.asmy
handspusht hej acketof fhisbr oadshoul ders.
Weset t
leont hecouchhi sbodypr essingonme,
Hiserectionpressesmyl oweronmyabdomen,
hishandscar essmyboobsonebyone, whil
e
theotheronepushesmydr essup, upmybody ,
andmypant iesatthesides.Het humbcar ess
myclitsst i
mulati
nganewpl easure,hemov es
l
owerki ssingmyst omachgoi ngl owerhisifeel
hiswarml i
psonmyt hi
ghs.iam shat t
ered.
Me:
(br
eat
hless)Whatar
eyoudoi
ng!
Miguel
:youwi
ll
lov
eit
.(pushi
ngmebacki
nthe
couch)Don'
tmove!
'
Hespr eadsmyl egsabi gatthismoment si am
happyt hatLesedi pur suededmet owax.If eel
hisbighandst earapar ttheli
ttl
elacet hongi
wore.Hi sheadset tlesbet weenmyl egsand
tonguebegi ndoingt omet hi
ngsi cantev en
explai
n, outofthiswor l
d.Ipantingi dontknow
whattodowi tgmy selfthepleasurei sdroving
meov ert heedgei moanhi snamecount less
ti
mest illicannol ongerf eelmyownv oi
ce.He
sl
ipshi sf
ingeri
nandmovesashistongue
exploresmyclit
s.Awaveofpl
easur
e,ican'
t
holditanymore,icr
youthi
snameasi cli
max.
'
Mi
guel
:Wear
efarf
rom bei
ngdone.
'
(Hesay sashel iftsmeupst al kst owardsthe
room.Onceagai ni m onmyf eet .Iam stil
l
recoveringf r
om t heshocksofmycl i
max.i
wat chasheconnect shisphonet ot hestereo
andst artsplayingTonyBr axtonandBaby
Face'sal bum.Themusi cispl ay i
ngsof tl
y.Heis
beingmeunzi ppi ngmydr ess, itfall
stothe
groundf ollowedbymybr a, i
nowst andbef or
e
him naked.Ki ssingmeont hemout hi f
eel
my selfonhi smout hsaltyandsweet .
'
Mi
guel
:youar
ever
ybeaut
if
ulNana.
'
hesay sasheki ssesmyneck, suddenl yIwant
him asnakedasme, igr
abt heham ofhi sshirt
andr ipi
tapart,buttonsf ly
inov erthegr ound
foll
owedbyhi sshi rt
.Wi thshaki nghandsi
unbucklehisbel t.Hepushesmeont hebedand
iwat chasheget sri
dof fall theclothingi nhis
bodyi naspli
tsecond, myey est r
av eldownand
iam suretheyl ookr eadyt opopanymi nute.I
alway st
houghtt oTwasbi gcl earl
yi wasl yi
ng
becausei l
ookshockedatt hisbiger ecthar d
veinedmachi nest arri
ng.hest rodest owar ds
bedandki ssesmesl owly.Hemov est omy
nipplesandgi vesthem f ullatenti
on.Het akes
onei nhismout hashi shandconcent rateson
anotherone.i canthol ditanyl ongeri needhim
now.
'
Me:
Miguel
!Ineedy
ou.Now!
'
i
sayasmyhandscomeov
erhi
sneck.He
smil
esatmeset t
lesov
erbetweenmylegs.Hi
s
manhoodt easesme.Iam r
unningoutof
pat
ience.Atlastheget
sinitenseup
'
Miguel
:Rel
ax.Openy
ouey
esNanai
wantt
o
seeyou.
(
Ikeept
hem cl
osed)
Mi
guel
:Openy
ourey
esandl
ookatmeNana.
(Iopent hem andst areinhisey esther eis
somet hingcompel li
ngaboutt hem.Hesl owl y
goesi n,bloodrushesf rom myf aceasmybody
accomodat eshim.Hest opwhenhei sf ull
yi n
andki ssesmesl owl yashest artstot hrustin
andoutatasl owerpace.Thi si stoomuch, I
feelvulnerable,Iknowi hav
edonet hisbef ore
butitfeelsliket
hef irstti
met hiskindoff eeling,
thi
spl easuretheyar eallnewt ome, itislikeout
soulsar econnecting.tearswel lupinmyey es
andi letthem.Heki sseseachoneoft hem
away .Thel ovemaki ngissosl owandamazi ng.
iputmyl
egsaroundhim mynail
sdugi nt
ohis
ski
nashispacei
ncreases,hi
sthrustdri
veme
onedge,
iti
sbuil
dingupicanfeelit.
'
Mi
guel
:wai
tformeNana!
'
icanthol ditany more, iscr
eam hisnameout
l
oudasor gasm hitsthewal l
s.Minuteslater,I
feel hi
mt enseupt henl etgoasgr oansand
collapsesont opofme.i dontknowf orlongwe
stayl i
kethatnoonesay inganyt
hingourbr eath
calmi ngdown.Af t
erwhatseemsl ikealong
ti
mehemov eshewal ksbuttnakedt othe
ensui tebathroom returnswithatowel and
cleansmeup.Hei sbackagai nheget sunder
cov ersandpul lsmei ntohischest.
'
Miguel:(
kissi
ngmyfor
ehead)Il
ovey
ou
NandiphaWet hu.
Me:
Ilov
eyouMrMokoena.
Mi
guel
:Got
osl
eep!
(Heor der
smeandi donthav
eanystr
eghtht
o
replyhim.icl
osemyeyesandhaveapeacef
ul
sleepinmyman' sar
ms.)
[
06/
21,
20:
34]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t26
Slowlyopenmyey esasi situpandpul l
sheet s
tomychest .I
tisast ranger oom theni
remembert hatiam inahot el r
oom.Thesi de
heoccupi edisempt y, whendi dhewakeup
becausei di
dnthearhi m.igetof fbedandi nt
o
thebathroom whi leshowerwat erruni l
ook
my sel
fint hemi r
rormyhai ri samessal l,my
l
ipsswol lenitouchmyneckandIr eali
sei have
ahickery.Explici
tmemor i
escomei nwheni
recall
howher eachedf ormei nthemi ddleof
thenightandsat isfi
edme, i
twasntl i
ket hef i
rst,
i
twasr oughbuti napl easurableway .ifeel
my sel
fgethor nyagainwheni recal
lhowhehad
mef rom t heback.Thi sguywi l
lsurelybet he
deat hofme.Butmysmi l
edi sapper eswheni
reali
set hatwehav enotusedpr otection.I
i
mmedi at elystepintot heshower .Wheni get
offi drymy sel
fthenweart hebi ggownt y
ingit
ti
ght l
yar oundmywai stigeti ntotheliv i
ngroom,
hei st herewear i
ngashi r
tthati snotbut t
oned
sit
tingdownwi thhisIpadandacupofcof fee.
Heseemst ober eadingsomet hingsomet imesi
forgethowmuchofanwor kahol i
chei s.Asi f
hesensesmypr esenceher aiseshi sheadand
smi l
esatme.Howdoeshedoi t
,makeme
l
oosemysenses, makemybr eaththisshal low.
Iwal kupt ohim andki sshischeek.
'
Me:
Mor
ning.
(hepull
smeandmakemesi
tonhi
slapt
hen
kissesme)
Mi
guel
:That
showi
wantmymor
ningki
ss.
(
irol
lmyey
es)
Me:
iam f
armi
shedwhatar
eyouhav
ing?
?
Mi
guel
:Ior
der
edbr
eakf
ast
.Goonandeat
.
(imovet
omyseatandst ar
teat
ingmyf
ood,
he
knowsiam nof
anofteaorcoff
eesohe
order
edmeorangej
uice.)
Me:
Miguel
!
Mi
guel
:(r
aisi
nghi
sey
esf
rom t
hei
pad)Babe!
Me:wedi dntuseanypr
otect
ionandi
m noton
cont
racepti
ves.
Mi
guel
:i
twoul
dnthur
ttohav
eaJuni
orMi
guel
.
(
Igi
vehi
m adeadst
are)
Miguel
:Ihadt
hebut
lerdel
i
verthemorningaf
ter
pi
l
ls.Eatandy
ouwil
ldri
nkaft
erwards.
Me:
okay
.
Miguel
:Tommor
owl
unchhouri
am t
aki
ngy
ou
t
ogoseeDrMogami
.
Me:
whatf
or?
?iam notsi
ck.
Miguel
:Itisnotev
eryonewhoi ssickwhogoes
tohospi
tal.Seenyouarenotkeenonhav i
ng
chi
ldr
enf ornow,f
orcontr
aceptiv
es.
Me:
ther
ear
econdoms.
Miguel
:Idontl
i
kecondomsandiam notabout
t
ouseoneespecial
l
ywi t
hyou.
Me:
but
??
Mi
guel
:
Nobut
s!Subj
ectcl
osed.
(
ifor
gethowhecanbesocont
rol
l
ingatt
imes.
)
Mi
guel
:Ar
eyoudone?
?
Me:
yah.
Mi
guel
:l
etsgobat
h.
Me:
iam f
rom t
heshower
.
Miguel:Youcanalwaysgoagain.(hehelpsme
tomyf eetandwewalktot hebathroom.Im out
ofmygownst andi
nginfr
ontofthemi rr
or.He
i
sbehi ndmeki ssi
ngmehishandst easi
ngmy
erectnippl
es.)
'
Miguel
:Doy
ourememberthemorningyouwer
e
i
nmyhouseaft
eryouweredrunkatcl
ub??
Me:
Yes
Miguel:Doyourememberwhatisaidiwoulddo
t
oy outhatday?
?I nt
hebathr
oom standing
i
nfrontofthemirr
or,
yourl
egoverthesinkli
ke
t
his.
(Hesayashemakesmef acet hemirr
or,
his
handpicksmylegpl
acesitoverthebasi
n,i
standi
nonelegtot
all
yexposed.)
Miguel
::Doy
ourememberMashenge?
?(i
feel
hi
m atmyentr
ance)
Me:
(Taki
ngadeepbr
eat
h)Yes!
Mi
guel
:Yeswhat
??
Me:
Yes,
Iremember
..
Miguel
:Goodbecauset
odayiam del
i
ver
ing
uponthepromi
seimadethatday
!
(Hesaysasheslipsin,
fil
l
ingever
ypar
tofmy
body,t
hemirr
orst ar
tstobecomesbl
urr
yast
his
guytakesmeplaces.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Wheni wakeupagai ni tisanot herday ,a
mondayt hi
sfantasyi sov er, i
tisbackt oreali
ty.
Yest erdaywespentt hedayi nbed, f
rom maki ng
l
ov ei nthebat hr
oom t ot hebal conyt obedand
todayi nt heearl
yhour sofmor ning.Hewakes
upasi deofmewhi chi nev erknewcoul dexist,
thewant onfreakysi de.Andhei dontknow
wher eheget sallhisener gy ,thismanofmy
mi nehei sapussyeat er ,hej ustcantget
enoughofi t.Advicel adies: Dontmakehi m wait
l
ong, unlessyour eadyt of acet he
consequences, icantev enf eel myl egs.Heis
standi ngbymysi de, i
nhi sbl uet rousers
not hi
ngont op.
,
Mi
guel
:Babeakoot
sogehl
ema,
wewi
l
lbe
l
ate.
Me:
Hmm!i
am wake.
Mi
guel
:fi
nal
l
y!Iwasr
eadyt
oleav
eyouher
e.
(
Hewal
ksoutand
r
etur
nswi
thagl
assofwat
erandpi
l
ls.Isi
tup.
'
Mi
guel
:Takeanddr
inkbef
orewef
orget
.
(It
aket
hepi
l
lsandwater
.Thenhepi
cksmeup
andwal
ktot
hebathr
oom)
Mi
guel
:l
etsgety
oucl
eanedup.
(
heput
smei
nthebat
htub)
Miguel
:Dontt
akel
ongwear
eal
readyr
unni
ng
l
ate.
.
..
..
..
..
..
Iwal
ki nt
otherest
urantinadarkblueladies
sui
tthatmatcheswiththeoneMi guelis
weari
ngr i
ghtnow.Heinsist
s,Icantreal
ly,my
handbagtomy si
de.Itishar
dtobeli
evet hati
am myownbossr i
ghtnow.Thestaffgreetsme,
asi wal
ktomyof f
ice.iputmyphoneawayasi
focusthefi
l
esinfr
ontofme, ihav
ebeengi ven
thisbi
gtaskandibettermakesurethatthis
placedoesnotcr
umbl edown.
Anhourlat
eri
am i
nameeti
ngwi
ththe
managercomi
ngupwit
hnewmenusthatcoul
d
spi
ceuponeswehave.
Af
tert
hemeet
ing,
myphoner
ings,
iti
smot
her
.
'
Me:
Dee!
!
Dy
na:
ihav
enev
ermetadaught
erl
i
key
ou.
Me:
(rol
l
ingmyey
es)whathav
eidonenow?
?
Dy
na:
Ithoughtwewer
etomeety
est
erday
.
Me:
iam sor
rymama,
Miguel
real
l
yki
dnapped
me.
Dy
na:
youbet
tert
ell
himt
hathemi
ghtbemy
f
avour
it
erightnowbutifhehur
tsat
intpi
eceof
y
ourhairi
willsquashhi
m.
Me:
(laughi
ng)Eemmai
wil
l
.
Dy
na:
Howi
sfi
rstdayasbossl
ady
??
Me:
okayatt
hemomentwi
l
lseeast
imegoes.
Dy
na: okaymakemeproud,ial
way
sknewy
ou
wi
llbenothi
ngli
key
ourfather.
Me:
Yah!Ionl
ywi
sht
hat
..
Dy
na:
uh-
uh!dontst
artwi
tht
hatcr
apnow.
Me:
butmaa.
.
Dy
na:
imeani
tNandi
pha.
Me:okaywel
lhav
eawonder
ful
lday
,ihav
ea
r
est
uranttof
un.
Dy
na:
Byeboo.
(
Ihangup,
andamessageaget
sini
tisf
rom
Mpho.
)
'
Webookedat
abl
efor3,
wai
ti
ngf
ory
ouma'
am
(iknowexactlywhatt
heywantit
akemy
handbagandl ockmyoff
iceasiwal
ktothe
restur
ant
,theyarebeami
ngwithsmil
esasi
walkuptot hem)
[
06/
21,
20:
34]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t27
6Mont
hsLat
er
Iminameet i
ngwit
htheNanamanagerandt
he
assi
stantManager
.
Manager:t
her
esutanthasbeendoi
ng
exceedi
ngl
ywel
l.
Me:iti
sdoingwell
yes,
butwehav
enotr eached
ourgoal
.Yousti
l
lremembert
hegoal
right???
May
a:Yeswedo.
Me:Goodnowbringmesomet hingthatwi
l
l
bl
owmymi ndaway ,
ifNandos, Capell
oand
ot
herbi
grest
urantscandoit,winov er
cust
omer swhycantNanasdo.Theyar eour
competit
orsandwehav et ostayont opofthe
game.Leabanengihir
edy oubecausei bel
ieve
youarethebestmanfort hejob.Twomont hs
awayfrom openi
ngthesecondr esturantwhich
wil
lbeattherooft
opwithanexcl usiveviewi
needtoknowi fy
oucanr unthisracewi thmeor
i
fishouldfi
ndsomeonewi l
li
nhgtor unitwith
me.
Leabaneng;
Noi
bel
i
eveam st
il
lthebestman
fort
hejob.
Me: Good, thenidontneedt oremi ndyouof
yourjob.RememberMi guel
swi ll
bear ooftop
resustantbutwithanexcl usiv
ecl ub
undegr ound.iwantittobet hetalkofcit
y
beforeitcanbeopened.Fort hecl ubi
already
haveamanager .May awi l
loverseeNanasbut
undery oursupervi
sionwhi l
ey ouhead
Miguels.Nowgooutt hereandmakesomet hi
ng
happen.
(Theywalkourandi relaxont hechairback
taki
ngadeepbr eath,ifsomeonewar nedme
fi
rstthatr
unningar est urantwi l
lbethishecti
ci
woul dhav
enev eragr eedt oi t
.WhenMi guel
suggestedthati openanot heronebutwi than
exclusi
veclubithoughti twasar idi
culousidea
butnowi m gl
adi wentf orit.I
tisgoingt obea
hit
.)
.
..
..
..
..
.
I
m worki
ngont
hef
igur
esasmyphoner
ings.I
pi
ckup.
Mpho:y
ouaresupposedt
obeher
eforf
it
ti
ng
wher
earey
ou??
Me:
Shi
t!i
tot
all
yfor
goti
wil
lbet
her
e,j
ustnow.
Mpho:
okay
!
grabmyhandbagandgoout si
dewithMiguel
outoftowni havetousepubl i
ctr
ansportsincei
havenotyetgottenmylicense.Thecabdr ops
mei nf
rontoftheshopandi walkinsi
de.Shei s
standi
ngtryi
ngonherweddinggown,t
hebig
rockgl
itt
ersonherhand.Ismi
leasiwalkt
oher
.

Me:myf r
iend,youar
egoi
ngt
obet
hemost
beaut
if
ulbride.
Li
sa:
Justwhati
wassay
ingt
oherr
ightnow.
Mpho:
your
eal
l
ythi
nksso?
?
Me:
idontt
hinksoi
knowso.
'
Itr
youtmydr ess,itisali
ghtpinklongdress
withal
aceatt hetopandi texposestheback.I
t
fi
tsper
fectl
y.Afterfi
tti
ngwegoandhav e
di
nnerwithsomer edwineatCuppaccinos.
'
Me:st
il
lcantbel
i
evet
hisendofmont
hyouwi
l
l
beMrsThabisoMmusi
.
Mpho:i
knowr
ight
,don'
tyout
hinkwer
usheda
l
it
tl
e.
Li
sa:
arey
ousuddenl
yget
ti
ngcol
dfeet
??
Mpho: idontknow, I
mj ustoverwhel
med
ever
y t
hinghappenedsof astimeani twasnota
wil
dagowheni wasMpho, thesingl
egir
lwho
di
dnocommi t
ments,andnowi m engages
gett
ingmar r
iedendofmont h.
Me:
youdoknowthaty
oucancal
loft
his
mar
ri
agei
fyouar
enotyetr
eady.
Li
sa:i
tisali
tt
lebittoolat
et ocal
lofnow,t
hey
haveal
readyr
egisteredattheMagist
rat
ecour
t.
Mpho:Il
oveThabi
so,hei
stheoneihav
ebeen
wait
ingf
orall
myli
fe.Imj
usthavi
ngcol
dfeet
l
ikeyousai
d.
Me:Ever
ybri
dehascol
dfeet.St
opbei
ng
anxi
ousever
ythi
ngwi
ll
workoutmganiwami
.
(
Weshar
eagr
ouphuganddi
gint
ooutf
ood)
Li
sa:
Howst
henewpr
ojectcomi
ngal
ong?
?
Me:
itsal
mostt
her
e..
Mpho:youseri
ousl
ynotgoi
ngt
otel
luswhat
t
hispr
ojectofyour
sis?
?
Me:
iti
sasupr
isel
adi
es.
Mpho:
EvenMi
guel
ref
useat
otel
lus.
Me:
mymani
sver
yloy
alofcour
sehewontt
ell
.
Li
sa:speaki
ngofwhi
chwheni
shecomi
ng
back??
Me:i
wouldbely
ingi
dontknowwhenhei
s
comi
ngback.
Mpho:wel
lithi
nkyoudonthav
etowor
ryabout
t
hatonebecauseheisher
e.
Me:
what
??
Mpho:
lookatt
hedoor
.
'
ilookatthedoorandhei sstr
idi
nginthe
restur
anttowardsus,Idontknowwhati si
t
abouthim, i
sotthewayhewal ksorhisseri
ous
faceorhispersonal
it
ybutitissomethingabout
hi
mt hatholdssomuchaut hori
ty.iget
butt
erf
li
esasherstridestowar dsme, hehas
notshaved,andhelookstot al
l
yy ummya
monthwi t
houtseei
nghi m andi tf
eelsli
ke
eter
nit
y.Hef i
nal
l
yreachedoutt abl
e.Hekisses
mycheek.
Mi
guel
:Ladi
es!
(
theymur
muraHi
.
)
Mi
guel
:Doy
oumi
ndi
fist
oleheraway
??
Li
sa:
Notatal
l
.Beourguest
.
Miguel
:Thanky ou.(Hepicksupmyhandbagas
hewalkstothet i
lltosett
let
hebill,i
saymy
goodbyetomyf r
iendswhoar egiggli
ngatme.
Hetakesmyhandandwewal ktothecar.Heis
bei
ngchauf f
eredbyAust ontheyareusingthe
company '
smer cedes,inodmyheadt ohi
m asi
geti
ntothecar.Oncet hecarstartshepull
sme
i
ntohislapandki ssesme.
Mi
guel
:Imi
ssedy
ou.
Me:(
lookingi
ntohi
seyes)Imi
ssedy
oual
so
andi
m gladyouareback.
Mi
guel
:Soam i
.
(Nowi l
ookathi
minoti
cedar
kci
rcl
esar
ound
hisey
esandheisnothi
snormal
sel
f)
Me:
whati
swr
ong?
?Youdontl
ookokay
??
Mi
guel
:Il
ostt
hedeal
Nana.
Me:oh!myloveiknowhowbady ouwantedi
t
andworkedhardfori
t.I
m sor
ryot
herdeal
swil
l
comethrought
hough.
Miguel
:isowant
edthatone,i
fitwasntf
ort
hat
bl
oodyidioti
woul
dhavegott
enit.
(
iputmyhandsonhi
scheekandki
sshi
m.)
Me:
stopst
ressi
ng.
Mi
guel
:(ki
ssi
ngme)i
needy
ouNandi
pha.
(
suchsi
mpl
ewor
dsbutt
heymakemet
rembl
e.
)
Me:
(whi
sper
ing)i
know,
iam her
e.
'
Whenwegethomei av ai
lmysel ftohim,heis
roughfullofangerhowev eri submitsincewe
havebeent oget heritsthefir
sttimehei sli
ke
thi
s,imustbet otal
lyinsanebecausedespi t
e
hisangernessi am act uall
yenjoyingit
.Hisis
notaftermypl easur ebuthisownt hi
st i
me
around.whenhei sdone, hepul l
smei nhi s
arms,imt i
redsoi fal
l asl
eepst r
aightaway .
Iwakeupi nthemiddleofthenightandhi ssi
de
ofthebedi scol
d.ireachformysilklonggown
thengoandl ookhim.Heisinthest udyon
nothingbuttr
ousershewor ewhenhecame,
dri
nkingbrandy.hedoesnotev enlookatme
asi walki
ntotheroom butiknowhef eel
smy
presence.
Me:
whyy
ousi
tt
ingi
nthedar
k??
Mi
guel
:(col
dly
)Gobackt
obedNandi
pha.
'
Ireall
yhat eitwhenheshut smeoutl ikethis,
thepastwehav ebeent ogetheri hav ecomet o
l
ear nthatim dat i
ngacompl i
cat edmanwhoi s
controll
ing.Yeti lovehim withal l
hi sflaws.I
knowi shouldl i
stenandgobackt obedbuti
walkacr osst heroom andsi tonhi slap.i hear
him sighandhol dmet henwal ktot hebedr oom
wher ehemakespassi onatelov etome.Wheni
wakeupagai nwear einbed, itismor ninghei s
fastasleep.Il ookathim study i
nghi sf eaturesi
fi
nalygetcour agetogetoutofbed.i walkto
bathroom andst areatmy selfont hemi rr
or,
exami ningmydi f
ferentbody.i noticeabi g
hickeryonmyneck, iblush,i
twi llbet oohar dto
hideoutt hisone.Ther eisalsoabr uceonmy
hand.
Mi
guel
:(col
dly
)Ther
eismor
e.
(ij
umpatthesoundofhi sv
oice,hei
slooki
ng
atmesointensl
y.hekeepshiseyesonmeas
hewal
kstomeandl oosenthegown.then
makemet urnmyheadsoi seethdebruceson
myback.)
Me:
iti
snot
hing.
Mi
guel
:whoareyout
ryi
ngt
omakef
eel
bet
ter
meoryour
sel
f??
Me:Noone(pul
li
ngt
hegownt
ocov
ermybody
)
t
heydonthur
t.
Miguel:
stopj
ust
ufy
ingi
tonl
ymakesmeso
angry
.
(hetur
nsandwal ksoutoft
hebathroom iwant
togoaft
erhim butideci
denott
o.Insteadst
ep
i
ntotheshower.)
[
06/
21,
20:
34]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t28
Wear ebothquite,
ashedr i
vesmet owor ksi
nce
mor ninghehasbeenawr ful
lyquit
e.iknowheis
stressedaboutt hebrui
sesinmybodybuti tis
reall
ynothing.Ienjoyedeveryminuteofthe
agressivelovemaki ngbuthowdoi makehim
seet hatiam reall
yokay.Onlyifhecouldopen
upmoreaboutwhatheisfeeli
ng.Hepull
supi
n
fr
ontoft
herest
urantabdcomesar oundto
openmydoor.Westandfacingeachother
.
Miguel
:
(touchesmycheekbr
ief
ly)Youar
eso
i
nnocentyouknowthat
.
Me:
(bl
ushi
ng)Youknowi
lov
eyour
ight
??
Mi
guel
:Iwi
l
lseey
out
oni
ght
.
(hekissesmycheekt henget sont hecar
dri
vi
ngaway .Somet hi
ngiseat i
nghi m upi j
ust
wishi knewwhati tis,
heisnothi mself.isnap
outofmyt hought
sandwal kintotheresturant
fl
ashingmysmi l
et omyst affmember s.i goto
myof ficeandbusymy sel
fwi t
hthewor kl
oadin
myt able.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Therestofthedayprogr
essessoquickly,
wheni l
i
ftmyheadi t
safterl
unchtimereachi
ng
formyphonei fi
ndnothi
ngfrom Miguel
,agai
ni
saytomy sel
fthati
tissounl
ikehim,weare
alway stexti
ngeachot herthr oughthedaybut
todayhei stooquite,isendhi m atext"Youar e
here,buti st
il
lmissy ou.Ilovey ouGael ".Isend
himi tdeli
versbutthereisnor eplyiwaitfor10
minut esfortherepl
aybutt hereisnot hi
ng.He
i
spr obablybusy.Isayt omy selfasi walkt ot
he
resturanttocheckonmycust omers.Trev ori
s
therehav i
ngameal .Iwal kupt ohim.
Me:
Hey
!
Tr
evor
:Bossl
ady
,howar
eyou?
?
Me:(
smil
l
ing)pl
easedontj
oint
hecl
ub,
idont
ev
enli
kethebossl
adyti
tl
e.
Trev
or:Wellyouear
nedit
,lookatt
hispl
acey
ou
havetot
all
yturnedi
tar
ound.
Me: I
tisnotyetther
ebutiti
sgetti
ngther
e.By
thewaycongr adul
ati
onsheardyouar
eaf at
her
oftwostronghandsomet wins.
Trevor
:Thanky
ou,ofcourset
heyare
handsomeakeret
hefatheri
salsohandsome.
Me:(rol
li
ngmyeyes)Ij
aakagoitebatsakana.
Doy ouhaveapi
ctur
eofthem i
woul dli
keto
seethem.
(Hetakeshi
sphoneandshowthem t
ome,
hei
s
beamingwit
hsmiles,
proudi
guess)
Trevor
:(poi
nti
ngt
othem)That
sMokoenaand
that
sMor ena.
Me:(laughi
ng)Howdoy outel
lthem apart
?i
cantevenseethedi
ff
erencebetweent hem.
Tr
evor
:iti
sasecr
et.
Me:
theyar
esoador
abl
e.
Tr
evor
:thanky
ouguesst
heyt
akeaf
terKat
.
Me: def
inat
elydo,
wellenjoyyourmeal
.l
etme
checkonmyot hercustomers.
Tr
evor
:okayboss.
..
.(i
givehi
m anev
ill
ookand
st
opsthensmil
es)No!imeanNana.
(
ismi
l
eandwal
kawayf
rom hi
stabl
e)
.
..
..
..
..
Ismileasi wal
koutar ound8pm tothecar
wait
ingf orme.Austinhastopickmeup, i
get
i
ntothecar .Wheni gettohisapart
mentwhich
i
sbasi call
ymyhomenow, i
trythecodewhich
i
smybi rt
hdaybutitwontopen.Thedooropens.
Heisst i
lli
nhissui
tbutt heti
eisout.
Me:
didy
ouchanget
hecode?
?
Mi
guel
:Yahi
did.Comei
n.
(Ist
andlookingathispuzzl ed,nowi know
somethingisdefinatel
ywrong.i getinsideand
changeintosleepersthenwal ktot heli
ving,i
feelhi
sgazeonmeasi walkinside.Isi
t
becausei f
eelweneedt otalkabouwhat ever
thehelli
sgoingon.
Me:areyougoi
ngt
otel
lme,
whati
s
happeni
ng??
Miguel:
ilovey
ounomat t
erwhatal
way
sknow
thatil
ovethefi
rstmomengil
aidmyey
eson
andiwill
y
out
il
lthedayi
die.
Me:
(al
armed)Mi
guel
,whati
swr
ong?
?
Miguel
:Im af
rai
dim goi
ngt
ohav
etol
ety
ou
go.
Me:
letmegowher
e??
Mi
guel
:Wecannol
ongerbet
oget
herNandi
??
Me:
(myv
oicei
sbr
eaki
ngi
feel
it)why
???
Miguel
:youaresogenui
neandinnocent
.
Someoneelsedeser
vesyourl
ovenotme.
Me:
Whysomeoneel
senoty
ou?
?
Mi
guel
:Becausei
dontwantt
ohur
tyouNana.
(
Istandupandwalkuptohi
m, t
ear
swel
lupin
myey es,
ilov
ehi
m hecantj
ustl
eavemel
ike
t
his)
Me:
Youl
ovemey
oucannev
erhur
tme.
Mi
guel:
Noi al
readydi
dyester
daywhenitook
myfust
rat
ionsoutonyou.Youdeser
vebett
er.
Me:(
cryi
ng)Noideservey
ou.Tel
lmewhati
di
dwrongsocanfi
xit.
Miguel
:It
snotyou,
iti
stot
all
yme.Ihavemade
upmymi ndpl
easedontmakethi
shardert
han
i
tisalr
eadyi
s.
(Mylegsfai
lmeasi
fal
ltomef
eetandcr
yout
thepai
n.)
Me:
whyy
oudoi
ngt
hist
ome?
?
Mi
guel
:Im sor
ryMashenge.
(Hewallsout,thei seehi m carry
ingabagand
boxtothedoor , hei stalki
ngt oAust i
nbuti cant
hearwhathei ssay ingbecausei am
overwhelmed.Mi nut esl
aterhecomeshepi cks
meupandcar riesmeoutt othewai t
ingcari
dontevenhav eener gytof ighthi
m ont hi
sone.
Hekissesmyt ear sawayandput smeont he
carbeforeclosingt hedoorandwal kingt
ohi s
house.Thecarmov es.iclosemyey estokeep
thepainawaybuti tisnotgoi ngaway .Wheni
openmyey esimi nfrontofmyapar tmentthati
sharewit
hLisa.Austi
nfol
lowsmewithmy
bagsiopenthedoorheset st
hebagsdownand
walksout.i
sitonthecouchandcrymylaughs
out.
..
.!
!
.
..
..
.
t
hedooropensLi
sawal
ksi
nwi
thMpho.
Mpho:(
teasi
ngl
y)andt
hent
hebagst
roubl
ein
par
adi
se???
Li
sa:
(joki
ngl
y)shewassentpacki
ngsosoon?
?
(
Ilookatt
hem andj
ustcr
y)
Mpho:
heywear
ejustj
oki
ngwhyy
oucr
ying?
?
Me:
hedumpedmeMpho?
?
Mpho:
(huggi
ngme)whathappened?
?
Lisa:
Miguel
wor
shi
psy
ou,
hewi
l
lnev
erl
eav
e
you.
Me:hedumpedmewi t
htheol
destexcusei
n
book"
it
snotyou,
iti
sme"
Li
sa:
Jer
k!whyi
shedoi
ngt
hisaf
terhemakes
y
ouf
all
inl
ovewi
thhi
m.
Me:
(sobbi
ng)Hesay
shedoesntwantt
ohur
t
me.
Mpho:Shh!st
opcryi
ng, hei
snotwor
thyofy
our
t
earsNana.Stopcr
ying.
Me:il
ovehi
m Mpho,
whycantheseei
t??I
t
hur
tssobad.
Mpho:iknowithur
tsweet
hear
t,i
knowbuti
t
shal
lgetbet
ter
.
'
Theykeepcomf orti
ngmeev entual
l
yi falasl
eep.
Idontgot owor kthenextdayi l
etmymanager
know, eventhedayt hatfoll
owsi st
il
ldontgo,
andt gefol
lowing.Istayinbeddingallday
cryi
ngi dontevenhav eappet i
tetoeatwhy
didntanyonewar nmet hat"aheart
breakwi l
l
hurtthisbad".Aweekpassesandi havent
mov edoutoft heroom ormybed.
'
[
06/
21,
20:
34]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t29
Thecur t
ainsinmyr oom openbringingin
l
ightness.Ihavebeencurledi
nt hisroom fora
weeknowand3day s.Ij
ustcantf acethe
outsideworldifeel
somuchl ikeaf ail
ure.
Dy
na:
iti
sti
met
owakeupy
oungl
ady
.
(irai
semyheadtoseei
fmyear
sar
enot
decei
vingme.)
Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
esoear
ly?
?
Dy
na:
camet
otal
ksomesensei
ntoy
ou.
Me:pleasegetoutandcl
oset
hedoorbehi
nd
you.
Dyna:
doy outhi
nkst
arvi
ngyour
selft
odeath
andcryi
ngyourl
ungsoutwi
l
l br
inghi
m back??
Me:whatdoy
ouwantmet
odosi
ncey
ouknow
somuch??
Dy
na:
youdamnr
ighti
knowsomuch.
Me:
im st
il
ll
ist
erni
ng.
Dyna:youar egoingt
ogetoutofthisbedand
house,thengot owork,y
ourrel
ati
onshipi
sover
butthatdoesntmeaby ourl
if
eisovernohis
yourbusiness.
Me:howdoigot
other
est
urantownr
dbyhi
m
andwork?
?
Dy na:ther
esturantisy
oursalongwhetheryou
breakupornot .iti
sagifthegaveyouhecant
takeitback.Nowwakeupandshowt hatman
thatyourworlddoesnotr esol
vear
oundhi m.Be
av ict
ornotav i
ctim
Me:
iti
shar
d.
Dyna:Nobodysai
ditwil
lbeeasybutal
eapof
fai
thandcour
agecanthurt
.WeareWethu
womenNandiphawedontgiveup.Whenli
fe
giv
esuslemons,wemakelemonades.
Me:
Iguessy
our
ight
,Mi
guel
wil
lregr
ett
heday
hedumpedhimjustl
i
keTrev
orr
egr
eted
marr
yinghi
mlswif
eoverme.
Dyna:
that
sthespi
ri
t,maket
heMokoenaboy
s
cr
y.
Me:
iwi
l
lgobat
hyouchooseanout
fi
tforme.
(
iwal
ktot
hebat
hroom t
henst
opandl
ookat
mymom.)
Me:
DynaWet
hu.
Dy
na:
yespuddi
ngpi
e.
Me:
ilov
eyouy
azi
.
Dyna:i
knowgoandbathwest
il
lhav
ethat
weavetotakecar
eof
f.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Ilookmy sel
finthemirroronel astti
me, havi
ng
adi v
amom somet i
mesi sabl essingindisgui
se.
Im wearingablackfl
airski
rtwi thawhi t
e
sleevel
essshir
ttuckedin,blackpumpheel s.i
feelali
veagai
n.Mom i sdri
vingmet owor k.
Dy
na:
imustbei
nMahal
apy
elat
est11am.
Me:
youar
egoi
ngback?
?
Dyna:whati
cameforisachi
evedsoi
needt
o
getbacktomyl
if
ealso.
Me:
youar
ethebestmom.
Dy
na:
Damn!r
ighti
am.
.
..
..
i
am inmyof f
icecat
chi
nguponwhatimissed
l
astday
si havebeenaway
.Ther
eisaknockon
t
hedoor,Mayacomesin.
Maya:Ther
eisaMrTaukobongl
ooki
ngf
or
you.
Me:
sendhi
mint
hen.Whatdoeshewant
??
May
a:hewontsay
.
Me:
okay
.
(Shegoesoutt
hencomesfoll
pwedbysome
handsomeguyidontknow.
)
Ray
mond:y
ouar
eahar
dladyt
ofi
ndMs
Wethu.
Me: i
havebeenonsi
ckl
eav
e,sor
ryi
didntcat
ch
yourname.
Raymond:Ohsor
ry!iam RaymondTaukobong
fr
om TheBrownl
ey-TaukobongAt
tor
neys.
Me:
Nandi
phaWet
hu.
(
weshakehandsandset
tl
edown.
)
Ray
mond: i
m her
eonbehal
fofmycl
i
entMi
guel
Mokoena.
Me:
okay
!
Raymond:(handi
ngmepaper
s)I
tisr
egar
ding
thepr
oject.
'
(i
sil
entl
ygoovert
hedocumentsiam gi
ven
onceihaver
eadthem i
lookathi
m)
'
Me:
hei
sgi
vi
ngmet
heMi
guel
'
s??
Ray
mond:
yesma'
am hewant
syout
ohav
eit
.
Me:
why
??
Raymond:
thati
ssomethingyouar
egoi
ngt
o
hav
etoaskhim,iam af
raid.
Me:
(si
gni
ngt
hedocument
s)wel
lthanky
ou.
Raymond:
apl easur
e,ihear
ditsgoi
ngtobean
excl
usi
verest
urant,iwil
lbr
ingmywifetodi
ne
ther
e.
Me:
Pleasedo.
i
wal
khi
m out
..
.
..
..
i
tsislunchti
me, iam att
endingt omy
customersandst af
fmember s.Whenhewal ks
i
nwi thAmanda,lookingall
cosyandl ov
ey
dovey.Hiseyealockwithmi neandi seehi
m
panickali
tt
le.Myst af
fmember slookatme
withpit
yandi walktowardst hem.Myheartis
breaki
ngont hei
nsidebuti donywantt ogi
ve
them benef
itofthedoubt.
Me:
(smi
l
ing)wel
comet
oNana'
s,at
abl
efor
??
Mi
guel
:twopl
ease.
Me:
Fol
l
owmepl
ease.
(
iescor
tthem t
othet
abl
e)
Me:
Mayi
takey
ourj
acketma'
am.
Amanda:idi
dntknowevenownerscanserv
e
cust
omersoryouarebacktobei
ngwait
ress
agai
n.(
giv
ingmeherjacket
)
Miguel:st
opitAmandaweareher
et oeat
,if
youbringyourat
ti
tudeher
ewewil
lleavebefor
e
weev eneat.
Me:Awai
tresswil
lcometot
akey
ouror
der
oncey
ouready.Thanky
ou.
'
icanfeelhiseyesonmeasi wal
ktothedoor
agai
nt oattendtoothercust
omers.Aft
era
whil
ei escapetomyof fi
ce,myhearti
sbreaki
ng
i
ntopieces,istandbythewindowstar
ring
outside.Ther
eisaknockandheget
sin.He
staresatmef orawhi
le.
Me:
cani
hel
pyouwi
thsomet
hing?
?
Mi
guel
:Di
dRayseey
ou?
?
Me: yahhedid,t
hankyoubutiwil
lli
ketopay
touback,ofcoursenotal
loncebutmont hl
y.I
alr
eadyaskedhimt odrawupcontractandhave
ussignit.
Mi
guel
:That
snotneccessar
y,i
tisagi
ft
.
Me:
iinsi
st,
idontl
i
kehandout
s.
Mi
guel
:okaynopr
obl
em.
Me:Youalsodonthavetobri
ngy ourgi
rl
fri
end
her
et otr
yandmakeapoi nt,
ialr
eadydid.Andi
am sorr
yihavebeenanuisancewithmycalls
andsmses,yest
erdaywasthelastti
me.
Mi
guel
:Mashen.
..
..
.
Me:
(int
err
upt
inghi
m)Pl
easel
eav
e.
(
het
urnsandwal
ksout
)
.
..
..
..
2weeksl
ater
Wear eaweekawayf rom Mpho'
sweddi ng.We
arehavi
ngourgather
ingtoday,t
odiscusssome
thi
ngs.Ever
yonehavearri
vedwenowwai ti
ng
fort
hegroom andMigueltoarr
ive.Thabisi
comesin.
'
Mpho:wher
eisMi
guel
,thoughty
ouwer
e
comi
ngwithhi
m??
Thabi
so:Hehaspul
l
edout
,her
eckonsi
twi
l
lbe
awkwardforhi
m.
Me:Great
,notiam wit
houtapar
tneraweek
bef
orethewedding.
Thabi
so:
Youdohav
eapar
tner
.
Me:
Who?
?
Thabi
so:
(poi
nti
ngt
othedoor
)hi
m
(
Atal
lguywi
thagr
eatphy
sicwal
kshi
m,hei
s
darkwi t
hcaramel spokyeyes, darkin
compl et
ion,t
hewayhewal ksjustt urnsmeon.I
havenev erseensuchahandsomedar kguy.
May bei canmakehi m myr eboundguy .ithi
nk
tomy selfandlaugh.Hefinall
yr eachesthe
tabl
e.)
Loy
iso:
Sor
ryi
mlat
e,wascaughtupi
ntr
aff
ic.
(
iwhi
sphert
oLi
sa)
Me:
Hei
sfl
i
ppi
ngf
ine.
Li
sa:
iknowr
ight
.
Thabiso:i
tisokaymyguy .Ladiesiti
sLoyi
so,
myf r
iend,Loyit
hisist hel
oveofmyl if
e,Mpho,
andthatsthelovel
yLi saandy ourbeaut
if
ul
part
nerNana.Wi ll
,KingandMasegowontbe
abl
et omakei t
.
Loy
iso:
nicemeet
ingy
oul
adi
es.
Me:
li
kewi
se.
.
..
..
.
I
m get t
ingsitt
ingi
nthecornerenj
oyingthe
blackforestcakewhi
leothersgoaroundcajw
tasti
ng..
'
Loy
iso:
(si
tt
ingdown)sowhoi
she?
?
Me:
who?
Loy
iso:
theguyt
hatbr
okey
ourhear
t.
Me:
howdoy
ouknowt
hat
??
Loyi
so:youar
eawf ull
yqui
te,y
ouwearasad
expr
essi
onandfindingcomforti
nsugar
.
Symptomsofbrokenheart
s.
Me:
iwi
l
lrat
hernott
akeabouti
t.
Loy
iso:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
otal
kaboutt
hen?
?
Me:(t
easi
ngl
y)I
tisLoy
isowhokana?
?isi
t
Bal
a??
Loy
iso:ifonl
y,iti
snotLoyi
soBal
a,
unf
ortunatel
yitisLoy
isoMoal
osi
.
Me:
ohokay
,whatdoy
oudo?
?
Loy
iso:
Im adoct
orspeci
ali
sei
ncadi
osur
ger
y.
Me: OkayDrMoalosi,whatify
oursur
nameis
MoalosithenGabri
elisyourwhat,
becausei
thoughtmay bei
tsyoursurname,Thabi
so
keepscalli
ngyouGabr i
el.
Loy
iso:y
oupayattent
iondonty
ou?
?Me:
Nat
ure
ofmyjobexpect
smet o.
Loy
iso:
whi
chi
s??
Me:
aft
ery
ouanswermyquest
ion.
Loyi
so:Loy
isoi
sanadoptedname,
iusedt
obe
Gabri
eli
nmyprevi
ousli
fe.
!
.
..
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
..
[
06/
21,
20:
34]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t30
Weddi
ngsalwayshav
eawayofmakingme
emoti
onal
,seei
ngmybest
fri
endwal
kdownthe
aisl
ebr oughtt earstomyey es.Asi fthatwas
notenough, t
heirv owstoeachot herwasr eal
ly
perfect,Miguel washer ewithAmanda, but
duringtheexchangeofv owshi sey eswer e
l
ockedwi thmi ne,somanyunspokenwor dsbut
thechemi stryisst i
ll
there,t
hisguywhobr oke
myhear tandi shouldbehat i
ngr i
ghtnowst il
l
makesmel osemysenses, Il
ov eMi guel,thi
s
shouldbeus.Imi sshim, i
mi ssev erything
abouthi m.At l
eastnowt heemot i
onal partof
weddi ngisov er,wear eattger eceptionar ea,
theyar ebusygi vi
ngspeechesanddanci ng.Im
sitt
ingdownf i
ddlingwi t
hmyphone.Katand
Amandasi tri
ghtnextt omeandi totallyignore
them.
'
Kat:
Hef i
nall
yhadhiseyesopened,
ial
way
s
knewthatyouwouldntl
ast.
Me:Br
avo!ni
cespeech,
youwonsowhatdo
youwant
??
Kat
:Nothingj
ustwant
edt
oseet
hel
oser
'sf
ace.
Youreal
l
ysadhey!
Me:
youar
epat
het
icKat
legodoy
ouknow
t
hat
??
Kat:Youarethepat
heti
conecryingov
eraman
thatwasntyour
sinthefi
rstpl
ace.
Me: Hei smi neandhewi l
lalwaysbemine.You
arethebi ggestlooser
shere,stuckwi
thtwo
brotherswhodontl ov
eyou,butbothlov
eone
gir
l.Iownt hosemanandany t
imeiwantthem i
canal way scomebackt ogetwhatismine.
Nowi fyouwi l
lexcusemei havebett
erthi
ngs
todo.
.
..
..
.
Istandupandwal kaway,therecept
ionisbei
ng
heldinagar deni.al
odge, t
hereisabenchfar
awayf rom peoplewhichfacesthewaterpond
andgi v
esacl earvi
ewofsunset .Iam si
tt
ingby
starr
ingint
ot heopenplace.Loyisocomesand
si
tnextt ome.Wear esil
entforsometimeti
ll
herdeci
dest
obr
eakt
hesi
l
ent
.
'
Loy
iso:
Thewhi
teguyi
sithi
m??
Me:yahhi
snamei
sMi
guel
,howdi
dyou
know??
Loyi
so:Becausehehasbeenstar
ri
ngatyoual
l
dayandevennowhei ssi
tt
ingdownther
e
star
ri
ngatyou.
(
iturnmyheadandnot
iceMi
guel
sit
ti
ngt
her
e
f
acingmydir
ect
ion.
)
Loy
iso:
hel
ovesy
ou.
Me:
Nohedoesntel
sehewoul
dnthav
edumped
me.
Loyi
so:Beli
eveme,i
knowhel
ovesyou,
becauseial
sogaveuponmysoulmate.Iknow
i
tall
.
Me:Yah!y
ouowemel astti
mey oudi
dntt
ell
me
whatyoumeantbypr
eviousli
fe.
Loy
iso:
iti
sal
ongst
ory
.
Me:
Igotal
lthet
imei
nthewor
ld.
Loy
iso:
Okayi
wil
ltel
lyoul
ater
.
Me:
idontf
orgety
oudoknowt
hat
.
Loy
iso:
Inot
iced.
Me:
wher
edoy
oust
ay?
?
Loy
iso:
iwor
kinPr
etor
ia.
Me:
Oh!y
ouar
enotbasedi
nBot
swana.
Loyi
so:
(chuckl
es)Idontwantpeopl
etost
art
seei
ngghosts.
Me:Youareweir
d.Thebri
deandgroom hav
e
l
efthowaboutwegetoutofher
e?
Loy
iso:
Okayl
etsgo.
.
..
..
..
..
.
IsaymygoosdbyestoLisaandMpho' sf
amily
thenwal
kwit
hLoy i
sotohiscar.Ifeel
hishand
catchmi
ne.it
urntolookathim andhelooks
mi
ser
abl
e.
Me:
Miguel
!
Mi
guel
:Dontgo.
Me:
Letgoofmyhand.
Mi
guel
:Nanadontgowi
thhi
m.
Loy
iso:
Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ouguy
ssomepr
ivacy
.
Me:NoMi
guel
wasj
ustl
eav
ing.Comeonl
ets
go.
(
imanagetogetmyhandi
fhi
sgr
ipandgeti
nto
t
hecarwit
hLoyiso.)
Loyi
so:
Areyousur
eyouwantt
owal
kaway
fr
om hi
m??
Me:
Yah.andl
etsst
opt
alki
ngabouthi
m.
Loy
iso:
Okaywher
eto?
?
Me:
dri
vei
wil
lgi
vey
oudi
rect
ions.
.
..
..
..
..
..
Loy
iso:
wowt
hisi
samazi
ng.
(Weareinatmynewr estur
ant,
gav ehi
m at
our
nowwear elooki
ngatthespectacul
arvi
ewof
theCi
ty)
Me:
Iti
snoty
etdone,
buti
tget
ti
ngt
her
e.
Loyiso:i
tisamazi
ng.I
twi
l
lbeoneofthe
greatestr
estur
ant
sandcl
ubi
nBotswana.
Me:
Wewant
edi
ttobel
i
ket
hatwhenwebui
l
t.
Loy
iso:
youandwho?
?
Me:Miguel
,buti
tsnowall
mine.Iboughtit
f
rom hi
m aft
erhetri
edt
ogivei
tasagi ft
.
Loy
iso:
Your
emi
ndmesomuchofher
??
Me:
who?
Loy
iso:
Kat
her
ine.
Me:
Thewomany
ougav
eupon.
Loy
iso:
yeahher
.
Me:
whydi
dyoudoi
t??
Loy
iso:
Ever
yoneknowst
hatGabr
iel
isdead,
whil
einact
ual
facti
am st
il
lal
i
ve,
Ifakedmy
deat
h.
Me:
(ast
oni
shed)What
!Why
??
Loyiso:Iwasinabadcaracci dentwheni woke
upi waspar al
ysedfr
om hipsdownwar d,and
doctorsthoughtiwouldntmakei tbecause
thereweremanycompl i
cati
ons.Ididntwantto
burdenKat her
inesi
ncei wasalreadygoingto
diesoi pai
dadoct ortofakemydeat h.
Me:
How?
?
Loyiso:welli
wasgi venanknockedunconcious
tomaket hem beli
evethatim dead,
inst
eadof
beingatthemor t
uaryi st
ayedinhospit
alti
ll
day
ofmybur ial
.Withpropermedicineiwasoff
again,bur
ied.Onlyt
obedugoutagai naft
er
everyonelef
tthecement ry.
Me:
whysomucht
roubl
e??
Loy
iso:ineededthem t
obel
iev
ethati
ndeedI
am dead.Thatst
heonlywayKathwoul
dhave
mov
edon.
Me:
soev ennowshedoesnotkowt
hatGabr
iel
i
sal
ive?
?
Gabri
el:
noonedoesexpectThabi
soandyou
know.Shei
sbetterofwi
thoutme,
marri
ednow
wit
htwochil
dren.
Me:
Donty
ouev
err
egr
ett
hedeci
sion?
?
Gabr
iel
:ev
ery
dayofmyl
i
fe.
Me:
Youl
oveher
.
Gabr
iel
:mor
ethanany
thi
ng.
Me:
wil
lyouev
ert
ell
her
??
Gabri
el:
i dontwanttocompl
i
cat
eherl
i
fe,
shei
s
bet
teroffnotknowing.
'
Heisholdi
ngmyshoesasiwalkbar
efoot
ed
hisj
acketonmyshoul
der
swalkingmetomy
room.
Me:
thanky
ou,
Mrdeadguyi
hadagr
eatt
ime.
Gabr
iel
:ial
soenj
oyedmy
sel
f.Goodni
ght
.
Me:
(huggi
nghi
m)Goodni
ght
.
Gabr
iel
:iwi
l
ldr
opbymondaybef
orei
leav
e.
Me:
youar
eleav
ing.
Gabri
el:
idi
dsayidontwantpeopl
etocome
acr
ossdeadguy.
Me:Forhoslongwil
lyoukeepi
tasecr
et.You
knowtheyneverst
aysecr
etfor
ever
.
Gabri
el:
iknow.
Bye(
heki
ssesmycheekand
walksaway)
.
..
..
..
.
Igetintothehouseandwal kt omyr oom asi
switchont helight
shei ssleepingonmybed
withabot t
leofwhi skeyonhi shand.Iforgotto
takemyspar ekeysfrom him whenwebr okeup.
Itrytowakehi m upbuthewontbudge.i take
offhisshoesandj acketandt ie.Af
terwardsi
takeashowerandgeti nt
obednextt ohim and
stareint
ohi sface,helookspeaceful ,i
dont
knowwhati shappeni
ngbutiknowthati ti
s
str
essi
nghi m.Whydoi l
ovehisi
diotsomuch, i
ki
sshisforeheadandputmyheadonhi schest
.
Justonelastti
me,onelastt
ime,Imissedhim.
[
06/
22,
10:
05]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t31
Myal arm goesof f,itsnowamonday !idrag
my selftot hebat hroom.Andi haveashower ,
mybodyf eelslikeithasbeenr unov erbya
tr
uck.Ist il
l cantbelievet hatMi guel
disappear edwi thoutsay i
ngany thi
ng, notevena
nottoexpl ainwhathewasdoi nginmyhouse,
notev enaphonecal l
,heshoul dhav eat l
east
l
ef tmykey sbehi nd.Ilov ethatmanGodknows
idobuti cantpl ayliket hi
s,hehasmadehi s
bednowi tst imehel i
esoni t
.Iwi l
lgi
v ehima
pieceofmymi nd.If i
nishev r
ythingthensi t
downt ohav emybr eakfastwhi l
ei waitformy
cabt ocomeandgetme.May bei t
stimei
boughtmy selfacarbutwi thwhatmoney ,Icant
uset
heRest
urant
'smoneyi
tsunprof
essional
pl
usineedt
ouseitt
opayoffthati
diot
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
I
m havi
nglunchhourwi
thGabri
elwearet
aki
ng
adri
ve,
chatti
ngaboutr
andom t
hings.
Me:
youar
eser
iousl
ygoi
ngback?
?
Gab:
ibel
ongi
nPr
etor
ia,
ihav
eal
i
fet
her
e.
Me:
butyourhear
tisher
e.Okayhowabouty
our
f
amil
ywherearethey
??
Gab:
mom st ay
swithmysisteri
nMoshupa.My
st
epsist
eriundest
andshegotmar r
iedt
wo
monthsbacktosomedesertpri
nce.
Me:Donty
out
hinkt
heydeser
vet
oknowy
ou
st
il
lal
iv
e??
Gab:andopenacanofol
dwounds,
no!t
hey
bet
terofnotknowi
ng.
'
(
Atextcomei
nandi
readi
t,i
tisf
rom Mi
guel
,
"Dontfal
lfort
hatguy ,
Youar emineNandipha.I
dontevenwanty outospendt i
mewi thhim.
"I
rol
lmyey es,idontunder
standhim atal
l.He
dumpsbutdoesnotwantmet omov eon.Heia
self
fi
shjustli
kethisguyhere.
'
Me:
Youar
ereal
l
ysel
ff
ishdoy
ouknowt
hat
??
Gab:im nodif
fer
entf
rom you,
lookaty
ou,y
ou
dontwantmet ogobecauseyouwonthav
ea
fr
iendtotakeyouondri
ves.
Me:yesyoudef
ii
nat
elyr
ight
,iam sadt
haty
ou
ar
eleavi
ng.
Gab:Pret
ori
aisnotf
ar,
5-6hoursdr
ivef
rom
Gaboroneyoucanal
waysvi
sit
.
Me:
idef
inat
elywi
l
l.
Gab:l
etmetakeyoubacktoyourli
tt
le
sanct
uar
y,andhi
tthi
slongroad.
Me:DropmeatTheMokoenaEngi
neer
sand
Ar
chit
ectur
eCompany
.
Gab:goi
ngtocheckonpr
ogr
esswi
th
bui
ldi
ng??
Me:Hi
sfami
l
yownst
hecompany
.Ineedt
osee
hi
m.
Gab:ohokay
!Youguy
sbet
tersor
touty
our
i
ssues.
Me:
youbet
tert
ell
Kat
her
iney
ouar
est
il
lal
i
ve.
Gab:
Kat
hri
nei
samar
ri
edwoman.Toherf
ir
st
l
over
.
(
hepul
l
sinf
rontoft
hef
ir
m)
Me:Dri
vesafel
yanddontbeast
angerwhen
yougett
here.
..
Gab:
(huggi
ngme)Iwi
l
lbei
ntouch.
'
(igetoutofthecarandwatchhim dri
veaway.
Aftertaki
ngadeepbr eat
hiwalkintothese
i
nt i
midati
ngbuil
dingfort
hefir
stprobablyl
ast
ti
me.If eelt
hei
reyesonme, seemsl i
ke
everyonest
opstol
ookatme.Iwal
ktothe
recepti
onbuti
seeTrev
orbef
oreir
eachthe
table.
)
'
Tr
evor
:(huggi
ngme)t
hisi
sapl
easantsur
pri
se.
Me:
iknow,
ishei
n??
Tr
evor
:yahhei
s,comei
wil
ltakey
out
ohi
m.
(
wegettheelev
atorandhepr
essest
hel
ast
f
loorbut
ton)
Me:Doallyouremploy
eesst
arel
i
ket
hatat
eachst
rangerwalki
ngin?
?
Trevor
:Youwi
l
lseewhyt
heywer
est
arr
ing
soon.
(West epoutoft heelevat
orandi mmediatel
yi
faceal argepotrai
tofme, iti
sdr awn,nextt
oit
i
sapi ctureofmewear i
ngsmi ll
ing.Thewhole
fl
oorisdi ff
erent,i
tisbi
gandt hereisafl
at
screent el
evisi
onabdcouches, twodoors
oppositeeachot hereachhast wowomanwi t
h
adeski
nfr
ontoft
hem.
)
'
Tr
evor
:nowy
ouseewhyt
heyar
est
arr
ing.
Me:
whodi
dthi
s??
Tr
evor
:Miguel
drewi
t,di
dnthet
ell
yout
hathe
i
sanarti
st?
?
Me:
No!henev
erment
ionedi
t.
(Thedooropensandhewal ksoutwit
haman
shakinghands,heseesme,hisfacel
i
ght
sups
buttherei
salsoaf r
own.Aft
erthemangets
i
ntotheelevatorhetakesmyhandandpul
lsme
i
ntohi sof
fi
ce).
'
Mi
guel
:Neo!
Neo:
YesSi
r.
Mi
guel
:Nodi
stur
bance.
Tr
evor
:Whataboutme,
not
hanky
ou!
Mi
guel
:Getl
ostT.
.
..
..
..
Hisof f
iceisbigwit
habigdeskandandabl ack
corporatechairt
hatspeakspowerfaci
nganL
couchwi thacoffeetabl
e.Theothersi
deofthe
wall i
spictur
eofhisfamil
y,andagaini
m al
so
there.
.
Mi
guel
:Mashenge!
!
Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngMi
guel
??
Mi
guel
:Huh?
?
Me:Whyyoudi
stur
bingmypeace?
?You
dumpedme.
Mi
guel
:Imadeami
stake.
Me:Thnr eal
i
seyourmist
akesalonewi
thout
dr
aggingmei n,
youwalkedoutonme.You
madey ourbednowli
eonit.
Mi
guel
:Iwasacowar
d,Il
ovey
ouNandi
pha.
Me:Whathappened?Wher
eisy
ourgi
rl
Amanda??
Mi
guel
:shei
snotmygi
rl
,youar
emygi
rl
.
Me:StopitMiguel
!
!Justst
opokay
!What
happenedinCapeTown??Whatmadeyou
dumpme? ?
Miguel
:Youdontneedt
oknow,
Iwanty
ouback.
Il
oveyou.
Me:Ideserv
ebet
terthant
hat
.Ideser
vean
expl
anati
ondammit.
Mi
guel
:Justl
eav
eitNana.
Me: i
dontev enknowwhati expected.You
cl
aimt olovemey etwhatisl ovewithouttr
ust??
Whati slovewheny oudontgi v
ey ourpart
nera
chancet oshareyourburdens.Imadeami stake
comingher e,Iwasreadytodoany t
hingforyou
cl
earlythatwasami st
ake.
.
..
..
..
..
It
urnt
owal
ktot
hedoorbuthegr
absme
bef
orei
event
akeast
ep)
Mi
guel
:okaywai
t,i
wil
ltel
lyou.
Me:
ever
ythi
ng?
?
Mi
guel
:Yes,
comel
etssi
tdown.
(
Wesi
tdownandi
facehi
m)
Miguel:iwassupposedt
obeawar dedatender
i
nCapet own,Trev
orandithoughtwehad
ever
ythingandwonbutruleschangedtur
nsout
theownerisAmanda'sbrothersohegaveusa
condi
tion.
Me:
Im al
lear
s.
Miguel:Hewant edmet omar r
yAmandat hat
s
wheni cangett hedeal .Iwasr eadyt ogi v
eup
butmyf atherhear daboutit,heisagr eedyman
hecanev enkillhisfami l
yformoney .Hewas
notreadytoloseal lthatfort
une, het hreatned
met oagreet othear rangedmar riageorhewi ll
di
sinheri
tme.i wasscar edyouwi l
lleav eme
wheni getdisinherit
ed.
Me:
inev
erwant
edy
ouf
ory
ourmoney
.
Miguel
:Iknow, i
wasscaredbutwil
li
ngtotake
thebait
,thenhepr omisedt
okil
lyousinceyou
theonest andi
ngont heofhi
sfort
une.Heisa
manofhi swor dsiknewhewouldsoi endedup
agreei
ngt oit.
Me: whydi
dnty
ousayany
thi
ng?
?whathas
changednow??
Miguel
:Iwasacowar
d.Nowi
gothi
m amuch
bi
ggerdeal
.
Me:Whathappenswhenanotherdealcomes
andt
heywantyoutomarrythei
rheirnes?
Miguel:
i wil
lrefuse,bei
ngawayf rom youmade
mer eal
isethati cantl
eavewithoutyou,soijust
needtost andupt odadandbeathi m athis
owngame.For givemef oral
licausedy ou.
Me:Idontthi
nki canbewithy
ou,youhavehur
t
mesomuchMi guel.Andyouwer
er i
ghtmylov
e
youarenotworthyofit.
.
[
06/
22,
10:
05]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t32
Wear est
arri
ngateachothernooneissay
ing
anyt
hing,somanyunspokenwor ds.Whymust
il
ovehimt hi
smuch,heisnotworthyofmy
l
ove.!Hetouchesmyhand,snappingmeoutof
mywor l
d!!
Mi
guel
:Youdontmeant
hat
.Il
ovey
ou!
Me:
WhyAmanda?
?Ofal
lpeopl
e??
Miguel:sheistheonewhomadeherbrother
maket heconditi
on,whenshel
eftt
woy ear
s
backitwasntbecauseshewantedtobut
becausei coul
dntgivehermor
e.
Me:
whatdoy
oumeanmor
eMokoena?
?
Miguel:i
haventbeeninaserioussincefive
yearsback,Amandawasoneoft hosewomani
hadcasualthi
ngwith,sheknewt herulesno,
catchi
ngfeeli
ngbutendedupcat chingthem
anddemandedmor
e.
Me:(
speechl
es)wow!!j
ustwowsoy oudat
ed
Amanda.Whydidnty
ousayanyt
hingwhenwe
mether
?
Miguel:
Didntt
hinkitwasimportant
.Pleaseus
onelastshot
,that
salli
'm aski
ngfor.
Me:
idontknow,
Mokoenai
real
l
ydontknow.
..
.
'
Amanda:(walkingintot
heoffi
ce)i
thoughti
mademy sel
fclearlastt
ime,i
dontwantthat
por
tt
rai
tandpict ur
ethere.
(
shest
opsdeadonhert
rackswhenshesees
me)
Amanda:
Whati
sshedoi
ngher
eMi
guel
??
Miguel
:thepor
trai
taswel
lasherar
enotgoi
ng
anywher
e??
Amanda:Youdontmeanthat
,youknowwhati
s
atst
akehere.Youhav
etomarryme.
Mi
guel
:No!i
dontandi
wont
..
.
Amanda:
Youar et
hrowi
ngal
lthatawayf
ora
mer
ewaitress.
(
standi
ngup)
Me:
That
smyquet
oleav
e.
(
hegr
absmyhand.
)
Miguel
:Wear
enotdonet
alki
ng,
iwi
l
ltakey
ou
home.
(
wewal
ktowar
dst
hedoor
)
Amanda:
Im goi
ngt
otal
ktoy
ourf
atherabout
thi
s.
Miguel
:bemyguest
,si
nceyousodesper
atet
o
geti
ntothefami
l
ymaybehemightt
akeyouas
hi
s4thwi f
e.
(Het
ell
sNeot ogetAmandaoutofhi
sof
fi
ce
andt
ogetherwewalktohi
scar)
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Wear
esi
tt
ingi
nhi
scarr
ightout
sidemyhouse.
Miguel
:Sowhatar
eyousayi
ng??It
oldyoui
wantyouback,
youhav
entsai
danythi
ng.
Me:
Howabouti
thi
nkabouti
t??
Mi
guel
:What
sther
etot
hinkab.
..
..
!!
(Hest
opsonhissent
encewhenher
eal
i
sest
he
deadst
arei
giv
ehim)
Miguel:
okay,f
ine!Thi
nkabouti
t,t
akeal
lthe
t
imey ouneed.
Me:
Thanky
ou!
Miguel
:Im goi
nghomef
ortwoday
sneedt
ogo
andtal
kwiththeol
dman.
Me:
okaysaf
ejour
ney
.
Mi
guel
:Thanky
ou.Il
ovey
ouNandi
phaWet
hu.
(Heki
ssesmycheekandi
getoutoft
hecar
andwalkt
othedoor)
.
..
..
..
..
..
Thepastday
shavebeenreal
l
ygoi
ngwel
l,
MphoisawayonhoneymoonandLi
sawent
homet ocheckonpar ents.Imli
ter
al l
yal one
wit
hnoonet odiscusst hiawholeissue.My
off
iceistur
ningintoaf lori
stbecauseoft he
fl
owersthatMi guelsendsmeev eryday .Imin
conducti
ngintervi
ewsf ort henewr esturant
whichistoopeni ntwoweeks.
Me:(
rel
axi
ngbackonthechai
r)y
ouguysnever
t
oldmethatdoi
ngi
nter
viewsi
ssodrai
ning!
Maya:
(smil
li
ng)I
fyouonl
yknowwest
il
lhav
e
15moretogo.
Me: Gosh!t
hatmuch.(
sippi
ngwater
)Cal
lthe
nextoneandlet
sgetthi
soverwi
th.
(Mi
guelwal
ksin,
ifr
ownandhesimpl
ysmiles
atme.Wear
ingsocasual
iguesshei
snotat
workt
oday.
)
Miguel:
ihav
ebeentol
dyoubeeni
nthisr
oom
fr
om 7am noti
tis4pm andy
ouhaventmov
ed
aninch.
Me:
JustgoMi
guel
wedonthav
eti
met
o
ent
ert
ainy
ouhonest
ly.
Mi
guel
:Youneedabr
eak.
Me:
Ihav
eint
erv
iewst
odo.
Miguel
:yourfacel
ookspal
eandt
heyar
eal
so
t
ir
ed.Thereisalwayst
ommorow.
Me:
Wear
enott
ir
ed.
Miguel:
Youguy
sar
eti
redr
ightMay
a,
Leabaneng?
?
(
Theynodt
hei
rheads)
Me:
Trai
tor
s!Okaywewi
ll
conti
nuet
his
t
ommorow.Tel
lther
emai
ningt
ocome
t
ommorrow.
(
theygooutandistandtomyf eet,
myl egsar
e
wobbli
ngandmyheadf eelsf
aints,
ihear
Miguelcur
sebef
oredarknesscloudin.
)
.
..
..
..
..
Wheniwakeupimi naroom,i
knowi tal
ltoo
wel
ltoknowthati
mi nhi
spenthouse
apart
ment
,hei
ssi
tt
ingmysi
de,
hol
dingmy
hand.
Me:
(cr
ackyv
oice)whathappened?
?
Miguel
:(har
shtone)Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oki
l
lyour
sel
fNandipha?
?
(
Heisangr
ytheonl
yti
meheevercal
l
sme
Nandi
phai
swhenheisreal
l
yangr
yli
kenow)
Me:
ofcour
senot
!
Miguel
:Thedoctorsaidyoubodyist
aki
ng
str
ain,
youaredehydrated.Whyar
eyoudoi
ng
thi
stoyour
self
??
Me:i
hav earestur
anttoopeni
ntwoweeks
t
ime,icannotf
ailMiguel
.
Miguel
:Whati
sthepoi
ntofhi
ri
ngpeopl
eify
ou
ar
egoingtodoall
theworkal
one?
?
Me:
ijustwantev
ery
thi
ngt
obeper
fect
.
Miguel
:Nothisi
syou,t
ryi
ngt
oprovethatyou
dontneedanyhel
p.Yougoti
tal
lcover
ed.You
r
eal
l
yfr
ust
rat
emeatt
imes
(
hest
andsupandl
eav
es)
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Hejustf i
nishedf eedi
ngmeev enthoughi
i
nsistedi candoi tmy sel
f,nowhei smassaging
myf eet.ijustwi shhecoul dstopitist
hisli
tt
le
t
hingshedot hatmakesmel ovehim,iti
sbeing
i
nhi splacel i
ket histhatremindsmeofhow
muchhedomi natesmyhear t
,whydoeshehav e
t
omyweakness.
'
Me:
Whatam i
doi
ngher
e??
Miguel:i
m notacol
dbastar
dyouwantmet
o
beNana, wherewasit
otakeawomanwho
col
lapsedinmyarms.
Me:
Home!
Mi
guel
:Toanempt
yhousewi
thnoonei
nsi
de.
Me:
Whydoy
oual
way
sknowwhati
s
happeni
ngar
oundme?
?Ev
enwher
eiam at
ti
mes!
Mi
guel
:Becausei
madei
tmybusi
nesst
oknow!
Me:
why
??
(
Myphoneri
ngsandhegrabsi
ttopassitov
er
t
ome,hefr
ownsashelooksatthescr
een)
Mi
guel
:Whyi
sthi
shest
il
lcal
l
ingy
ou?
?
Me:
(ir
oll
myey
es)Myphonepl
ease.
(hehandsitansi l
ookatt
hescr
een,i
tisGabri
el
ianswerasi answer.Whi
l
ehecarr
iesonwith
hismassage)
Me:
Deadguy
!
Gab:
(chuckl
es)i
sthatmyni
cknamenow?
?
Me:yahbecauseidontknowwhatt
ocal
lyou,
Gabr
ielorLoy
iso.
Gab:
Bot
hnamesar
efi
ne.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
?
Me:
Youmi
ssmeal
ready
??
(
Miguel
stopsandl
ooksatt
hencont
inue)
Gab:
ohpl
easememi
ssy
ou.Nev
er!
Me:Yahr
ight
,thenwhyy
oucal
l
ingmeso
l
ate?
?
Gab:
Checki
nguponaf
ri
end!
Me:I
m good,
arey
oucomi
ngt
omyopeni
ng
ni
ght
??
Gab:
iwi
l
lsee.
Me:ikeepfor
get
ti
ngthaty
ouar
ebehi
nd
shadowsty
peofguy.
Gab:Maybeyoushoul
dvi
sitmei
nPr
etor
ia,
it
wil
ldoyougood.
Me:
Yahi
wil
lcomet
ovi
sitsoon.
(
Miguel
pinchesme)
Me:
Ouch!
Gab:
what
swr
ongar
eyouokay
??
Me:
itsnot
hing.Gabr
iel
wewi
l
ltal
kletmeget
somet
hingdone.
Gab:
okayhav
eal
ovel
yni
ght
.
Me:
Thankssamet
oyou.
(
ihangupandl
ookatMi
guel
)
Me:
whatwast
hatf
or?
?
Miguel
:whyy
ouf
li
rt
ingwi
thanot
herguyi
nmy
pr
esence?
Me:iwasnotfl
i
rti
ngt
hatwasani
nnocent
conv
esat
ion.
(hecrawl
sti
llourf
acestouch,mybreath
short
ens,hi
ml i
kethi
sisdangerousbecausei
l
osemyal lmysenses.)
Mi
guel
:whoi
sit
,meorhi
m??
Me:Ithasal
way
sbeeny
ouandwi
l
lal
way
sbe
you.
Miguel
:Goodbecausei
hateshar
ing,y
ouare
mineNandipha,
mineal
onedonteverf
orget
t
hat.Sayi
t!
Me:
(br
eat
hless)Saywhat
?
Mi
guel
:Thaty
ouar
emi
ne.
Me:(put
ti
ngmyhandsaroundhi
sneck)I
m am
your
sandy our
sal
one.
Mi
guel
:Goodnowletmepr
ovey
ouj
usthow
muchy
ouaremine.
..
.!
!!
!
[
06/
22,
10:
05]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t33
It
soneoft hosemor ni
ngs, alazysat urday!His
armsar ecircledat oundmehol dingmet i
ghtly,
l
egsent wined, i cantmov ewi thoutwaki nghi m
up.Soi takemomentt olookathi m,studyhi s
face,theper fectshar pnose, pinkishli
ps, t
his
husbandofmi nei ssuchahunk.Tear ysexy
blueey esf l
ipopenf ollowedbyamesmer i
sing
smile.Itsbeenwhat14y earsnow, butthis
smilest i
llgivesmegoosepumps.Ismi l
eback,
andbr ushmyl ipsov erhis,idontknowhowwe
doitbutwest illmadl yinlove.
'
Et
han:
Sunshi
ne!
!
(Yeshesti
ll
cal
l
smeSunshi
ne,
ilov
ethename
honest
ly)
Kat
her
ine:
Myhandsomewhi
teboy
!!
Et
han:
Howi
smyf
avour
it
egi
rldoi
ng?
?
Kat
her
ine:
Im ok.
..
..
(Idontfi
nishmyst atementasi
boltt
ot he
bathroom, Icr
ouchdownnearthetoi
letand
throwup,hei sbehindmeandholdsmyhai r
.Im
donei st
andandr insemymouth.)
Et
han:iguessi
for
gott
oaskhowmyot
hergi
rl
i
sdoing??
Kat
her
ine:
YoudoknowthatI'
m notpr
egnant
.
Wehavebeenusi
ngpr
otect
ion
Ethan:
Eventhatf
ail
ssomet
imes.(
Huggi
ngme
fr
om behi
nd)Therei
saburnint
heoven.
Kat
her
ine:
iwi
l
lgoandseemydoct
oron
mondaybef
orewegetourhopesup.May
bei
t
j
ustabug.
Et
han:
Arewei
ndeni
alSunshi
ne?
?
Me:
(smi
l
li
ng)DontmockmeBr
ownl
ey.
(Hepi
cksmeupandwal
kst
other
oom
dumpi
ngmeonbedheti
ckl
esme,
ilaugh)
Me:
Ethanj
ustst
opi
t,I
mti
rednow.
*
smi
l
li
nghest
opsandki
ssesmepassi
onat
ely
*
Et
han:
Wai
t,f
ori
t,3,
2,1.
..
(Thedoorofourbedroom burst
sopenand
Gabri
ell
arunsinfol
l
owedbyhert al
lbrot
her
whosefaceiscover
edbywhatl ookslike
toot
hpaste.Sher
unst owardsherfat
herwho
scopesherupandthrowsherbet weenus)
Gabr
iel
l
a:Daddyhewant
stobeatme.
Lethabo:
Yesi
am goi
ngt
osmacky
ouf
ort
his
one.
'
(Ir
oll
myey es,t
hisi
swhatidealwi
thevery
morning.Theirendl
essf
ight
ing,
Gabri
ell
ais
now7y earsoldandLethabois17.
)
Et
han:
Let
habo,
shei
sonl
yachi
l
d.
Lethabo:Nodadit
oldhert
ostayawayf
rom my
room, j
ustl
ookwhatshedi
dtomyface.
Gabr
iel
l
a:Daddyi
swear
,itwasnotme.
Lethabo:
Youar
ely
ingy
oul
i
ttl
emouse,
youdi
d
thi
s!
Et
han:
okayf
orgi
veher
.
Lethabo:nosheal
way
sget
sawaywi
th
everyt
hing.Mom!!
(IlookatGabri
ell
aandLet
haboshakemyhead,
ireall
ydontknowwhotheytakeaf
terbuti
t
def i
nat
elynotme.)
Kat
her
ine:
Dontdr
agmei
ntoi
t.
(Isayasiwal
ktothebat
hroom.Wheni
emer
ge
Gabriel
l
aandEthanar
elaughi
ngi
nbed)
Kat
her
ine:
wher
eisLet
habo?
?
Et
han:
Probabl
ysul
ki
ngi
nhi
sroom.
Kat
heri
ne:Andyou,youngl
adywhydidy
ou
smearyourbr
otherwit
hToothpast
e.
Gabr
iel
l
a:Idi
dntdoi
tmommy
,iswear
.
Kat
her
ine:
Whatdi
disayaboutl
yi
ngEl
l
a?
Gabr
iel
l
a:(maki
ngpuppyey
es)f
orgi
veme
mommy .
Katheri
ne:
stoppr
ovoki
ngyourbrot
her.Iwil
l
forgi
veyouify
ougoandapologi
senicelyt
o
him.
Gabr
iel
l
a:Okayi
wil
l
.
Katheri
ne:
Goodnowgetup.AuntKel et
soi
sof
f
sodaddyistaki
ngresponsi
bil
i
tyofseei
ngt
oit
thatyouar
eclean.
Gabr
iel
l
a:Okay
!!
(
wal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
hedoor
)
Kat
her
ine:
wheni
comeback.i
shoul
dntf
ind
y
out
her
e.
.
..
..
..
..
.
Whenienterhi
sroom hei
slayi
ngonhisbed.
Faci
ngtheceil
i
ng,iwal
ktohim andsi
tdown.
Kather
ine:
Youarenotsul
ki
ngbecauseofwhat
happenedri
ght
??
Let
habo:
Ell
aal
way
sget
sawaywi
thev
ery
thi
ng.
Kat
h:IknowbutEll
aisj
ustababyshei
sjust
pl
ayi
ngwithyou.
Let
habo:
Somet
imesshej
ustov
erdoi
t.
Kath:
Okay!Shewil
lapol
ogise.Latel
yyouhave
beensotensewhati
sbotheringyoumyboy .
Let
habo:
Im okayj
ustschool
str
ess.
Kat
h:Youdoknowy
oucant
alkt
omeabout
any
thi
ng.
Lethabo:
(Hesmil
esandhugsme)Iknowy
ou
thebestmom i
ntheworl
d.
Kat
h:(
pinchi
nghi
scheekst
henki
sst
hem)y
ou
damnr
ighti
am.
Let
habo:
(gr
oani
ng)Mom!
Kat
h:i
tol
dyouwi
l
lal
way
sbemyl
i
ttl
eboy
.
Let
habo:
Iam 17mom nol
ongerj
ustal
i
ttl
e
boy.
Kath:comei needsomehel
pwithmaki
ng
breakfast
.AuntKisonweekendof
f.
Let
habo:
underonecondi
ti
on.
Kat
h:(
Rol
l
ingmyey
es)Her
ewego.
Lethabo:
Youborr
owmey ourcari
wantt
ogo
checkafri
endofmine.

Kath:youdoknowt haty
ourdadi
sagai
nsty
ou
dri
vingwit
houtl
icense.
Lethabo:Itcanbeourli
tt
lesecr
et.Pl
easeMom
ibegy ou.Justt
hisonce.
(
Thi
ski
dsaresomani
pul
ati
vei
sti
l
lsayit"i
r
eal
l
ydontknowwhoi
sitt
heyt
akeaft
er.
With
puppypl
eadi
ngey
est
heyknowi
cantsayNo!
)
Kat
h:Okayf
orj
ustanhour
.Thati
t.
Let
habo:
Ist
il
lrepeaty
ouar
ethebest
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Imreadi
ngamagazinewhil
ethelousygirl
Gabri
ell
ahasanap.Wit
hherupandbl abbing
thewholeti
meiti
shardtor
eadany t
hing.My
husbandwalkai
n,hei
sbackearl
i
ert han
anti
ci
pated.
Et
han:
Ify
ouar
eher
e,wher
eisy
ourcar
??
Kat
h:Par
don!
Et
han:
youknowi
hat
erepeat
ingmy
sel
f.
Kat
h:(
appal
l
ingl
y)Iknow,
Let
habo.
..
.
Ethan:(
Shakinghi
shead)Dontt
ell
mey ougav
e
thatboythecaragai
naft
erwhathedi
dlast
ti
me? ?
Kat
h:Hesai
dhewi
l
lbebacksoon.
Et
han:
Youar
erui
ningmychi
l
dOemel
enna.
Thi
sti
mei am notgoi
ngt
opayanycopi
fhe
get
scaught.
Kat
h:Youar
eov
err
eact
ing?
?
Ethan:Overr
eactingarey
ouevenli
ster
ningt
o
yoursel
f,yougaveanunderageki
dacarandt el
l
met hati
m ov er
reacti
ng.
Kath:okayim sor
ryfordef
yingy
ouror
der
s.I
couldntsayno,hehasbeendownwantedto
cheerhim up.
Ethan:
Youar eal
wayst al
kingaboutnotwant i
ng
ourchi
ldr
ent obespoil
tbratsnowy ougivehim
acartocheerup(sarcast
ically
)Br
av o!Cal
lthat
boytocomebackt obaby sithi
ssi
sterwehav e
di
nnerwiththeMokoena'sat7pm.
Kat
h:Okayi
wil
ldot
hat
..
.

(Hewalksout,
myhusbandmightbeasof
ti
e
butoncehegetsmadiknowi
musthumble
myself
.Heismadnow! !)
'
'
'
Mer
gingmyst
ori
es!
I
ntr
oducingchar
act
ersf
rom APi
ctur
eof
i
nnocence
[
06/
22,
10:
05]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t34
Nana'
sPOV
Mi
guel
:Thi
sisr
eal
l
yani
cev
iew!
(Itr
ytostai
ghtenupbutbangmyheadi nthe
kit
chenunit
.Wearinghisshi
rt,
im maki
ng
breakf
ast.I
m bendingovert
hekit
chenuni
t
l
ookingforoneofthefryi
ngpans.)
Nana:
Ouch!
!
Miguel
:(smil
es)Sorrymyl ove,i
twasreal
lya
ni
cev i
ewy ougavethere.Butthi
soneismor e
ni
cerbatefootedi
nki t
chenbutjustonething
mi
ssi
ng.
Nana:
Whati
sit
??
Miguel
:i
t ssupposedt
obebar
efoot
edpr
egnant
i
nthekitchen.
Nana:
Miguel
!!
Mi
guel:
Whatcantbl
ameaguyf
orhav
ing
wi
shes.
(Hewrapshi
shandsar
oundme.Hi
smusky
scentf
il
lsmeup.
)
Nana:
Iam st
il
lthi
nki
ngaboutt
aki
ngy
ouback.
Miguel:
(Teasi
ngmyear l
ope)Ifyousaidthat
befor
etheferoci
ouslov
emaki ngiwouldhave
bel
ievedyoubutri
ghtnow,iti
sal i
tt
lebitt
oo
l
ateforthat
.
Nana:(l
eani
ngbackonhi
sbuf
fychest
)Youj
ust
aluckysoul
thati
lov
eyou.
Miguel
:andi
youNana.Somet
hingi
sbur
ning
babe.
(
scr
umbl
i
ngof
fmyf
eett
othest
ove)
Nana:
Shi
t!
!
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Miguelhasdashedsomewherewhi l
l
ei doour
l
aundryhehasahel perwhodoesitbut
sometimesijustpr
eferdoi
ngitmyself.Onceim
doneisiti
nthegardenandconti
nuemymi l
ls
andboonnov el
,mynewobsession.Aknockat
thedoor,i
putthebookdownandat tendt oit
.It
i
sTr ev
or.Heseemsj ol
tedt
oseemeher e.
'
Tr
evor
:idi
dntgett
hememo?
?
Me:
whatmemo?
?
Tr
evor:
(wal
ki
ngin)l
astt
imey
ouwer
emaki
ng
hi
m sweatal
it
tl
e.
Me:Ij
o!i
thasbeenl
ongov
erdue.Hei
soutbut
whatcanigety
ou??
Tr
evor
:Justj
uice.Wi
l
lwai
tal
i
ttl
ebi
t.Hopey
ou
dontmi
nd?
Me: No!y
oust
il
lowemeagameofneedf
or
speed.
Tr
evor
:Let
ski
l
lti
mewi
thi
t.
Me:
Good!
!
.
..
..
..
..
Wear esi
tt
ingl
ooki
ngatthescr
eenboth
concent
rat
ingt
heonlynoi
ceisf
rom t
heJoy
Pads.
Me:
Sohowar
etheboy
s??
Trev
or:great
!Growinguppr
ett
yfastcan'
twai
t
tohavdthem herewit
hme.
Me:
Andt
hewi
fe?
?
Trevor
:Shei
sgoodalsowit
hall
thepregnancy
hormonesgonewegetonli
kehouseandf i
re.
SheisbacktoKati
fel
linl
ovewit
h.
Me:may
beyoushoul
dtel
lMi
guel
thatpr
egnant
l
adi
esar
ehardt
odealwit
h.
Mi
guel
:It
hinki
tjustdepends.
(Iwhi
rlar
oundandhei
slooki
ngatusl
eani
ng
agai
nstthedoor
.)
Nana:
Youar
eback?
?
Tr
evor
:Hey
!Br
o..
Miguel:
HeyT.Babewehavedi
nner
reser
vati
onsi
nabout2hour
s.Knowi
ngy
ou,
go
andgetready
!
Me:
Wher
e??Justt
woofus?
?
Miguel
:Atyourr
estur
ant,
nowit
haf
riendand
busi
nesspart
nerofmineandhi
swi
fe.
(
Standi
ngupi
wal
ktot
hest
air
s)
Me:
Theme?
?
Miguel
:Nothemejustlookbeaut
if
ul.(
hesays
ashespanksmya* s,
iwalktotheourroom and
haveahotbubbl
ybath.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
Mi
guel
:Idontl
i
ket
heout
fi
tbabe,
iti
stoo
r
eveal
i
ng.
(Ir
ollmyeyes.I
m weari
ngabl ackpenci
lski
rt
wit
hnudeshoesandnudel aceycorset,
thebob
cutcompli
mentsthelooks)
Me:Youar econtr
olfr
eakMiguel
andi
lov
eyou
butim notl
ett
ingyoudict
atet
omewhati
shouldweat.
Miguel
:(si
ghs)i
dontli
keot
hermenseei
ngmy
t
hings.Theymeantf
ormyeyesonl
y.
Me:
Comeon!Let sgoMokoena,
wedontwant
t
okeepourguestwai
ti
ng.
Miguel
:(Put
tingajacketovermyshoulder
s)i
dontknowhowi m supposedtogothrough
di
nnerwithyoulookingli
kethi
s.
Me:st
opwhi
nni
ng.Youdi
dntt
ell
meourguest
s
names.
Miguel
:Et
hanBr ownley,
heisafr
om London
butnowresi
desi nBotsandhi
swifeKather
ine,
sheisanatt
orneyownsal awfi
rm Br
ownley-
TaukobongLawf
ir
m.
Me:
oh!y
ourl
awy
erRay
mondi
sfr
om t
hef
ir
m.
Mi
guel
:Heisacopar
tnerther
e,alongwi
thhi
s
wi
feMell
i
sawhoisKather
ine'
ssister
.
Me:Educat
edandr
ichhopet
heyar
enot
snobs.
Miguel
:Not
heyar
ejustdownt
oear
thy
ouwi
l
l
l
ovethem
'
Wear esitt
ingdownwhenawai tressbr i
ngs
them t
oourt abl
e,standingtoourf eet,i t
ake
opportuni
tyt ostudythem, Thehusbandi s
Miguel'
sheight ,
whi t
ewi thblondehai randa
l
itt
lebitbuffy,hi
sey esarecapt i
vatingi thi
nkit
i
sbecauset heyareskybl ueandt ear y,
hei sa
hunk.Hiswi fehasanhourgl assbody ,
wi t
h
amberey esandaki l
lersmile,Ij
usti nstantl
y
l
ov eherasshegi vesmeawar m smi l
e.They
hugMi guelandshar egreeting.)
Miguel
:Nanameetmyfri
endEthan,andhi
s
l
ovelywif
eKat
heri
ne.Et
han,Kat
h, shei
sthe
one.
(
ismi
l
eatt
hem shaki
nghands)
Me:
Itsapl
easur
emeet
ingy
ou.
Et
han:Now!i
seewhyhesaysy
out
heone.
Welcometot
heci
rcl
eNana.
Kath:Yousuchabeauty
,Iact
ual
l
yfeel
sor
ryf
or
theex'st
heygotnochance.
Me:
thanky
ou.
.
..
..
.
Okay!imustadmittheysuchalovel
ycouple,
KathandIarehit
ti
ngi tov
er.Sheseems
i
nterest
ing,
iseeagr eatf
ri
endshi
phitt
ingup.
Kat
h: t
hispl
acei
sreal
l
yni
ce.Butnowim
cur
iousaboutt
henewoneyouopenni
ng.
Me:wellgety
our
sel
fadr
esswi
l
lseeatt
he
openni
ng.
Kat
h:cantwai
t,bet
teegoshoppi
ng.
Ethan:Youwil
lgowithherri
ghtNana,becausei
am notabouttogetdraggedfr
om oneshopt o
theother.
Miguel
:
(chuckles)her
ei wasthi
nkingi
mthe
onl
yonegettingthatpunishment
.
Et
han:
womenandshoppi
ng.
kat
h:i
tist
heur
apet
ic.
Nana:
andexci
ti
ng.
(i
not
iceAmandawal
kinandi
rol
lmyey
es)
Me:
(r
oll
myey
es)Her
ecomest
roubl
e??
Kat
h:whoi
sshe?
?
(
weswi
tchi
ntoourownconser
vat
ion)
Me:
Theex!
!
Kath:Sher
emindmeofsomecrazychancer
whooncetri
edtorui
nmyrel
ati
onshi
pback
then.
Me:
atl
easty
ouwonhi
m.
Kath:
Noneofuswonact
ual
l
y,Gabr
iel
diedand
l
eftusbot
h.
(
Ichokeonmydr
ink)
Me:
(jol
ted)Gabr
iel
??
(Gr
aciousLordwhyy ouputti
ngmeont hese
awkwardsituat
ions.Isayt
omy sel
f.Pl
easeleti
t
notbehim!!)
[
06/
22,
10:
05]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t35
Secret
!!If
eel .l
iket hereisnoheav yburdenli
ke
caryi
ngasecr et.Iteatsy ouupandmakesy ou
wishyounev erknewi nthefirstplace.Nowi
wishineverpr obedGabr i
elLoy i
soorwhatev er
hisnamei s.Ihav ebernst ar
ri
ngatt hatphone
forquit
elong, i knowi wanttopi ckitupandcall
him.Justgotbackf rom ourdi nner,i
twent
perf
ectlyf
inebuti keptfeeli
ngbadf oriknew
deeodowni tisher ,andshei sr eall
yani cel
ady.
Whydoesitfeell
ikei
tsabet
rayal
.Igl
anceatthe
bathr
oom door,
icanheatwaterr
unningiuse
oport
uni
tyandcallhi
m.Heanswer sonthethi
rd
ri
ng.
Gabr
iel
:Youmi
ssi
ngme?
?
Me:
Ghost
!!
Gabri
el:
(chuckl
es)y
ouar
eser
iousl
ygoi
ngt
o
cal
lmet hat
??
Me:
Ithi
nki
mether
.
Gabr
iel
:wher
e??
Me:Wehaddi
nnerwi
thhertur
nsouthi
s
husbandi
sMi
guel
'sf
ri
end.
Gabr
iel
:Et
hanandKat
her
ineBr
ownl
ey?
?
Me:
Inf
lesh.
..
.
Gabr
iel
:Okay
!!
Me:Thatsal
lyouar
egoingt
osayaft
erwhati
tol
dyou.Doyouknowhowbadifeelr
ightnow,
orhowshockedwhenshement
ionedyour
nameandt
haty
oudead!
Gabr
iel
:List
enNandi
pha,
Kat
her
inecannev
er
knowthatiam al
i
ve.
Me:
arey
ouawar
ewhaty
ouaski
ngmef
or?
?
Gabri
el:
Iknow,idontwantt
ohurtany
oneNana,
peopl
eknowt hati
m deadandi
thastost
aythat
away.
Me:Iti
shardGabr
iel
,shei
ssoni
cei
feel
li
kei
am bet
ray
ingher
.
Gabri
el:
youonl yknownherfor2hoursand
al
readyyouthinkyouowehery oul
oyalt
y .Okay
l
etmemaket hiseasyfory
ou.Iwil
lobli
terat
e
myselff
rom yourli
fe.
Me:
No!i
sti
l
lwanty
out
obemyf
ri
endghost
.
Gabr
iel
:Thenbeagoodgir
l,y
ouwil
lnotbreath
awordaboutthi
stoany
onenotev
enMi guel.
(
itakeadeepbr
eat
h)
Me:
okayi
wil
lbeourl
i
ttl
esecr
et.Wi
l
lcar
ryi
tto
mygr
ave.
Gabr
iel
:Goodgi
rl
!Nowgetsomesl
eep.Wewi
l
l
t
aketommorow.
Me:
Goodni
ght
!
Gabr
iel
:snuggl
eti
ght
!
Me:
AndGhost
!
Gabr
iel
:YesNana.
Me:
Takecar
e!!
*
***
***
*
Ihangup, Wheniraisemyey es,
Migueli
s
standi
ngbyt hedoorstarr
ingatme.Idontknow
howmuchhehashear distar
ebackathim
tr
y i
ngtoreadhisreacti
onbutitgi
vesnothi
ng
awaylikealways.
Mi
guel
:Whoi
sGhost
??
Me:(myhearti
sthumpi
ng)Whyy ou
ear
sdroppi
nginmyconvesat
ions??
Mi
guel
:Younotanswer
ingt
hequest
ion.
Me:
MustIal
way
srepor
tev
ery
thi
ngt
oyou?
?
Mi
guel
:(Dr
awl
i
ng)Nandi
pha.
Me:NoMi guel
,Inev
erasky ouwhom y
ouare
t
alki
ngtowheny ouhavephonecall
s.Whymust
youalway
sbei nmybusiness??
Miguel:Yourbusinessismybusi ness.Andyou
neveraskbecausei nev
erhav ecall
sinthe
middleoft henightwheni am withyou.St
op
l
ookingf orafightwherethereisntoneandtel
l
mewhoi sGhost .
Me:
Ghosti
smyf
ri
end.
Miguel:
Howcomei dontknowhim?Youknowi
hatel
iesandsecr
etsmorethanany
thi
ng.
Me:(
Ifl
i
nch)Inev
erli
edt
oyoubef
orewhy
woul
distar
tnow??
Miguel
:Okay!wel
ltell
yourfri
endthaty
ourman
doesnotl
ikethi
slatenightcal
ls.
Me:
Iwi
l
ldot
hat
.Comet
obed.
(Ipatnextt
omeandhecomes.Iwr
apmyar
ms
aroundhim.Andki
sshi
scheek)
Mi
guel
:Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyou!
*
***
**
Kat
h'sPOV
Kat
heri
neti
esari
bbont
othet
est
erandpl
acei
t
ontopoft
hebed.
Gabr
iel
l
a:Mommycomeon,
theshowi
sabout
t
oend??
Kat
h:Yesi
am comi
ngpumpki
n.
(Scoopingheri
nmyar msshewal ktotheli
ving
room withhert
ogowat chWinxClub.Lethabo
i
sspr awledonthecouch.Si
tt
ingnexttohim
shebeat shi
sshoul
der)
Kat
h:Myhandsomef
avour
it
eboy
.
Let
habo:Nomom!i
wil
lnotgi
vey
ouaf
oot
massage.
Kat
h:Whosai
dany
thi
ngaboutf
ootmassage?
?
Let
habo:Wheny
oustar
twitht
hesweett
alks
nor
mallyy
ouwantsomethi
ng.
Kath:
Thi
sti
mearoundimjustshoweri
ngy
ou
wit
hmylovewantnot
hingi
nreturn.
Let
habo:
whoarey
ouandwhathav
eyoudone
wit
hmymom? ?
Kat
h:I
mjusti
nagr
eatmoodaf
terchur
ch.
Lethabo:
Sosi
nceyouarehappytoday
,cany
ou
tal
ktodadaboutt
hecarissue?
Kat
h:Dontpushy
ourl
ucky
oungman!
Gabr
iel
l
a:Shh!
!
Kat
h:Sor
rypumpki
n..
..
(Shesmil
estoher
sel
fwhenshehear sher
husbansent
husi
asm ashecall
sforher
,she
giggl
esandLet
habogivesheraweir
dlook.
)
Ethan:(gl
eaming)Sunshine!Ther
eyouar
e
(Holdi
ngoutthepregnancytest)I
sthi
swhati
t
hinki
tis?
?
(
Shenodsherheadsmi
l
li
ng)
Et
han:
Comeher
e!
(
Shewal
ksi
ntohi
sembr
aceandt
heyhug)
Et
han:
Youagainj
ustmademet
hehappi
est
manonear
th.
(Hebendsandcaptivat
ehermout
hwi
thhi
s,
kissi
nghersensi
bly
)
Let
habo:
Ahem!Guy
swear
est
il
lher
e.
Gabr
iel
l
a:(
giggl
i
ng)DontbeasnobLee.
(
Theybot
hlookatherandl
augh)
Et
han:
Sky
!whot
aughty
out
hat
??
Gabr
iel
l
a:Leeal
way
ssay
sitt
oNat
eandAnt
hy.
Let
habo:
Shar
ethegoodnewsal
ready
!
Kath:Youaregoi
ngtohav eanotheraddi
ti
ont
o
thefamil
y.Ali
tt
lesi
sterorbrot
her.
Let
habo:
Whooa!Real
l
y??
Et
han:
yes!
Gabr
iel
l
a:Daddybuti
am t
hel
i
ttl
esi
ster
.
Ethan:(
scoopingheri
nhisar
ms)andyouwill
al
way sbe,butmommyi sgoi
ngt
obuyanother
babyandy ouwill
nothavet
ogoAuntLorat
o's
housetoplaywithAngi
e.
Gabr
iel
l
a:Real
l
y??
?
Kat
h:y
es!
!
Let
habo:(
huggi
nghismom)From nowonmy
massagesar
efreeofchar
gef
oryoumom!
kat
h:t
hanky
oubabe.Il
ovey
ouguy
s.
Et
han:
Youguy
sar
emywor
ld.
(Heki
ssesherst
il
lfl
att
ummyandt
heyhav
ea
Famil
yhug)
*
***
***
***
**
*
***
***
***
**
[
06/
22,
10:
05]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t36
Iwal
kint
othecarandcl
oset
hedoorbehi
nd
me.
Mi
guel
:(gl
i
ntsatme)And?
?
Me:
(Ishakemyhead)Di
dnotgosowel
l
??
Mi
guel
:(Ast
oni
shed)y
ouhav
efai
l
edagai
n??
Me:Yes,
Miguel
ihav
efai
l
edt
her
oadt
estonce
agai
n.
Miguel
:Whatisthebigprobl
em,youshouldbe
owningadri
versli
sencebynow.(teasi
ngl
y)
Evenaherdgir
lcannotfai
laroadtest3ti
mes.
Me: Maybei
fyoustoppedbreathi
ngdownmy
neckaboutt
hisl
icenseissueiwil
lgett
hedamn
thi
ng!
Miguel
:Soi
tismyfaul
tthaty
oujustdumpt
o
getasi
mplethi
ngasali
cense.
Nana:Dontyoudareinsul
tmeMokoena,
dont
youdaretr
y.Ial
readyfeel
suf
focat
edi
nthis
r
elat
ionshi
picandoqui
tebet
terwi
thouty
our
i
nsul
tshonestl
y.
Miguel:Suf
focat
ed?
?Sonowi
am suf
focat
ing
you.Justwow!
Me: Yesyouar edamnsuf f
orcat
ingatti
mes
withyourpossessivenessandcontrol
l
ing
(
imitati
nghisv oi
ce)Whoi sGhost??Geta
l
icense!Telly
ourfri
endt ocal
latnight
!Geez!i
t
i
sf r
ustrat
ing.
(
Hismout
hisopenedi
nanOandhei
sshocked
t
othecor
e.Buti
dontcar
e)
Miguel:
Notonlyam isuff
ocati
ngbutfr
ustr
ati
ng.
Justwow!Iam notgoingtostandher
eandlet
youtakeyoufrust
rat
ionsonme.Soy ousort
i
ssuesout,Idonthaveti
met odealwi
thyou
moodsr i
ghtnow.
(Thecarhaltinf
rontofther estur
antigetoff
,
Miguelpul
lsawayscr eeningt hecarti
resathe
dri
vesaway .Iknowi am takingoutmyangeron
himli
kehesai d,thetrut
hisIf ail
edtheroadtest
becausei wasabsi demi ndedthi
ssecr eticarr
y
i
seat i
ngmeupmor eespecial
l
yaf t
erKat heri
ne
call
edthismor ningwant i
ngust ohav elunch.
Damny ouGabr i
elforgetti
ngmepul ledupi n
yourwebofl ies!Isighandwal kint
ot he
restur
antsinceourl unchdatehasbeenpushed
to5pm i mustuset henexthour stocompose
my sel
f.
*
***
***
**
Iwal
ki ntoRhapsodyandshewav esahandat
me,beami ngwithsmil
es.Iwishicantur
nback
andwal kout,
meandherbei ngfri
endsisjusta
di
sasterwaiti
ngtohappen.Iwalktohertable
andweshar eabr i
efhug.
Me:
Sor
ryi
am l
atei
gotst
ucki
ntr
aff
ic.
Kat
h: Iunderst
and,
ever
yonei
sknocki
ngof
fand
makingtheirwayhome.
Me:
Wel
ltodayt
hatsomeonei
snotme!
Kat
h:(
smi
l
li
ng)Tr
oubl
einpar
adi
se.
Me:
Youcansayt
hat
.
Kat
h:Buty
ouguy
smakesuchaper
fectcoupl
e.
Me:iknowbuthecanbesodamncont
rol
l
ingat
t
imes.
Kath:(
Laughing)Appar
entlyiam thecontr
olli
ng
one.Buti
ny ourcaseithi
nkitisexpect
edt hat
hebecontroll
ingaft
erall
hemi ghtbeaf ut
ure
chi
ef,heexpectspeopl
et oli
stenanddoashe
says.
Me:Somet
imesi
for
geft
hathei
snotj
ustan
or
dinar
yman.
(Ourf
oodcomeandiset
tl
eforacockt
ail
whi
l
e
shehasor
angej
uice)
Me: (
noddi
ngmyhead)Imustst
ealthebarman
hereformycl
ubhemakesthebestcockt
ail
sin
town.
Kat
h:That
sapl
an.Sat
urdayi
sjustar
oundt
he
cor
ner,
howisi
tgoi
ng??
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sreadyt
ommor
owwi
l
lbe
sendi
ngouti
nvi
tat
ions.
Kat
h:Icantwai
t.
Me:
Soy
ouar
enof
anofal
cohol
.
Kath:Unf
ort
unatel
yicantt
akeanyal
cohol
for
thenext9month,ci
rcumst
ancesbey
ondmy
contr
ol.
Me:Oh!mycongr
adul
ati
ons,
Ethanmustbe
t
hri
l
led.
Kath:Wear
eall
happy,heissuperexci
ted,
its
l
ikethi
schi
l
disourfi
rstbornbutwealr
eady
have2more.
Me:wow!2buty
oudontl
ookl
i
key
ouhav
eany
ki
ds.
Kath:
Keepingfi
t!Wel
lLet
haboisouradopt
ed
son,17yearsnowandGabriel
l
aisour
off
spri
ng7y ear
snow.
Me:
Younamedheraf
tert
hel
atel
over
??
Kat
h:Iknowi
tsoundsabsur
dbuti
hopedshe
wil
lbecomeli
kehi
m,ambi
ti
ousy
etsohumbl
e
andlovi
ng.
Me:
Im sur
pri
sedEt
hanagr
eedt
oit
.
Kath:
Ital
mostbrokeusapart
,butmyhusband
i
soneofthemostundestandi
ngman.He
endedupagr
eeing.
Me:
Hei
soneofaki
nd.
(Isayasi downthedrink,i
needsomet hi
ng
strong,Imi ndeepshi*.Heavenlyf
atheri
sit
possi bl
et oeraseunwantedmemor i
es.Nowi
getwhyt heysay"Curi
ousit
ykil
ledacat"ifi
hav entprobedGabr i
elfort
hisi
nfor
mat i
oniwil
l
notbel ikethi
sr i
ghtnow)
Me:I
fGabr
iel
wasst
il
lal
i
vewhom woul
dyoube
wi
th?
?
(Iknowijustcur
iousi
tyki
l
ledacatbuti
cant
helpit
,iwanttoknow)
Kat
h:(
chuckl
es)Honest
lyi
dontknowbotht
wo
menshowedlovet
omei ndif
fer
entway
s.
Me:Okay!Whati
fyouwer
etofi
ndoutGabr
iel
nev
erdiedwhatwoul
dyoudo?
?
Kath:Ev
enthoughiknowt hatisi
mpossibl
e
becauseheistr
ulydead,butidontthi
nkhe
wouldstandachancerightnowi am wi
thEthan
andilovehi
m dearl
yalongwithmyf amil
y.
Gabri
el'
schancehaspassed.
*
***
***
**
Okay!iadmitili
kehershei ssensebleand
downt oeart
h.Wecont inuechatt
ingaboutlot
ofthi
ngs.Iknowi am getti
ngdrunkbi tbybi
t
butidontstopdrinki
ng!iwanttodrinksoi
wouldntfeeldobad.
Me:(
Stut
ter
ing)YoudoknowLenny
,secr
etsar
e
j
ustt
oomucht ohandl
e.
Kat
h:(
puzzl
ed)Whatsecr
ets?
?
Me:(
wavi
ngmyhand)j
ustsecr
etsi
ngener
al.
Theywav
eyoudown!
Kat
h:Ir
eal
l
yidontknowbecausei
cantsayi
hav
esecr
ets.
Me:
iknowasecr
etort
wo.Cani
tel
lyou?
?
Kat
h:(
cur
iousl
y)Yesdo.
Me:
Thebi
gsecr
eti
sthat
..
..
..
(myheadfall
stothet
ableandi
knockof
f
blamethetecqui
l
ashots)
*
***
***
Kathlooksatthedrunkwomanandshakesher
head.Hersecrettal
kreplaysinherhead,
she
feel
slikeNanawant edtoopenupt oherbut
couldnt.Shewishesshecanwakeherupand
askheraboutt hebigsecretshewantedtot
ell
her.Shakingherheadsher eachesf
orher
cell
phoneandcal l
sMi guel.
Mi
guel
:Mr
sBr
ownl
ey.
Kat
h:Mi
guel
.
Mi
guel
:Towhatdoi
owet
hispl
easur
e??
Kat
h:Hadsupperwi
thy
ourgi
rl
,shei
ssi
tt
ing
r
ightacr
ossme,knockof
fbyfewdri
nks.
Wantedheraddr
esssoicant
akeherhome.
Mi
guel
:Iwi
l
lcomef
orher
,wher
ear
eyou?
?
Kat
h:Rhapsody
,Ai
rpor
tJunct
ionmal
l
.
Mi
guel
:Gi
veme30mi
nut
esi
wil
lbet
her
e.
Kat
h:Okayi
wil
lwai
tthen.
*
**
30mi nutesl aterl
ikehepromisedhecar ri
esher
tothecar .Afterseeingthem Kathalsoget sin
hercaranddr iveshome, Nana'ssecrettalkand
herprobingquest i
onsaboutGabr i
elmakesher
thi
nktherei smor etoit
.Butshedismi ssesi t
assuri
ngher selft
hatNanadoesnotknow
Gabri
el pl
ushehasbeendeadf orover16y ears
now.Packi ngi nfr
ontifthehouseshewal ksin
smill
i
ngl isteningtoherkidsfightoverthet v
remote.
[
06/
22,
10:
05]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t37
Myey esopen!ItfeelslikeIhav ebeenr undown
byacar .Myheadi spoundi ng!If eelawf ulbutI
evendr eadfulasthememor iescr eepin!Damn
Nanawhatonear thwher ey out hinki
ng? ?i
almostspi ll
edthebeans! !Imustr eall
yst ay
awayf r
om alcohol,andMi guel howdoIf ace
him afterIembar rassedhi mi nfrontofhi s
fri
endswhom Idon’ tev enhav eev enmont h
knowi ng.Iwishthewor ldcanj ustopenupand
swallowme.Hemusthav ebr oughtmebackt o
myapar tmentafterIpassedout .Itisti
eIdi d
somedamagecont rolstarti
ngwi thmy
rel
ationshipbecausei thasbeensuf fer
ingf r
om
allt
hisIr eachformycel lphoneandcal l
Gabriel.
Hepi
cksupont
het
hir
dri
ng)
Me:
ghost
!
Gabr
iel
:Wet
hu
Me:youhavenoty
etconfi
rmedyour
at
tendancef
ormyopeningthi
sweekend?
Gabr
iel
:wi
l
lKat
hbet
her
e??
Me:
yesshei
sat
tendi
ng.
Gabri
el:
Theny
oucanf
orgetaboutmebei
ng
t
here.
Me:wai
t!Don’
tbetoqui
ckt
oupt
hegun,
Ithi
nk
Ihav
easoluti
on.
Gabr
iel
:goon!
Me: Ihavedeci
dedtogowi
thamasquer
ade
theme, wi
thourmasksoni
twi
ll
behardt
op
knowwhoi swho?
Gabriel
:thatt
hedampesti
deaIev
erhear
d,
Katheri
neknowsme.
Me;y
ouareadoctorst
opbei
ngdump,
youcan
f
indawaytodecei
veher.
Gabr
iel
;Idon’
tknownana,
iti
ssuchabi
gri
sk.
Me:comeonIwantyout
opul
lthroughj
ust
hav
ingyout
her
ewill
meanalotforme.
Gabr
iel
:Iwi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.
Me:
don’
ttakef
orev
er.
Itakesomeheadachepi ll
sasIputonmyshoes,
wal kingi
ntotheki t
chenInot i
cebr eakfastanda
briefnotfrom him“ havegonet owor k,Aust
in
wai tsoutsi
det otakey outowork, l
uncht imewe
willaddressthebi gelephantinther oom”I
cri
ngeIknowt hiswi l
lnotgosowel lbutwho
canIbl amei fnotmy selfformyr ecklessness.
Mydayget sswampedupwi thwork,openi
nga
restaurantandcl ubisnopi eceofcake,Iam
j
ustgl adthatithasonet hr
oughal lt
hetest
s
andbeenappr ov ed.Everyt
hingisfal
li
ngint
o
place,Iam t al
kingtomymom aboutt hebi
g
secretatt hemomentshei stheonlyoneIcan
trustwithit,MiguelisEthan’sfr
iendsoIcannot
ri
skt ell
inghim.
Me:
butmom!
Dayna:
nobut
sNandipha,It
aughty
oubetter
,do
youwantt
obereasonthatf
amil
ybreak?
Me:
ofcour
senot
,butIcan’
thel
pfeel
gui
l
ty.
Dayna:youfeel
i
ngguilt
ybecausey ousticki
ng
yournosewhereitdoesn’
tbelong.Ift
his
Gabri
elwantstostaydeadthenlethim plusi
tis
notli
keanyoneissti
ll
mourningov erhi
sdeat h.
Me:
Ireal
lywi
shIdi
dn’
tknow,
Ifi
ndi
tver
yhar
d
t
okeepthi
stomysel
f.
Day
na:
somet hi
ng’
smybabear
ejustbet
terof
f
t
hewaytheyare.
Me:
hel
ovesherandhei
smi
ser
abl
e.
Dayna: heshoul
dhavet houghtaboutthat
beforefaki
nghisdeath.Whyy ouevenf eel
i
ng
sorryforhi
m? ?Yousoconcer nedinthi
sguy ’
s
businessareyouhopingt hatt
hisl
adyknows
thetruthsoshehateshim andhecanbewi th
you?
Me:
what
?
Day
na:
doyouhav
efeel
i
ngsf
ort
hisghostguy
ofy
our
s?
Me:
ofcour
senot
,youknowIl
oveMi
guel
.
Day na:goodthenfocusyourenergyoy ourown
rel
at i
onshi
pandl eaveGhost
’sbusinessal one,
heisagr ownmanbadcant akecar eofhi msel
f.
Idon’tevenknowMi guelwhatwillt
hi nkand
reactifhefi
ndsouthehasbeenont he
receivi
ngendbecauseofanot herman.
Me:
don’
tmakei
tsoundsoev
ilma.
Dayna:iti
sjustt hatbad,pr
omisemeNandi pha
thatyouwillstopusingyournosei not
her
people’
sbusi nessmor eespeci
all
ybusiness
thatgotpotentialtodest
roypeople’sl
i
ves.
Me:okaynomorestr
essi
ngaboutt
hingst
hatI
hav
enoi deahowt
heystar
ted.
Dayna:
Goodnowletmedomywor
ktomor
row
Ihavet
obeinGaborone.
Me;
Byemom.
*
***
***
**
Iwal
kint
othebui
ldi
nghol
dingt
hel
unchbags
fr
om t
herest
aur
antIwanthimt
obethef
ir
stto
tastethef ood,thestaffmember ssmi l
e
graciouslyatmeasIwal kintotheelevatornow
therestaresnol ongerint
imidateme.Hi s
assistantsmi l
eandnodsIcangoi n.Iwalkin
andhei sbusywi ththefi
leinfrontofhim.Hei s
sohandsome, unshaved,Igetbutter
fl
iesasI
starehim, Ilov
et hisman.
Me:
(smi
l
ing)l
unch!
Mi
guel
:hey
!Whendi
dyougether
e??
Me:
justnow.Takeabr
eakl
etuseat
.
Mi
guel
:Mi
guel
’
sist
hatwhatIt
hinki
tis?
?
Me:yesi
tis,
want
edy
out
obet
hef
ir
stt
otr
yit
out
.
Wesitdownont hecarpetbythecoff
eetabl
e
andhaveourmeal i
nsilentIknowhewantsto
tal
kandim ner
vousbecauseIdon’tknowwhat
expl
anat
ionIcangive.
Mi
guel
:thanky
ouIneedt
hat
!
Me:
Iismypl
easur
e.
Ifumbl
emyhandsandf
retl
i
keaki
dwai
ti
ngt
o
hearascol
d.
Mi
guel
:sowedr
inkdur
ingt
heweekt
hisday
s?
Me:
noImadeami
stakel
astni
ght
.
Miguel:ifhaveintentionsoffoll
owi ngmy
bi
ological mother’
sst epsIthinkitisbetteryou
l
etmegonow, Ihavewat chedandseenwhat
al
cohol candoandi tisnotsomet hingIwantt o
gothroughagai n.Iam notsay i
ngst opdrinki
ng
butcany oudri
nkl i
keal ady,nowomanofmi ne
dri
nkst ot hepointthatshepassesouti na
pub.
(Okaythat’
sabl owandIhavenocomeback,he
j
ustgav emet hebit
tert
rut
handjustst
atedt
hat
mydr i
nkingtendenci
esdonotmatchwithhi
s
chari
sma. )
Miguel:Iam notsayi
ngstopdri
nki
ngbutdrink
responsibl
eplease.AndyouaremineNana
yourbusinessImakei tmybusi
ness,youbett
er
getusedi t
,Iam possessi
vewhenitcomesto
mythi
ngs.Ili
ketocont r
olbecausei
tiswhoI
wasgroomedt obe.Ireall
ydon’
tknowwhatt
o
dowit
hy ou?Youreall
yf r
ustr
atemeatti
mes.
(
Ifr
ingeasI
fhesensest
hef
earhepul
l
smet
o
Hi
m)
Mi
guel
:l
ookatme!
(
Rai
semyheadandoutey
esl
ock)
Miguel
:Iam notmybrother
,Iwil
lneverbeat
youbutIhavemyway sofmakingy ouobedi
ent
andtoni
ghtIpromiseIwil
lmakeyour egr
et
defy
ingmeNandi pha.
(Myf l
eshpalpit
ateashispromisehangsinthe
air
.Hekissesmepossessi vel
y.Andescortsme
backtothecarsoIcangobackt owork,butI
decidetopassbyKat her
ine’
swor kdosome
damagecont rol
.)
.
[
06/
22,
10:
05]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t38
Takei tfrom thehor se'smouth,neverev erdefy
youmanaf t
ery esterdayandspendingt he
wholedaywear i
ngpumpsbecauseheel si
couldnthol dmov einthem wit
hmyexhaust ed
body .Somet imesi wonderwherehegethi s
energy ,i
tislikehenev ergetsti
red,heso
ravi
shedmet hati dontthi
nkiwillsuff
erany
sexual star
v ationanyt i
mesoon.
Asmuchasi woul
dlovetostayinbed, inhis
armslikethi
sbutineedtomov e,
t odayitisthe
day!ihavetomakehistor
yformy self
.Itryto
escapefrom hi
sgr
ipbutheholdsmet ighter
.
Mi
guel
:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngsoear
ly?
Me:(smi
les)It
houghtyouar
esleepi
ng.Iwant
todasht
ot her
estur
antandseeifev
eryt
hingi
s
goi
ngwell.
Mi
guel
:(r
aisi
nganey
ebr
ow)t
hisear
ly?
?
Me:
Yes,
justt
oseei
fal
li
swel
l
.
Mi
guel
:Whati
sthemanager
sjobi
fyoudoi
ng
ev
ery
thi
ng?
?
Me:Ijustwanttomakesur
eev
ery
thi
ngi
s
r
unningsmoot hl
y.
Miguel:
Takei
teasy,
Mashenge,ever
ythingi
s
undercont
rol
.Tr
ustthepeopl
eyouhav eputi
n
charge.
Me:Okay,
atleastal
l
owmet
ogoandj
ustsee
anhouri
will
beback.
Mi
guel
:Therei
snot
hingi
candot
ochangey
our
mi
ndisther
e??
(
Ishakemyhead)
Miguel
:okaywell
got henbutanhouryoumust
bebackoriam draggingy
ouheremy sel
f.
Me:
Iknow,
donty
ouwantt
oscr
ubmyback?
Mi
guel
:Ri
ghtbehi
ndy
ou.
*
***
***
I
m humbledbyt
heamazi
ngjobtheyhavedone,
t
hispl
aceisl
ooki
ngamazi
ng.Theclubareahas
aVI Psectionatthetopandabi gdancef l
oor.
Im superpr oud.Whowoul dhav et houghti
couldpullthisthr
ough, agi r
lraisedbyasi ngl
e
mom whom i shardtodeal with,whoont ophas
fail
edherf orm 5andhol dsnodegr eeor
dipl
omaj ustacer t
if
icatei nbusi ness
managementhaspul l
edi toff.Iknowt hatt hi
s
placewillopendoorsf ormebecauseev ena
bli
ndpersoncanseet hepot entialitholds.
'
(handsclapbehindme, iturnar
oundtofi
nd
Kath,sheissmili
ng, ir
eturnthesmi
le,my
subwomangr owlsremindingmeofthe
embar r
assmenti causedhertwodaysback.
"i
winceal i
tt
le)
Kat
h:Thi
sisspect
acul
ar.wel
ldone.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Kath:
Icantwai
tforl
atert
oseewhot
hev
iewof
theci
ty,
atni
ght
!
Me:Itbreat
htaki
ngy
ouwi
l
lsee.Whatbr
ings
youhere??
Kat
h:Wantedtodropt
hisi
nper
son,
thepl
acei
s
nowoff
ici
alyy
ours.
Me:
Thanky
ounowt
hisj
ustmademyday
.
Kat
h:abi
gachi
evementatsuchy
oungage.
Me:Iknow,i
didntev
enseemy sel
fowni
nga
pl
ace,att
hetopofamountai
n.
Kat
h:Wel
lbel
iev
ei thun,
iti
sal
lyour
s.Your
mom mustbeproud.
Me:
Sheis,
Ibetshewi
llbebr
aggi
ngaboutme
t
oherf
ri
endsformont
hstocome.
Kath:Andthei
ssuewi
thy
ourdadst
il
lkeenon
fi
ndinghi
m.
Me:Yahbuti wi
ll
needtot
alktoDaynafi
rst
abouti
t,i
tisoneoft
hosetopi
csthatdr
ivea
wedgebetweenus.
Kat
h:Okaywel
ll
etmegoandgetr
eadyi
hav
e
t
olookt
hepar
t.
Me:Gi
vemealift
,havetogohomealsobefor
e
Mi
guelcomesanddragsmelikehepromi
sed.
Kat
h:(l
aughi
ng)Knowi
nghi
m henev
ermakes
emptypromi
ses.
(remember inghowhekepthi spr omiset o
makemer egr etdefyinghi m, myf aceheat sup.
Kathdriv
esmehome, Iam gl adt hattheai rhas
beenclearedaf termycr azymomentl asttime.I
managedt omakeherbel ievet hebi gsecr eti
wantedtot ellherwast hef actt hatiwantt o
fi
ndmyf ather ,withaf ewt ear sshed, i gother
beli
evei
ngi t,agirlgott odowhatshehast odo,
Ifi
nall
ydeci dedt okeepmy selfoutofmat ter
s
thatdontconcer nme.I fLoy i
sowant st i
stay
deadthensobei t.Nowi havet owor kon
fi
ndingmyf athersincei alreadyusedi tasmy
coverupst ory.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Theguest
shav
est
art
edf
oll
owi
ngi
n,mymom
i
skeepingthem ent er
tainedinsidewhileiwait
bytheendofther edcar petwelcomi ngthem i
n.
Il
ovethemasqur edet heme, everyoneispul
li
ng
i
toffquit
ewell andhar dtorecognisewhoi s
who!Thenewl ywedsmaket heirwaytowards
me,theyfl
owni nt hismor ningsot heycanbe
abl
etoattendi mustadmi timissedmybest y
andherrachetway s.
Mpho:
youar
esosl
ydoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Me:soihavebeent
old.(
huggi
ngher
)Welcome
backf
rom t
helonghoneymoom.HeyT.
Thabi
so:(
kissi
ngmycheek)Your
eal
l
yout
did
your
sel
f.
Me:Thanky
ou!Hopemygi
ft
sfr
om Schaef
fer
ar
ekeptwel
l.
Mpho:
theyar
e.Butwehav
ebr
oughtonewi
th
us.
Me:
Wher
eisi
t?
Thabi
so:
(poi
nti
ngatt
her
edcar
pet
)Ther
e..
..
(Inot
icehim,looki
nggoodinatuxedoanda
musk, holdi
ngflower
staki
nglongstri
des
towardsus.Hegi v
esmeoneofhi slazysmi
l
es
asher eachesus)
Mpho:
Ther
eisy
ourgi
ft
,nowexcuseus.
(shedragsThabisooff,helooksdiffer
ent,
ifit
wasntforMphoi wouldhavenev ernoti
cediti
s
him,iguessheiswear ingcontactsbecausehis
eyesarehazelnow, hesmilesreaveali
ngthe
bracesheiswear i
ng)
Me:
Okay
,youov
erdi
dit
!
Gabr
iel
:Reall
y?Thepl
acel
ooksamazi
ng,
so
muchtransf
ormati
on.
Me:
thanky
ou.It
houghty
ouwer
enotcomi
ng.
Gabr
iel
:Want
edt
osur
pri
sey
ou.
Me:Wellbr
avo.Kat
hisalr
eadyher
e,wi
thher
deaddr
opgorgeoushusband,
soshewonteven
noti
cey
ou.
Gabr
iel
:Iknow,
wel
ll
etmegoi
n,y
ourf
utur
e
f
ami
l
yisher
e.
Me:
huh?
(Heincl ineshi sheadt owar dst hedi rectionof
theredcar pett hengoesaway .It akesmea
whilet onot i
cewhohei st alkingaboutThe
Mokoenas.Inot i
cet he3br ot her s( Trevor,
Miguel andFer guson)al ongwi tht hecousi nWi l
l
standingi nt hesi deli
nest heirheadsbowed.
From t hepackedl i
mousi ne, Kat legoget sof f,
I
mustadmi tshel ooksbeaut iful witht hebaby
fatgone, sheisf ollowedbymyf avour i
teLesedi
andt hewomanwhoscol dedMi guel atTr evor'
s
weddi ng, myhear talmostst opswheni notice
him getof f
,MrMokoena.Whatonear t
hi she
doingher e.Iwi shthegr oundcanopenupand
swallowme.Theyputi nt hemasksandwal k
towar dsmel i
kesomegl adi ator s.
'
Idonti
fiti
nthewayt
heywalkorthei
rwealt
h
butsomethi
ngint
hewaytheyal
lwalkspeaks
authori
ty.Idonttrustmylegstokeepmeup.
whydidhenotwar nmewel l
intime,igiv
ehi ma
quizzi
callookbutheshr ugshisshoulders.i
sweari am goingtomur dermef ort
hishel l
he
putsmet hr
ough.Final
l
ytheyreachme.Ibowmy
headsay inggreet
ings.
MrMokoena:
youmustbet
hey
oungl
ady
,who
i
smakingmysondef
yme!
(Jesussavemenow!Iam sacredbuti
m not
abouttol
etthi
sol
dmanintimidateme.)
Me:
Youmustbet
hef
ear
edChi
efMokoena.
(
ist
hatasmi
l
eiseeonhi
swi
fe'
sface)
MrMokoena:Youngl
adywhatar
eyour
i
ntent
ionswi
thmyson?
Dayna:Ishouldbetheoneaski
ngthatquest
ion,
yourson'
sintent
ionsaboutmydaughter
.
(Ifeel herar
msonmyshoul der,
ineverbeenso
gratefulli
keiam r
ightnow.With"Di
vaD"by
my sidei nol
ongerfeelscar
ed.)
[
06/
22,
10:
05]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t39
Nowi seewhywecanthav e2bul
lsinone,
kraal
,
theymightendupkil
l
ingeachot
her.Mymom is
nopushov erbutsoi
sMrMokoena.
Mokoena:TheMokoenamanar
ever
y
i
ntent
ional
whenitcomest
oourwomen.
Dayna:Good,butwhatfai
lsmei showan
i
ntenti
onalmanlikeyoucanaskmydaught er
heri
ntenti
onswheny oushouldbeaskingyour
sonorattheMokoenaf amil
y,womanar ethe
oneswhoaskf orhandinmarriage.Maybeiam
goi
ngt ohavetostar
tsavi
ngforl obol
amoney.
(
Thewi
fei
ssmi
l
li
ng,
seemst
obeenj
oyi
ng)
MrMokoena:That
stot
alyoutofquest
ionand
woul
dbeinsul
ttomyfamily
.
Maggie:(
steppi
ngf
ort
h)Iapologi
sef
ormy
husband,
hecanstepoverhi
sboundar
iesat
ti
mes.
Day
na:Hemustknowthatj
ustasgeiswil
li
ng
t
okil
lforhi
ssons,
ial
sokil
lformydaught
er.
Maggie:
Thathegotqui
tewell.Howevertoday
weareheret
osupportt
hisyoungbeautif
ul l
ady,
tommorowwhenwehav elunchi wi
l
lgiveyou
anopport
uni
tyt
ogoheadonwi thhi
m.
Miguel
:Thanky oumot her
, MrsWet huplease
meetmyf atherChi efMokoena, Mybeaut i
ful
motherMaggi e.ElderbrotherFergusonandhis
wif
eLesedi.YoungerBr ot
herTrev orandwife
Katl
egoandl astl
ymycousi nWi l
l
.Fami l
ymeet
Thewomanwhobor ethebeauty, DaynaWethu
andmygirlNandi pha.
MrMokoena:
Wear
edel
i
ght
edt
omeety
oual
l
.
Me:
Thanky
oupl
easel
etsgoi
nsi
de.
(Di
vaD"escourt
sthem i
nsi
dewhileMiguel
hol
dsmyhandi givehi
m aster
nlookandhe
smil
essympatheti
cal
ly
.)
*
***
***
***
***
***
Thenighti
sgoi
ngsowell
,Mymot heristheMC
soiti
snotsupr
isi
ngt
hatever
yoneislaughing.
Dayna:Withoutwasti
nganyt
imel
etmecal
lmy
beauti
ful
daughtertocomeandgi
veusher
openi
ngspeech.
(
Theclaphandsasist
andup, Miguel
squeezes
myhandandi gi
vehi
m areassur
ingsmil
e)
'
Me: Ihonestlydontknowwhatt osay ,i
tsisjust
soov erwhelmi ngt oseey ouallheretogiveme
yoursuppor t.Inev erthoughtf orasecondt hati
couldownt wor est ur
ants, i
tisadr eam come
tr
uet oadr eam t hatnev erexisteduntiliwas
handedt her estutantasmypr esent.Wheny ou
getther i
ghtpar tnerwhowant sthebestf oryou
andseesapot entialyoudontseei nyourselfi
t
i
sbestt oal way sappr eciatethem.Inamedt his
placeMi guel'
sbecausei ti shim whosawwhat
noot herpersoncanseei nme.Hi s
encouragementmot i
vatesmeal ltheti
me.I
l
oveyouMokoena,andthankGod!forgi
vi
ng
y
oume.Pl easeusdi
neandhavef unj
ustfor
t
odaybecauseiti
sfr
eeofcharge.Thankyou.
,
(Hestandsupanshugsmeasev
ery
onecl
aps
hands.)
*
***
***
***
**
Shelooksathi m againashel aughswi t
ht he
l
adiessur roundinghi m,hisaurafeelsso,
famili
ar,hel ookalikehim buthisvoiceis
dif
ferent,eveney esplusthescar ethatruns
acrosshisl eftcheek,isshestarti
ngt osee
thi
ngs.Ther ei sonlyonewayt of i
ndout .
Desperatelyshewat chesEthandanci ngwi t
h
Melli
saandshet akesoppor t
unitytogoseet his
str
angert hatr emindshersomuchofherl ate
l
ove.St andingbehi ndhim hecallshisnameand
observesi fhewi l
lhav esomer eacti
on.
Kat
h:Gabr
iel
!
(hedoeanotf l
i
nchorgi v
eanythi
ngaway,he
conti
nuestochatwit
ht hetwowomen.She
patshisshoul
dermakinghim whir
lar
oundand
facesher,l
ooki
ngathishands,she
acknowledgeshermi
stake,thi
susnotGabri
el.
Gabriel
'
shandshadabur nmar k.
)
Loy
iso:
Cani
hel
pyouma'
am?
Kat
h:Cani
knowy
ourname?
Loyi
so:(
puzzled)Loyi
so,
ist
hereany
thi
ng
wrong?(
smiles)oh!noty
outwo!
Kat
h:(
takenback)i
m notf
oll
owi
ng?
Loyiso:Youareli
ket
hethir
dpersonwho
walkedupt omeandaskedifiam not
(scr
atchinghi
shead)whatdidtheysayhi
s
namei s,somethi
ngaboutGab..
.?
?
Kat
h:(
int
err
upt
inghi
m)Gabr
iel
?
Loyi
so:Nohun!i
am notGabri
elorwhatev
erhis
nameis,r
eadmyl i
psIam Loyi
so.i
donteven
knowanyonebythatname,i
tisunf
ort
unate
thatihav
etolookalikewit
hthisGabr
iel
.Butdo
youpeoplwmi nd,i
cameal lt
hewayfrom
Pretor
iatoenj
oyandi cantdoiti
fyohal
l
stoppedharr
asingme.
'
(Het urnsandcont inuechat ti
ngwi ththeladies,
i
fkathwasnotconv icedthathei sGabr i
el,now
sheisconv i
cedt hatindeedi tisnotGabr i
el.Her
heartbackinpl acetowal kst oherhusbandand
wrapsherhandsar oundhi m whi l
eheki sses
herforehead.Loy i
sof i
nall
ybr eathswhenKat h
walksaway ,heknewi twasabadi deat ocome
hereinthefir
stpl ace.Lookingatt hetwogi rl
si n
fr
ontofheusesdeci destouset hem asbai tso
hecangetoutofher e.I
ntendingt iheadstraight
toPretori
afrom her e,Nanawi llf
orgivehim but
heisnoty etreadyt ofaceghost sofhi sli
fe.
*
***
***
***
***
**
Cl
ubMi
guel
s
Theel
der
shav
eret
ir
ednow,
andwear
eint
he
club,
gonearethedressandmasks.Wearein
theVIPsect
ion.Laughi
ngabout"
DivaD"and
Mokeona'sheadon.
Ferguson:Nohatof
ffory
ourmom,ihavenever
seenany onest
anduptomydadl
ikeshedid!
Trevor
:Youdontwantt
omesswi t
hherwhenit
comest oNanaaskme,iwi
ll
t el
lyoual
labout
thedayshechasedmewiththewoodenspoon
usedforst
ir
ri
ngpap.
(Weal ll
augh,i
tfeel
sgoodjustchill
ingwi t
h
them, f
orasecondy oucanthinkthisissome
couplesretr
eat:MewithMiguel,Mphowi thT,
TrevorandKatlego,
FergusonandLesedi ,Will
andLisa,EthanandKathwear ejoinesalso
Ethan'scousi
nLeonardwiththewi f
eLor ato)
*
***
***
***
**
4Mont
hsLat
er.
..
..
..
..
!!
!
[
06/
22,
10:
05]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t40
Jinglebel l
s!!
Wear ef i
nallyatt heendoft hey ear
,
festi
v eseason, withchr istmasj ustaroundt he
corner .Miguel hasbeengonef ort woweeks
now, Imi sshimt erribly.Somet i
mesi wishhi s
businessdi dnoti nv ol
vehi m goi ngawayf ortoo
l
ong.I mi nhi sapar tment ,ihav enoty etmov ed
i
nwi thhi m, butitf eelslikei hav ebecausei am
const antl
yher e.Im al onei nt hehousesoi walk
aroundi nsor tgownandnot hingi nsi
de.im
maki ngmy selfsomet hingt oeat .Wheni turn
aroundhei sst andi ngbyt heki t
chencount er
smi l
i
ngathi m.
Miguel:(
smil
li
ngwi
ckedl
y)Icoul
dntst
ay
anotherday
.
(Smil
li
ngi walkuptohim andjumpi nhim,
wrappi
ngmyl egsaroundhim,ikisshim,hi
s
muskyscentf eel
smeup, iwanthim her
enow,
AFTERt hehugi unwrapmy sel
fandwal ktothe
l
ivi
ngroom, hiseyesfoll
owme, idroptheli
tt
le
gowntot hegroundandl ookashungerstri
kes
i
nhisey es.iam completel
ybarebeforehim)
Me:
Wel
comehomeMokoena!
Miguel
:Nowi fthi
sisthety
peofwel comehome
iwil
lgetevery
timeileaveisweari
wi l
lgoon
t
hisbusinesstri
pseverymonth.
Me:
youwi
l
ldonosucht
hing.
*
***
***
Hedr opshisjacketal ongwi thhistieandshi rt
ashest ri
dest owardsme.Byt imeher eaches
mysi deheisonl yinhi st rousersshoesgone.I
takehishandandl eadhi mt othecouch, af t
er
hesitsdowni si
tonhi ml apmyl egstohi sside.
Final
lyourli
psmeet ,hismi ntybreathmel ts
awayev erybonei nmybody ?Ibithislowerl i
p
ashishandscar essmybody .Iwincealittl
eas
hisfi
ngergoeshi m.Taki ngadeepbr eathtryi
ng
tograspmycont rol,
Iki sshi searlopeteasingi t
,
Iknowi tdri
veshi m ov ert heedge, Hecur ses
myname.It akeast epbackandunbuckl ehi s
beltandpulldownhi st rousersalongwi thhis
boxers.Hisshaf ti
shar d.i gi
vehim awi cked
grinasi droptomykneesandtakehiminmy
mout h,iseeshockinhi
sey esf
oll
owedby
excit
ment ,keepi
ngmyey esonhim,iwat
chas
mymout hdr i
veshi
m ov
ertheedge.Heis
stoppingme.
Miguel:
Youhav
ebeensuchabadgi
rl
.Letme
r
ewar dyou.
Hesay sashemakesmel i
eont hecouch, by
mysideandheget sbet weenmyl egs, one
pi
nnedt ot hecoucht heot herov erhi sthigh, i
am tr
apped, cantev enmov e.i f
eel him atmy
entr
ance, hishar dshaf tthrustinmyf lesh,
dri
vi
ngmepur el
yinsane.Hebegi nst ot hrusts
i
nandout .Hef i
l
lsmyev ery need,i knowt hatmy
souli
sr eallysoldtohi m.Nomanhasev er
mademev ulnerablelikehedoes.Mywal l
s
quenchannounci ngpr e-dest iny.
Mi
guel
:Al
mostt
her
e,Nanawai
tforme.
Wit
honefi
nalt
hrust
si scr
eam hi
snameashe
gr
oansandspi
l
lshisseedsinme.
*
***
***
***
Iopenmyey es,iam inhisarms, hishandpl ay
s
withmynipple.Wehav espentt hewholedayi n
bed.Heistal
kingtot hephone, iki
sshismout h
thenl
iebackonhi m waiti
ngf orhimtof i
nish.
Thecallend,
hemov essot hatim nowinbed
bothfaci
ngeachot her.
Me:
Hie!
Mi
guel
:Hi
e!
(myhandsr
eachf
orhi
sfaceandcar
esshi
s
cheek)
Me:
Iam gl
ady
ouar
eback.
(
Frenchki
ssesme)
Mi
guel
:Imi
ssedy
ou,
Mashenge.
Me: ImissyoualsoMokoena.
Thereisa
decembert r
ipwealwayshaveeveryyear
,iwant
yout obereadywearel
eavingnextweek.
Me:
wher
eto?
Mi
guel
:appar
entl
ythi
sti
mewear
ejustl
ocal
wi
l
lbeinKasane.
Me:
whoi
sthesewe?
?
Mi
guel
:Ourf
ri
ends.
Me:
Ireal
l
ydontl
i
keKatandherf
ri
ends.
Miguel
:No!t
heyar
enotcomi
ngt
hist
ime
ar
ound.
Me:
soy
ouhav
ethi
str
ipsev
eryy
ear
.
Mi
guel
:Yahwedo
Me:
Howcomei
nev
erknew!
Miguel
:Mostpr
obabl
ybecauseTbr
oughtK.
..
.
*
het r
ail
sof
f*
Me:Noiti
sfi
neyoucansay.Thi
syearhasbeen
har
d.I
m gl
aditi
scomingtoanend.
Mi
guel
:Soam i
.Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ifor
gott
otel
lyou,
final
l
ygotmyl
i
cense.
Mi
guel
:atl
astt
hankGod!Thi
scal
l
sfora
cel
ebr
ati
on.
Me:
Whatt
ypeofcel
ebr
ati
on.
Mi
guel
:Thet
ypet
hatbl
owsy
ourmi
ndaway
.
(get
ti
ngunderthesheet
s,shef
eel
shi
smout
h
nearherf
lesh)

*
***
***
***
***
Theannoyingri
ngi
ngwakesherup.I
rr
it
atedshe
reachesf
orit.
Kat
h:Yah!
!
I
ngr
id:
Kat
her
ine,
iti
smeI
ngr
id.
(Herex-
motheri
nlawv oi
cewakesherup,
star
tl
edtohearherv
oicefrom heraf
terso
l
ong)
Kat
h:i
m al
lear
s!
I
ngr
id:i
needy
orhel
ppl
ease,
iam aboutt
olose
myhouse.
Kat
h:Cal
m downandt
ell
me,
whati
swr
ong?
I
ngrid:
Iti
snotsomet
hingt
odiscussov
ert
he
phone.Canyoucomedownhere?
Kat
h:Okaygi
veme2hour
siwi
l
lbet
her
e.
(Hangi
ngup,shehasaqui ckshower,
scri
bbli
nganoteforherhusband,sheputsitby
thepil
l
owandl eavestoMoshupa.Ethanwakes
uptoanempt ybedside,r
eachi
ngforthenote,
hereadsit
,squashesitandthr
owsi nthedust
binwonderi
ngforhowl ongwil
lhehavet o
competewithadeadguyf orhi
swi f
e.)
*
***
***
***
***
I
tisamazi
nghowsomeonecangof rom hati
ng
y
out oworshi
pingy
ou.Justbecausetheyneed
y
ourhelp.
Kat
her
inewaar
eadi
ngt
hepaper
sov
eragai
n.
Kath:Atthi
sstage,t
her
eisnothi
ngyoucando
apartfr
om payingt
hemill
i
onpulaowedorthey
wil
lgetthishouseandsel
litl
i
kethecont
ract
st
ates.
I
ngr
id:
Wher
ewi
l
liev
engett
hatki
ndof
money
?
Kath:
Whathappenedt
oGabriel
'st
rustfund?i
t
hadenoughmoneytoset
tl
ethisdept.
I
ngr
id:
wehav
ebeensur
viv
ingoni
t.
Kath:
Youwantt
otel
lmet
haty
oubl
ewupal
l
themoneyoni
t.
Anabel:
Justbecausey
ourli
fehasbeensmooth
doesntmeanourhavebeen,i
thasbeentough.
Kat
h:Whydi
dnty
our
eachoutsoon.
?
(Ingr
idkneel
sbef
oreKat
her
ine,
whi
chr
eal
l
y
supri
sesKath)
I
ngr
id:
Ibegy
ouKat
her
ine,
pleasehel
pmesav
e
myhome.
(Shehel
pshert
oherf
eetandbackt
oher
chai
r)
Kat
h:Dontwor
ry,
iwi
l
lcal
lupt
hiscompanyand
set
tl
eyourdebt
.
I
ngr
id:
Real
l
y?
Kat
h:Yesi
wil
l
.
Anabel
:Wehavenevert
reat
edy
ouwel
l
,why
youagr
eei
ngtohelpus?
Kath:BecauseImadeapr omisetoGabri
elt
o
takecareofyou.Ify
ouwillexcuseme,i
needto
goback.Iwillkeepi
ntouch.
I
ngr
id:
Thanky
ou,
Godbl
essy
ouchi
l
d.
Kat
h:Iwi
l
ltaket
hispaper
swi
thmef
ornow.
!
*
***
***
***

[
06/
22,
18:
01]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t41
(
Ethan'
stal
ki
ngtohi
sbrotherHar
ri
ngt
onwhoi
s
t
heonlyonehecanconf
idein)
Et
han:
IknowHar
rybutsomet
imesIf
eel
li
kei
f
thi
sniggawassti
llal
iv
eKathwoul
dntbewit
h
me.Andi hat
efeel
ingli
keshei
sonl
ywithme
because,hei
sdead.
Harr
y:No!Kat
heri
neiswit
hy oubecauseshe
l
ovesyounotbecauseGabri
elisdead.
Ethan:Ibl
amemom andPennyf orallthi
s,i
f
theydidnotl
ietomeaboutanyofthis,we
wouldntbeinthisposi
ti
onri
ghtnow,Kath
wouldhavenev ermetGab.andiwouldntbe
feel
ingli
keihavetocompetewithadeadguy .
Harr
y:Iknow,buttal
ktoyourwi
fet
ell
herhow
youfeelaboutal
lofthi
s.
Et
han:
Iwi
l
l.
(Kat
heri
newal
ks,
Ethanlooksadmi
ri
ngl
yather
,
herbabybumpi
sgrowingevery
day
!)
Et
han:LookHar
ryi
hav
etogo,
wewi
l
ltal
k
l
ater
.
Har
ry:
bye.
(
HehangsupasKat
hst
andsi
nhert
oesand
br
ushherl
i
psov
erhi
s)
Kat
h:Hi
babe!
Et
han:
Mor
ningsunshi
ne.
Kat
h:Comel
etussi
t,i
wantust
otal
k.
(TheysitdownonthecouchandKatht
akesa
nervousbreat
h,shedoesnotknowhowto
breakittohi
m)
Kat
h:Iwi
thdr
ewami
l
li
onf
rom ourj
ointaccount
.
Ethan:(
shocked)whatf
or,
doest
hef
ir
m needa
cashinj
ecti
on??
Kath:Noactual
l
yitwastocl
earsomedebt
I
ngridhadthatwoul
dhaveresul
tedi
nherl
osi
ng
herhouse,
Ifnotcl
eared.
Et
han:
Okay
!
Kat
h:I
sthatal
lyougoi
ngt
osay
??
Et
han:Idontknowwhatyouwantmetosay
,it
i
syourmoneyy oucandowhat
every
ouwan.
Kat
h:Dontbel
i
ket
hatEt
han.
Ethan:Li
kewhatKat heri
ne,youj
ustdeci
dedt
o
takeourmoneywi thoutevenconsul
ti
ngme
fi
rst,
tohelpyourex-i
n-l
aws!Sotellmehowam
isupposedtobelike??
Kath:Theyneededmyhel
p,whatwasi
supposedtodo??
Ethan: Awi f
ewi l
ldiscusst hiswithherhusband
fi
rst.Wehav ebeenmar ri
edf or14y earsnow
Katherinebuti donti fyounot i
cedthat
everyti
mesomet hingt hathast odowi thGabriel
popsupy oualway smakedeci sionswi t
houtme.
Willitsitr
ightwithy ouifi wastogiv eEmily
's
mom ami lli
onwi t
houtt alkingtoyouf i
rst
??
Kat
h:Noi
twoul
dntber
ight
.
Ethan:Sojustbecauseiti
sGabr i
el,
thelat
e
l
ov er,
ihavetobeokaywi thi
t??Somet i
mesyou
arereall
yinconsider
atewhenitcomest omy
feeli
ngsOemel enna.
Kat
h:Okayt
hatwaswr
ongofme.
Ethan:Wehav et omakecompr omisesforour
patnersbutifeelli
kei am alwaysmaking
compr omisesalone,ihadt oletmyown
daughterbenamedaf teryourlovernowi have
toletyourunar oundplayher oi
neeveryt
imehis
familyneedsyoual lbecauseofsomepr omise
youmadef orhim.Forhowl ongshoul di
compet ewiththedeadmanf oryouKatheri
ne??
(Shelooksathim,ashi
swordshi
tshomebuti
t
i
st hehurtexpr
essi
oninhi
sfacet
hatmakesher
heartbreak.
)
Ethan:idonthaveaproblem wi
thyouhelpi
ng
them, i
tiswhoy ouar
e,alovi
ngsoulthathol
ds
nogr udges.Butinmaki
ngsuchdecisions
remembery ouhaveahusbandwhoy ourmade
vowst o.
(Hestandsuppicki
nghiscarkeysandwalkout
.
Kather
inesi
nksintothecouch,asr
eper
custi
ons
ofherimpul
siv
eact i
onshithome.)
*
***
***
***
Iwasinmyof fi
cegoi
ngthroughthemonthl
y
repor
ts.Whenshewalksin,shei
samess.
Tearsstr
eam downherface.Ist
andupandhug
her,t
henwesitdownasshecal msdown.
Kath:
Im sorr
ybuti
hadnoonetotal
ktoLor
ato
i
sfacingprobl
emsofherownandMell
i
ssai
s
outoftown.
Me: Noneedtoapol
ogise,
wearepr
act
ical
l
y
sist
ersthi
sdays,mydoori
sal
waysopen.Want
totalkabouti
t?
Kat
h:Im averysel
ff
ishwomanNandi
,Iswear
oneofthesedaysiwil
ll
osemyhusband.
Me:yourhusbandwor
shi
psy
ou.Whatmakes
yousaythat
??
Kath:
ial
way stakeimpul
sivedecisi
onwi
thout
hi
sknowledge.Isett
ledGabri
el'
smom debts
wit
houtconsul
tinghim.
Me:
whyt
hough?
Kat
h:I
ngr
idt
odayknel
tdownbef
oreme,
im
tal
kingaboutav erypr
ideful
woman.Myhear t
broke,iknowi musthat eherbecauseofhel
l
sheputmet hrough,butidonthaveahatebone
i
nmybody .Icouldseetheyareinabadstat
e.
Soaf t
eri l
eftiimmediatel
ycall
edthebank
managementandpai dthemoney .
Me:
Howdi
dhet
akei
t?
Kat
h:Hei
snothappyatal
l
,hewasv
eryhur
t
Nandi
.
Me:Itwasntawi sedecisi
onbutwel earnf r
om
ourmistakesLenny,dontbeatyourselfup.
From whatyoutoldme, youhavecomet hrough
fort
hisfamilyalotmaybeitisti
mey ouletgo,
Gabri
elisdead.Howl ongwi l
lyoumakey our
marri
agesufferforadeadman? ?
Kath:Imadeapr
omi
se,
tot
akecar
eofhi
s
famil
y.
Me: Youhavekeptthatpromi
se,youplayed
yourpart
,youcannotplayher
oineall
thet i
me
t
heysuf f
er.It
hinkyouarehol
dingontothem
becauseyoudontwantapartofhimtodiein
yourhear
twhichissounf
airtoyourhusband.
Kath:
Okayiwil
lcutmyt
ieswi
tht
hem wi
l
ltal
k
toGametostepupnow.
Me:
yesatt
hisstagey
ourfami
ly
,yourhomei
s
mor
eimpor
tantnotadeadman'
swishes.
Kat
h:Thanky
ouNandi
!
Wecont
inuet
ochatunt
ilshegoesbackhome.
*
***
***
***
**
Theyj ustlovepull
ingmei ntheirmess,ii dont
knowwhatmor etodo.i pr
omi sedmy selfthati
wil
l getmy selfi
nvolvedinthi
sagainbuti fi
nd
my selfreachi
ngf ormyphoneandcal linghi m.
Justonel asttime,iwill
makei tmybusi ness.
(
Hepi
cksup)
Gabr
iel
:Mr
sMokoena.
Me:
Ghost
.
Gabr
iel
:Whati
sit
?
Me:
Ithi
nkiti
stimey
our
etur
nedhomey
our
f
amil
yneedsyou.
Gab:
Nott
hisagai
n.
Me: Youarer eal
l
yselff
ish,y
ourmom al most
l
ostherhomei fitwasnotforKatheri
ne,they
aresufferi
ng,youneedt odori
ghtbyt hem
comebackandt akecareofthem, dorightby
Katheri
ne,hermar ri
agegetstosufferbecause
ofaguiltyconsciousofnothonoringadead
man'spr omisetotakecareofhisfamily.
Gab: Dontt
alkt omeaboutsel fi
shnessbecause
iam not,Il
eftmyf amil
yat rustf undwhich
couldamountt o2.5milli
on,thatwassupposed
totakecareoft hem.Dontst andt hereand
blamemef ortheirmistakes,t heyblewthe
money .Whati findeediwasdeadwhowoul d
youbecal l
i
ngr i
ghtnow?Asf orKatheri
ne,i
tis
notmyf aultthatshecannotgetov erme.Ifshe
knowswhati sr ightshewillst opbeforeher
mar r
iagecoll
apses.
Me:Youareal
iveandt
herei
ssomethi
ngy
ou
candonow.Justcomebackhome.
Gab:Im nothavi
ngt hi
sdiscussi
onagai nletmy
mom andsi st
ergrow, nomoneywi l
lcomei f
theysithomeli
kequeensdoi ngnothing.You
dontwakeupdeadpeopl etotel
lthem, t
heir
famil
iesaresuffer
ing.Forasfarasiknowand
theyknowi am deadandi wil
lli
keitt
ost aythat
way.
(
Hehangsup)
Ireal
lytri
edisaytomysel
fbutthi
sisadar
kbi
g
secretidontwanttobepar
tof.Ihav
emyown
mat t
erstoworryabout
.
*
***
***
***
**
*
***
***
***
**
[
06/
22,
18:
01]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t42
Okay,
First
lyi
didntknowthatwearegoingwit
h
aquantum,mylegswill
besquashed.Secondl
y
hedi dntt ell
met hatAmandai scomingal ong
atl
eastshebr oughtapar tneralong.Lastl
ywhy
doesi tfeel l
ike, i
tisacoupl esretr
eat?We
boar dthequant um atAi r
por tj
ucti
on,Wear e
thethi r
dcoupl etoar r
iveafter,
Thabisoand
Mpho, LisaandWi l
lwerethef i
rsttoarri
ve.The
dramat iccoupl earri
vesafterusTr ev
orand
Kat l
ego, Iwonderwhyshei scomi ngalong
shoul dntshebenur si
ngherbabi es.They
shortlyfol l
owedbyt helousyone, wit
hcr azy
tendenci es,Lor atoandLeonar d.IloveLorato
becauseshehasmymom' sdivanessinher,not
afraidtocal l aspadeaspade.Asi fthisisnot
enough, dr amaAmandaar r
iveswithsomeguy
whoi sLor ato'sexMat t.
'
(
Miguelgi
vesTrev
oraquizzi
cal
lookandhe
l
ooksatKatl
egowhoputsonaninnocentl
ook)
Trevor
:Dr
opt
hei
nnocentl
ookKat
,whyi
sshe
here??
Kat:Youcanexpectmegowithal
lthese
st
rangewomennotev enbr
ingacl
osef r
iendof
mine.
Leonar
d:Soiam expectedtot
rav
elwi
thoneof
mywi f
esex-
fuckbuddies.
Lorato:Nobodystoppedyoyfrom i
nvi
ti
ngyour
fl
ozziestoj
oinus.IhaventseenMattsi
ncewe
mar r
iedwhatisyourprobl
em? ?
*
***
Thistri
pisadi sasterwaiti
ngt ohappenim
tell
i
ngy ou.I
tdoesntgetanybet terwhenDr e
andCasseyar rive,mymooddr opsbuti dontlet
i
tgetmedown.Fi nal
lyther i
chestcouple
amongstusar ri
ves,isayrichbecausebot hof
them aredri
vingAudi R8f oll
owingoneanot her,
Kathisinawhi teonewhi lehusbanddr iv
esa
black1.Iguesst heyhav enotclearedtheair
henceseparatecar s.
Apparent
lyFer
gusonandLesedi
,Har
ryand
LyssaandMelli
saandRaymondclai
mtobetoo
oldforthisnowandhavehaveflowntoCape
Townt hismor ni
ng,i
dontbl
amet hem,t
his
quantum r i
deisal
sonotmyfavouri
teatthe
moment .IputmyheadonMiguel'
schestand
rest
.
Me:
Babe!
Mi
guel
:Mma!
Me:
whysomanycoupl
es?
Miguel:wellwhenthisstart
edi twasjustThe
Mokoenas, t
henTr evorbrought,Dreinboard
andi l
ateri
nv i
tedThabiso.Lateroni br
ought
Ethanonboar d,hebroughthisbr ot
her&cousin,
FergusonbroughtRay .AHitjustkeepsgrowing
everyyear.
Me:
Whydi
dnty
out
ell
me?
Miguel:
Becausei
knewy
ouwoul
dnev
erhav
e
agreed.
Me:
youdamnr
ighti
woul
dnt
.
Mi
guel
:Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
ihat
eyou.
Miguel
:(Heti
ckl
esmeandi l
augh)i
woul
dst
op
t
il
lyousaytheri
ghtt
hing.
Me:
okay
,okay
!Il
ovey
oual
so.
(Heki
ssesme, whenir
aisemyhead,i
find
Amandastar
ringatus,
withanevi
ll
ookand
tur
nsawayfastwhenshenoti
cesiam l
ooking
ather
.)
*
***
***
***
Wear
einPal
ayehav
ingabr
eak.
Lorat
o: Ihateherwi
thherf
akeeyelashesand
heavymakeup.Doesshet hinkwearegoingt
o
somef ashionshow?
Kat
h:Lor
ato!
Lorat
o:Whatthebi
t**
hi st
oofakeformyli
ki
ng?
Lookatthewaysheflaunt
sherassatNana'
s
man.
Me:
Idontev
enknow,
whyshei
scomi
ngal
ong?
Mpho:shewant
stogetundery
ourski
nthat
s
why!
Li
sa:
dontl
etherwi
n,shei
sjustsodesper
ate.
Lorat
o:icantbeli
eveshebroughtMat tofal
l
peopl
e,asifmymar ri
ageisnothaving
probl
emsnowt hi
swill
justaddfuel
t oit.
Kat
h:Youst
il
lhav
enotf
orgi
venhi
m?
Lor
ato:
Howdoiforgi
veamanwhocheatedon
meandmadeanotherwomanpr
egnant
??
Kat
h:Buthei
ssi
ncer
e..
Lorato:Sinceremyfoot,iam notyouKather
inei
donthav eaf orgi
veandforgetbone.Leo'
s
betrayalhurtsmorethanitshould.
(Sobehindt
hatl
ousydi
vanessisahurti
ng
womanwhoi sgoingt
hroughanemotional
breakdownduet
ohusband'si
nfer
dil
i
ty)
*
***
***
***
Wear
eont
her
oadagai
n,nowi
am si
tt
ingnext
t
oKathwhoisfastasl
eep,
Ihav
eheadseton
myear
sli
ster
ningtosomegoodmusic.
Behi
ndusMigueli
shavi
ngachatwi
thEt
han.
Mymom iscal
li
ng.It
akethecal
l
.
Dayna:Otherchi
l
drenar
ecominghomefor
chr
istmas,butmyowndaught
erdeci
dedtogo
toKasane.
Me:
(smi
l
ing)Wear
est
il
li
nthi
stopi
c.
Day
na:
im hur
tandl
onel
y.
Me:may
bei
sitt
imey
out
ookhusbandnumber
5.
Dayna:
(chuckl
es)y
oumakei
tsoundssoeasy
,
howfarareyou?
Me:
Wear
eal
mosti
ninNat
a.
Day
na:
Youar
egoi
ngt
oar
ri
veatt
ommor
ow.
Me:
Iknow,
wewi
l
ltal
koncei
arr
ive.
Day
na:
Okaybabe,
hav
efuni
lov
eyou.
(
Ihangupanddoseof
f.
)
*
***
***
**
Wheni openmyey es,agai
nMi gueli
sup,and
tal
king.Kather
ineisnotbymy sideanymorebut
outsidewithEthanmassagingherfeet.
Miguel:Guysasyouknowthatwearetr
avell
ing
wit
hanexpect i
ngwoman,herbodycanttakeit
anylonger.Wewil
lhavet
ospendthenighthere
andpasst ommorow.
Kat
lego:
Ist
her
eaguesthouseher
e?
Miguel
:Et
hanhaspai
dtheexpenses.Si
ncet
his
wasnotpartoft
hepl
an.
Cassey
:icoul
duseawar
m bat
h.
Amanda:Si
ncet
heyaref
il
thyr
ichwhydi
dthey
notj
ustf
lyt
oKasane?
(
Irol
lmyey
es)
Lorat
o:Thati
snoneofy ourbusiness,andt
hey
arenotpeopl
ewholikestoflauntsthei
r
ri
chnessli
keyouf
launtyourfakeness.
Mat
t:Whoa!Whyy
ousobi
tt
er?
Lor
ato:
whywoul
dibebi
tt
er?
Mat
t:i
dontknowmay
bey
oust
il
lwantme!
Leonar
d:Whoa!Ni
ggasi
tyouthi
nassdown,
whywouldmywomanwanty ou?
(
Ist
andupandexitthebus,
Miguelf
oll
owsme,
i
sti
l
lrepeatt
hatt
histr
ipisj
ustonebadidea.)
[
06/
22,
18:
01]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t43
Ist
epinsidet
hebedroom f
rom t
heshower
,
Migueli
sinbedscr
owl i
ngthr
oughhi
sphone.
Me:
(amused)Thi
na*
s!
(Hel
ooksatmeandwebot
hbr
eaki
ntol
aught
er.
Iam i
nst
it
ches!
)
Miguel:apoi
ntt
oLeoandzer
opoi
ntt
othet
hin
a*
sni gga!
Me:therei
snocomebackaf
tert
hatshot!Ihope
youbroughty
ourcamer
a,wehavetocapture
t
hiscr
azymoment
s.
Mi
guel
:ihav
eitwi
thme.
Me:
thi
str
ipr
emindsmesomuchoft
hatmov
ie,
t
heonewi
thTyl
erPer
ryi
nit
.
Mi
guel
:Whydi
digetmar
ri
ed?
?
Me:yes,Lor
atoi
sli
keMar
cus'
swi
fe,
wit
hher
r
atchet
ness.
Miguel:
(laughi
ng)babeyoucantcompare
Lorat
otoAngel a.Angel
aissupercr
azy
.
Me:shehasnochi ll
.Myf avour
it
eli
neis,
(mimi
ckinghervoice)"YouknowMar cus
wheneverhe'
slyingsays, (
Miguelj
oinsi
n)y
ou
knowwhati am saying.
"
(Il
ookathi
m andwebot
hlaugh.I
minbed,
headincomfychest
)
Me:I
tisagoodmovieweshoul
dwatchital
l
t
oget
her,maybei
tcanhel
psomecoupleshere.
Mi
guel
:that
sact
ual
l
yagr
eati
dea.Iwi
l
lmakea
pl
an.
(
Iopenmymout
htosaysomet
hingbutonl
ya
y
awncomesout
.)
Miguel
:Getsomesl
eep,
wehav
etol
eav
eear
ly
i
nthemor ni
ng.
Me:
Goodni
ght
,il
ovey
ou.
Mi
guel
:l
ovey
oumor
e!
*
***
**
Ethani
smassagi
ngKather
ine'
sfeetaf
tershe
gotahotbat
h.Herbodyi
sexhausted.
Kat
h:maybeishoul
dhav ej
ustremai
nedbehi
nd,
nowiam bei
nganuisancet
oy ou.
Ethan:youaremywif
eKath,youcannev
erbea
nuisancetome.Thebabyyoucarr
ywemadeit
together
,letmet
akecareofyou.
Kat
h:if
eelbadthatnowever
yonehast
osl
eep
her
ebecauseinexhaust
ed
Et
han:
stopbeat
ingy
our
sel
fup,
sunshi
ne,
they
al
soneededt
hisbr
eat
h.
Kat
h:Okay
!Doy
out
hinkLor
atoandLeowi
l
l
makeit
?
Ethan:Leomighthav
escrewedupbuthel
oves
Lorato,t
hatoneiam posi
ti
veabout
.
Kat
h:i
prayandhopeshef
orgi
veshi
m.
Et
han:
shewi
l
ljustt
hatshei
sst
il
lhur
t.
Kat
h:y
aht
hepai
ncut
sthr
ought
hehear
t.
(Gr
abbinghi
shandsheplacesi
tonhert
ummy
,
asthebabymakesasecondkick)
Et
han:
That
smyboy
!
Me:
whatmakesy
out
hinki
tisaboy
?
Et
han:
ijustknowi
t.
Me:
Okaywel
lyourboyi
saf
ight
er.
Ethan:Hemustbe, al
lBr
ownleymanare
fi
ght er
s.It
alkedMmaHebert
,thechi
ldr
enhav
e
arri
ved,apparent
lywear
erai
singtwospoi
l
t
brats.
Me:(
laughi
ng)Theybet
ternotst
ressmy
gr
andma.
(Theycont i
nuechat tingwhilehemassagesher
feet.Sheisf astasleepbyt hetimehei sdone,
tuggingherundecov ers,hebrushest hehairof
herfaceandki ssesherf or
ehead, heisstil
lvery
muchmesmer isedbyherbeaut y,evenafter14
yearsmar ri
edshest i
llhasthesameef fectshe
hadonhi mt hef i
rsttimet i
mehesawheratt he
taxistop.Heget sinbedandpul lshercloser.)
*
***
***
***
*
Presentday,i
m wideawakewhent hecombi
pull
sinsideMari
naSafariLodge.Ever
yoneis
ali
vet odayev
enKatheri
ne,withherdeaddrop
gorgeoushusbandallovereachother,
itakei
t
thattheymadeup.
Mpho:
(st
rechi
ngher
sel
f)Fi
nal
dest
inat
ion.
Li
sa:
Thej
orneywasqui
tel
ong.
Kat
h:notf
orget
ti
ngdr
amat
ic.
(
Wewai tbyrecept
ionwhi
l
eourmenbr
ingt
he
l
agguageinsi
de.)
Amanda:sothi
siswher
ewi
l
lbest
ayi
ng?Why
notahot
el?
(
iwoul
dbesupr
isedi
fshecoul
dzi
phermout
h
f
orqui
tesomet
ime)
Kat
h:WelcometoKasanedarl
i
ng,t
hereisno5
st
arhot
elsher
e,j
ustLodgesandguest
shouses.
Me: Youareal
waysnaggingaboutev
eryt
hing,
whydi dy
ounotremainbehindi
nGaborone
becauseclear
lyy
ounotthri
ll
edtobehere?
Lorat
o:iwi
l
ltel
lyouwhy,becauseshehoped
thaty
ouwil
lnotcomesoshecanhav ey our
man.Icanseeri
ghtt
hroughhereyesthatshe
wantshi
m.
Kat
lego:andwhatiswr
ongwi
thherwant
ing
hi
mi ti
snotli
ketheyar
emarr
iedy
et.
Kath:Foramarr
iedwoman,
yourmor
alsar
e
real
lyembar
assi
ng.
Tr
evor
:Geez
!Ladiescanyoual
ltr
ytobeci
vi
l
wi
thoneaotherj
ustthi
sonce.
(Weturnourheadsandtheyarebehindus.I
swearthi
sfeel
slike"
Geordi
eShor e"
.Apparentl
y
MattandAmandabookedsepar aterooms.We
set
tl
edowni nourroomsi l
i
keoursbecausei t
hasthemagnifi
centvi
ewoft heChobeRiver.
)
*
***
***
*
(Leostepsoutoftheshowerwit
hatowel
aroundhiswaist
,hewalkstowar
ds.Hi
swife
andhugsherbehind,asmuchassheisangryat
him buthi
sbackhugshav eal
waysbeenher
weakness.)
Lor
ato:
(br
eat
hles)whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Leo:
imi
ssmywi
fe.
Lor
ato:
ihav
enotf
orgi
veny
ouy
et.
Leo:iknowbutyoucantf
ightthi
satt
ract
ion
Love,i
thasal
way sbeent
here.(Ki
ssi
ngher
neck)shemeantnothi
ngLorato,myhear
tis
wi
thy
ou.
Lorat
o:shei
spr
egnantLeonar
d,wecanti
gnor
e
thatf
act.
Leo:(
hishandcaresshersl
im body
)im not
aski
ngyouto,butletusf
ixourmarri
age.
(Heturnsheraroundandtakesherinhi
sarms,
andkissesher,
remindingherofal
lthegood
ti
mes.Alongtheway ,shestopshi
m)
Lorat
o:iam sorryLeo,i
thoughticandothis
buticant,
ijustkeepseeingyouwithheri
nmy
head.Giv
emesomet imeplease.
(Shewalksoutofther
oom andhesi
tsdown,
hisfaceonhishandswonder
ingi
fhi
smarri
age
will
survi
ve)
.
*
***
***
**
Ilef
tMiguelupst
airsandfi
ndLoratosit
ti
ngby
thepoolal
lalonghereyesareredwhichmeans
shehasbeencr yi
ng.Isi
tnexttoher,
not
knowingwhattodo.(Shefinal
l
ybreaksthe
si
l
ence)
Lor
ato:
ilov
ehi
m buti
am hur
t.
Me:
Giv
eitt
ime,
goseeacounsel
l
ori
fyouhav
e
t
o.
Lor
ato:
iwi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.
Me:
Comel
etust
akeawal
k.
*
***
***
*
[
06/
22,
18:
01]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t44
DAY3-KASANETRI
P
Weal lcarr
ybur densheavyinourhear ts.Inow
fi
nallyundestandwhymay bewear ecrazy.
Takef orexampl eLorat
oshei sfacingahar d
ti
meduet ohusband' si
nfedi
li
ty,Ethanhast o
compet ewithGabr i
el'
smemor iesf orKath'
s
l
ov e,KathistornupbetweenEt hanandGabr i
el.
Katlegoisstuckwi t
hanabusi vehusband,
Trevor,yesheisst i
l
labully,
inoticedthemar ks
i
nherbodyandshei sawf ul l
yquitet oday .
Amandai sbusylusti
ngov eramant hatdoesnt
wanther.Mpho'smar r
iagei ssti
llnewbutf rom
whatshet oldme,hi
sf ami lydoesntl ikeher .
Li
saiswi t
hWi l
landhehasnotev enhi nted
aboutthefutur
esincet heybeent oget her .Well
DreandCasseyi dontknowwhatt heyf ace.
Andthereisme, if
eelcol d, j
ustthinki ngabout
i
t,idontknowwhatt hesef ut ur
ehol dsbuti
hopeitwil
l besomethi
ngi canhandl e.
Wejustcomingbackfrom aboatcrui
se,it
woul
dhav ebeennicei
ft herewasnotsomuch
dr
ama.Iam spoil
i
ngmy selftoaabott
leof
wi
ne.Chil
li
ngonthelawnout si
dewegroupup
i
ncir
cle.Mostofthem aretipsy.
*
***
***
*
Thabi
so:Okaythi
siswhati
sgoi ngt
ohappen,
wearegoingtosi
tinthi
scir
cleandeveryoneis
goi
ngtotell
eachotherwhytheydontl
ikethem
orsomet
hingyoudontli
keaboutoneanot her
.
Thentommorowwearegoingtopart
nerupand
dri
vetoNgomaLogde,j
ustout
sideKasane.I
t
wil
lbeachal
lengesoy
ouneedt oworktoget
her
towin.
Miguel
:wehopi
ngi
twi
l
lbr
eakt
het
ensi
oni
n
t
hishouse.
Amanda:
iam notbei
ngpar
toft
hismadness.
(shestandsupandgoesinsidet
hehouse.
Pressi
ngherphone,herpuppetMat
tfol
lowsher
)
Mi
guel
:Any
oneel
sewhowi
l
ltonott
akepar
t.
(wewaitforminut
esf
orsomeonet
oleav
e,Dr
e
andCasseyfol
l
owsuit
.)
Thabi
so:Great
,nowl
etusbegi
n,whowi
l
lwant
tobefi
rst
??
Lorat
o:iwil
lgofir
st,
Idontlikemyhusband'
s
cheati
ngtendenci
es(geezthiswomandoes
shehavetoairhermarri
agef l
awstousli
kethat)
andidefi
natel
ydontli
ke,thatyel
l
owboneBi **
h
becausesheremindsmeofsomef l
ozzytr
ying
t
orui
nmymar r
iage,
andbecauseherat
ti
tudes
i
ssorot
ten.
Mpho: i
wouldsayi dontl
ikeKat l
egobecause
sheisgivi
ngmyf r
iendahar dtimeandhadt o
bri
ngAmandaal ongknowi ngverywellthatshe
i
saf t
erMiguel.(Sheturnsandl ooksather
husband)idefinat
elydontlikethefactthatyou
aremamma' sboy ,ifeely
oushoul dstandupt o
yourmother,andshowhert hatyouactuall
ya
manandhav eawi fefort
hatmat ter.
(
Okayt hi
sisgett
inghot
ter
,whydoi
feel
secr
ets
mightgetspi
ll
edhere)
Katlego:Idontlikeher(poi
ntingatme)because
shescr ewedmyhusbandf ormonthsknowing
verywel l
hei sengagedt ome, shemademe
facemypr egnancyalonewhi l
eshewasbusy
enjoyingmyhusband.Idontl i
kethefactt
hathe
i
sst il
lhunguponher ,evenwhenhecansee
shehasmov edonwi t
hMi guel.
Lor
ato:
Whoa!
!Wai
tyouscr
ewedbot
hbr
other
s,
ithoughty
ouwer
ethei
nnocentoneamongst
us.
Kat
h:Lor
ato!
!
Lor
ato:(
sippi
ngherwi
ne)Thi
sisget
ti
ngqui
te
i
ntr
esti
ng.Goon!
*
***
***
**
Miguel:Idontl i
kethefactt hatTrevorwent
aft
ermygi rlaft
ericonfidedi nyouabouthowi
fel
t.Ialsodontl i
kehowmuchy outakeafter
dad,wepr omisedeachot herthatwewill
be
dif
ferent,nobeat i
ngwoman.Mashengei dont
l
ikehowy out akefrust
rstiononmeandpush
mef orsomepeopl e'smi stakes.
(Ineedsomethi
ngstrongert
hanthi
s,t
hisi
s
getti
ngthi
ckerminut
ebymi nut
e)
Li
sa:Well
sinceiti
ssecr etshari
ngi mightas
wel
lspi
llt
hebeans.Wi llidontli
kehowwekeep
ongoi
ngcircl
es,andi hatefactthati
m
pr
egnantbutireal
lydontknowy ouri
ntenti
ons
aboutme.
(myeyesareal
mostf
all
i
ngt
alkabouta
bombshel
l
)
Kath:
Idontl
i
keAmanda,
shei
stoomucht
o
handl
e.
Me: Idontliket
hisf
eudbetweenKat l
egoandi
becausehonest l
yimjustavicti
ml i
key ou.I
thoughti wastheonl
yone,inev erknewt here
wasanot herwomanr i
ghtti
lltheweddi ng.Ial
so
dontlikehowy oukeenoncausingt roubleinmy
rel
ationshipwhil
eihavelef
tyoui npeace.
Leo:Ireal
lydontl i
ket hatthi
na*snigga,he
keepsundr essingMywi fewit
hhiseyes.Ial
so
hatethefactt hatihav edoneanirr
eparabl
e
damaget omywi f
e,thereisnodaythatpasses
bywithoutr egret
gingmyact ions.
Trevor
:i hat
ethatiwascowar
dtogof
orwhati
want,andalsohatethatnowi
makemywif
e
feel
soi nsecur
e.
Ethan:
ihat
efeel
i
ngl
ikei
havetocompet
ewi
th
somedeadman'smemori
es.
Wil
l
:Ihat
esecret
s,i
hat
ethatihav
etof
indout
t
hatam afat
hert
obeli
kethi
s.
Thabiso:
Ihatet hedr
amat hatisbrewinginthi
s
tri
pwheni ti
ssupposedt obef un.Ialsohate
thatimakemywi fef
eel l
i
kei am notman
enoughforher.Thanky out hatwast hefi
rst
stepinopenningup.Digestal lt
hatwassai d
andletsmeett ommorowat6am.
*
***
**
Lorat
o: Aft
erthatdeepsessi
onineedtoget
somesl eep.Youpeoplehavedeeperpr
obl
ems
thanithought.
(Trusthertobreakt hesi
lence.Iwalktomy
room andgost aighttobed.6am wear e
gatheredinthereceptionarea.Thabisothe
pshchologisti
sgivingusi nst
ruct
ion.)
Thabi
so:
Wear
edr
ivi
ngt
oNgomal
odgel
i
kei
announced,thereishiredcar soutsi
deforus.
Thef i
rstt
eam t oarr
ivetheregetsf r
eemassage,
alsobecaref
ul ofanimalsbecausewear e
driv
ingpastapar kwi t
hdanger ousanimals.so
wewantt hosewi thissuest odri
vetogetherso
theyuseoppor tuni
tytotalkitout.Ourcouples
willt
ravel
togetherexpectf orMiguelandNana,
TrevandKat.Wewi llhaveKatandNana
teamingupwhi letheMokoenabr other
salso
team up.
(
IlookatMi
guel
andhepout
s)
Thabi
so:Unf
ort
unatelyforAmanda,Matt
,Dr
e
andCassyourj
ourneywi t
hyouguysendshere,
her
eareyourpl
aneticketstot
akeyoubackto
Gabor
one.
Amanda:
(ast
oni
shed)What
?Youcan'
tdot
hat
?
Thabi
so:wedoev ery
thi
ngforareason.You
weretoocoolf
orlastni
ghtact
ivi
ty,
nowwear e
toocoolt
otakeyourdramawithus.
Amanda:
Kat
lego?
Kat
:myhandsar
eti
ght
!
Amanda:(
snatchi
ngtheticket
s)f
inegoonwi
th
thi
sbor
ingtr
ipofyours.
(Shewal
ksbacktoherroom,mysubwomanis
doingav
ict
orydance,
thebi*
*hgotser
ved,
idi
d
notseet
haronecoming.)
*
***
**
[
06/
22,
18:
01]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t45
Thesi l
enceinthi
scari stoomuch!Whydi d
Thabisohavet oputusi nthi
sawkward
si
tuation?Ourtaskwast obuysomeal cohol,
it
wasaneasyt askbecausewebot hdr
ink,it
needednocommuni cat
ion,wejustgr
abbedand
l
eft.Justaft
erwel eavethepark,ourt
ire
decidestopunch.
Me:
looksl
i
kewehav
etochanget
hatt
ir
e.
Kat
:iknownothi
ngaboutchangi
ngt
ir
es,
you
ar
efreetogi
veitat
ry.
Me:
youar
esuchasi
ssyKat
lego
(
Isayasigetof
fbangi
ngdoorbehi
ndmewhi
l
e
i
openthecartr
unk.
)
Kat
:(st
andi
ngbehi
ndme)Whatdi
dyouj
ustcal
l
me??
Me:youhear
dme,forhowlongdoy
oupl
anon
sul
ki
ngbecausei
datedTrevor
?
Kat
:ti
l
lyouapol
ogi
set
ome.
Me:(l
aughi
ng)thi
sismadness.Whymusti
apol
ogisewhenimjustl
i
keyou,avi
cti
m.?
Kat:
becausei
dontr
eal
l
ybel
i
evey
oudi
dnt
know.
Me:Honestlyididntknowbutifitputyouat
easeidoapologiseKatlegofordati
ngTrevor
behi
ndy ourbackandf oral
lbadthingshehad
toputyouthroughbecauseofme.
Kat:
thankyou,that
sallieverwant
edtohear
.I
apol
ogisef
ormybi **hyt
endenciesiwashur
t
andunderi
nfluenceoffr
iends.
Me:itisal
lundert
hebr i
dge,iknowwecantbe
buddiesbutcanwetrytogetalongfort
hesake
ofpeace?Whenwef ightitput
st hemenwen
l
oveinawkwar dsi
tuati
on.
Kat:
(ext
endi
ngherhand)Iam Kat
lego,
Trev
or'
s
wif
e.
Me:(
ismil
easi shakeherhand)Nandi
pha,
Mi
guel'
sgi
rl
fr
iend.
Kat
:ibel
i
evewehav
eat
ir
etochange.
Me:
damnr
ightwedo,
igott
het
ir
elev
er.
Kat
:Greatl
etsjackupt
hiscari
twant
stopl
ay
gameswiththeMokoenawomen.
(Wewor ktogether
,tochanget heti
re,ourfaces
arecoveredingrease,soaretheclothes,we
j
ustti
ghtingtheboltswhenaFor t
unerstopsby
ouronther oad,t
hewi ndowrollsdown.Wi pi
ng
thesweatfrom myf ace,if
indthem looki
ngat
us,t
otall
yamused)
Mi
guel
:(l
aughi
ng)doy
oul
adi
esneedsome
hel
p?
Tr
evor
:It
hinkt
heygoti
tal
lcov
ered.
(
Theybot
hbur
sti
ntol
aught
er)
Mi
guel
:youwi
l
lfi
ndust
her
elooser
s.
(Hesay sastheircargoon,short
lythey
fol
lowedbyMphoandThabi sowhoj ustwav e
andpasson.Fi nall
ywearedonechangi ngthe
ti
re,si
tt
ingont hescort
chinghotground, it
ake
asipfrom thewi nebot
tl
e.)
Me:it
hinkwedeser
vet
hisaf
tert
hewor
kwe
done.
Kat
:(t
akingthewinebot
tl
e)let
sgetgoing,
bef
oreitget
slat
e.Youdri
ve.(Thr
owingmecar
key
s)
Me: i
thoughty
ousai
d,y
oudontt
rustanynew
dr
ivers?
Kat:
thatwasmebei
ngbi
tt
er,
plusi
mtoot
ir
ed
todri
ve.
*
***
***
Ipull
overthecarandnoticeev er
y oneishere
expectusandourveryown" Angel aand
Marcus"(l
orat
oandLeo).Wal kinginside,t
hey
arechil
l
ingbythebararea,al
l eyest urnand
l
ookatuswhenwegeti nsidebef oretheyall
l
augh.
Li
sa:
Geez
!Andy
ouguy
swhathappened?
Kat
lego:
Ati
repunchhappened.
Trevor
:Lookl
i
key
oucoul
duset
hisdr
inkmor
e
thani.
Mpho:At
leasti
ttookati
repuncht
ogety
out
o
beci
vi
lwithanot
herone.
Miguel
:Fi
nal
l
ypray
ershav
ebeenanswer
ed,
t
hankyouThabi
so.
Thabi
so:
itol
dyoui
twi
l
lwor
k.
(Icrumbledowninanearbychair.Wedont
needany onetot
ell
usitisthem becauset
hei
r
noisejustsel
l
sthem away.)
Ethan:I
tlooksli
ket
hecart
ri
phasnotwor
ked
outforal
l ofus.
(
Theywal
kincov
eredi
nmudal
lov
er)
Lor
ato:i
fitwasnotf
ory
ourshortcutr
out
ewe
wil
lnotbeinthi
smessr
ightnow!
Leo:Youdi
dnthaveanyprobl
em wheni
suggest
edi
t,youact
uall
yli
kedthei
dea.
Lorato:youar
esuchadummyLeonard,
im
actuall
yhappythati
am l
eav
ingy
ourdummy
a*s.
Leonar
d:Youwanty
ourdi
vor
ceLor
ato,
iwi
l
l
gi
veitt
oy ou.
Thabi
so:
Whoa!Guy
s,y
ouar
edi
vor
cing?
Lorat
o:Yes!ThankyouThabisof
orhel
pingus
see,t
hatthi
swillnev
erwalk.
Kath:Donty
ouguy
swantt
othi
nkabouti
t
fi
rst?
?
Leonar
d:wet
houghtabouti
tthat
swhywe
deci
dedt
ogi
veourmar
ri
ageanot
herchance.
Lor
ato:
lookatt
heshocki
nyourf
aces!
GOTCHAYOU!
Wi
l
l:Soy
oyguy
sar
enotdi
vor
cing?
Leonar
d:y
ouar
er eal
lysl
ow,Wi
ll
,ther
eisno
wayimlet
ti
ngt
hiscrazywomanoutofmy si
de.
Lor
ato:
Wejustwant
edtoscar
eyou.West
uck
wit
heachot
herti
l
let
erni
ty.
Mi
guel
:okayy
oual
mostscar
edmet
her
e.
(Theyar
egood,act
ual
l
yver
ygoodi
acknowl
edge.)
*
***
***
Openbor nfi
re,al
cohol,brai
i.I
tishappyti
mesin
"KasaneShore".Okaythistr
ipisnotasbadasi
thoughtitwi
llbe.Wear ehav i
ngourladi
es
gossip,t
hemenhav edisappearedinsi
de,God!
Knowst odowhat ?
Mpho:
Soy
ouhav
efor
giv
enhi
miti
sal
lgood
now?
Lorato:Yes,ift
hesedesper atewhoreskeep
openningt hei
rlegsformyhusbandt hi
nkingi
wil
l l
eavehi m,t
heybet t
erthinkagai
n.Iwi l
l
gatherallhisbastar
dchildrenandraisethem
upalongwi t
hhim.Nobodyai ntget
tingmy
man.
(
Weal
ll
augh,
shei
scr
azyi
tel
lyou)
Kat
h:andyoumynon-
acohol
i
cpar
tnerwhatar
e
hi
sint
enti
ons?
Li
sa:(
blushi
ng)heissendi
ngpeopl
eov
ert
omy
par
entsimmediat
elyaft
erf
est
ive?
Kat:
Final
l
y,Wil
l'
smom wil
lst
opbot
heri
ngme
forl
unchever
yti
mewearehomebecauseshe
i
sgetti
ngacookernow.
Lor
ato:
whatonear
thar
etheyupt
onow?
(
Wet urnandlookatt
hetheguysimmer
ging
f
rom thehouse,wear
ingbl
uedeni
mswithwhit
e
t
-shi
rt
s.Trevorhol
dsaquit
arsal
ongwit
hWill
,
Et
hanandThabi
so,
viol
i
nsandLeoandMi
guel
amic.
)
Kat
:(cl
appi
nghands)it
hinkweaboutt
obe
bl
essedwit
haperfomance.
Li
sa:
Ilov
ethi
s!
Lor
ato:
Comeonboy
s.
.
Theystopinf
rontofusandst
artplay
ing.Mi
guel
getst
hemi candlooksatme,icantt
akemy
eyesoffhi
m.)
Miguel
:(singi
ng)
Ahundr
edandfi
vei
sa
numberthatcomest
omymi nd
Wheni t
hinkofallt
hey
ear
siwannaspendwi
th
you.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
OhmyGodMiguel
!
!
'
'
Li
keandcommentpl
ease!
!
[
06/
22,
18:
01]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t46
Wait!am ir
eadyf ort hi
sst ep?Ihav ewat ched
mymom mar rymor et han3t imesandeach
oneofhermar riagesdi dnotwor k?Whati f
minealsodoesnotwor k?Idontneedhi mt o
getonhiskneet oknowhei sproposing
becauseiknow, thisissomet hingwet al
ked
about,nocrowdsj ustclosef r
iends,andthis
song"Marryme-JasonDer ulo",t
hisishow
dreamtofmyengagementf orsolongandhei s
makingmydr eamscomet rue.Whatdi di do
Godt ogetsuchabl essing.Ther earenotmany
manl i
kemyMi guel outthere.
Anywaybacktothemoment
,alr
ighthecanal
so
si
ng,anadvant
agetot
healr
eadywhole
package.
Mi
guel
:(si
ngi
ng)
Ahundedandf
ivei
sanumbert
hatcomest
o
myhead
Wheni
thi
nkofal
lthey
ear
siwannaspendwi
th
y
ou
Wakeupev
erymor
ningwi
thy
oui
nmybed
t
hat
spr
eci
sel
ywhati
plant
odo.
'
&youknowoneoft
heseday
swheni
getmy
moneyri
ght
Buyyouev
eryt
hing&showy
oual
lthef
iner
thi
ngsi
nli
fe
we'
l
lfor
everbei
nlov
e,sot
her
eai
ntnoneedt
o
r
ush
Butonedaydayi
wontbeabl
etoasky
oul
oud
enough.
..
.
'
(Ever
ythi
ngbecomesdar
kthei
rt-
shi
rtl
i
ghtwi
th
neoncolour
edli
ght
s,
Ethan'
st-shi
rti
s"Will
",f
oll
owedbyThabiso
with"You"andWillwi
th"Marry
",Tr
evor
,"Me"
andlastl
yLeowi t
h"Nandipha"
.whol
emessage
readsas" Wil
lyoumarr
ymeNandipha"
.Onone
knee, beforeme,hehol
dsasil
verr
ingwit
han
oval diamondinthemiddl
eandli
tt
lest
uds
surroundingit.
)
'
Mi
guel
:Wi
l
lyoumar
rymeNandi
phaWet
hu?
'
(i
mf r
ozen,thequest
ion"
areyoureadyr
epeat
s
i
nmyv oi
ce.
"Ever
yoneisqui
telooki
ngatme,
Lorat
opinchesme)
Lorat
o:Justsayy
esbef
oret
hepoorman'
sknee
aches!
(
ilookathi
m andsmi
l
e)
Me:
Yes,
iwi
l
lmar
ryy
ou.
(hesli
destheri
ngonmyt i
nyfi
ngerbef
ore
draggingmeinhisar
msandkissi
ngme.
Everyonei
sclappi
nghands)
Kat
h:(
wipi
ngt
ear
saway
)Oh!t
hatwasso
r
omant
ic.
Lor
ato:
Youbet
terhav
ebeent
aki
ngnot
esLeo.
l
eo:
Whatf
or?wear
eal
readymar
ri
ed.
Lorato:
Ourtent
hanni
ver
sar
yiwanty
out
o
proposeagai
n.
(Irol
lmyey
es,poorLeo.thel
adi
esgat
her
aroundme,obsessi
ngovermyri
ng)
Lor
ato:
Thi
scal
l
sforacel
ebr
ati
on.
Thabi
so:
isecondy
ouont
hat
.
Kat
lego:
Pumpt
hel
i
quor
!
Lorat
o:Dontworryladies,ihav
euscov ered,
i
nsteadofthatcocktailwhatdotheycall
it
"Bl
oodyMar y
"wewi llhavemyspeciali
ty
"Bl
oodyLorato"
.
Leo:
Iwi
l
lst
ickt
omyhei
neken.
(Wealll
augh,
wehav eafunf i
ll
edday,
idont
knowwhatsheputsinhercocktai
l"Bl
oody
Lorat
o"butwhat
everiti
s,i
tleaveusal
lwasted
expectf
ort
het
wopr
egnantl
adi
es.
)
*
***
***
*
Wearei
nbed,i
am inhi
sarms,headonchest
l
ooki
ngadmi
ri
nglyatmyengagementt
hing)
Miguel:Youdoknowthatyouaregoi
ngtowear
thatri
ngrestofy
ourli
fesoyoucanstop
starr
ingati
tli
keitwoul
dbestri
ppedofyour
fi
ngeranytimesoon.Merr
ychri
stmasmyl ov
e.
Me:Iti
sbeauti
ful
,icantst
opst
arr
ing.Youhav
e
qui
tegoodtast
eMrMokoena.Mer rychi
rst
mas
{Br
ushi
ngmyl i
psov erhi
s)
Mi
guel
:andsomanyt
alent
s.
Me:
Thati
agr
ee,
idi
dntknowy
oucoul
dsi
ng.
Mi
guel
:mymom wasasi ngerbef
oreshe
mar
ri
eddad.musthav
einheri
tedi
tfrom her
.
(
Hedoesnotl
i
ket
alki
ngaboutherv
erymuch)
Me:
Whatwasshel
i
ke?
Mi
guel
:Bubbl
yandl
ovi
ng.butbei
ngmar
ri
edt
o
anabusivemanandwhohav eotherwif
eswas
notli
fenotori
ousLeletihadinmymi nd,she
becamebei ngdepressedandr evor
tedt
odr ugs
andalcoholevent
uallyoverdosedanddied.
Me:youmusthav
ebeenhar
dfory
ou.Howol
d
wer
ey ou?
Miguel:10yearsol
dwasnott hathar
dMaggi e
steppedupandr ai
sedmel i
keherownal ong
withherboys.Enoughaboutmysadupbr ingi
ng,
icantwaitt
ohav ehappi
erti
meswi thyou.
(
igetoffbedandweari
ngagowni gostandby
t
hewindow, hef
oll
owsmeandst andbehi
nd
me.il
eanagainsthi
ssol
idchest
)
Mi
guel
:Tal
ktome,
whati
swr
ong?
Me: Whatmakesuscertai
nthatitwil
l workthat
wewi l
lbehappy.Youj
ustsaidityourself
,your
parent
s'smarr
iagewasamess, depr
ession
droveyourmom toherdeathbed.Iwat chedmy
ownmom mar rymorethan3t i
mes.Whati fi
t
doesntworkout?
(Het akesmyhandandleadsmet
othebed.We
sitandf aceeachot
her
)
Mi
guel
:ar
eweLel
eti
orDay
na?
Me:
ofcour
senot
.
Miguel:thenwhymustwecompar eourjourney
withthem? ?Iam notmyf ather
,Nanaandy ou
areneithery ourmom ormymom.Theyonl y
knowt her easonswhytheirmarri
agesfail
.We
haveourownst or
ytowri
te.Dontletour
parentsmi stakesscar
eus.
Me:
Whyy
oual
way
ssoposi
ti
ve?
Miguel
: Honestl
yNana,iam al
soscaredf orthe
fut
urebuti knowwithy
oubymy si
dei cant ake
whateverli
fethr
owsatme.Sol etstakeal eap
offai
thanddot his,
whatdowehav et olose?
Me:
Not
hingi
guess!
Mi
guel
:pr
omi
semeonet
hingt
hough!
Me:
okaywhati
sit
?
Miguel:
y ourpat
ience,sti
cktomethroughi
tal
l.
Nomat terhowhar ditgetsl
etusst
icktoone
another
.
Me:
Iwi
l
lpr
omi
sei
fyoudo.
Mi
guel
:Imor
ethanpr
omi
se.
Me:t
hatseal
sthedeal
then.Il
ovey
ou
Mokoena.
Mi
guel
:il
ovey
oumor
e.
(
Ihavemyfear
swhenitcomestomarr
iagebut
wi
thandf
orhim,i
am wil
li
ngtoover
comeany
f
ear)
.
***
***
[
06/
22,
18:
01]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t47
28December
I
tisti
metor et
urnbackhome,asmuchasi
hat
edtheideaofcomingtothi
str
ipbutt
hel sst
dayshav
ebeenabl i
ss,t
hispeopl
ewherejust
tooamazing.Thel oveandthebondwehav e
creat
edgoesbey ondmeasur es.Perksofbeing
ri
ch!TheBrownley shav epr
ov i
dedtheirj
etto
takeusback,off
iciallydumpingthequant um.I
dontknowhowKat heri
nedoesit,butall
this
wealt
hywilli
nti
mi dateme.
Theplanej
usttookoffWear
eont heseat
sthat
faci
ngeachotherhav
ingamini
ladieschi
l
l
sessi
on.
'
Lorat
o:y
oual
lbet
ternotgobackt
obei
ng
str
anger
s.
Me:Nowaywewi l
lsti
l
lmeeti
nGabor
onebuti
wi
ll
miss"Kasaneshor
e".
Kat
:KasaneShor
e,?
?
Me: Doyouguyseverwat
ch"Geordi
eShore"
peoplei
nthatshowarecr
azy,sowhenwegot
hereyouguyswerenodif
fer
entfr
om them,
hencethename.
Mpho:
thi
str
ipdi
dhav
eit
sti
mes.
Li
sa:
Buti
twasf
un!
Lor
ato:
Wheni
sthebi
gday
?
Kat
h:Theyj
ustgotengaged.
Lor
ato:
So?Act
ual
l
yiwantt
obeabr
idesmai
d.
Kat
h:Buty
ouar
emar
ri
ed.
Me:Whosai dmarri
edwomencannotbe
br
idesmaids?Iwil
lact
ual
l
ylov
etohaveyoual
l
asmybridesmaids.
Lorato:Thankyouiwil
lbehonoured.(
Calli
ng
Miguel)Miguel,
youbett
ersendyourpeople
soonf orl
obolaihat
ethiscoupl
eswhot aketwo
yearsengaged.
(
Okayi
tisheri
wil
lmi
ssmor
e,i
lov
ecr
azy
ness.)
*
***
***
Mpho,
Thabi
so,Leo,LoratoandLisapart
ed
wayswi
thusinFrancistownpassingwitht
he
j
ett
oGaboronewhileEthanandKat her
ine
headedtoMogapiandi andKatwi
ththe
Mokoenamengoti nt
ot heawai
ti
ngcarand
j
oinedtheA1road.Wear enowinPal
apyebus
rankwherei
am boardingabustoMahalapy
e.
Migueli
sbei
ngacr ybabyanddoesnotwant
met ogo.
Miguel
:Ar
eyousur
eyoudontwantmet
odr
ive
youtoMahal
apy
e??
Me:Yesiam sure,
itsonl
yanhourdr
ivef
rom
her
e.iwi
l
l sur
viv
e.
Miguel
:Okay
,wel
liwi
l
lwai
tti
l
lyouboar
da
bus.
Me:No!youaredel
ayi
ngother
s,i
wil
lbefi
ne,
st
opbeingsuchacrybabyandgoMiguel
.
Miguel:Idontwanttol
etyougoyet
.Ar
eyou
sureicantkidnapyouandgohomewit
hyou?
Me:Stopbei
ngsosel
ffi
sh,
ihavebeenwi
thy
ou
f
orsolong,i
tisnowt
imeiwenttoseemy
mother.
Mi
guel
:iwi
l
lmi
ssy
ou.
Me:
iwi
l
lmi
ssy
oual
so.Nowgo!
Miguel
:(ki
ssi
ngme)Seey
ouonJanuar
ymy
l
ove.
(Heget sinthecar ,Kathugsmeonel astt ime
andt heyleave.Iwi l
lmi ssmypeopl e!Igost and
byt heshadewai tingfort hebust oar riv e.When
igeti ntothebusi scrumbl etot hef irstsi tisee.
Lear ningbacki t
akeadeepbr eat handr elax.
Finallytakingnot i
ceofmysur roundi ngs, iam
nextt ot hi
smesmer i
singguy ,inev erknew
Botswanahashunkst i
llimetMi guel andhi s
crewbutnowi seether eismor ewher ehe
camef r
om.Car amel ski n,pi
nkishki ssabl elips,
darkcol dey es,igetgoosebumpsl ooki ngat
him, hei ssuchacut i
easmuchasi hat et o
admi tev enmyMi guel doesnott akeany t
hing
fr
om hi m.Ilookathi shandsnoweddi ngband,
nowwher ehav eyoubeenal lalongf inebr other
.
Ourey esmeet ,thereist hatchemi st,i l
ook
awayf eeli
ngembar rassedtohavebeencaught
drool
ingov eranot hermanwhi l
eijustpar
ted
withmyf iancel essthan30mi nut
esaway .Asi
f
heisawar eofhi seff
ectonmehegi v
esmea
warm self-contagioussmi l
e,t
hattur
nsmy
i
nsides.Heav enlyFather!I
fthi
sisatestiam
fai
li
ngdr astical
ly!
Kev
in:
(st
ret
chi
nghi
shandt
ome)Kev
in!
Me:
Huh?
(
hesmi l
esagai
n,i
die,
thisi
sfor
biddenonl
y
Miguel
isal
lowedtoaf
fectmethi
sway )
Kev
in:
Myname,
isKev
in.
Me:
(shaki
nghi
shand)Nana.
(
Hegi
vesmeabewi
l
mentl
ook)
Me:
Nandi
pha,
butf
ri
endscal
lmeNana.
Kevin:
iti
sapl
easuremeeti
ngyouNana.
(Looki
ngatmyhand)Engaged?
Me:
Yes,
chr
ist
masev
e.
Kev
in:andherei
thoughti
wasbei
ngpr
esent
ed
agi
ft.Congr
adul
ati
ons!
Me:
Thanky
ou!
Kevi
n:heisoneluckydude,
arey
ousur
eican
notchangeyourmind.
(I
shefl
ir
ti
ngwi
thme?Iam aboutt
oanswer
hi
m whenmyot
herhal
fcal
ls)
Me:
Excusemei
hav
etot
aket
his.
(
hegi
vesmeahal
fsmi
l
e)
Me:
Missi
ngmeal
ready
?
Mi
guel
:youhav
enoi
dea.Hav
eyoul
eft
?
Me:
yesl
eav
ingPal
apy
easwespeak.
Mi
guel
:whoar
eyousi
tt
ingnextt
o?
(
Rolli
ngmyeyes,t
herecomesmyt er
ri
tor
ial
Miguel
.Il
ookatKevi
nandsighs)
Me:
Godhi
msel
f.
Mi
guel
:Huh?
?
Me:
(smi
l
ing)y
esl
ove.Iam hungi
ngupnow!
Mi
guel
:tel
lmewheny
ouar
ri
ve.
Me:
iwi
l
l.Il
ovey
ou.
Miguel:
Ilovey
out
ooandt
ell
Godhi
msel
f,t
hat
f
ory ouikil
l
.
(
Ichuckl
eandhangup)
*
***
***
**
Theyaresi
tti
ngont heveranda,
Gabr i
ell
aison
hermom'slapwhi l
eLethaboisbyherf eet
gi
vingheramassage.MmaHeber tisina
convr
sati
onwi thEt
han.Herheartisjoyous,
homeiswher ethehear
tisandherhear tisher
e
wit
hthispeople.
Gabr
iel
l
a:Mommysinceyoubacknowcanwe
gobackhome.Imi
ssAngel
a.
Kat
h:(
soot
hingherf
ace)butt
hisi
sal
sohome.
Let
habo:
pleasemommy,
thi
spl
acei
sbor
ing,
i
al
sowanttogoback.
Et
han:buti
fwel
eav
eGr
andmawi
l
lremai
n
al
one.
Gabr
iel
l
a:No!Shewont
,Aunt
yVi
ckyi
sher
e.
Lethabo:
orwecangowit
hher,i am sur
e
Grandmamissest
heci
tyalso,
rightGrandma?
MmaHebert
:(smi
l
ing)Noact
ual
l
yidont
,andi
l
ovehav
ingyouar
ound.
Gabr
iel
la:
Butjusty
est
erdayy
ousaidyou
coul
dntwaitf
ormom anddadtakeusbecause
wearestr
essful
.
(
Theyal
ll
ookatherandl
augh)
MmaHeber
t:
(smi
l
ing)i
sai
dnosucht
hing.
Gabr
iel
l
a: i
am notl
yi
ngthi
sti
mear
ound
mommy ,shesai
dthat
.
Kat
h:i
beli
eveyoupr
incess.Howaboutwe
st
ri
keadeal?
Let
habo:
cool
whati
sit
?
Kat
h:makegr
andmahappyandi
wil
lthi
nk
aboutusgoi
ngbackt
oGabor
one.
Lethabo:Thinkabout
?Butthatdoesnt
guaranteethatwewil
lgo.
Kat
h:y
ouj
usthav
etot
rustme.
Let
habo:
Whatot
herchoi
cedowehav
e?
*
***
***
*
[
06/
22,
18:
01]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t49
Sit
tingundermophanet r
eewat chi
ngast hey
l
oadt hebagsi nthecar .Sheisstil
lstart
led
aboutt hecal lshejustgotfrom awomanwho
hasnev ereveroncecont actedwhenaski ng
aboutt hewel l-
beingofherchild.Afterallthi
s
years,Let haboisalmostamannow, andshe
want sthem t omeetandt al
k.Whatpossi bly
couldshewantt otalkabout?Sher ubsher
tummy , Lethaboisherbabyboyandshewi l
lbe
damnedi fshel et
sany onetakeherawayf r
om
her.Herphonesr ingsbr i
ngi
ngherbackf rom
t
hehauntedthought
s!Shesmi
l
eswhenshe
r
ecogni
sesthecall
er.
Kat
h:Yourhi
ghness
Game:
(smi
l
ing)dontst
art
Kat
h:acall
from t
heroyal
houseofSchaef
ert
o
whatdoiowethispl
easur
e!
Game:Imi
ssyouguy
s!Whydi
dyounotv
isi
tus,
afami
l
yholi
day!
Kath:
Husbandandi
wentonacoupl
esr
etr
eat
wit
hfewfri
ends.
Game:
ohokay
?Wher
ear
emyki
ds!
Kat
h:Bateng,
giv
inggrandmastr
essweeven
goi
ngbacktoGaboronebefor
eti
meapar
entl
y
Mogapii
stoobori
ngforthem.
Game:
(laughi
ng)spoi
l
tbr
ats.
Kat
h:howi
sli
tt
leSammydoi
ng?
Game:
tookherf
ir
stst
epst
oday
.
Kat
h:gi
vehert
imeshewi
l
lber
unni
ngar
ound
t
hatpal
acev
erysoon.
Game:
Theosai
dsamet
hingy
est
erday
.
Kath:
youguy
smustv
isi
tsoon,
itsbeen3y
ear
s
now.
Game:
wewoul dbuti
am motherof3now,
I
l
ookaf
terRaj
eshandRacquel
also.
Kat
h:poorbabi
es,howar
etheydoi
ng?Howi
s
Xav
ier
??Ishesti
ll
mourni
ng??
Game: it
sbeen5y ear
snowsinceshedi edbut
heisst il
lthesame.Plusthecounci
lar ent
helpingbecauset heykeeppr
essuri
singhi mto
takeanot herwif
e.Thet wi
nsaregoodgr owi
ng
upf ast,Layl
ahasmov edtot
heAmer icasoit
getspr ett
ylonel
y.
Kath:
icani
magi
neatl
eastt
heygotyou.Xavier
wil
lmoveongi
vehi
mt i
me,l
osingapartnercan
behard.
Game:Wellwearecurr
ent
lyl
eftt
orunt
he
count
ry.Hel
eftsay
ingheneedssomet
ime
away
.
Kath:
poorguy
!Ihav
etogomma,
baemeka
nna.
Game:
okay
.Takecar
e.
Kat
h:By
e!
(Shehangsupandwal kst
othrcar
.Her
husbandhelpsherinsi
debeforehesi
tsbehi
nd
thewheelanddriv
et hem t
oGaborone)
*
***
***
**
Thecoupl eareout ,
i r
emainaloneinthe
beautif
ulgardenthinkingaboutMom' snew
man, heiskindandni ceandmakesherhappy
that
sal lt
hatmat ter
s.Whoknowsmay beshe
fi
nall
yscor edherselfhusbandnumber4.Izone
i
nanddeci detocallmyf avgi
rls.Imakea
conferencecall
.
Mpho:i
thasonl
ybeen2day
s,y
oucantbe
mi
ssingusj
ustyet
.
Me:
Getov
ery
our
sel
fIam act
ual
l
ycal
l
ingt
o
shar
esomenews.
Li
sa:
thi
sbett
erbegoodbecausei
coul
duse
somegoodcheer
ing.
Me:
whati
swr
ong?
?
Lisa:mymoodisli
ter
all
ydownandi
hav
ebeen
throwingupsi
ncemorni
ng.
Mpho:goseeadoctor
,theywil
lgi
veyou
somet
hingtokeept
hethrowingupdown.
Li
sa:Okayany
wayy
ouwer
eaboutt
otel
lus
somethi
ng?
Me:
Imetaguy
.
Li
sa:
ibegy
ourpar
don.
Mpho:
whatdoy
oumean?
?
Me: onthebusfrom PalapyetoMahalapyeisat
nexttothiscut
eguygosh!Guy scutei
sev enan
understat
ement,ineverseensuchbeautyin
Botswanaandhi sli
ps!Iwantedtot
astethem,
theylookedsokissabl
e.
Mpho: (
laughi
ng)Youhavenoshame,Nandi
pha
Wethu,drooli
ngoveranot
herguywhenyour
engagementr i
ngdoesnotevenhav
eaweeki n
yourfi
nger.
Me:
iswear,
Heav
enl
yFat
herwasj
ustt
est
ing
myl
imi
ts.
Li
sa:
ihopey
oupassedt
het
est
.
Me: Iwouldhavefai
ledbutyouseei havethi
s
overbear
ingfi
ancewhoi m st
arti
ngtot hi
nkhas
asixthsense.Migueldeci
deditwasper f
ect
momentt ocallandremindmet hathewoul d
ki
l
l forme.
Mpho:
(laughi
ng)y
ouar
ely
ing.
.
Lisa:
Dontt akehimlight
lyNana,Miguel
loves
you.Ment hatlovesli
kehim dontt
hinkt
wice
wheni tcomest othei
rwives.
Me: i
knowbutKevi
nguys!I
tfel
tli
kei
m si
tt
ing
nexttoJesushi
msel
f.
Mpho:
Hisnamei
sKev
in,
ther
eist
hemi
nist
er'
s
sonwhom waslistedamongstt
he10
handsomebachelors.
Me:i
doubti
fiti
shim whywoul
dami
nist
er'
s
sonr
idei
npubli
ctr
ansport
??
Mpho:
Probabl
y.
.
Li
sa:hemust,beourmal
est
ri
pperaty
our
br
idalshower
.
Me: thatsactual
lynotabadi dea,maybetast
e
theforbiddenfrui
tbeforeIti
emy sel
ftoone
dick!It
sunf or
tunateiref
usedt ogi
vehim my
number .
Mpho: goodgi
rl
,youwoul
dn'
twanthi
sbl
oodi
n
yourhands.
Li
sa:Bot
swanai
ssuchasmal
lcount
ryy
ouwi
l
l
meetagai
n.
Mpho:
Lisay
our
eal
l
ynothel
pingt
hesi
tuat
ion.
Me:
Hei
sat
empt
ati
oni
mustav
oid!
*
***
***
Sit
tingwithrum andraisi
nol ai
cecream
containeronmyl ap.Iam focusedonthe
screen.
Dayna:
Cany ouslowdownonthei
cecr
eam we
dontwanty
ouf atonweddi
ngday!
Me:(r
oll
i
ngeyes)wehav
enotevenseta
weddi
ngdat
ey et
,ev
enbogadi
hasnotbeen
pai
dyet.
Day
na:
iknowbuty
oumustwat
chy
ourwei
ght
.
(Aphonecall
from Miguelcomesthrough,i
havenothear
df r
om him all
day,myinner
womanswel l
swithjoy,sheisr
eall
ysmitten)
Me:
myl
ove!
Maggi
e:Hi
eNana,
iti
sMaggi
eMi
guel
'
smom!
(Jesus!Iexcl
am whyisthi
swomancal li
ngme
withmyman' sphone,havetherebeensome
kindofaccident
,ist
artpani
cking)
Maggi
e:Nanaar
eyoust
il
lther
e?
Me:(composi
ngmyv
oice)YesMr
sMokoenai
am sti
l
lher
e
(Daynagi
vesmeadeadst
are,
iam t
onguet
ied
D,helpme)
[
06/
22,
18:
01]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t48
Fi
nall
ythebusstops!Igl
anceathim,l
etmejust
dri
nkint
ohiscut
enessonel astt
ime.Hegi
ves
meawar m smil
ethatmakesmyi nsi
des
shri
nk.
Me:
itwasni
cemeet
ingy
ouKev
in.
Kev
in:
li
kewi
se.
.
(
Imr
eluct
antt
ogetof
f)
Me:
hav
easaf
ejour
ney
!
Kev
in:
Cani
hav
eyournumber
s?
Me:Astempti
ngasthati
s,i
will
havet
oref
use,
youar
eat empt
ati
onimustavoi
d.
Kev
in:
(amused)Okay
.Ti
l
lwemeetagai
n.
*
***
***
*
Ok!May bei shouldhav eacceptedMi guel'
s
offertobringmehome.Iam t i
reddraggingmy
bagsont hegr avel r
oad,thescortchi
ngsuni sn't
alsohelpful.Mom i sprobablyatwork, knowing
howshehat esbei ngdistur
bedwhenshei sat
wor kidontbot hercall
i
ngher .Myonlyhopei s
thatthelockshav enotbeenchanged, asi pul
l
outthekey sandopent hefrontgate.
Thelavendersmel l
meet smeasi opent he
fr
ontdoor.Therear en'tnopl aceli
kehome.I
closet
hedoorandnot icehercarkey sand
phoneont hecoffeet able.Ismi l
etomy selfasi
walktoherr oom withoutknocki ngi opent he
doortogetashockofmyl if
e!Mom i sont opof
someman, bothoft hem turnandgetshocked
toseeme.Thi sisembar rassing!
Me:
(tur
ningar
ound)Mom!
Day
na:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:
ili
veher
ehav
eyouf
orgot
ten?
Day
na:
Whydi
dnty
ouknock?
?
Me:
sincewhendoihavetoknock,
iwi
l
lgot
o
myroom andl
ety
oufini
sh!
(Thi
swomanjustneverceaset
oamazeme,
hereihav
ebeenfeel
ingguil
tyt
hatshei
slonel
y
whil
eshegother
selfadicktor
ide.
)
*
***
**
Wheni stepoutofmyr oom t hebubbl ebath
helpedme.i canheartheirlaughterinthe
kit
chen.Iwal kthereandst andbyt hedoor,they
cooking, hei
sr el
axedandknowshi sway
aroundt hehouse.Hemustbeenher emore
thanonce.Mymom i sl aughingandseems
relaxedi hav
entseenherl ikethisinalongtime.
Sincehusbandnumber2.
Dayna:ar
eyougoi
ngt
ost
andt
her
ewhol
e
ni
ght??
(Hervoi
cebr
ingsmeback,
imusthav
ezoned
out)
Me:
(wal
ki
ngi
nsi
deandhugher
)Hi
!
Day
na:
Whydi
dnty
out
ell
mey
ouar
ecomi
ng?
Me:
iwant
edt
osupr
isey
ou!
Day
na:
youpul
l
edi
tof
fqui
tewel
lyoursur
pri
se.
(Sheglancesovermyshouldert
oherl
overand
myf aceburnswithembar
rassment
!Doesshe
havetoremindme)
Day
na:NanameetOt
husi
tse,
Ott
yitsNandi
pha
mydaught
ert
heoneitol
dyouabout.
Ot
ty:(
shaki
nghands)hear
dsomuchabouty
ou,
pl
easur
emeeti
ngy ouNandi!
Me:
(smi
l
li
ng)Goodt
hingsi
hope.
Ot
ty:
Shei
sfor
everpr
aisi
ngy
ouandbr
aggi
ng.
Me:
(looki
ngatmom)I
sit
?
Day
na:iwi
shyouhav
entt
oldher
,pr
aisesdont
t
akeherwel
l.
(
Weal
ll
augh)
Me:(placi
ngmyhandonmyf or
ehead)ihav
ea
headache,wher
ecanif
indt
hetablet
s?
Day
na:
mustbeal
lthet
rav
el.
..
(
Shest
opsandgr
absmyhand)Whati
sthi
s??
Me:(smil
l
ing)y
ouar
ereal
l
ysl
ow,
hepoppedt
he
questi
on.
Day
na:
when?
?
Me:
Chi
rst
masEv
e!
Dayna:
Yousl
eazyl
i
ttl
emonst
erandy
ouonl
y
t
ell
i
ngmenow.
Otty:
Shemusthav
ewant
edt
obr
eakt
henews
facetof
ace.
Me:
Thanky
ou.Excat
lyasOsai
d.
Dayna:(huggingme)Thisyearyoujustkeep
makingmev eryhappy
.Ihaveneverbeenso
pr
oudt obecal l
edamom.
Me: i
m glady
ouar
epr
oud.Okaynowy
ou
sqeezingme.
Otty
:(openi
ngabott
leofMer
lotwi
ne)t
hiscal
l
s
foracelebr
ati
on.
Dayna:
Def
inat
ely
,youyoungladyhaveasitand
t
ell
mehowexact l
ydi
dhepr opose.Ev
erydetai
l
.
*
***
***
Beli
eveme, shemademet ellherever
ydet
ail
.
Wej usthaddinnerandsi
tt
ingintheli
vi
ng
room.
Day
na:Iam pl
anni
ngthi
sweddi
ng,wewil
lhave
t
oflyt
oChinaorLondontol
ookfory
ourgown.
Me:LondonorChinaforaweddinggown,that
wontbeneccessary
,idontwantaextr
avagant
weddi
ngjustasmal l
wedding.
Dayna:
youmustbeki
ddingme,nochi
l
dof
minewil
lhav
easmallweddi
ngandofcour
sei
t
i
sneccessar
y.
Ot
ty:
shoul
dnty
oubel
i
steni
ngt
oherwi
shesD!
Dayna:
Noi
m hermot
heri
knowwhati
sbestf
or
her
.
(Igi
veOttyanapologi
clook,
hewil
lgetusedto
i
twi t
hti
me, noonecanchangewhateverDay
na
setshermindto)
Day
na:
(wor
ri
ed)Ohno!
Me:
whatnow?
Day
na:ihavebeenexcit
edabouttheweddi
ng
t
hatIf
orgottheconsequencesofi
t.
Me:
whi
char
e??
?
Dayna:
youareget
ti
ngmar r
iedwhi
chmeans,
youwil
lst
artaf
amilysoon.
Me:
(amused)t
hepr
obl
em i
s?
Dayna:doyouhav et
oaski m notreadytobea
grandmother?Babypleasedel
aythechi l
d
beari
ngprocessbyay earor2.I'
m sti
llnoty
et
readytogiv
eupmyy outh!
(Il
aughalongwithOtty
.Thereshei smy
div
aousmom.TheDi vajustpopsoutwheny ou
l
eastexpect.Acall
from Miguelrescuesme.
Geez!It
otall
yfor
gottocallhim again.I
min
deepshit
,iexcusemysel
fasipreparetot
ake
thewrapt
hatt heendoft
heli
ne.Ipickup)
Mi
guel
:Nandi
phaWet
hu.
(mynamei
nful
l
,hei
spi
ssed)
Me:
MrWet
hu!
(
Icansensehi
ssmi
l
e)
Mi
guel
:Yout
ryi
ngt
osof
tenmeup?
Me:
isnti
twor
king?
?
Miguel:
no!It
snot!Ihav
ebeencalli
ngy ou
phone,doyouknowhowwor ri
edi hav
ebeen?
Whyy ounotansweri
ngyourphone?
(
Geez!Iguessi
treal
l
ydi
dnotwor
k)
Me:Slowdown,iwoul
dntwanty
ouhav
inga
hear
tatt
ackbef
oreyoumarryme.
(
Hechuckl
es)
Me:bl
amey ourmother
-i
n-l
aw,shehastot
all
y
mademef orgett
ocall
youbackwithher
bombardi
ngquesti
onsandexcit
mentabout
weddi
ng.
Miguel
:maybeweshoul
djustelopebecause
Maggieisal
soov
er-
exci
tedtheseside.Di
dyou
ar
riv
esafely
?
Me:t
hat
sactual
lynotabadidea.Yesi
did
t
houghigothor
ri
fyi
ngwelcomehome.
(Wecont inuechatti
ng,wehangupev ent
uall
y
promisi
ngt ocalleachotherbefor
ewesl eep.
Shame!Imi sshim!Wheni walkbackmom i s
alone,i
sitnexttoherandki sshercheek,il
ove
thisdi
vaofmi ne)
Day
na:
whati
sthatf
or?
Me:
ilov
eyouy
azi
!
Day
na:
ilov
eyouNanawame.
Me:
wher
eisOt
ty?
?
Day
na:
Bedr
oom maki
ngsomei
mpor
tantcal
l
s.
Me:
sohowser
iousar
eweabouthi
m?
Day
na:
(st
andi
ngup)wet
aki
ngi
tsl
ow,
iam not
havi
ngthi
sdiscussi
onwi thyou.Lockupand
swi
tchever
ythi
ngof fwheny oudonef r
om the
pl
ugwheny ougot osleep.GoodnightNana.
(
Igr
oanandl
aybacki
nont
hecouch)
*
***
***
**
[
06/
22,
18:
01]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t50
Iam f
reaki
ngout,al
lworstscenar
iosrai
sein
myhead!Couldsomethingbadhav ehappned
tohi
m?Asi fshesensesmywor ri
es.
Maggi e:
Dontworr
yMiguelisokay
!Iam usi
ng
hisphonebecauseidi
dntthi
nkyouwil
ltakea
call
from anumberyoudontknow!
(Fi
nal
lyicanbr
eath,
butnotforl
ongbecause
nowmymi ndi
sbusytr
yingt
of i
gur
eoutwhy
shecall
ed)
Maggie:(cont
inui
ng)ihav
ebeenaski
ngMi guel
t
otalktoy oubutheissobusyt
hathekeeps
f
orgett
ing.
Me:
Tal
ktomeabout
??
Maggi
e:Wehav
eapar tyher
eev er
y31stto
wel
comeanewy earsoiwantedtoinv
itey
ou!
(
AbigNo!Imi
ghthav
esai
dyesbuti
m noty
et
r
eadyt
omeetall
hisf
amil
y)
Me:Wel
lthanky
ou,
butij
ustgothomei
was
hopi
ngt
ospendsometi
mewi t
hmymom.
Maggi
e:oh!Iam sor
ryi
wasntcl
earbuti
meant
bot
hofyou!
(
Gosh!Mustshehaveacomebackwheni
was
j
ustt
hinki
ngisquashedher
)
Me:Idontknow,
cani
tal
ktoherf
ir
standget
backtoyou!
Maggi
e:I
sitpossi
blef
ormet
otal
ktoher
??
(
Thi
swomani
snotgi
vi
ngupi
sshe?
)
Me:
wai
tami
nut
e,l
etmegi
vehert
hephone.
(
IhandDaynathephoneandsi
gnalhert
hatshe
mustr
efuse.Shel
ooksatmeblankl
yli
ster
ning
t
otheot
herwoman)
Dayna:Wehavenoplanssowemi ghtaswel
l
acceptt
hisgenor
ousinv
itat
ion.
(
ShesaystoMrsMokoena!Icol
l
apsebackon
t
hecouch.Whatwasir
eall
yexpect
ing.
)
Dayna:
Not her
eisnoneediwil
ldr
iveusther
e
t
ommor ow.Wewi l
lseeyout
ommr owthen.
Goodbye!
(
Shehandsov
ert
hephone)
Me:igav
ey ouasi
gnt
haty
oumustr
efusewhy
di
dyouagree??
Dayna:inev
erat
tendedanysi
gnl
anguage
school
showwasi toknow??
Me:
(gr
oani
ng)Mom!
Dayna:
Whati coul
dntrefuseanof
fert
ogosee
wherethatbul
l
ychiefl
i
v es.
Me:WhataboutOt
husi
tsear
eyougoi
ngt
o
l
eav
ehim al
lbyhimsel
f?
Dayna:Nobecauseheisalreadyonhisway
,
l
eavingthi
severni
ng.Letmegosor tofmy
out
fitsf
orthi
sjourneyt
oy ourinl
aws.Wemust
l
eaveani mpr
ession.
.
..
..
..
..
.
Itot
all
yhateherri
ghtnow,sheli
ter
all
ydr agged
meher e,
forafaci
al,
hair
styl
eandnails.Idont
getwhyshehadt oagreetothei
nvit
ation.
Dayna:Makehergl
owupal
i
ttl
eshei
smeet
ing
heri
nlawstommorow!
St
yli
st:
youknowmeD,
justl
etmedot
his.
(
Shesay
sreadi
ngamagazi
ne.Socal
mly
)
Me:
all
thesei
snotr
eal
l
yneccesar
y.
St
yli
st:
darl
ing!I
tisneccesar
ybel
i
evey
ourmom.
Dontworr
yy ouarei
ngoodhands.
(
Igiv
eherat ightforcedsmile.Myphonerings
i
tisKather
inei t
otall
yf or
gottorespondt
oher
messageearli
er.Pickingup)
Me:
MrsBr
ownl
ey!
Kath:i
wil
lrepor
tyout
oLorato,
youhav
e
al
readyst
artedbei
ngast
ranger.
Me:i
am sor
ryi
bar
elyhav
eti
mef
ormyphone
t
oday.
Kath:
i undestandIsawKatl
egosayi
ngyouwill
bejoiningthem fornewy
earonthewhatsapp
group.
Me:bl
amemymom, iblantl
yrefusedbutMr s
Mokoenawouldntt
akenof orananswer .And
mymom decidedit
sper fectopportuni
tytosee
ki
ndoffamil
yiam mar r
y i
nginto.Im notreal
l
y
l
ooki
ngforwardtothese.
Kat
h:(
laughi
ng)i
m sur
eitwi
l
lnotbet
hatbad!
Me:i
twil
lbeMrMokoenai
nti
midat
esmeal
so
heandmom al
way
sclash,
twobull
i
esi
nthe
samekr
aal.
Kat
h:i
for
eseeanot
herdr
amat
icepi
sodes.
Me:
Tel
lmeabouti
t.Any
waysowher
eisshe
t
hiswomanhav
eyout
alkedt
oher
??
Kat
h:Wear
emeet
ingt
ommor
ow.
Me:ireal
l
ydontknowwhyy ouent
ert
aini
ngher
,
youdontoweheranyt
hing.
Kat
h:i
knowbuti
wantt
ohearwhatshehast
o
say
.
Me: Thenwhat ,whati fshewant sLethaboback
wil
lyougi vehim back? ?Ireall
yfai
lto
undestandwomanatt imes, wegiveuponour
chi
ldren,someonest epsinwer eyouf ai
l
edand
whent hechil
di sallgrownupwewantt ostep
i
nandcl aimt hechil
d.
Kath:I
fshethi
nksshewi l
lhaveLethabo,t
hen
sheiskiddi
ngher
self
,Lethaboismychi l
d
l
egall
y,canyoubel
ievethatiam actual
l
ythe
onewhonamedhi m Lethabo.
Me:Exact
lymypoint
,shebet
ternottrywaste
herbr
eaththi
nki
ngshewil
lhavehim back.
Kat
h:Letmel
eav
eyout
ogetr
eady
.Wewi
l
ltal
k
l
ove.
Me:
Byel
ove.
(
Ihangupandsi
ght
omy
sel
f.Thi
sli
fei
sso
myst
eri
ous)
.
..
..
..
.
Okay!Todaypeopl earedef inatelygoingt ot hi
nk
wearesi st
ers,mymom hast r
anf or
medi nto
suchay oungster ,
orisitt heger manpr intdress
sheiswear i
ng, iknowf oraf actnowt hatmy
mom ishot t
ert hany ourmom i rregardlessof
age.Thepoly gamouschi efmi ghtev enwantt o
takeheras4t hwi fe.Iam wear i
ngahi ghwai st
germanpr i
ntt i
ghtskirtthatmat chesherdr ess
andalongsl eev eswhitest op.Ilookatmom' s
bag.
Me:youdoknowt
hatwear
eonl
ygoi
ngf
ora
day
??
Dayna:
twodaysact
uall
yplusi
cannotbeont
he
sameoutf
itt
hewholeday.
(Irollmyey es.Ir eallycannotdeal withherat
ti
mes.Wehol dasmal lchatasshedr iv
es.I
thoughthei sfrom Ser oweagai ni m am wr ong
aswedr i
vepastSer owet oav i
llageaf ew
kil
omet er sawayf r
om i t,
wear emetbyacar
thatwehav etof ollow.Att hefarendoft he
vil
lagesst andst heMokoenaEmpi re,myj aws
l
iterall
ydr opswheni seei t,t
hisist hebiggest
andmostbeaut ifulhousei haveev ersee.A
tri
plest oryhousest aresatus, itissur r
ounded
byr ounder val
s,att hef arcornerst andsa
woodenmadeshadewhi chhascouchesl ined
oni tssidefacinganot heronebet weent hem is
amoder nchairwi t
hwhatl ooksl ikeal i
onski n
oni tstop.Ther ear esomanypeopl einthe
cmpoundandal lseem sobusy .)
Day
na:
(barelyaudi
ble)okayi
guessi
knowwhy
t
heyar
ev eryarr
ogant.
(I
mi nt
imi
dat
edbutimanagetol
augh,
even
Daynai
sshockedt
hat
saf i
rst
)
Me:i
tsnotl
atet
otur
nbackandandgoback
home.
Day na:I
ncasey
ouhavenotnoti
cedwealready
i
nt hecompoundever
yonehasstoppedwhat
theydoingandl
ooki
ngatus.I
tsti
met odotake
char ge.
Me:ever
ythi
ngi
sov
erwhel
mingi
cannotdo
t
his.
Dayna:areyoui
nsane,wear
eWet huwomanwe
noteasil
yint
imi
dated.Nowl
etsgetoutanddo
thi
s.
(Itakecour ageandst epoutoft hecar,
suddenlyoutofnowher e,r
ainpour sdown,i
l
ookupandcl oudshav egathered.Il
ookat
mom cr eeplyandsheshr ugshershoul der
s.
Thepeopl erejoiceandululate,
twomenst ep
for
war dwithUmbr el
las.Whatishappeningher
e,
whydidi tsuddenlyrainwhenj ustminuteaway
i
twassunny !
Heav
enl
yFat
her
!Whydoy
oual
way
spul
lst
unt
s
l
i
ket
his)
[
06/
22,
21:
14]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t51
Onemuni teitwasrainingthenextmi nuteithas
stopped.Ithi
nkiml osi
ngmymi nd.Isensehis
presence,l
ift
ingupmyf acehei sstandsaf eet
awayf r
om him.Gonei st hetypi
cal ci
tyboylook,
theiswearinganor angeov er
rall,
coveredin
bloodandcowdung!Shem!Mybabe, hisf
aceis
burntalit
tl
e.Sot hi
sishowhel ooksl i
kewhen
heishome.Wi l
li
sbehi ndhim alsoinanblue
overal
lhisdreadlockshel dattheback.They
l
ookexhaused.
Man:Comeonguys,
thechosenonehasar
ri
ved
asyouseen,
weneedgogogetthegoat
.
(Hewinksatmeandr ushesoff,whoisthi
s
chosenonet heykeept al
kingabout.Maggie
walkstowardsus, beamingwi t
hsmi l
es.Befor
e
iknowit,sheattacksmewi t
hahugehug. )
Maggi
e:i
alway
sknewy
ouwer
etheone!
(Shegr eet
smom andwewal kintothe
glamor oushouse.Thel
ivi
ngr oom i shuge.
Sitti
ngisMrMokoena, Katishol dingoneofher
twinsandLesedi theot
her.Ther eareother
strangersinlooki
ngatmel i
kei mi nsomekind
ofauct i
on.Awomanwhol ooksl ikeMr
Mokoenast andsupandululates.)
Her:(
givi
ngpraises)wewelcomeyou
Mashengetoy ourri
ght
ful
lhome.Themot
herof
ourchi
ldr
en,ourqueenmot her
.
(Shebowsbef oremet ouchingmyf eet,
every
onei nthehousef oll
owsdoingsamet hi
ng.
Theseisgettingcr eepymi nut
ebymi nute,can
someonej usttellmewhati shappeni
ng.Finall
y
comest hechiefhi mself,hebendstouchingmy
toesthenstraightengivingmeagenui nesmi l
e,
that
saf ir
st,heissmi li
ngatme)
MrMokoena:
(huggi
ngme)youshoul
dhave
t
oldme,yout
heoneandsav
edmeal lt
his
t
roubl
e.
Jul
i
e: Howdoweknowi ti
sher
??May
bet
he
motherist
heChosenone.
(Thepregnantwomanatt heendofthestai
rs
says,sheisbeauti
ful
,weari
ngheel
sandar ed
dress.SheremindsmeofKat l
egoSibekofr
om
Isi
dingo.Theyl
ookatherandlaugh)
Maggie:yourwonder
sneverendJul
ie,weall
knowthechosenoneinourli
newasLel et
i.
Ther
ei snowayNana'smom isthschosen
one.
Jul
i
e:i
wasj
ustsay
ing!
MaWill
:ComesitdownJuli
e,i
donttrustthi
s
shoesofyour
s.Youmightf
allandhurtour
baby.
(Saysthewomanyoufi
rstwel
comedme.We
areusheredt
othesi
ts)
MrMokoena:
letmedothei
ntr
oduct
ions.You
hav
eal
readymetmyfi
rstwi
feMaggie.
Dayna:
Whatdoyoumeanf
ir
stwi
fe,
howmany
wiv
esaret
here?
?
(Geez!Mom canyouhol
dyour
sel
fjustt
his
once.Itol
dfor
gottowar
nher)
MaWil
l:mybrot
herint
ial
l
yhad4wives,
the
ot
herpassedaway.Nowheremai
nswith3.
Dayna:
(ast
oni
shed)OhmyGod!y
ouar
ea
pol
ygamist
??
(
Groundopenupandswal
l
owmer
ightnow!)
MrMokoena: mycultur
eallowsi t
!Anyway,
Maggieismyf i
rstwi
fe,wit
ht woboy sPhenyo
unf
ortunatel
ypassedaway ,andFegusonis
out
sidey ouwil
lmeethim duringtheday,
that
s
hi
slovelywif
eLesedi.
(
Shebows)
Secondwi
fei
sDi
puo,
wher
eisshenow?
??
Di
puo:
iam r
ighther
e!
(wal
ki
ngi
ntot
hel
i
vingr
oom smi
l
ingbuther
smil
edi
sappear
swhensheseesmymom
whom i
alsonot
icef
oldi
ngherhandi
ntoaf
ist
)
Dipuo:
(clappi
nghands)Wel
lwel
l,
lookwhowe
havehereDaynaWethuinper
son.
Me:
mom y
ouknoweachot
her
??
Dipuo:ofcour
seiknowDay nathehome
wrecker!I
sshetheresul
tofyouraf
fai
rwi
th
Thomas!
Dayna:(l
aughingsarcast
ical
ly
)iseesome
thi
ngshav enotchanged,evenweal
thcoul
dnot
tur
ny ouintot
heprincessyoualwayswi
shedto
be.
Di
puo:
Doessheknowy
ourdi
rt
yli
tt
lel
aundr
y?
Dayna:Im sur
eyouaboutt
oai
ritoutbemy
guest!
(Doesthi
sdramaev erend.Andmom howdoes
shealwaysremainsocalm andcol
l
ecti
vei
n
ti
meslikethi
s.)
MrMokoena:
That
senoughDi
puo,
iwi
l
lnot
havey oudi
srespectourguest
sli
kethis.
(Call
i
ngout)Guar dstakeDi
puoout,
i wil
ldeal
withherlat
er.
(
Ast
rongbuf
fymancomesandt
akesherout
.)
Maggi
e:Weapol
ogi
sef
ort
hat
.
Day na:Letusgetonet hingstai
ghtf rom the
begnni ng,fir
stlywemi ghtnotcomef rom a
weal t
hyf ami l
ybutwewer etaughtrespectat
Wet huf ami l
ynomat t
eroursocialclassr espect
i
ssomet hingweexpectf rom people.Secondl y
yourf ami l
yinvitedusherenottheot herway
aroundsoi wil
lnotforasecondhesi t at
et o
takemydaught erandwal koutofthis
compound.Last lyNandi
phai smydaught er,my
preciousgem howi boreherisnobody 's
businesssoi smypastwhi chibeli
ev ewillnot
beanyhi nderingoroppressionfactforher
futureher e.
MaWil
l:
spokel
ikeatr
uewoman,TheMokoena
f
amil
ysendssi
ncer
eapol
ogi
es,wewil
lcal
lour
wi
fet
oor
der
.
Dayna:
Good,ibel
i
evewewer
est
il
li
n
i
ntr
oducti
ons.
MrMokoena: Dipuoi sTr evor'
smother,al
ong
wit
hDor cuswhoi smar ri
ednowandJudyand
Jul
iet,t
hetwinsther e.(hepointstotwocute
adorabl
egirl
s,ithinkt heymustbe11now.)
andThat sKatl
ego, Trevor'
swi f
e.Last
lythe3r
d
ofisJuli
eexpectingourf i
rsgborn.
(
Thi
sol
dmandoeshi
sjob,
somanychi
l
dren)
.
..
..
.
Hei nt
roducedsomanypeopl
ethati f
ail
edto
keepup.Thewomanwhodi dthepr ai
sessheis
Wi l
l
'smom.Iam gladwheniam shownt omy
room whichisnex
ttomom's.Lesediknocksas
itakeoffmyshoes.
Me:
comei
n!
Lesedi
:icamet
ochecki
fyouset
tl
ingi
nwel
l
.
Me:
yesr
ightnowi
coul
duseahotbat
h.
Lesedi
:okay
!Ial
sowant
edt
oapol
ogi
sef
or
Trevor
'smom.
Me:youdidwarnthatshei
sdramati
c.Butthi
s
dayhavebeensolongandfactt
hatihavenot
seenMiguelki
l
lsme.
Lesedi
:youwil
lseehi
m soondontworry
.The
wholevi
ll
agehasstar
tedpouri
ngintheyar
d
theyhavecometoseethechosenone.
Me:ever
yonehasbeenonaboutt
hischosen
one,
whoi st
hischosenone?
Lesedi
:Mi
guel
hasnott
oldy
ou?
?
Me:
(puzzl
ed)t
ell
mewhat
??
Lesedi
:hewi
llexpl
aini
tlat
er.Hei
sthenext
chi
efaft
erhi
sfather
.
Me:
What
?
(
Tal
kaboutabombshel
l
)
[
06/
22,
21:
14]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t52
I
mlooki
ngatherwai
ti
ngf
orhert
oexpl
ain
mor
e.
Me:
IthoughtFer
gusoni
sthenexti
nli
ne.
Lesedi
:hei
snot
!
Me:
Whyi
shenott
heel
der
stson?
Lesedi
:Chi
eft
ancyherei
snotdonel
ikeinother
pl
aces.Li
keialr
eadysai
dMiguelwi
l
l expl
ainal
l
ofthi
s.
Me:
whatifthey
oungerwi
fewasr
ightmom i
s
t
hechosenone.
Lesedi
:Thatcannothappenbecauseachi
ef
onlyonehaschosenbride.
(
Mymom wal
ksi
nsi
de,
Lesedi
excusesher
sel
f)
Day
na:Nandi
phaWet
huwhathav
eyougot
ten
usi
ntonow??
Me:
idontknowmama.
Dayna:
Areyousuret
hisi
sthet
ypeoff
ami
l
y
youwantt
omar r
yint
o?
Me:Whati
am sureofisthatil
oveMiguel
and
r
eadyt
omar r
yhim despi
teevery
thi
ng.
Dayna:
ifyouar
esur
etheny
ouhav
emyf
ull
suppor
t.
Me:
Arey
ouget
ti
ngcol
dfeet
??
Dayna:Thi
sismeyoutal
ki
ngaboutwhendi
d
youeverseemegetcol
dfeet
.
Me:
(laughi
ng)okayD.
Dayna:letmegot akesomesl eep.Ineedall
thatenergytodealwit
hDi puo.OneofReasons
whypar entsshoul
dgivepr opernamesi s
becauseoft hi
s,wordsthatcomeoutoft hat
woman' smout hareunpleasantjustli
keher
name.
(
Shesay
sasshewal
ksout
.)
*
***
***
Imusthav
edosedofwhi
leisl
ept
,hi
scol
dli
ps
br
ushovermi
neandiopenmyeyestofi
ndhi
m
smil
i
ngatme.Itur
nandlayonmyst
omach.
Me:
Goaway
!
Mi
guel
:(amused)y
oudontmeant
hat
.
Me:idomeanit.Yout
hel
astper
soni
wantt
o
seer
ightnow.
(Hegetsinbednextt
omeandpullsmetohi
s
chest,
itr
yresi
sti
ngbuti
tdoesnotwor
k.Imi
ss
thi
sidi
othere)
Mi
guel
:iknowi
alsomi
ssedy
ou.
Me:
Soy
oucanr
eadmi
ndsnow?
Mi
guel
:(l
aughi
ng)whyy
ousomad?
?
Me:
Doy
ouev
enhav
etoask?
?
Miguel
:iknowi
shouldhavetol
dyoubutiwas
af
raidt
hatyoumightr
ejectmeonceyouknew.
Me:Whatmakesyout
hinkiwontr
ejectyou
r
ightnowaf
tery
oukeptthi
sbi
gsecret??
Miguel
:Becausenowim pr
ett
ysuret
hatour
l
ovecansustainany
thi
ngthatl
if
ethr
owsatus.
Me:
Expl
aint
omewhyy
ounotFer
gusonsi
nce
hei
stheel
dest
,bor
ebyt
hef
ir
stwi
fe.
Miguel:(takesadeepbr eath)Foryout obea
chi
efher ey ourmot her,hastomaket he
heavensopenandr ainpouroutthefirstti
me
shestepsi nt hi
scompound.Unf ort
unat el
y
Maggi e,wasnott hechosenone.Fat hermetmy
mom, Leletionherf i
rstdayhere,what
tr
anspi r
edt odayhappenedagai nwhenshewas
here.That swhyi am theonetostepupandbe
chi
efaf terfather.Mymom wasRai nmaki ng
queenj ustli
key ou.
Me:
Sohowdoy
oual
lknowi
tismeandnotmy
mot
her
??
Miguel:
Becauseforeachchi
eft
herecanonly
beonechosenbride,andmyfat
heralr
eadyhad
hi
s.Butbecauseoftheuncer
tai
nit
ysomeone
el
sey ouaboutt
omeetwi l
lcl
eartheconf
usi
on.
Me:Il
oveyouMiguelbutim notaboutt
obe
par
tofaharem,
i cannotsharemyhusband.
Mi
guel
:Whosai
dyouwi
l
lshar
eme?
?
Me:Youf
atheri
smar
ri
edt
o3women,i
sntit
t
radi
ti
ont
hatyoumar
rymor
ethan1wi
fe?
Miguel :Howmanyt i
mesmusti t
ellyout
hati
am notMokoena.Oncey ourchosen1hasbeen
i
dent if
iedyoucanset tl
edownwi thhermarry
ing
otherwomeni snotar ecquir
ementitisa
choicet hatsel
ffi
shmanl ikemyf at
hermake.I
am y oursandy oursal
one.
(
Hesay
sasheget
sont
opofmeandki
sses
me.
)
Me:(br
eat
hless)Miguel
wecannotdot
his,
undery
oufathersr
oof.
Mi
guel
:Imi
ssedy
ou,
didnty
oumi
ssme?
?
Me:
idi
d..
Miguel
:l
etmepr
ovet
oyouhowmuchi
missed
you.
(Howcaniresi
sthi
m whenhemakesmel
ose
all
mysensesli
kethi
s)
*
***
***
**
Anhourl aterwestepoutofmyr oom, imina
si
mpl edress,sandles,duekandaj acket
becauset herei
ssomecol dwindfrom the
cl
oudst hathavegat heredpromi
singr ai
n.When
wegett ot hedi
nningr oom Kati
swi thTrevor
eati
ng.
Tr
ev or
:Looksli
kewenottheonl
yoneswho
missedthebigfami
l
ydinnert
ime.
Kat
:wecandef
inat
elyst
opf
eel
i
nggui
l
ty.
(
Miguel
pul
l
sachai
rforme)
Me:
wher
eisev
ery
one?
Mi
guel
:Thet
hroner
oom.
Kat
:Bef
ast,
theywai
ti
ngf
orust
her
e.
Me:
Andmymom?
?
Trevor
:Al
readyt
here,
sheseemst
obeget
ti
ng
quit
ewell
wi t
hJuli
e.
Miguel
:Theybot
hdi
vassoi
twasboundt
o
happen.
*
***
**
Wedoneeat i
ng, Mi guel holdsmyhandaswe
wal kout si
det ot hef arcor ner,iguessthatsthe
throner oom t herewer et alki
ngabout .People
arest arri
ng, i
m gl adnowt hatMi gueli
sholding
myhand.Okayt hi splacei ssocosy ,
ont he
rooftopl ayslaternl ights, t
hegroundi scov er
ed
withgr eyfluffymat .thef amilyhasoccupi ed
thecouchesont hel eftandt her i
ghtcompl etl
y
occupi edbyst anger s.Chi efMokoenasi ts
facingt hemai nhousei nf r
ontofhi misanol d
womansi t
tingdownont hecarpet.Shegi v
es
mecr eepswheni l
ookather .Itakeofmy
shoesasr equest edandgosi tnexttomymom.
Miguel set
tlesbesi deme.Theol dladysmi l
es
andbegi stalking.
Manxane:
Okayi
wil
lsee,
themot
herf
ir
st.
(mom st
andsandwalktohert
hensi
nkdown
ont
hecushionnex
ttothi
soldwoman)
Me:
(iwhi
spert
oMi
guel
)Whoi
sshe?
?
Mi
guel
:Mygr
andma,
Manxane.
Maggi
e:Shh!
(Sayslooki
ngatmeandMiguel
.Iwatchas
Manxanet akesmom'
shandandcoversi
tin
hers)
Manxane:Youwil
ldoanythi
ngforyour
daughter
,youl
oveherhoweveryouneedt
olet
herknowherroot
s.
(Mymom looksatherblankl
y)Youwi l
lfacea
dif
fi
cul
tfut
ureDayna,i
seedi seasesodeadly.
Butyoustr
engt
hiscourageous, youcanbeati
t.
Dayna:(smil
i
ng)ThankyoubutIdontreall
y
beli
eveinthi
smamboj umbo.Justski
pt othe
partwhereyoutel
lthi
speopl
ethatiam not
thei
rchosenone.
Manxane:
(smil
ing)Youhavesai
dital
l,
unf
ort
unatel
yyouarenotthechosenone.
Day
na:noitact
ual
l
yiti
sfortunat
e,i
dontsee
mysel
fshari
ngadickf
orli
fe.(Ki
ssi
ngtheol
d
woman'
scheek)t
hanky
oudar
li
ng.
(Mymom though,noman!Shei
sreal
l
y
somethi
ngelse.Shest
andupandwalkback
hersi
t)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Sheisl
ooki
ngatmesmi
l
ing,
iswearguy
s,t
his
ol
dladyi
screepy
.
Manxane:
Ndi
ye,
bri
ngmey
ourbr
ide!
(WhoisNdiyenow? ?Miguel
st andsandhel
ps
met omyfeet!WaitheisNdiye!Whowould
haveevert
hought!Ndiy
e!)
(Iset
tl
edown,
looki
ngather
,shej
ustcantst
op
smill
i
ng)
Manxane:
iam r
eal
lyhappy,youjustr
emi
ndme
somuchofMashenge,Miguel'
smom.
(Mi
guel
'
smom wascall
edMashengei
thought
shewascal
l
edLel
eti
.
)
Manxi
ne:
Mashengewast
hecl
an'
snamef
oral
l
ourqueens,
Lel
eti
washerr
eal
name.
(
Shecanal
sor
eadmi
nds,
Great
)
Manxane:Wet hankyoufortheamazingrai
nfal
l
thati
sabouttopourourlandstoni
ghtaft
er35
yearswi
thouthavingsomuchr ai
nli
kethese.
Comegivemey ourhand?
(Iextendmyhandt oherandshecov
ersitwi
th
herownl ikeshedi
dwithmom.Shestares
blanklyatmeandshakesherhead)
Me:
ist
her
esomet
hingwr
ong?
Manxane: Nomychildimjustsurpr
isedthati
cannotreadyourf
uture,
justl
ikeIcanread
Ndiye'
s.
(
IthankyouHeavenl
yFat her,i
reall
ydontknow
wanttoknowwhatmyf ut ur
eis,becausei
t
mightj
ustmessevery
thing)
Manxane:Ndi
ye,youhavemy andtheancestor
s
oft
heMokoenaf amil
y'
sblessingstomarryher.
Theri
ghtf
ulowneronthefami l
yheir
lom i
shere
pl
easepassi
ttoherNdi
ye.Withthatsai
dcan
wenowwelcomethenewy eari
nst y
leli
kewe
al
ways.
(Ndiy
e!isti
llcantgetov
erthef
actt
hatheis
cal
ledNdiye.Musicgetsonandpeopl
estart
dancing,
whilebeeranddri
nksi
sgivenout.
[
06/
22,
21:
15]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t53
I
taftermidnight
,imthankful
igotachancet o
welcomet henewy earwi
thNdiye.Mymom i s
busywithJuliet
alki
ngaboutfashion.Il
ether
beanddeci detotakeatourwit
hMi guel
.
Me:
Whatar
ether
ounder
val
sfor
??
Mi
guel
:Theyar
ebedr
oomsf
ordad'
swi
ves?
?
Me:
Theysl
eepi
nthi
str
adi
ti
onal
hut
s??
Miguel
:yahtheyact
ual
l
ytr
adi
ti
onal
out
sidebut
ver
ymoder ninsi
de.
Me:
Real
l
y??
Miguel
:Yesi
wil
lshowy
ouPaul
á'
shut
t
ommor ow.
Me:
Paul
á??
Miguel
:mymom,
shewasPaul
áLel
eti
VanRooyen.
Me:ikeepf
orget
ti
ngthaty
ouarehalfaf
ri
kaans.
Youguysar
esowhi t
eyouhav
eagr eenhouse?
(Isayaswestepinsi
de,t
herei
sacouchwi th
cushionsandabookshelfoni
tssideatthef
ar
end.Thegreenhouseisf
ill
edwit
hallty
pesof
fl
ower s.
)
Me:
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ulmymom wi
l
llov
ethi
s.
Miguel:Af t
ermyparentsgotmar r
ied,
Leleti
couldnthandlepressuresofhernewr oleand
Dipuodi dnotmakel i
feeasierforhersodad
buil
thert hi
sgreenhouse,thenshepl antedall
thi
sf l
ower sandspentheraf t
ernoonsint hat
couchr eadingnovel
sorgar dening.
Me:
Iwi
shi
hadmety
ourmom.Buti
tlooksl
i
ke
y
ourmom waslov
edmostdi
dnotot
herwi
ves
f
eelj
eal
ouse.
Miguel
:SheandMaggi
ewheref
ri
endsbutas
f
orDipuoshehasal
waysbeent
hebit
terone.
Me:
OkayNdi
ye!
(
Hegi
vesmeast
ernl
ook)
Me:What !Il
oveit
,idontknowwhyy ounever
tol
dmet hatyouareNdiye.Butwhati s
confusi
ngiswhyy ouhaveanIkalanganame
whil
ey ouarengwato.Andwhyy ounev ert
old
met hatyourgr
andmotherissti
l
l al
ive.
(
Hetakesmyhandandl
eadsmet
oasi
t.
The
r
aini
spouri
ngdownout
side.
)
Miguel:Mygreat ,
greatgrandmothershewas
I
kalanga,Thef i
rstRainmakerqueensoshe
gaveallthefi
rstsonsofqueenskal anganames.
I
tsjustat r
adi
tionsthathav ebeenpassedon.
Me:
sooursonwi
l
lal
sohav
eakal
anganame!
Mi
guel
:Yesmyl
ove.
Me:
OkayNdi
ye.
Miguel:I
tisnotaneasyt hi
ngt obebornasa
rul
er,y
ouf acemanyt ri
alsandtri
bulat
ions.
Especi
all
ywhent her
eareotherpeopleafter
yourposit
ion,becausetheyalwayscomeaf ter
thepeopleyoulov e,
howeverwi t
htheancestors
onyourside,yougetprotected.
Me:soyouwanttotel
lmet
haty
oubel
i
evei
n
t
hisancest
orst
hing!
Miguel:Youhav et
oundestandt hatmyf amil
y
mightseem moder nbutwev erytradi
ti
onal.I
al
sodi dntbeli
eveatf
ir
stbutwheni was10i fel
l
gr
eatlysick.Noonethoughti wil
lsurvi
ve?
Me:
(int
ri
gued)Buty
ousur
viv
edhow?
Miguel:
thatswhereManxanecomesin,sheis
notmyr eal
grandmotherbutawomanwho
savedmyl i
fewhenallhopewaslost
.Sheis
reasonwhyim sti
l
lal
ivetoday
.
Me:
Howdi
dshedoi
t?
Miguel:someonei nthef ami l
ywant edmedead,
sotheycur sedaspel l.Manxanehasagi ft,she
canheal andseet hef uturewel lexpectfor
yoursandmi ne!Fortwoy earsshet ookmet o
somemount ai
ns,west ay edinacav ewhileshe
nursedmebackt ohealth.Ionl yreturnedhere
wheni was14y earsol dtoonl yli
v esome
mont hswithmymot herbef oreshedeci dedt o
l
eav ethi
scr uelwor l
d.
Me:Youpoort
hing!Youmusthav
ebeen
dev
astat
ed.
Miguel
:Iwas,myfathersentmeabroadto
Londonaft
ershepassedaway ,t
hatswherei
metEthanataboardingschool
.Wheni f
ini
shed
hesentmet oGaboronetotakeovert
he
company.
Me:Whycouldntyoust
udyher
ecloset
ofamil
y?
Andwhymusty oubeinGabor
onewhenyou
coul
dbeherelear
ningr
opesfr
om him.
Mi
guel
:fory
ear
sit
houghthedoesnotl
oveme
that
swhyhesentmeawaybutt oonlyreali
se
nowt hatoldmanl ov esme, Manxanecannot
readmyf utur
esot heydonotknowi fimi n
dangerornot ,sosendi ngmeawayf r
om t hi
s
dangerouspl acei stheonlywayhecanpr otect
me.Iam nott el
lingy outhisforyourpit
y
Nandipha, butbecausei wanty outoknowwhat
yougettingy ourselfint
oandknowmor eabout
me, asyouhav enot i
cedi dontopenupal ot.
Me: (
kissi
nghi
scheek)Thankyouforopenni
ng
up,wepr omi
sedeachothert
oholdoneach
other
shand.Iam r
eadyforal
lofthesei
fyou
are.
Miguel:i
hav
ebeenreadyallmyli
fe.Me:
Lel
eti
i
swat chi
nguponi
sfrom above.
.
..
Katherinehuggedhercoattobi
gt ummy,
wearingallbl
ackalongwithahatand
sunglasses.Sheheldt
helil
li
esonherhandas
shest eppedint
othecementry,
ithasbeen14
yearssinceshecameher e,thel
asttimeshe
washer ewaswhenshear ri
vedfr
om Russia.
Shej usthadthisurgetocomeher etoday!
Wal ki
ngt ohisgrave,shewassuprisedtosee,
fr
eshl avenderflowersonhisgraveandthe
placesupercl ean.Shesetshersdownand
stares.
Kath: Hi t
her estranger !Iknowt helastti
mei
saidim her ef orthel astt i
mebuther eiam
again.Iact ual l
ycameher etodayafter14y ear
s
tolety out hatim of f
iciall
yterminati
ngthe
promi sei madet oy ou.Ihav ebeent aki
ngcar e
ofyouf ami l
yl i
key our equested.Butineedt o
cuttiesnow, i havemyownf amil
ynowi cannot
playher oineany more.Il ovethem,andi alsomy
husbandsov erymuchi cannotkeepmaki ng
himf eel l
ikehehast ocompet ewithyouforme.
Goodby eDrGabr ielMoal osi.It
sprobablylast
ti
meweev erseeeachot her.
'
Shewal ksbacktohercar,fewkilometer
saway
fr
om her ,
standsaman, sheknows, weari
nga
charcoalj
acketwit
hablacksui t.Iti
sGabri
el,
herheartskipsascol
dai rpasses.
Kat
h:(
murmuringt
ohersel
f)Nott
hisagai
n,i
hav
eseenenoughghost
stolastmealif
eti
me.
(Shesaysasshestepsint
ohercarandstar
ts
enginebutdoesnotdr
iveawayhowevergets
offandwalksbacktoseeifhei
ssti
llt
here.
Thereisnoone!)
Kat
h:(t
alki
ngtoher
sel
f)Goodgri
ef!Kat
her
ine,
whatar
wy oudoi
ng?Letmejustgohome.
(Sheget sintohercaranddr i
vesaway.After
Gabrielissur eshel ef
t,hegetsofff
rom the
crowdedt r
eeshehi dandgetsinhiscarand
driv
esawayal so.ThankingGod!Thathecame
abitear l
ierthanKat heri
neorelseshewoul d
havef oundhi m cleaninghisowngrave.How
crazyisthat!!)
[
06/
22,
21:
17]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t54
Wef inall
ybackhome,i
m soexhaust edandf act
thatihavetoretur
ntoGabor onetommor ow
total
lymakesmeuneasy ,bothresturant
shav e
beenoper at
ingonmyabsencesoi needtogo
backt okeepintapsseeifitr
unningwel l
.Iwent
strai
ghttobedwhenwear ri
ved.Myphone
wakesmeup.Iam sur pr
isedthatitishi
m, it
s
beenl ongsi
ncewet al
ked!!
Me:
Theghostmakesacomeback.
Gabr
iel
:At
leasty
ouhav
entl
osty
oursenseof
humor.
Me:
wher
ehav
eyoubeenhi
ding?
?
Gabri
el:
Icouldbeaskingyout
hatquesti
on?
Eversi
ncefesti
vebeganyoudi
sappeared.
Me:
othercommi
tment
s.
Gabr
iel
:okayhowwer
ethehol
i
day
s??
Me:Epi
ci r
eal
l
yenjoy
edthem.Hadacouples
r
etr
eattr
ipwherei
gotengaged.Justcame
backfrom apar
tyt
hatf
utur
einl
awswher
e
host
ing!
Gabri
el:TheMokoenaguydoesnotwast
eti
me,
hehasal r
eadypoppedt
hequest
ion?
?
Congradulat
ions.
Me:thanky
ouGhost
.Any
wayhowwer
e
your
s??
Gabriel
:Normall
yiam wit
hmyot herfr
iend
duri
ngt hi
shol
idayssai
li
ngbutthi
stimehehad
othercommitmentssoiwasjustbymy sel
f.
Me:
Musthav
ebeenbor
ing!
Gabr i
el:i
twasbor i
ng,asmuchasi hat
et o
admi tbutidomi sshome.(Chuckl
es)Just
yesterdayifoundmy sel
fatmyowngr ave,
cleaningitup.Justsoicangetoutofthehouse
forachange.
Me:
(laughi
ng)y
oudi
dwhat
???
Gabri
el:
Iti
snotr
eal
l
yal
aughi
nngmat
ter
Nandi
e.
(Icanthelpmysel
fil
aughti
ll
tearsf
allfr
om my
eyes.Thisguyisr
eal
lysomethi
ngelse.Isnor
t)
Gab:
Arey
oudonenow?
?
Me:Yebo.Inev
err
eal
l
yaskedsot
hecasketi
s
empty?
?
Gab:
Yepi
tis.
Me:
Whydi
dyougocl
eant
her
e??
Gab:ir
eal
lyneededt
ogooutplusit
sli
ke
ever
yonei
sfussedwit
hthei
rli
fesandf
orgot
ten
al
laboutme.
Me:Yousomet
hingelseGabr
iel
,youar
edead.
Deadpeopl
ear
ef or
gott
en.
Gab:
iknowi
tsr
eal
l
ysel
fi
sh.
Me: Yesi
tis.Iknowitisnoneofmybusi ness,
butyouarelonelyGabri
el,j
ustret
urnhomeat
onceofcoursetheywill
beangr ybuttheyare
yourfamil
ytheywillneverr
ejectyou.Kathhas
herownfami l
yforgetaboutherandst ar
tov er
.
Gab:
okayi
wil
lthi
nkabouti
t.
Me:
Good,
im onl
yonephonecal
laway
.
Gab:
iknowNana.Thanky
ou!
Me:
Byemgani
wami
.
Gab:
wil
ltal
klat
ernanawame.
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Mom i
shavingwi
newheni walki
n.It
akea
gl
assandhelpmysel
ftoone.
Me:
Pennyf
ort
hought
s!
Day
na:
Youcansayt
hat
.
(
Hermoodi
sdown,
iwonderwhati
swr
ong.)
Me:
Maa,
arey
ouokay
?
Day
na: Iam okayNana,
ilov
eyoudoy
ouknow
t
hat??
Me:
(huggi
ngher
)il
ovey
oumor
e.
(
Shebli
nksbackhert
ear
sbutanot
herdr
ops.I
wi
peitoff
)
Me:
comel
etsgobackt
obed.
(Iswi
tchoffthelight
sandwalkt
oherroom.I
haveneverseenhersof r
agi
l
e.Putt
ingmyhead
onherchest, shehugsme)
Dayna:iusedtoputy outosleepjustli
kethis,
wheny ouwerejustal i
tt
lebabygirl
.Isworet o
myselfthatiwi
lll
oveandpr otectyouallmyl i
fe.
Butyouar eabi
ggi r
lnowy oucanhandl elif
e.
Rememberi wil
lbeher ewheny our eady.
Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
??Youscar
ri
ng
me?
Dayna:Manxanewasr i
ghty ouneedtoknow
yourroots.HisnamewasThomasy ourf
ather
.
Youmi ghtwanttostar
tlookingatMoshupa
becauset hatwher
eheisfrom.
Me:
okayt
hanky
ou!
(
Webot hfal
lsil
ent
,iguessabsorbi
nginwhat
wasjustsai
d.Iam notyetsosur
erightnowi
fi
wanttofi
ndmyf at
her,whydoesitmakeherso
sad?Il
ovethi
swomanhur
ti
ngheri
slastt
hingi
wanttodo.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Weareonther
oaddr
ivi
ngbackt
otheci
ty,
wit
h
myhunk.
Miguel
:youhav
ebeenqui
te,
whati
sbot
her
ing
you?
Me:
Not
hingmyl
ove.
Miguel
:Babawant
stoknowwhenhecansend
ov
erourpeopl
etooff
ici
alyaskf
ory
ourhandi
n
marri
age.
Me:
(smi
li
ng)Wedonotwantt
owast
eany
mor
eti
me,dowe?
?
Mi
guel
:Noi
wanty
ouf
ormy
sel
f.
Me:
Ndi
ye!
Mi
guel
:Mi
guel
dummyhead!
Me:
Ndi
ye!
Mi
guel
:(hel
ooksatmesmi
l
es)y
ousokeenon
t
hisname.Myl
ove!
Me:
Giv
ememor
eti
me.
..
(
Hegl
ancesatmest
unnedandi
smi
l
e)
Me:Letmefini
sh!Giv
ememor eti
mebefore
yousendpeopl
eov er
.Iwantt
ofi
ndmyfather.
Mi
guel
:ohokay
!Doesy
oumom know?
?
Me:
Yes!Sheknowsi
hav
eherper
missi
on.
Mi
guel
:okaywher
edowest
art
??
Me:Moshupai
hav
etot
alkt
oKat
her
ine.She
candoi
t.
Mi
guel
:okayy
ouhav
emysuppor
t!
!
me:
thanky
ouNdi
ye!
(
Ilaymyheadbackont
heseat
!)
.
..
..
..
.
WedrivepastPhakal
ane,checki
ngonour
peopl
e.Kather
ineopensandletusi
n.
Kat
h:Pl
easantsur
pri
se!
Me:
thehousei
squi
te,
wher
eisev
ery
one?
?
kat
h:Gonet
otheshops.Whendi
dyouar
ri
ve?
(
Wal
ki
ngt
othebarsect
ion)
Mi
guel
:wi
l
lgr
abadr
inkandl
ety
ouhav
eat
alk.
.
..
.
Me:wecangor
ightaheadwi
th"
Proj
ectFi
nd
Nana'
sDad.
"
Kat
h:ar
eyousur
e?
Me:yes.Thomasf
rom Moshupa.Hewasa
doct
or.
Kat
h:okayi
wil
ll
ooki
ntoi
t.
Me:
thanky
ou!Letusgoandar
ri
ve.
Kat
h:okaydontf
orgetourl
adi
eschatupnext
week.
Me:
iti
smar
kedonmycal
ender
.
Kat
h:okay
!
Me:
(cal
l
ingout
)Ndi
yewecango.
Kat
h:Ndi
ye?
??
Me:
(smi
l
li
ng)i
knowr
ight
!
[
06/
22,
21:
17]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t55
Thel i
ttl
egi rliswi t
hhi ml ookingathi m wi th
suchsadness, hei sanol dmanwi t
hgr eyhai r
andwr i
nkl esonhi scheeks." Whycanti gowi t
h
youTat a? ?"Askst helitt
legirlwithmi ssing
tooth.Thi sol dmancr ouchest oherlev eland
wipesawayhert ears."Whent hetimei sr ight
Nandi pha, whenmamai snol ongerangr yatme.
Iwillcomef ory ou.Beagoodgi r
landr emai n
here"Say st heseol dman.Wai t!Soi am t his
l
ittl
egi r
l.Hewal ksaf ewki l
omet ersawayand
disappear s.Thel ittl
egi r
lsremai nsinsame
place,looki ngatt hesamer oad.Year spasson
samespot , sheisnoway oungwomanl ooking
exactlylikemebutst illr
emai nslookingatt he
roadhopef ul.
!"Nana, y oucannotspendy our
whol elif
ewai ti
ngl etusgo. "Say sthewoman
whom l
ooksexact
lyl
ikemom!"NOmommy
Tat
asaidimustwait
,sowai
ti
ngiswhati
wil
ldo.
"
.
..
.
Spr
inkl
esofwateronmyf acewakemeup.I
l
ookaroundmysor r
oundingsandr eali
seitwas
j
ustadream.Thedream feltsoreal,
ihav ebeen
hav
ingthesamedream nowev er
ydayf orthi
s
wholeweek.Mi
guellooksatmesowor ri
ngly
.
Miguel
:youwerecry
ingi
nyoursl
eepagai
n.
Samedream agai
n!
(i
nodmyhead)
Mi
guel:
thi
scantgoonl
i
kethi
s,Mashenge.
Maybeweshoul
dgoseeManxane.
Me:
Im okayMi
guel
.Iam sur
etheywi
l
lpass.
Miguel
:yousai
dsamet
hingl
astweek!Iam
worri
ed.
me:st
opwor
ryi
ngtoomuch,comeletusgo
t
akeabat
h!wedontwantt
obelate!
.
..
..
..
..
.
ist
epoutofthecarandwal
kout
side.i
mtot
all
y
shockedbywhatisee!
Me:
Noy
oudi
dnt
!
(Hesmi l
esatme, Thissleazybigmonsterr
eall
y
doesknowhowt ojustthrowmeof f,
igo
aroundthecaradmi r
ingit,i
tsrednessmakes
mef al
linlovewithit
,whenheaskedmemy
dream carlastweekididnteventhinkhewil
lgo
outandbuyt hecar.AstonMar ti
ntheVanqui
sh
S.)
Miguel
:iwantedtocustomi
seitwi
thyourname
howevertheydonotall
owpri
vatepl
ate
numbersinBotswana.maybei
fwewer ein
Msanzi.
me:
iti
smi
ne?
?
Miguel
:ial
wayssai
dyousuchadummy!i
have
myowncar s,
youwantedanAst
on.i
gotyou
one.
(i
jumpint
ohim wrappi
ngmylegsaroundhi
s
waist,
spr
eadingki
ssesov
erhisfaceandgi
ve
hi
m abigki
ss.)
Me:whatdoesawomanhav
etodot
ohav
ea
gr
eatmanlikey
ou?
Mi
guel
:theyhav
etobey
ou.
Me:
Idontdeser
vey
ouMokoena.i
lov
eyou.
Miguel
:Ketshabanewcar
!Goty
ousay
ingl
ot
ofthi
ngs.
Me:
ifor
gety
ousuchadi
ckheadatt
imes.
Miguel
:wegoi
ngt
obel
ate.y
ouwi
l
lgi
vemea
l
if
t.
me:
okay
.
(Igetbehindthewheel ,i
mi nlovewit
hthe
i
nt er
ior,i
tisblackleat
hertri
mmedwi thbitof
blue.Theexpensi vesmellfi
ll
smynost r
il
s.
unintenti
onall
yi hugthesteeri
ngwheeland
smi l
echeef ul
l
yast hebigengineroarswheni
startit
!!)
Mi
guel
:Ar
eweev
ergoi
ngt
ogett
owor
k??
Me:youal
way
sobsessabouty
ourBMW i
8i
nev
ergeti
mpati
entsol
etmeenjoymymoment
Ndi
ye.
(
isayasidri
veoutoft
hecompoundandjoi
n
t
hemainroadistepal
it
tl
eontheaccel
erat
or
j
ustt
ocheckthewater
s)
Miguel
:Pleasedontmakemer
egr
etbuy
ingy
ou
t
hiscar.Speedkil
l
sNana.
Me:
Rel
axmyni
ggai
gott
his.
(
Hel
ooksatmeshaki
nghi
sheadandsmi
l
li
ng)
.
..
..
Me:
Wear
eher
e,MrMokoena,
notev
enl
ate.
(
Isayasi
pul
lov
eri
nfr
ontofhi
scompany
)
Mi
guel:
Thati
sbecausey
ouwer
edr
ivi
ngl
i
kea
mani
ac.
Me:
Youj
ustcut
ewheny
ouj
eal
ous.
(
Ipoutathi
m)Wantmet
owal
kyoui
n?
Mi
guel
:youar
ereal
l
yinagoodmood!Why
??
Me:
Justf
orcont
rol
nje!
Mi
guel
:l
etsgot
henmygi
rl
.
(Wegetoffthecarandwalkhandi
nhandint
o
thebul
ding.Oncesett
ledonhi
soff
ice,
iki
ss
him)
Me:
5pm i wil
lbedownst
air
sneh!dontbeev
en
aminut
elateoryouwil
lwalkhome.
Mi
guel
:Yesma'
am.
Me:Goodnowletmefl
ashmyexpensi
ver
ing
andcart
otheworl
doutther
e.
Miguel
:Youwil
ldr
ivesaf
elyandatall
owed
speedNandi
phaorelseyouwil
lneverdr
ivet
hat
caragai
n.
(Jesus!Suddenl
ywear eseriousagain!Iknow
hemeansev er
ywordhej ustsaidnow!One
thi
ngi l
earntaboutMigueli
st hathenever
makesempt ypromi
ses.Guessi bett
erlist
en
butwhodr iv
esaspeedcarsl ow.)
.
..
..
.
Goodt hingabouthav i
ngmanager sisthatthey
dot hegoodjobi nyourplace.Nana'
sand
Miguel'saredoingquitegood.Especial
ly
Miguel'sfl
oodingwithreservati
onsbutthey ear
j
ustbegan.i am wor ki
ngfrom ther
etoday.Asi
stepoutofmyof fi
cei walkint
otherestur
ant ,i
notice2menwear i
ngsungl assesandblacksui t
standingbythedoor .Thecashierl
ooksatme
andsmi les.
Cashi
er:
wearehost
ingRoyal
tyt
odayf
ort
he
fi
rstt
imesi
nceweopened.
Me:
Real
l
yfr
om wher
e??
Cashi
er:
:
Theki
ngofSchaef
erf
orgott
hename.
Me:Letmegochecki
fheneedsany
thi
ng.
Tabl
enumber
??
Cashi
er:
Tabl
e10ma'
am.
(
Ibegi
nchecki
ngonmycust umers,
justt
o
makearout
inecheck.Whenir
aisemyeyesour
gazesmeet ,ihav eseent hisey esf orabr i
ef
momentbuti cannev erfor getthem, dark
smokeyey es, caramel skinandpi nkishl i
ps,my
obsession, thel i
ps.Hegi v esmeabi ghear t
ful
smilethatmakesmykneesj ell
y .Nextt ohimi s
anotherhandsomemanbutwi tht hemostcol d
anddar kst arei havenev erseen, hehas
beautif
ul charcoal eyes, ascaracr ossoneof
highcheekbonest hatlooksl ikeascr atchbut
beautif
ieshi sf ace,hisli
pssoabi tdar kerli
kea
smoker ,hisaqui li
nenosepef ectlyaligned.He
hasahandsomegr i
mf ace.Bot ht womenar e
star
ringatmet heot heroneseemsf asci
nated,
theotheroneseemsi rr
itated.
.
..
..
..
..
..
[
06/
22,
21:
17]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t56
i
wal
ktot
othei
rtabl
e.
kev
in:Whenisai
dwewil
lmeetagai
nidi
dnot
ant
ici
pat
eitsosoon.
(
Ihavetokeept
hispr
off
essi
onal
,isayt
o
mysel
fasismil
eathi
m)
Nandipha:Hi
!Kevi
n!wewelcomet oyou
Miguel'
s.Hopeyouenj
oyi
ngy ourmeal.
Kevin:Ihavebeentryi
ngtomakereser
vati
ons
hereforoveramont hnow,andiwastoldi
tis
al
way sfull
.Nowi canseewhy!Thefoodis
greatsoisthestaff
,thepl
aceit
sel
fiti
stop
notch.
Nandi
pha:
Wegl
adwemety
ourexpect
ati
ons.
(
Thest
rangerwi
thdar
kst
arecl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
)
Kevi
n: Xavi
ermeetNandipha,Nandi
meet,one
ofclosestfr
iends,
KingXavi
erMontenegr
ofrom
Schaefer.
Xav
ier
:(col
dly
)Shei
sthebusgi
rl
??
(Geez!sot
hismanhav
ebeental
ki
ngbehi
ndmy
backandevengi
venati
tl
e"Busgi
rl
.)
Nandi
:It
sapl
easur
emeet
ingy
ou,
your
hi
ghness.
Xavi
er:
JustXav
ierpl
ease.Wher
eist
hisguy
doesheal
waystobelate?
(
Doeshehast
obecol
d.)
Kev
in:
Youar
elat
edi
ckhead!
Gab:Iwasstuckint
raf
fi
candhav
ingt
o
di
sguisemyself
.
Nandi
pha:
Gabr
iel
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e??
Kev
in:
Youguy
sknoweachot
her
??
Xavi
er:That
snotr
eal
lyi
mportant
,whati
s,how
doessheknowyourr
ealname?
(Now!Thi
sisget
ti
ngmor
eandmor
emessed
upforme.)
Gabr
iel
:(si
tt
ingdown)Shei
stheGhostgi
rl
!
Kevi
n:I
tcantbeGhostgi
rlbecauseshei
sthe
Busgir
l!
Xavi
er:
(laughi
ng)Nowt
hisj
ustgoti
nter
est
ed,
samegirl.
(
Sohecanl
augh!Thi
smanar
edanger
ousbusy
gi
vi
ngmet
it
lesf
rom Busgi
rlt
oGhost
)
Xav
ier
:Doy
ouwor
kher
eN?
Gab:(
sacar
sti
claugh)Wor
kher
e,nodudeshe
ownsthepl
ace.
Kev
in:
What
?Youar
etheowner
??
Me:
Yesi
ownt
hepl
ace.
Xav
ier
:Howol
dar
eyou?
Me:
Wil
lbe23onMay
.
(henodshi sheadandl ooksathi sphone,
shame!hei shandsome, theyallhandsome
actuall
y.Hismuskyscentf eel
smeup, andmy
backhai rstandshei stheonlyonewhogott his
eff
ectonme, hi
shandscomear oundmywai st
,
backhugs, i knowwhathei sdoi ng,"
backhugs
havealway sbeenmyweaknesswheni tcomes
tohim.Heki ssesmycheekandi gi
ggle.Isee
whaty oudoi ngMokoenamar kingterri
toryand
i
tiswor king, both3menar elookingatus,
Xavierlooksamusedhei senjoy i
ngthiswhile
Gabri
elandKev
ini
cannotr
eadt
hei
r
expr
ession.
)
Me:
(whi
sper
ing)Peopl
ear
est
arr
ingNdi
ye!
Miguel
:(hegi
vesmeawickedsmil
e)Lett
hem
st
areakereyoumi
ne.Gent
lemen.
Gabr
iel
:Mi
guel
!
Mi
guel
:Loy
iso.(
Heext
endshi
shandt
oXav
ier
)
Mi
guel
.
Xav
ier
:(shaki
nghi
shand)Xav
ier
.
Mi
guel
:Anhonort
omeety
ou,
yourhi
ghness.
Xav
ier
:samewi
se.
(
Hecompletel
yignor
esKev i
n.i
pinchhim andhe
l
ooksatKev
inhisexpressi
onunreadabl
e)
Mi
guel
:(ext
endi
nghi
shand)Mi
guel
,thef
iancé.
(Rollmyeyes!"TheFi
ancé"mysubwomanhalf
smi l
esbeforeshefol
dsherhands,
shei
sreal
l
y
enjoyi
ngthis.
)
Kev
in:
(shaki
nghi
shand)Kev
in,
thebus
par
tner
.
(
Oh!NoKev
inwhyy
oudoi
ngt
hisme!
)
Mi
guel:(
smili
ng)Ihopeshepassedt
he
messageisentl
astti
me.
(
Thi
sisget
ti
ng!Deep!)
Kev
in:
Whatmessage?
Miguel
:(Hissmil
edi sappersrepl
acedwi t
ha
darkdangerousexpression)Forheriam not
afr
aidtogetmybl oodinmyhands.Ev enGod
hi
mselfiam notafraidofhim.
(myheartski
ps!Heavenl
yFatheripromiseto
keepmyey esonMiguelonlynowf r
om nowon.
Nodrooli
ngovermeni promiseyouthisifyou
j
ustrescuemef r
om t
hissti
ckysituatuonri
ght
now!)
Mi
guel:Areyoudone?Canwel
eav
e
Mashenge?
Me:Yesmylove,l
etusgo.I
twasni
cemeet
ing
you,
yourhi
ghness.
Xav
ier
:Samewi
se.
Mi
guel
:Gent
lemen.
.
(
Wegetmybagandwal
ktot
hecar
)
Mi
guel
:Iwi
l
ldr
ive!
Me:
Miguel
!
Mi
guel
:NotnowNandi
pha!Geti
nthecar
.
(Nandipha!Heismad!i geti
nt hecarandkeep
quit
e,looki
ngforward.t
hesilencei nthecari
s
soscar y
.Wegethomeandhedi sappear
sint
o
hisstudywhil
ei pr
eparesupper .)
Mi
guel
:Youhav
efeel
i
ngsf
orhi
m?
(
hisv
oicest
art
lesme.
)
Me:
Noi
dont
!
Mi
guel
:Dontl
i
etome.
Me: Iam notl
ying!Hehasaneff
ectonmethati
cannotundestandbutidonthav
efeel
ingsf
or
him.
Miguel:Iwantt
obetheonlymanwhohasan
effectonyouNandi
phaWet hu.Dontev
ersee
thatKevinchar
act
eragai
n.
Me:
Youdontt
rustme?
Miguel
:No!i
dontt
rustmy
sel
fwheni
tcomest
o
you.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Backatt
her
est
urant
.
Xavi
eri
sstarr
ingatKevinamused.hecannot
st
oplaughi
ngathisfr
iend.
Xavi
er:Isee,
youhavenotl
ear
nty
ourl
esson
whenitcomestoothermen'
swoman.
Kev
in:
Didhej
ustt
hreat
enme?
?
Gab:
Iwi
ll
stayawayifiwereyouKev
in.Hi
sdad
i
soneoft
hepowerfulchi
efsi
nthi
scountr
y.
Kev
in:
asi
fial
sodonthav
epower
ful
par
ent
s.
Gab:Yourdadisi
npar
li
ament
,aMini
ster
,
becauseofvot
estommorowy
oucanwakeup
andhearheisnolongeraMi ni
ster
.i dontt
hink
youstandachancemyf r
iend,iam talki
ng
aboutaf ami
lyt
hatrul
edfor
generat
ions.
TheMokoenafamilyKev.
Kev
in:
Damn!Hei
sChi
efMokoena'
sson?
?
Gab:Yah,hear
drumourst
hathei
sev
ent
he
nextonthethr
oneseat
.
Kevi
n:Imightaswel
l
lgi
veuponher
.Butmy
gut
srefuse.
Xavier:
Youalwatslovedandventur
eandal i
ttl
e
bitofdangerKevbutIwouldnttakethatguy
l
ightlyi
fiwereyou.Gabri
eli
sitmeort hatgi
rl
hasy ouandGame'sresemblance?
Gab:
Thefi
rstt
imeisawhersher
emi
ndedme
somuchofGame.
kevi
n:Maybet
heol
dmanhadanot
her
concubi
ne.
Gab:Oh!may
bei
tsj
ustar
esembl
ancenot
hing
more.
Xav
ier
:Let
shopeso.
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
[
06/
22,
21:
17]Ron:
TheDr
eam.
I
nser
t57
Herheartispoundingasshestaresatthe
resul
tsthatherpri
vatei
nvest
igat
orbr ought.
Shedoesnotbel i
evehereyes!Howi siteven
possibl
e??Shesitsdownandr el
uctantly
reachesforherphoneanddialsNana's
number .
Me:
Kat
her
ine
Kat
h:Pr
ojectcompl
eted!
Me:
(exci
tedl
y)Real
l
y??
kat
h:Howf
astcany
ougether
e??
Me:
10mi
nut
es!
Kath:
Goodgetherequi
ck.Let
habowi
l
lopenf
or
youiam i
nthest
udy.
Me:
Okay
!
(Sher emai nsseat edinthesi tafterdropping
thecal l
.Fort hef i
rstti
meev ersinceshequi t
alcohol shewi shesshecoul dt akesomet hing
strongert obur ndownt hedeepsor r
owshe
feels.PoorNana! .Excatlytenmi nuteslatershe
wal ksin,Kathal way sadmir edherpet i
tebody ,
andherbi gey ebal l
smakeherbeaut i
ful
accust omedbyasmal lmout h.Inablackpenci l
dressandwhi t
ebl azershel ooksexceedi nly
beaut i
ful.Kathr eali
sesnowt hatNana' snose
andf oreheadar eexactlyli
keGameand
Gabr i
els.howdi dshenotnot icethisbefore.
.
..
..
..
.
IwatchasKathl
ooksatmewi thapal
efaceli
ke
shehasseenaghost !NonotGhostasin
Gabriel
butar
eal ghost.i
hugherandsett
le
downnexttoher.Sheisquiteandi
tscar
esme
Katheri
nei
sneverthisquit
e!)
Kat
h:Ifoundyourdadunf
ort
unat
elyhepassed
awayyearsago.
(myhear
tsinksit
houghtist
il
lhadachancebut
unf
ort
unatel
yfat
edisagr
ees)
Kath:
Butyoursi
bli
ngsar
estil
lal
i
vesoi
sthe
wif
e.Wil
lyouli
ketomeetthem!
Nana:
May
bei
cangett
hecl
osur
eiwant
.
Kath:
Youar emylat
eex-
fi
ancé'
shalfsi
ster
Nandipha.ThomasMoal
osiwasGabri
el'
s
fat
her.
(Myeyespopout
!!Ghostismybrother?
?
How???Ist
hatwhyifeelsoconnectedto
him?
?)
Kath:I
tissuchasmal l worldhey,iwasalso
j
olt
edj ustl
ikeyou.Iwishy oumetGabr i
elhe
wouldhav ewelcomedy ouwi thopenarms.
Atl
eastGamenowhasar ealsist
eriknowshe
wil
laccepty oubutasforIngridandAnabel.I
dontthinktheywil
leveraccepty ou.
(Oh!Kat
h!Howdoitel
lyouthati
alr
eadymet
Gabri
elt
hatwegetonli
kehouseandfi
re.My
Ghosti
sact
ual
l
ymybi
gbr
other
.)
Me:
Cani
seet
hem t
hough!
!
Kath:Gamei sinSchaefermarri
edtoaPri
nce
ther
ebuti will
tel
lherthegoodnews.Wecan
goseeI ngri
dbutcani suggestwepassbyyour
uncle,
idontwantt ofaceIngri
dalonet
hat
womani scapabl
eofany t
hing.
Me:
Okaynopr
obl
em.
kat
h:Letmegoandchange,
youwi
l
ldr
ive?
me:butwewi
llneedabi
gcari
ncaset
hisuncl
e
wanttogowi
thus.
kath:Wewi l
ltakeEt
han'sfor
tuner
.Icantwait
forthenexttwomont hstocome.Pregnancyi
s
suchat or
mentatt i
mes.
.
..
..
..
..
..
WeareinPhase2meet
ingsomemanwho
appar
ent
lyi
sdad'
sbrot
herheseemsexci
tedt
o
seeme.
Keaboka:ist
il
lcantbel
i
evethi
s,mybrot
her
spenthi
slastdayssear
chi
ngwholecountr
y
l
ookingforyou.
That
o:Shel
ooksl
i
keGabr
iel
.
Kat
h:Notf
orget
ti
ngGameaunt
y.
Keaboka:Yourgrandf
atherMoal
osiwil
lbev
ery
happy.Whereissheourlit
tl
eDayna.
Me:
Shei
saheadt
eacheri
nShoshong.
Thato:Sheal
way
ssai
dshewi
l
lbecomea
sucess.
Kath:
NandiphawantstomeetI
ngri
duncl
e
Keaboka,
isitpossi
blet
haty
oucould
accompanyus?
Keaboka:Youdonotev
enhavetoask.l
etge
grabmyjacketandwewil
lgo.
(Kat
heri
nesqueezesmyhandandi smi
leather
.
Sheissosupport
ivei
fsheknewthesecreti
keepfr
om her,
shewillnev
erev
enwanttosee
meagain..
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
I
m nerv
ousasi parkinf
rontthecompound,i
tis
abi
gwhi tecast
lehousewithhugescreenwall
.
Awomanst andsinfr
ontofthehouseaswe
wal
kinside.
I
ngri
d:Todaytheheavensar
elooki
ngdown
uponus,Youarehereinmycompound
Keaboka.
Keaboka:
Youal
way
sbeendr
amat
icI
ngr
id.
I
ngri
d:(
Looki
ngatKat
h)Thanky
ouf
orwhaty
ou
di
d.
Kat
h:Youwel
come.
I
ngri
d:Pl
easecomeinandl
etushearwhat
br
oughtyouher
ewit
hagang.
(Wewalkinsi
de,andsi
tdownint
roduct
ionsare
done.ImeetsomeladyhernameisAnabel,my
secondst
epsister
.)
Keaboka:
Wear
enotonasoci
alv
isi
tIngr
id.
Anabel
:Thatisobvi
ous,youcameal l
theway
fr
om Gaborone,obv
iousl
yitcannotbeasoci
al
vi
sit
.
Keaboka:
Nandi
phai
str
aci
ngherr
oot
s.
I
ngr
id:
Whatdoest
hatgott
owi
thus?
?
Keaboka:Thi
sDayna'sdaught
er.Thomas's
daughtert
hatyoudeniedi
nher
itanceaf
terhe
passedaway.
Ingri
d:iwil
lsayt hisoneandi tbetterbet helast
time.Idontwantt hischil
dher e,afterDay na
stol
emyhusband, shehadgut stocr yrape!
Whatr apewhenshewi l
li
nglyspreadherl egs
formyhusbandandusedhi sweakness, t
heir
adulter
yagainstust odestroyhisimagehe
workedhar dfor.IfindeedDay nawasr apedby
Thomast hent her apeproductwi l
lwantnot hing
todowi thus.Takey ourrapeproductamdget
outofmyhouseKeaboka.
Keaboka:
But
?
I
ngr
id:
Isaidtakeyourrapepr
oductandgetout
.
Nev
ereversetfooti
ntothi
scompoundagain.
(Iam t
hef i
rstt
orunout!Sothi
siswhoi am,
thi
siswhyDay nawasagainstmefindingmy
dad,becauseiam aRapeProduct!
!..
.!
!))
)
[
06/
22,
21:
17]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t58
Thel oveofamot herissopr eciousand
courageous!Amot heri sapr otecteranda
shiel
d.Myt hought sasi dri
v einfrontofour
home, icouldnotspendani ghtinGabor one
aft
eri knewt hetruth!Ihav et oseeherandhug
her.Fori am alivetodaybecauseofherbol d
decision.Abor t
ioni sill
egal inBot swanabut
al
lowedundercer taincondi tionsr apebei ngone
ofthem.Day naunl ikeot herwomenwhoal ways
getridoft heconst antr emi nderoft heawr ful
eventshet ookadeci si
ont okeept her eminder.
Thedooropensasi packi nfrontoft hehouse,
sheisi nagownl ooki ngatt hecar .Istopt he
carandr uni
ntoherembrace.Iowethi
swoman
mylif
e!!Icannotcont
ainmyselfisobandshe
j
oinsin,somanyunspokenwor dsbutoursoul
connects.
'
Day
na:
itakei
tthaty
ouknow.
(
Wear eonthef
loor,myheadonherlap.Sheis
wi
pingawaymyt ear
sthatcannotst
optoflow)
Me:Imetanevil
womantoday
, hernamewas
I
ngr
id,shecal
l
edmea"rapeproduct".
Dayna:Thatwomanhasal way
sbeenawi t
ch.
(Makingmesitup)lookatmeNandipha!Dont
l
etwhatthatbit
terwomansaidgettoyou.You
arenorapeproduct
, y
ouaremydaughter
despi
tethecir
cumstancessur
roundi
ngy our
bir
thbutyoumineandi l
oveyousoverymuch!
Me:
Howcomey
ounev
ersai
dany
thi
ng?
Dayna:iwant
edtopr
otectyou!Youmy
pr
eciousgem st
onet
hati wanttokeep
pr
otect
edal
lthet
ime.
Me:cany
out el
lmewhathapenned?
?Di
d
Thomasreal
l
yrapey
ou??
Dayna:comeletusmakepepper
mintt
eaandi
wil
ltel
lyoual
labouti
t.
.
..
..
..
..
Weareinthel
i
vingr
oom hav
ingt
eawi
th
cooki
es.
Day na: 20y earsagoi wor kedasaper sonal
assi stanttoDrThomasi nMoshupa.Hi swife
Ingr i
dwasr eallyi
nsecurewi thmewor kingfor
him asherhusbandhadal readycheatedonher
andbor eachi l
dwithanot herwoman.SoI ngri
d
spr eadr umour saroundt hev i
ll
agethati was
herhusband' smi st
ressal thoughnoneofi twas
nott rue.Bef oreiknowi tiwast al
koft own.One
nightThomascameov er,i l
ethiminbecausei
thoughti twaswor krelated, hewaswast edand
keptsay ingi shoul
dlethimt apitbecausei
alreadydamagedhi sreput ation.Iaskedhi mt o
l
eav ebuthewouldntbudge, ever
ythi
ng
happenedinasplitsecond,onemi nuteiwas
draggi
nghim outthenexti wasont hefl
oor,
underhispowerf
ul cl
aws, i
triedt
of i
ghthim of
f
buthewast oostrong,igaveupandl ethi
m
havehiswaywithme.
Me:
Iam sosor
ry,
didy
our
epor
thi
m??
Dayna: Idi
dbutt hecasenev erwentanyf urt
her
fortheyboughtt hepol iceof fi
cerwhowas
handlingthecase.Noonebel i
evedmeand
thosewhodi dbel ievedi deser v
edit.Iwas
l
abelledahomewr eckert r
yingtodestroya
goodman' simage.Ir anawayt ostart
somewher enew, buti reali
sedamont hlater
wheni wasnowaccept edatSer owecol l
ege
thatiam pr egnantwi thyou.Iknewmyl i
fe
wouldchangebuti wasr eadyt otakewhat ever
l
ifethrewatusf ori hadf al
leninlovewi t
hmy
nanabef orei evenhel dher .
Me:
WhataboutThomas?
?Di
dheknowi
exi
st?
?
Dayna:i
contactedhim wheny ouwer e5, he
cameandt ookuswi thhim butIngr
idwant ed
nothi
ngtodowi thusandpr omisedtoki l
lyou.I
ranawayagainwi t
hy ouandmadesur ewe
werenotfound.Wheny ouwere10i heardhe
passedawayrumour ssaidthatIngri
dkill
edhim
forhepl
annedt odivorceherfortheotherbaby
mama!
Me:Iwoul
dntdoubttherumoursKatht
oldme
t
hatwomanishat ef
ul.(
Huggi
ngher)Thankyou
f
ortel
li
ngmei knowitwasnoteasy.Il
oveyou.
Day
na:
ilov
eyouNanawame.
Me:
myheadhur
tscani
takeabat
handsl
eep.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
I
t4inthemorning,wheni dri
veoutofmy
mother'
scompound.Shei sfastasleep,
soi
wri
teheranoteandl etherknowi havegone
backtotheci
ty.Reachingformyphonet her
e
aremanymi ssedcal l
sfrom Miguel.Iignore
them andcal l
Gabr i
elaskingtoseehi m.He
senddi r
ectiont owher eheis,iam luckyt hathe
i
si nBotswana.It extMiguellet
ti
nghi m knowi
am okayt hendr ivetoJwaneng.Ineedt osee
Gabr i
elfi
rst.Ibuzzt heinter
com andwai tfor
thegatest oopen.Ther eissecuri
typer sonelso
KingXav i
erMi ghtbeher ebutidontcar e,i
attackGabr i
el wit
hf i
rstbeati
nghishar drock
chestassoonasheopens, tearsstream down
myf ace.
Gab:
(huggi
ngme)Hey
!Ki
ddot
alkt
ome,
what
i
swrong??
(Iam wett
inghistshir
tandidontcare,
hei smy
bigbrot
her.Taki
ngmyhandhel eadstothe
couch,Xavier
,st
andsbyt hewindowwat ching
us.Ical
m downaf tersometime)
Gab:
Cany
out
ell
me,
whati
swr
ong?
?
Me:
Youar
emybr
other
,thati
swhati
swr
ong?
?
(
Hel
ooksatmeshocked)
Xav
ier
:iknewi
t!
Gab:
How?
?
Me:(
ibl
urti
tout)Yourf
atherr
apedmymom
andiwastheoutcome.
Gab:
Howdi
dyouf
indout
??
Me:Kather
inehel
pedmefindmydad,andy
our
evi
lmotherconf
ir
meditbefor
eshet
hrewme
outfort
hesecondti
me.
Gab:
Whatdoy
oumeansecondt
ime?
Me:Shet
hrewusoutagai
nwheni wasfi
ve?
Whyarey
ourpar
entssocoldhear
ted?
?
Gab:Youar ethelit
tl
egirlwhoi sawwit
hat i
ny
motherwheni was15.Myf athertol
dmei have
asisterouttherebutithoughthemeantGame.
Iam sorryki
ddof orall
y ouhadtoendure
i
ncludingmyev ilmother.
(
Het
akesmei
nhi
sar
msandhugsme,
)
Gab:
Butl
ookont
hebr
ightsi
de,
younowgota
l
ovi
ngol
derbr
otherandsi
ster
.
Xav
ier
:Dontf
orgett
oment
iondeadbr
other
.
(Myeyesarecl
osi
ngsl
owly,
iam onGab'
slap
andheisrocki
ngmetosl
eep.Ihearmai
ndoor
open)
Kev
in:
Whoi
sdr
ivi
ngt
hebeastpar
kedo.
..
..
.!
!
Oh!
Gab:
Shh!
!
(IknowitisKevi
nbuti
dontev
enhav estr
engt
h
toopenmyey esandseehi
m.Ijustwantmybig
brother
'scomfor
t)
[
06/
22,
21:
17]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t59
Idontknowknowwher eiwantt ogobuti know
iam notyetreadytofaceev er
yone.Iwantto
giv
emy selfti
met oabsorbinthenewsonmy
own.Iwakeupandi m surr
oundedbyst range
surr
oundings.Iremembert hatif
ellasl
eepin
Gabri
el'
sarms.Igetoft hebedandwal kt othe
l
iv
ingroom, t
heydonthearmeasicomein.I
am abouttomakethem awareofmypr
esence
whenXav i
er'
sstat
ementstops.
Xavier
:NoGabr i
elwehaveheldyoursecretfor
toolong,doyoureal
iset
hatGameandTheo
maynev erspeaktomeagainoncetheyr eal
ise
thatihaveknownfor3yearsthaty
oual i
ve.
Nowy ouev enpul
li
ngthehelpl
essgir
linthis
webofsecr et
s.
Kevi
n:Heisaski
ngf
orsomet
imet
ocol
l
ect
hi
mself.
Xavi
er:Shutup!Kevdonty outhi
nki seewhy
youagreeingtokeepthisnonsensey ouwantt
o
j
usttolureherwithyourcharms.Itwill
not
happenwhi l
eiam sti
llher
e.
Gabri
el:Justshutupbothofy
ou!Ther eason
whyi am sayi
nggivemet i
mebefor
ei comeout
oftheshadowsi sbecausemyappl
icationis
bei
ngpr ocessed.
Xav
ier
:appl
i
cat
ionwher
e??Any
onewi
l
lbea
foolnott
ohir
ey ou,youar
easpeci
ali
stf
orpi
t
sakeincadi
o-surger
y.
Gabriel:
iknowtheypromisedt
ocont
actsoon
butialsohavetomakesur eil
eav
emyhospit
al
thatsideingoodhands.
Xav
ier
:Howl
ongwi
l
lthatt
ake?
?
Gabr
iel
:Pr
obabl
y6-
8mont
hs.
Xavi
er:
8mont hsmaxt hathowl
ongi
wil
lgi
ve
you,
orelsei
wi l
ltel
lGame.
Kev:Rel
axwilly
ou!I
tsagoodt
hingt
hatshei
s
yoursi
sterGab.
Xav
ier
:Why
??
Kev
:becausey
oucanputi
ngoodwor
dforme.
Gab:No!Act
ual
l
yi wanty
outostayawayasf
ar
awayfr
om mysist
eraspossi
ble.
Kev
:Youdontmeant
hat
!
Xavi
er:
Yeshedoes,
findsomeoneel
set
opl
ay
wit
h.
(
Ithi
nki hav
eheardenoughnow,icl
earmy
t
hroatandtheyal
ltur
ntolookatme.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
(
Gabr
iel
wal
ksupt
ome.)
Gab:
hey
!Ki
ddoy
ouar
eawake.
Me:
yah!
Gab:
feel
i
ngbet
ter
??
Me:
awesome.
Gab:
goi
nghome?
?
Me:
No!
Xav i
er:whatdoy oumeanno?Youareaware
thatthisscam bagistry
ingt
ogetint
oyour
pants.Andhemi ghtt
akeadvant
ageofyour
vulnerabi
li
ty.
Kev
in:
Xav
ier
!
Me: i
alsodidnotsayiam st
ayi
nghere.Idont
knowwher eiam goi
ngbutiam noty
etr eadyt
o
faceever
yone.
Gabr
iel
:HowaboutPr
etor
ia?
?
(weal
ll
ookathi
m)
Gabri
el:
ihav
etogobackandsor
tev
ery
thi
ng
out
!
Me:idontknow,
iwoul
dntwantt
oimposeon
you.
Xav i
er:Lookwhodoesntwantt oimposenow!
Youwi llei
thergowithyourghostbrotheror
retur
nhome, becauseiam notl
etti
ngy ougo
outtheresoemot i
onalt
hisworl
disf ull
predatorsli
keKev i
nlooki
ngforprey.youmy
fri
endKevbuty ouful
lofshit
!
(
Hemightbecol
dbuthehasacari
ngsi
de.Now
i
seewhyheisfr
iendswi
thGab)
Me:
Iwi
l
lgowi
thGabr
iel
,mypasspor
tisi
ncar
.
Xavier
:Gr
eatl
etmecal
lmypi
l
ott
ogett
hej
et
ready.
(
Ilookathi
m andsmi
l
e.Hel
i
kest
obeont
opof
t
hings.
.
..
..
.
Anhourl
aterweonhi
sjetheadingtoPr
etor
ia
j
ustmysel
fandmyghostbrother.
Gab:
Whati
samusi
ngy
ou?
?
Me:Ij
ustneversawt
hisonecomi
ng,
youmy
bi
gbrother
.
Gab:
i sawitcomi
ngj
ustt
hatiwasi
ndeni
al.
YouresembleGamesomuch.
Me:
Theonemar
ri
edt
oXav
ier
'sbr
other
.
Gab:Yesher
,Weall
lookli
kedadexpectBel
l
a
someti
mesiwonderifdadi
sherfat
her.
Me:
Iam suprisedthaty
ounotsupr
isedabout
t
herapei
ncident.
Gab: Thati
sbecausei hear
daboutitwheni
wasy oungf orwhati
swor t
hibeli
eveyour
mot herbecausesheisnottheonl
ywomanhe
raped.Ourfatherwassomef **
kedupman.
Me:
Hesoundsbad!
Gab:hewasbuthelovedusdear
ly.Nanaabout
Kath,
iknowiam ask.
..
..
Me:(
int
err
upt
inghim)Iti
sokay
,iwi
l
lkeept
he
secr
etti
ll
youready.
Gab:
thanky
ou!
Me:
Justdontt
akeforever,
Xavi
ermi
ghtspi
l
l
t
hebeans.
iwasnoteasdroppi
ng.
.
.
Thepeoplear egatheredi ntheli
vi
ngr oom,
Katheri
neev enregretsf i
ndingNana'sfather
andtakinghertoseeI ngri
d.ShelooksatDay na
whoi sinthecouchwi thafleeceonhertokeep
herwarm nexttoheri samanwhosenamei s
Othusit
se.It
salmostaweeknow, and
Nandiphaisstil
lmi ssing.Thereseemst obeno
tr
aceofherwher eabout s,
hercaralongwi th
cel
lphoneandcr editcar swerefoundatt he
ai
rporttheonlythingmi ssingwasherpasspor t
.
KathlooksatMi guel whohasnotshav edor
eatenindays,hespendsdayandni ght
searchingf orhisf
iancée.Hisphoneringsand
heex cuseshi mself.Whenhecomesbackhe
grabshi sjacketandpasspor trunst
ot hedoor
.
Ethanfol l
owhi m withThabiso.Butr
eturn
shortl
y.Ev eryonelookatthem expecti
ngan
explanation.
Thabi
so:Hesay
sweshouldgi
vehi
m,8hour
s
hewil
lbebackwit
hNandi
.
Et
han:
(looki
ngathi
swi
fe)Het
ookt
hej
et.
Kat
h:Okay
!Al
lwecandonowi
swai
t.
Kat
:Letgomaket
ea.
Mpho:
iwi
l
lhel
p.
.
..
..
..
..
.
Iam standi
ngbyt hebal
conystar
ringoutsi
de.I
knowi havetogobackhomebuti wishican
j
uststayher eforsometime.I
tfeelsgoodtobe
awayfrom thepr essur
esofmyl i
fe.Thedoor
bel
lri
ngsst art
li
ngme, Gabri
elhashisownkey s
whocoul di
tbe.Rel uct
antl
yiwalktot hedoor
.
Wheniopeni
gett
heshockofmylif
e.Hisey
es
ar
ecol
dandhavedar
kcir
clesar
oundthem.He
l
ooksl
i
kehehasnotshav
edindays.
Me:
Miguel
!Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Gab:
ical
l
edhi
m!I
tist
imet
ogohomeki
ddo!
'
'
[
06/
22,
21:
17]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t60
Mi
guel
:iwi
l
lwai
tint
hecardownst
air
s.
Gab:
shewi
l
lbet
her
einabi
t.
(Heturnsandwalkaway
.IlookatGabr
iel
wit
h
questi
oningey
es!Howdarehe? ?
?)
Me:
Whydi
dyout
ell
him?
?
Gab:ThatmanlovesyouNandiphaandi
knowi
wil
lgocrazyifi
didnotknowyour
whereabout
s.
Me:
Doesheknowt
het
rut
h?
Gab:
Nohedoesnot
.
Me:Thenhowam igoi
ngt
oexplainall
these,
whymustyouputmeinst
ickysi
tuat
ions??
Gab:i
tol
dhim wear
enothi
ngbutf
ri
ends.Dont
keept
hepoormanwait
ing.
Me:Youhav
ether
ightt
otel
lmysecr
etsandi
dont
.
Gab:Youf
orgetthatiam t
heolderoneher
e,i
knowwhatisbestformylit
tl
esist
er.
(i
got
akemypasspor
t)
Gab:
Youar
eleav
ingt
hecl
othes?
?
Me:Akerethisismybr other'
shouseicando
whatil
ike.tellyourgi
rl
fr
iendstostayaway
f
rom mycl othes.
Gab:
Asi
fihav
eone.
(
Ihughi
mti
ght
ly)
Me:
Wrapupev
ery
thi
ngandcomehomesooni
needy
ouf
ormyweddi
ng.
Gab:Iwil
lki
ddo.Whenitget
stoughremember
bi
gbrotheri
sjustaphonecal
laway.Lov
eyou
ki
ddo.
Me:
Stopcal
l
ingmeki
ddo.Il
ovey
ou.
(
Iwal
koutoft
her
oom)
.
..
..
..
..
..
Wear efl
yi
nghome, noonehasut teredaword
sincewel eftGabri
el'
sapar t
ment .Iwantt o
reachoutbuti dontev enknowwher etost
art.I
unbucklemyseatbel t
s,hi
sey esar eonme.I
wal kuptohi midontknowhi sreactionbuti
dontcar eaboutitr
ightnow.Asmuchasi hate
toadmi tbutimissedhi m alot.Ilovethisman,i
knowi tseemsasi fi t
akehisl oveforgranted
butdeepdowni knowhei stheonl ymani want
tospendr estofmyl if
ewith.Isitonhi slapand
restmyheadonhi sshoulderr ubbingmy
foreheadagainsthisunshav edcheek.Ihear
himt akeadeepbr eathbeforegul pingdownt he
brandyonhi
shand.Hemakesnoat
temptto
touchme.At
leasthel
etmesi
tonhi
slap.
.
..
..
..
..
Wegethomeandi tisal
readylate.west i
llhav
e
notsaidawor dtoeachot her
.Heonl ywokeme
upbyst ri
rr
ingmewhenwear r
ived.Iwi shhe
couldjustsnapatmeory el
latmej ustdo
somethingr at
herthanthesil
entt r
eatmenthei s
givi
ngme.Thedooropensandi stepin,mom is
thefi
rstpersontor ushtome.Ihugherasshe
cri
esonmyshoul der.
Day
na:
Whydoy
ouhav
etoscar
emel
i
ket
his?
?
Me:(wipi
nghertear
saway
)Iam her
enow,
you
canstopworr
ying.
(Il
eadherbackt
othecouchandshesi
tsdown
andhugmet oherchest
,)
Me:
Iam sor
ryi
didntmeant
owor
ryanyofy
ou.
(IhugMphofol
lowedbyemot
ional
Lisa,
kat
h
andLorat
olast
ly.
)
Thabi
so:
Wher
ewer
eyou?
?
Me:Ihadtogoawayf
orsomet
ime.Iwasi
n
Pr
etori
a.
Mpho:
Pret
ori
a??
?
Me:
Loy
isoof
fer
edmeaccomodat
iont
her
e.
Dayna:Whymakeev er
yoneworr
yaboutyou,
wasteresour
cesandtimewhi
leyouenjoy
ed,
yourselfi
nPret
ori
a.Youarer
eal
lysel
ff
ish
Nandipha.
Me: Iam noty oumama, iam notst rongasy ou
are.Dontst andthereandj udgemef ormaki ng
adecisiont hatonlymadesenseatt hemoment .
Whatdi dy ouwantmet odost ayhereand
receiv
eev eryone'spity.Itisnotev er
y daythata
23y earsladyfindsoutt hatt heywer e
conceivedbecauset heirmot herwasr aped.
Andt omakemat t
erswor set hecoldbast ar
d
whodi ditisdeadl eavingbehi ndacol devil
wife
whor ubsi nyourfacehowmuchofar ape
productyouar e.Ineededt imeonmyownt o
absorbal
lthati
fitseemssel
ffi
sht
oyouiam
sorr
ybutiam notabouttoapol
ogi
sef
or
wanti
ngsomet i
meal one.
'
(Iwal
ktothepoolsi
deandsi tdownfaci
ngthe
water
sastearsfal
l,
someonesi nksbesi
deme,i
l
iftmyeyesandnoti
cet hati
tisOtt
y.Icr
yinhi
s
armsandheletsme, soothi
ngmel i
keadadwil
l
dotohisdaught
er.
)
Ott
y:Shei
sjusthur
tandangr
ygi
vehersome
t
ime.
Me:Iknowitwasasel
ff
ishdeci
sionbuti
had
nochoice.
Otty
:Iknowiti
sokayNana, youbeenthr
ough
somuchweal lunderstand.Noneofiti
syour
faul
tstopbeat
ingyourselfup.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
orundest
andi
ng.
Ott
y:Comet heyhav
epr
epar
edani
cemeal
and
i
tisgett
ingcold.
(walkbacki nsidet hehouseev eryonei sbyt he
dinningt abl
eeat ing.Isitnextt omom, who
squeezesmyhand.Mi guel i
st hef i
rsttof i
nish
andexcuseshi msel f.Lor atoandKatcl eart he
dishes.andt heyst artleav i
ngonebyone.Mom
goeswi thOt t
y ,iguesst her elati
onshi pis
gettingmor eser i
ousr i
ghtnownott hati mi nd
hei sani ceman.Ipr omi set oseeher
tommor ow.Mphoscol dsmebef oreshegoes.
Afterseei ngt helastguestout ,igetnerv ous
now, i
dontknowhowi am todeal withthe
angr yMi guel.Iam usedt othepossesi ve,lovi
ng
andj ealousMi guel.Theangr yoneal way s
makesmener vous.Iwal kt other oom andi ti
s
dark, iwalktot hebat hroom andhav eashower ,
thennakedi got obedandgeti n.Ireall
yhope
thiswor k,ineedhi mt ol osehi sangersowe
cant alkandt hisistheonl ywayi knowhow.
.
..
..
Asigeti
nbed!Helooksatmestunned.Iput
myheadonhischestandki
ssi
t.Whilemy
handsexplor
ehi
sincr
edi
blebody
,if
eel
hishar
d
shaftbef
orehegr
absbot
hmyhands.
Mi
guel
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
?
(Thefactt
hathei
sangr
ybutar
ousedgi
vesme
courage)
Me:
Iwanty
ou,
Ndi
ye.
(Ifr
enchki
sshi
m bef
oresl
ammi
ngmyl
i
psi
nto
his)
Mi
guel
:iam soangr
yNandi
pha,
iam af
rai
di
mi
ghthurty
ou.
Me:I
tissti
ll
okay.Icantakeit
,al
lofyour
f
rust
rat
ionsbutnotyoursil
enceandcoldness.
(Hetakesadeepbr eaththenkissesme, hi
sli
ps
arenotasgentleasalway s,
theyarealmost
viol
enthishandsarerough.Ishouldbe
despisi
ngthisbutil
oveit,il
ovet hi
sroughness.
)
.
..
..
..
.
iwakeupi nt hemi ddleoft heni ghtal oneinbed.
Thebedsi del ampi son.Iwakeupandwal kto
thebathroom t oaccessmybody ,
iknowt her
e
arebruises,mybodyi sf r
agil
e.Ofcour sether
e
arebruises,theyr emi ndmesomuchoft he
nighthecamebackf rom hist ripanddumped
me.SuchaToxi clove!!Iknownowt hatwhen
heusangr yroughl ovemaki ngl oosenshi s
angerbuti talsol eaveshi mf eelingsad.Igr ab
hisshirtasi got olookf orhim.Ihav eabeart o
soften.Hei si nhisstudyl i
kei predictedinthe
dark.Iwalki nsideandset tl
ei nfrontofhi m.
Mi
guel
:Gobackt
obedNandi
pha!
Me:
No!
(
Hel
ooksatmebr
ief
ly)
Mi
guel
:iam noti
nthemood.Gobackt
obed.
Me:
Noti
fyouar
enotcomi
ngwi
thme.
Mi
guel
:Whyhi
m??
Me:
Hei
sli
keabi
gbr
otheri
nev
erhad.Iknewi
couldfi
ndcomf orti
nyoubutatt hatmomenti
neededbr otherl
ylovemore.Idonthavefeel
i
ngs
forhim,yout heonlymani l
ove,butIseeLoyi
so
asmybr ot herpl
easedontmakemenotsee
him agai
n.
(Hiseyesareonme,myheadisdownf umbli
ng
wit
hmyhands.Iknowi shoul
dtel
lthetr
uthbut
iam notyetr
eadyt
ogiv
eoutmybr other.
)
Miguel:
Okaybutnextti
mei wi
l
lappr
eci
atei
tif
youletmeknowy ourwher
eabout
sihat
e
f
eeli
nghelpl
essNandi.
Me:
Andt
her
ewi
l
lnev
erbeanextt
ime.
Miguel
:(hepushesmeont hecouchandgets
ontopofme)Andi twil
lbet hel
asttimeyou
makemet akemyf rust
rat
ionsony ou.Andyou
defyme,areweclear?
Me:
Yes!
Miguel
:(ki
ssi
ngmyneck)Letmesmoot
henal
l
t
hepainf r
om t
hebr
uises.
(Thi
sisadangerousaffai
rwhichscaremeat
ti
mesbuttherei
snopl acethatiwouldrat
her
bethanr
ighther
ewi t
hmyl egsaroundhiml i
ke
thi
s.Hei
smyst eroi
dsandi am addict
edtohim!
)
[
06/
23,
12:
26]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t61
6MONTHSLATER
Everyt
hingi sgoingwel ljust3weeksawayf rom
myweddi ngday ,everythingexecptt hati donot
haveav enue, mymom want st heweddingi na
Garden.Maggi et hi
nkst heweddi ngshouldbe
atthei
rhome.Thet hingi smeandMi guel we
wantsomet hi
ngdi fferent ,i
nBot swanathey
usedtohav i
ngdoubl eweddi ngsoneatt he
groom'spl acethet hef ollowingweekatt he
bri
de'splace.Itsomet hingwecanaf f
ordbut
notsomet hi
ngwewant .Iam wi t
hbotht he
womenwhol ookr eadyt oki l
l eachother.
Day
na:
No!Mydaught
er'
sweddi
ngwi
l
lbe
di
ff
erent
,nott
hisbor
ingt
swanaweddi
ngswe
al
wayshave.
Maggi
e:I
tisal
somyson'sweddi
ngihav
ebeen
pl
anni
ngfort
hismomental
lmyli
fe.
Dayna:Yety
ouwantust
ositi
nat
entt
hewhol
e
day
, wherei
sthef
unint
hat
??
Maggie:
Whowantst
osi
tinagar
deni
nthis
weat
her?Wheny
oucanaf
for
dacosybeauti
ful
t
ent.
?
Dayna:Yougotmarri
edinatentcent
uri
esago
andnowi nthi
serayousti
l
lwantourchil
drent
o
beinatent.Whyarepeopl
esoslowforchange?
Forcry
ingoutloudt
hisist
he21stcentur
y.
(Ir
oll
myey es.Goshhowmuchlongershouldi
endure?Myphoneringsandi
excusemy sel
f.
)
Me:
Myl
ove!
Mi
guel
:Howi
sitgoi
ng?
Me:west
il
lhavenotmadeanypr
ogr
ess,
Dayna
want
sagardenweddi
ng,Maggi
ewantst
he
weddi
ngaty
ourhome.
Miguel
:(l
aughing)idontwi
shtobeyouri
ght
now!Butbabeatt heendofthedayt
hisy
our
daywhatdoy ouwant ?
?
Me:Idontknow,waitit
hinki
hav
eani
dea.
ThankyouNdiye.Il
oveyou.
(Ihungupandwalkupt
othewomanf
ight
ing
overthevenue)
Me:Canwest
opandl
i
stent
owhati
want
!The
br
ide.
(
Theybot
hkeepqui
teandl
ookatme)
Me: Thanky ou!Thi siswhati want,awanta
gardenweddi nginal odge,butialsowanta
tradit
ionalweddi nginat ent
.Soher eiswhat
wi l
lhappeni wi l
lmakeacompr omi se,have
double, mor ninginal odgethatshouldbei n
Seroweaf t
ernoonaf t
erchangeofat ti
rewewi l
l
l
eav et otheMokoenacompoundt ocont i
nue
thepr ogram.Ihav eameet i
ngwi t
ht hegirl
s.So
maket
hatwor
k.
(
Igrabmyhandbagandwal koutli
teral
l
y
r
unningbeforeanyofthem cancal
l meback.I
missNdiye!Ihav
emov edbacktomyhouse2
monthsbackandi hav
enotseenhi m sincea
weekago.Hewenthomepr epar
ingforthe
weddingalso.
)
.
..
..
..
.
Iwalkintot heshopandspott hem, theyhel pi
ng
mechooseacakeaf t
erMiguelmadei tclearhe
hasnoi ntenti
onoft aki
ngpartinit.Kather i
neis
l
osingt hebabyf atandglowing,shegav ebirt
h
toaheal thyli
tt
leboy4mont hsagowhowas
named" Hercul
es"becausehei ssost rong.Noi
am kiddinghewasnamed" Mogopodi Lloyd
Brownley .
"Loratoalsoseemst obegl owi ng
every
thingi sgoingwellwit
hhusbandi guess.
KatandMphoar ebothhappyandexci tedabout
theweddi ng.Lisaiskeenonbeingt he
bri
demai ddespi t
eherbigbabybump.Ihope
herwat
erdoesnotbr eakduringmymoment .I
wil
lhat
eherfoli
fe.Igreetthem asisi
tdown.
Me:Sorr
yitookl
onghadt odeal wi
tht
wo
mother
swhot hi
nkthisweddi ngist
heir
s.
Kat
h:I
t'
sourweddi
ng!
Me:
Eish!Tel
lmeabouti
t!Canwest
art
?
Mpho:Wehav
ebeenwai
ti
ngf
ory
oumadam
br
ide.
Lorato:
Idontmindanysugart
oday
,ihav
ea
reasontobehappy?
Kat
h:Whodi
edt
hist
imear
ound?
?
Lorato:doy
ouguy sremembertheli
tt
lesl
ut
whoopenedherl egsformyhusbandandcri
ed
pregnancyt
hinki
ngi wil
ll
eav
ehisa*sforher
.
Me:
Howcoul
dwepossi
blyf
orget
??
Lorato:
Turnsoutthebi**
hwantedt
omilkus
dryforachil
dthatisnotnotev
enour
s.
Kat
:Howdoy
ouknow,
hei
snothi
s?
Lorat
o:Honey
!Justonelookatt
hatchar
coal
babywasenoughtogiv
emeamot i
ve.Adna
test
.
("Charcoal
"weal l
laugh,theLeo-Lorat
ofam i
s
goodwi thni
cknameswehav emov edfr
om "
thi
n
a*snigga"to"Charcoalbabi
es".
)
Mpho:Ao!Lor
atommal
egal
alel
elent
sho
yaana!
Lor
ato:
yesimagnehowblackachar
coal
isand
howwhitemyhusbandi
s.
Kat
h:shenev
ersawi
tcomi
ng?
Lorat
o:Neit
herdidi,nowidonthav
eanybaby
mamadr amatodeal wit
h,j
ustasexbeast
husbandtosati
sfy.
Kath:Minemustbedeadbynow, imeani thas
been4mont hsnowsincehehadi t
,cantwait
forLl
yodtoturn6monthssoi cangiveittohi
m
good.Iam sur
eiwontevenfeelmyl egsthe
nextday.
Me:Andherei
wast
hinki
ngiam theonewho
hastodeal
wit
hahi
ghsexualdr
ivepart
ner
al
one.
Mpho:youhaventseenanyt
hingy
et,
wai tti
ll
he
ownsthecooki
elegall
yandhewil
lbetelli
ng
youabouthi
sconjugalr
ight
sdayandnight!
Kat:
Someti
mesiwonderwher
eheget
shi
s
ener
gywherei
dontgeti
t.
Li
sa:Iam begi
nni
ngt
othinkhest
arts
ar
gumentswi t
hmesothatwecanjusthav
e
makeupsex.
Lor
ato:Powerofcookie,i
twil
lgethi
m maki
ng
al
lpromisesthathecannotkeep,
li
ke"i
wil
l
Bri
ngheav endownforyoubabe".
(Weallbur
stoutl
aughi
ng.Imi
ssedLor
ato'
s
crazy
nesstrut
hbetol
d)
.
..
..
..
.
Kather
inewalksi
ntoherhouse,themai
dtel
ls
hertogotothestudyherhusbandiswai
ti
ngfor
hert
here.Shewal
ksi
nandf
indshi
m busy
makingphonecal
l
s.
Kat
h:Youl
ookdi
str
essedwhati
swr
ong?
?
Et
han:
Let
habor
anawayf
rom school
.
Kat
h:what
??How?
?
Et
han:Apparentl
ythatwomanhi
sbi
ologi
cal
motherwentthereandtol
dhi
mthet
ruth.
Kath:
iswearthiswomanistesti
ngmypat i
ence,
howmuchl ongershoul
ditel
lhertost
ayaway
fr
om mybaby .I
fanythi
nghappenstomyboy
shewill
knownott omesswithKather
ine.
Ethan:
ihaveoursecur
itylooki
mgf
orhi
mlet
s
hopetheywil
lfi
ndhim soon.
Kat
h:i
shoul
dhavel
i
stenedtoyouwhenyou
sai
dwetel
lhi
mthetr
uthabouthi
spater
nit
y.
Ethan:(
huggi
ngher)thisi
snotimetobe
bl
ami ngour
sel
v esSunshi
ne.Wehavetofi
nd
ourboyandbringhim home.Hebel
ongshere
withus.
.
..
..
..
.
[
06/
23,
12:
26]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t62
Ifeelli
ket hedr amai nourl ivesnev erstops.I
glanceatt heemot i
onal Kat
her ine,herchi l
dhas
beenmi ssi ngf oradaynow, noonebodyknows
wher ehecoul dpossi blybe.Cantweal ljust
hav ehappynor mal li
feswi t
houtt histri
alsand
tri
bulati
onsi knowi nJAMES1VERSE2- 3It
say s"Whent roublescomesy ourwayconsi der
i
tanoppot uni tyforgr eatj
oy.Fory ouknowt hat
whenf aithi ttestedyourendur ancehasa
chancet ogr ow"howev erifeel l
ikeourf aithis
forevertest ed, howmuchshoul dGodt estus.
Thephoner ingingbringsmeback, ir
ealisei
musthav ezonedout !Ethanpi cksituponi ts
secondr ing.
Ethan:
Brownl
eyResi
dent
s,howmayi
hel
p
you?
Nur
se:
Wear
ecal
l
ingf
rom Pr
incessMar
ina
Hospital
,wearecal
li
ngtoletyouknowthat
yoursonhasbeenadmi t
ted,hehasbeen
i
nvolvedinacaracci
dent.
Et
han:
Caracci
dent
??
Nurse:Yessir
,Thepol
icedepart
mentwill
contactyousoon,
butiti
sbeli
evedthatheand
hisfri
endsweredri
nki
nganddrivi
ng.Weneed
youtocomeandsi gnhispaper
ssohecan
undergosurger
y.
Ethan:Ir
equestt
hathebetransfer
edt
o
GaboronePri
vateHospi
tal
.Iwill
meethim
there.
Nur
se:
Okayt
hanky
ousi
r.
(Hehangsup,helooksdefeat
edforasecond,
Kather
inel
ooksathim andcri
es.
weallheard
whatthenursesai
d)
Har
ry:
Ther
eisnot
imet
owast
eletusgo.
Ezr
a:Pennyandi
wil
lremai
nwi
tht
hechi
l
dren
her
e.
Ethan:
Thankyoumom!Sunshi
nel
etusgo,
our
boyneedsus.
.
..
..
.
Weallgett
ot hehospi
talf
locki
nginl
ikebees.
Thenurseushersustothepriv
atewait
ing
room.
Nurse:Yoursoni sbeingatt
endedbytwoofour
overqual
if
ieddoct or
s.Webelievehewil
lmakeit
.
Pleasewaitherethedoctorwill
comeaddress
youoncehi ssurgeryisdone.
Har
ry:
Thanky
ou!
Nurse:
Ift
her
eisany
thi
ngy
ouneedpl
easel
et
usknow!
(Shewalksout,il
ookaroundandev ery
oneis
fi
ndingcomforti
nt hei
rpart
nersatthi
s
part
icul
arti
mei wishNdiyewasal sohere.I
needhim.Isitononeoft hebenchesast wo
poli
ceoffi
cerswalkin)
Pol
i
ceOf
fi
cer1:
Wear
elooki
ngf
orMrandMr
s
Br
ownl
ey.
Et
han:
Thatsus,
howcanwehel
pyou
of
fi
cer
s??
P.Offi
cer2:Wearei
nvest
igat
ingt
heacci
dent
thathappenedt
oday!
Thabi
so:Thei
rsonisinthei
rfi
ght
ingfort
hei
r
l
ives,
can'
tyoudothissomeotherti
me.
P.Off
icer1:Weundest andyourpainbutwe
needt odoourjob,thi
scaraccidenthaski
ll
ed3
people.Yoursonandhi sotherf
ri
endarethe
onlyonesaliv
e.The2gi rl
stheywerewithal
ong
withtheotherdri
verfr
om theothercarcoul
d
di
dnotmakei t.
Et
han:
Iti
sokayIwi
l
ltal
ktot
hem.
(
Justastheyabouttostepout
sidet
heroom a
f
uri
ousoldmanwal ksinsi
deandatt
acksEt
han
wi
thfi
st)
Ol
dman: Howmanyti
meshaveitol
dyourson
t
ostayawayfr
om mydaught
ernowhehas
ki
l
ledher.Yoursonget
stol
i
vewhi
l
emy
pr
eciousThandidi
es.
(Theoldmancr umblest ohiskneesandcr i
es.
Ethanlooksdefeatedalso,howdoy ouconsole
anotherparentwheny oualsoinpain.Thi
sisa
veryemot i
onalsi
tuati
on.Icannol ongerhol
d
myt ears.)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Iwakeup,t
of i
ndmy seldi
nhislap,
whendi dhe
gether
e??Imusthav edosedoffwhenthey
werecal
mingtheoldman.IlookatMiguel,hi
s
facei
sgri
m, heishurt
ingbutdoeswantto
showithefr
ownswhenhef i
ndsmest ar
ringat
him.
Me:
whendi
dyougether
e??
Miguel
:anhourback.Youseem exhaust
ed
haveyoueat
en?
Me:
Hadt
eaandamuf
fi
nint
hemor
ning.
Mi
guel
:Youneedt
oeat
.
Me:howdoi eati
nal
lthi
schaos!Wher
eisKat
andTrev
or?
?
Miguel
:Theywenthome.Thedoct
ori
sher
elet
s
hearwhathehastosay
.
(
Weal
lst
andupandwal
kupt
ohi
m)
Doctor:Yoursonisveryluckythatoneofour
bestspecial
istwasintoday ,
thesurgerywasa
success,nointer
naldamagesorbl eeding.He
hasaf ewbrokenr i
bsandl egbuthewi l
lbe
okay.Hewi l
lregai
nconsciousnessaf t
er
4hours.
Kat
h:Canweseehi
m??
Doctor
:heisbei
ngmovedtohisr
oom,youwil
l
seehim butf
oronl
y30minut
esheneedsto
rest
.
Harry
:Thankyoudoct
or,
sowhereist
his
speci
ali
stdoct
orcanweseehi
m? ?
Doctor
:Iam sorr
ybuthedoesnotwisht
osee
anyonethoughhewishest
hefamil
ywell
.
Excusemeineedt
ocheckonmyot
her
pati
ents.
(Hewalksoutandevery
onei shappythat
Lethabowil
lbeokay.Mygutstell
smeGhostis
thespeci
ali
stbutidi
smissthethoughtshei
sin
Pretor
iahewouldhavetol
dmei fhewasback.)
.
..
..
..
..
Katheri
neexcusesher selftogoandgetsome
air
,sheshouldbet hr i
l
ledt hathersoni sokay
butsheisanxi oust oknowwhowasdr i
vi
ngthe
car.Forsheknowsi fLethabowast heone
dri
vingthentherei sonehel lcasecomi ngher
waywhi chshemi ghtev enl ose.Peopl edied
andsomeoneneedst ot aket heresponsibil
it
y
forthei
rdeath.Whensher aisesherey es,she
almostknockout , shedoesnotbel ievehereyes,
shemi ghthavey ear swi t
houtseei nghi m but
sheknowsev eryt
hi ngabouthi mt ohissmi l
e
andt hewayhewal ksev enhi svoice.She
watchesashebi dst henur segoodby eand
walksout,
hisbroadshouldersbl
ocki
ngsunr ay
s.
Itt
akesherami nut
etoreali
sesheshouldgo
aft
erhim,runningoutsheisalr
eadylat
eashe
hasdisapperead.Shewalksbacktorecept
ion.
Kath:
Excuseme,
whowast
hemany
ouj
ust
tal
kedto?
Nur
se:
Thedoct
ort
hatj
ustwal
kedout
?
(
Kat
hnodsherhead)
Nurse:Heiscutei
sn'the??Heisthenewest
memberofst af
ffrom Pret
ori
a,Heperfomed
j
ustsavedaboy '
slif
eonhi sf
ir
stday,canyou
bel
i
ev eit
??
(
Kat
hisafrai
dtoaskthenextquest
ionaf
rai
dof
t
heanswershemightget
)
Kat
h:(
inawhi
sper
)Whati
shi
sname?
Nur
se:
Loy
iso.DrLoy
isoMoal
osi
.
(Herheadpoundsasshestagger
sbackon
shock,i
tcantbe,
Gabri
eli
sdead.Lightheaded
andfeeli
ngfai
ntshegoesbacktotheothers.
)
.
..
..
..
.
Katheri
newalksbacktousl
ooki
ngsopal
eli
ke
shejustseenaghost.
Lor
ato:
Lennyy
oudontl
ookokay
.AREy
ouf
ine?
(
Sheshakesherhead)
Kat
h:Lor
atohei
sal
i
ve!
(That
sthelastt
hingshesaysbefor
eherbody
hit
sthecoldfl
oor.Cant
hisdaygetanyworser
thani
tisalr
eady.Myworstnight
marehas
come..
.Thesecreti
sout!
!!
)
[
06/
23,
12:
26]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t63
Fearcripplesy ou!I
ttakesawayal l
yourf ait
h
andshov ei tout!Mybiggestfeareversince
l
earningGabr i
el'
ssecrethasalwaysbeenhow
everyonewi llr
eactoncet heyfi
ndouthei sali
ve
andthati knew.Aswewai tf
orKathtowakeup
iexcusemy selftogoandcal lGabri
elineedt o
warnhi m.Iwal koutoft hewardandt r
yhi s
numberbutitgoesstr
aightt
ovoicemai
l
.I
deci
detoleavehim amessage.
Me: HeyitsmeNandi ,idontknowhowt otel
l
youthisbutyoursecretisout.Kather
inesaw
you,sheknowst hatyouarealive.I
tisti
met o
comecl eanGabriel
.Callmeassoonasy ouget
thi
sactuallyt
extmedi r
ectionstowher eyou
are?
(Ihungupandt urnar
ound,j
ustasi t
urnar
ound
ifi
ndMiguel st
arr
ingatme,ial
mostdr opt
he
phone,iam shockedtofi
ndhim behi
ndme)
Me:(stut
ter
ing)H-o-
w!Howl
onghav
eyoubeen
st
andingthere??
Miguel
:Longenough?Doy
ouknowwhoKat
his
t
alki
ngabout??
Me:Yesidosodoy
ou.Idi
dntwanty
out
ofi
nd
outl
i
kethis?
Mi
guel
:Whoi
she?
?
Me:
Theex-
fi
ancé
Miguel
:Gabri
el!Howdoyouknowhi
m??Iknow
heisyourl
atebrother
?
(Atextmessagecomest
hrough,
iti
sfr
om
Gab)
Me:notlate??Gabri
elnev
erdiedMiguel
.Loy
iso
i
sGabriel.Iwil
lex
plai
nevery
thingl
ateri
needto
go.
Miguel:Loy
isoy
oumeant
heguyf
rom Mpho'
s
wedding??
Me:Yeshi
m.Promisemenottosayawordt o
any
oneaboutt
his,
iwil
lbr
inghi
mt oexpl
ainall
oft
his.
Miguel
:Howl
onghav
eyouknownt
hati
tis
hi
m? ?
Me: Sincel
asty earatMpho'
sweddingbutnone
ofitisimportantri
ghtnow,pr
omisemeNdi ye
thaticantrustyouwi t
hmybrother
ssecret
.
Mi
guel
:Okayi
promi
se.
Me:
(iki
sshi
scheek)Thanky
ou!Wai
tformei
wi
l
lexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngl
ater
.Il
ovey
ou.
(Idontwai
tforhi
mt or
espondbutrunout
,i
couldseet
hedisappoi
ntmenti
nhiseyesbut
thi
sisnottheti
me.)
.
..
..
.
Kather
ineopenshereyest
ofi
ndev er
yone
overcr
owdedbyherbedside,
looki
ngather.
Ethankissesherhand.
Et
han:
youscar
edus!
Kat
h:Iam sor
ry.
Et
han:
Iti
sokaySunshi
ne.
(
Mel
sit
sdownandt
akesherhand)
Mel:yousai
dsomeonei
sal
i
vebef
orey
ou
passedoutwhoi
sali
ve?
?
Kat
h:Gabr
iel
isal
i
veMel
i
ssa.
(Mellooksathersi
sterwithsadness,she
cannothaveanotherbreakdownafterall
these
year
s)
Mel
:Lenna,
wehav
ebeent
hrought
his,
Gabr
iel
i
sdead.
Kat
h:No!Hei
sal
i
vei
sawhi
mtoday
.
Et
han:
Icannotdot
hisr
ightnow!
(
Hestandsupandwal
ksoutsi
de.Lor
atomov
es
t
osi
twherehewassit
ti
ng)
Lor
ato:Kather
iney
ouar
ehav
ingy
our
hal
l
ucinati
onsagai
n.
Kath:
Noi am not
,iam t
ell
i
ngt
het
rut
hwhycant
anyofyoubel
ieveme?
(Theroom get
squi
teandt
heyal
ll
ookather
pit
if
ull
y
Kath: WhereisNandipha?Sheknowsi am
tel
li
ngt hetruthbecausesheact ual
lyrunof fto
Pretori
awhenshef oundoutthatGab' sdadi s
herfather.ShesaidLoyisogaveher
accomodat ion,t
hesameLoy i
sowhoi sDr
Moal osihereandlookexactl
ylikeGabr iel
.So
wher eisshesoshecant el
lyoual l
thati am not
cr
azyt
hatGabr
iel
isact
ual
l
yal
i
ve.
Miguel
:Nanaleftanhourbackhear
dan
emergencyattherest
urant
.
Kath:Shei slyi
ng,t
hereisnoemergency.The
sneakylitt
lesnakesheis,shewenttowarnher
brotherthatiknow.Dopassmymessage
Miguel,tel
lthem iwil
lgettot
hebottom ofthi
s.
Thel i
tt
lesecretisout!
Lor
ato:
Cal
m down!wi
l
lyou!
Kath:iam calmv er
ycalm wheni am notcalm
Lorat
oy ouwi l
lsee.Andallofyouhere,ican
seeyoudonotbel i
eveme,wai tt
il
liprov
et hi
s
andwewi llseewhoi scr
az y!
Ray:Iact
uall
ybel
i
eveyouKather
ine.(
Mel
looks
atherhusbandwi
thquest
ioni
ngeyes)
Ray:Theopenni ngofMiguel
'sisawsomeone
whor esembledGabriel
.Thoughhedeniedi
t
andtriedverymucht ohi
deitbutmygutkept
tel
l
ingmet hatheismyfri
endGabriel
.Soi
bel
i
evey
ouLenny
.
Kat
h:ThankyouRay
.Iknowi
canal
way
scount
onyoursuppor
t.
Ray
:Sohowdowepr
ovei
t?
Kath:
Ther
eisonl
yoneway, di
gouthi
sgrave.I
swearwearegoi
ngtofi
ndanemptycasketor
wrongper
sonint
hatcasket
.
.
..
..
Miguelwalksoutoftheroom, hishearti
sheavy,
wonderingwhatkindofmesshasNandi pha
draggedhersel
finit
.Hewonder showmany
secret
sisshekeepingf r
om him.Wal ki
ngto
Lethabo'
sroom hefindsEthan'sheaddropped
onhisface.Hesettl
esbesidehi sfr
iendand
patshim ontheshoulder.
Mi
guel
:Itshal
lbewel
l
!!
Ethan:myfami
lyisbreaki
ngapar
t,Miguelandi
dontevenknowwhatt odo.Mysonisfighti
ng
forhisl
if
e,i
fheistheonewhowasdr ivi
nghe
wi
llf
acejai
lti
mef orcul
pabl
ehomecide.My
wi
feontheothersidehasgonebacktobei
ng
cr
azyandobsessedwi t
hadeadguyagain.
Miguel:
IsntLet
haboaminor
,thel
awdoesnot
tr
yami nor.Canit
ell
yousomethi
ngi
n
confi
dence??
Ethan:
Heis18t
hisy
earel
i
gibl
eforpr
ison.Yah
youcan!
Miguel:ifhewasdr iv
ingtakehim outofthe
countr
yassoonashewakesmakesur ehe
neverreturnsback.From whaty outold,t
his
Gabri
el guyhasal waysbeencompet i
ti
on.You
needtot akecontrolEthan,Kathisyourwifenot
gi
rlf
ri
end, hertendenciesofbeingtheboss
needstost op.Ifyousnoozey ouwilll
ooseher
becauset hecompet i
tionisback.
Et
han:
whatdoy
oumeanback?
?
Miguel
:Gabri
elnev
erdi
ed,hehasbeenli
vi
ng
undershadowsasLoyi
so.HeisNana'
sbrot
her
,
shetol
dmet hi
sbefor
eshelef
tearl
ier
.
Ethan:wow!Thedeadguyisal
iv
eshei st
ell
i
ng
thetrut
hmightaswell
star
tthedivor
ce
proceedi
ngs.I
ndueti
meshewi l
lrunbackto
him.
Miguel:Youseewhati am tal
kingabout ?
Divorcef orwho?Whathappenedt otheEt han
theruthlessBrownleywhousedt orunabi g
Maf i
adr ugoperati
oni nRussia.Whowoul dnt
hesti
tatet oel
iminateat hreat
,ofcour seiam
notsay i
ngl et
skil
lhim becauseNanawoul d
neverfor gi
vemei fwedo.Butst epyourgame,
youtheheadoft hisfamilytakechargest arti
ng
withthisboy '
ssi
tuation.
Ethan:Okay,youareri
ght !Iam notaboutt othis
guytakeaf ami l
yiworkedl ongf or
.Letmel et
herhavehercl osur
ewi t
hhi sgr avebutt
hati t
.
Miguel:Good!Ialsohavedel inquentfi
ancéet o
dealwith.
Et
han:Goeasyonher,i
tisact
ual
l
yduetoher
si
l
encethatmymarri
agehasnotsunky
et.I
mustt
hankher
.
[
06/
23,
12:
26]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t65
Ev erythi
ngi sjustamess! !Isurveythe
sur r
oundi ngs,thewholev il
lager
sandMoal osi
fami lystandf eetawayfrom wher etheyst ood
ear l
ier.I
ngridisdown, guessshef ai
nted.Mel i
s
alsodownal ongwithLorato.Thosear etheonl y
peopl ei knowwhoact ual
lyf ai
nted.Gabriel
wal kst ohistombst oneandst andsont opofi t.
'
Gabri
el:
Dontbescar
edi
am noghost
,iam
al
ive.
Kat
h:Howi
sthi
sev
enpossi
ble?
?
Gabr i
el:Ineverr
eall
ydied,if
akedmyowndeat h,
wheni wastoldthatiwil
lnotmakeit
,myl ower
partofbodywaspar al
ysedandaheartthat
couldfailanymoment .Soi t
ookadecisi
on,a
decisi
ont hatidontevenregrett
oday
,tojust
takeev er
yoneoutoft hemi seryt hatwas
comi ngandf akedeat ht hatwasst i
llcomi ng.I
hadnohope, butinmyt imeofneedGodsent
meagoodf riendKev inhecoul dntgi veupon
me, ev enthoughwedi dnotknoweachot her,
butbecausehef eltgui l
tyf ormyacci denthe
tookmet oUSA, doct orst her esai ditwasa
misdiagonosi sthatmyhear tisokaybut
suffereddamaget omyki dney s, againsomeone
camet hrought odonat eaki dney .Itlookme6
yearst ogetonmyf eeti nsteadofcomi ngback
tocompl i
cat eev eryone' sl i
fei choset ostay
ther
eandr ebuildmyl ifeasLoy isoMoal osi.
Wentbackt oschool forf urtherst udiesand
eventual l
yr el
ocat edt oSout hAf ri
cat oopenmy
ownhospi tal withasponsorf r
om Xav i
er'swi fe
Samant haaf terihel pedhert owal kagai naf ter
shewasabduct edt her e.That sbasi call
yit,you
areabsol utelyr i
ghtIam st il
l verymuchal ive,
under neatht histombst onel iesanempt y
casket .
'
(Kather
inewalksupt
ohi
m andsl
apshi
mri
ght
acrosstheface)
Kath:Youar esuchamonst er,
foryearswe
spentmi serableoveryourdeath,
whileyouwere
sti
l
l al
ive.Yourf amil
ysuffer
edwhilecouldhave
donesomet hing.Youshouldhavediedthatday
Gabr i
el,
fori haveneverseensuchasel f
fi
sh
personlikey ou.
Gabr i
el:Youar einnoposi t
ionatal lt
opr eacht o
meaboutsel ffi
shness, noty ouOemel enna
becausey ouandi wear enodi f
fer
ent.whatar e
youdoi ngher erunni ngaroundt ryi
ngtopr ov e
thati am ali
ve,yourexwhi l
ey ourchildl
iesona
deathbed.Youl efty ourhusbandandchi ldren
tocomeher esoi fy ouwantt otalkabout
self
fishnessi suggesty oudosomesel f
i
ntrospect i
onf i
rst.Myf ami l
yt heonlyperson
whoi fai
ledinthatf amilyisGamef orifailedto
protecther ,
asf ormymot herandAnabel i l
eft
them atr
ustfundworthmi l
l
ions.Theydecided
toblowit
,theyaret
wocapabl ewomanwho
havehandsitist
imet heystart
edusingt
hem i
am notbackheretotakecar eofanyofthem.
I
ngri
d:Wedonotneedy
ouGabr
iel
,youar
e
deadtome.
(Kat
hmovesandst
andi
nfr
ontofmesher ai
ses
herhandt
osl
apmebutGabri
elcat
ches)
Gabr i
el:
Donty oueveragainraiseyourhandat
her,youcanbeatmeal lyouwantbuti wont
standbyandl etyouslapmyl i
tt
lesist
erfor
crimesthatar enother s.All
sheev erdi
dwas
keepapr omisetoherbr otherandletussay
shedi dtell
y ouKatherine,whatgoodwoul d
hav ecomeoutofi t
??Thi ssecreti
twasnother
placetot el
l.Itwasmi ne.
Kath:
Ineverwanttoseeyouagai
nincl
udi
ng
youNana,youareabsol
utemonst
ersno
wonderyouaresibl
i
ngs.
(
Shet
urnsandr
unsaway
,ev
ery
oneel
sef
oll
ows
i
ncludi
ngmyownf ri
endsMphoandLi sa.So
doesMiguel
.Gamel ooksatustear
sst reaming
downandwalksawaywi thTheo.Xavi
erf ol
lows
them.Raymondwalksupt oGabri
eland
puncheshi
m onthefaceknockinghim out.
)
Raymond:Thati
sforall
thepainy
oucausedmy
si
sterandst
il
lcauseyousel
ff
ishbast
ard.
(Het
urnsandwal
ksaway
.MrMoal
osi
wal
kst
o
him)
MrMoalosi
:Noonehasev erdonewhatyoudid.
Youarenotwelcomeintoourfami
lyGabr
iel
.
Li
keyourmothersai
dy ouaredeadtous.
(Hetunsandwalksawaywhol
efamil
yfoll
owing
him.Itj
ustme,
him andKev
inwhoremain.)
Gabri
el:
Kevi
ntakeNanahomeshehasbeen
t
hroughenough.
Me:
Icantl
eav
eyouher
eal
one!
Gab:I
tisokayki
ddo.Iwi
l
lleav
eal
soshor
tl
y.
Dontworr
y.
Kev
in:
Comel
etusgo.
(
Ist
artwal
ki
ngandhef
oll
ows)
.
..
..
..
..
TheMont
enegr
obrot
her
sfaceeachot
herwhi
l
e
Gameisi
nthecar
.
Theo:
Forhowl
ongdi
dyouknow?
Xav
ier
:Iti
s3y
ear
snow.
Theo:YouknewhewasGame'
sbr
other
.Why
coul
dntyousayany
thi
ng?
Xav
ier
:itwasnev
ermysecr
ett
otel
l
.
Theo:
isthi
sbecausei
keptt
hefactt
hatif
ound
Samanthayear
sbackt
hatswhyyoudoi
ngthi
s??
Xavier:
Herewegoagai n,notever
y t
hingis
abouty ouTheo.Thishasnot hi
ngtodowi thyou
orSam.3y earsagothatmanappr oachedme
hewant edtopaybackSam t hemoneyshe
i
njectedonhi shospi
tal.Hedidnotknowt hat
shedied,orthatGamei smar ri
edintothefamil
y
unti
lllat
erwhenwest ar
tedboundi ngandi
showedhi my ourpict
ures.Her ecognisedhis
si
ster.Imadeapr omi setokeephi sexistencea
secretnowi seewhyhenev erwant edtot el
l
anyone.Youofal lpeopleshouldknowt hata
Mont enegr
onev ergoesagai nstapr omise.
.
..
..
..
..
Iam walki
ngov ertothecar,whentheli
modoor
opensandshewal ksuptome.Theyareright
wehav ealit
tl
er esemblance,
herfaceisred
probabl
yfrom t
hecr yi
ngbuti canthel
pbut
noti
ceherbeaut y.
Game:
Hi!
Me:
Hel
l
o!
Game:Icamehometomeetmyli
tt
lesi
sternot
t
hedeadbrot
her.GameMont
enegr
o.
(
Giv
ingherhand)
Me:Nandi
phaWethu.Forwhati
sworthit
,heis
deepl
ysor
ryt
hathecouldnotbether
eforyou.
Ever
yonehasturnedtheirbackonhi
m, iam
hopi
ngy ouf
inditi
ny ourheartt
ofor
givehim.
Becauseheactual
lyneedsusmor eri
ghtnow.
Game:I
tist
oobadwecannotchooseourown
bl
ood.
Me:Yesi
tis,ihav
etor
ushsomewher
ebuti
hopewewill
meetandtal
k.
Game:Yeswewi
l
lhav
esomucht
olear
nabout
you.
(
Igetinthebackseatwhil
eKevi
ntakesthe
f
rontseat,
Xavierj
oinsusasweabouttoleav
e.
)
Xavi
er:Looksli
keGabisnottheonl
yonewhom
peopl
ear eangr
yat.Ineedtogobackto
Schaef
fer,mycountr
ysitswit
houtaki
ng.Wi
sh
youall
thebestinyourmarri
ageN.
Kev
in:
Air
por
t?
Xavi
er:Yespl
ease!Butl
etsdr
opNandi
phaf
ir
sti
st
il
ldonttr
ustyouwhenitcomest
oher
.
..
..
..
..
..
[
06/
23,
12:
26]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t64
Shesmi lesatherhusbandast helimopul lsin
frontoft hehospital,
shepl annedonsupr ising
Kat herinebutshedi dnotexpectt ogether eand
fi
ndheri nahospi t
al.Alreadyherner vesar e
wr ecking, withhavingtomeethersi ster.She
canthel pbutwonderi ftheywi ll
geton, what
shei sl i
ke?Thenewscamewhenshel east
expect ed!Shei sgladthatLay lachoset ov i
sitat
at imel ikethissomeonehadt oremainhome
wi t
ht hechi ldrenandwi ththeki ngdom.Looki ng
atherhusbandashesqueezesherhandshe
thankGod, thatheisher ewi t
hher .Theygetof f
from thecarandwal ki ntot hehospi t
al.Wal ki
ng
i
nt othewar dLethaboi sstay ingin,sheisabi t
sur pr
isedt ofindonlyEt han.Theyshar eahug
andgr eet i
ngs?
Game:
Howi
she?
?
Et
han:Heisdoi
ngverywel
l
.Induet
imehewi
l
l
bebackhomewithus.
Theo:Thati
sgreatnews,
wewer
eact
ual
l
y
worri
edforhi
sli
fe.
Et
han:
Thanky
ouf
ory
ourconcer
n,meansa
l
ot!
Game:(exci
tedly
)Sowher eisever
yone?Iam
dyi
ngtomeett hissi
sterofmine.Wherei
s
Lenny
?
Et
han:
Every
thi
ngi
sjustpur
emessatt
he
moment!
Game:
Whatdoy
oumean?
?
Ethan:
Shehascallednat
ionsy
oursi
ster
Kather
ineandhasgonetoMoshupatodigout
yourbrot
her'
sgrav
e.
Game:
(ast
oni
shed)What
??
Et
han:Shei
sconvi
cedt
hatheisali
veand
i
ntendst
oprov
eitt
hist
imearound.
Game:Iguesswebet t
ergothereal
sotost
op
her
.Thati
sr i
dicul
ous,
Gabri
elisdead.
Et
han:
Idoubti
fanyonecanst
opherbuty
ou
ar
ewelcometotr
y!
Game:
Thanky
ou.Theol
etusgo.
Ethan:Gost
rai
ghtt
othecemet
erywheny
ouget
there!
Game:Thanky
ou,gi
vemyl
ovet
oLet
habo
whenhewakesup.
Et
han:
Iwi
l
ldo!
.
..
..
..
..
..
Thecarshav egather edoutsidethecompound
andamongstt hem i sacrawl ertr
uck.Looking
readytodosomedi ggi
ng.All t
heirfr
iendsare
hereweari
ngal lblack,asiftheyar eattendi
nga
funer
alwelleveryoneexceptNandi pha.Insi
de
thehouseisaheat edconvesat i
onbet weenan
exdaughterinlawandt heMoal osi f
ami l
y!
Keaboka:
ial
way
ssuppor
tyouKat
her
inebut
t
hist
imey
ouar
ecr
ossi
ngt
hel
i
nes.
Ingr
id:
Whyareyousokeenont
error
isi
ngmy
sonevenonhi
sdeathbedhest
il
lcannotf
ind
peace?
MrMoal osi
:Iheary ouKatheri
ne,butwhatyou
aski
ngf r
om usi tt
oomuch, wecannotagr eet
o
thi
s.Letmygr andchil
drestinpeace.
Kath:Weseem nott obegett
ingeachother
.
Thethingisiam notaski
ngthef amil
ytodi
g
outhi
sgr aveiam actual
l
ylet
tingyouknow
whati i
ntendtodowi t
horwithoutyour
permissi
on.
Ingr
id: Ialway
ssaidsheist
hedevi
landiwas
l
abelledt hebadguysohereshei
stoday
,
showi nghertruecol
ors.
Keaboka:Whyareyoudisgr
aci
ngusli
ket
his?
?
Aft
erallwehavedoneforyou,
thi
sist
het
hank
youweget?
Kat
h:Fory
oursuppor
tov
ert
hisy
ear
siam
grat
efulbuthoweverbyt
heendoft
het
oday
youwill
bet hanki
ngme.
Ingr
id:
Iam notgoi
ngtostandhereandl
ett
his
younggir
ldowhatevershewant
sinourhome.
Nooneandi meannoonewi l
lbetouchi
ngmy
son'
sgrave.
Kath:
(st
andingup)Iam di
ggi
ngoutthatcasket
,youwelcometowat chi
fyouli
ke.
(Shewal ksoutleavingev eryonestunned.The
carsjointheroadheadi ngt othecemet er
y
i
ncludingsomecur i
ousv ill
agersandt he
Moal osifami
ly.Miguel t
riesNana'sphoneone
l
astt i
meanddeci dedtol eavehera5t h
message.Herphonehasbeenof fev ersi
nce
yesterdayaft
ershel eftthehospitalpromisi
ng
tobeback.)
.
..
..
Theygetatthecemeterytofi
ndAnabelsi
tt
ing
ontopofhisgravewit
hchainsaroundherwai
st
ty
inghertothetombstone!
Kat
h:Doy
our
eal
l
ythati
sgoi
ngt
ost
opme?
?
Anabel
:Ithast
o.
Kath:Youhavealwaysbeenasi
l
lydumpgirl
Bell
a.Igi
veyoufiveminut
estomoveyoursh*t
fr
om thereBel
la.
I
ngri
d:Don'tmoveAna,
wewi
l
lnotbebul
l
iedby
t
hiscrazygir
l.
Kath:
Okayhav
eity
ourwayt
hen.Guar
dspl
ease
removet
hatgi
rl
.
(
Theywal
kupt
oher
.)
Game:
Wai
t!
(Theyallt
urnar
oundandlookatGameasshe
approacheswit
hTheodor
ebyherside.)
Kat
h:(
sur
pri
sed)Game!
Game: Her
ei wasplanni
ngonsurpri
singli
tt
le
di
di knowthatiwil
lbetheoneattherecei
ving
end.WhatisgoingonKath?
Kat
h:Noonebel
i
evesmewheni
sayhei
s
al
i
ve.
Game:Ibel
i
evey
oubuty
oudonothav
etodo
al
lthi
s.
I
ngri
d:Whyarey
ouev
enher
e?Youar
enotev
en
hel
pingus.
Game:
justshutupI
ngr
id.
Kat
h:Iseewhatyouaredoinganditwil
lnot
wor
k.(Looki
ngattheguard)Whatareyou
wai
ti
ngfordidinotsayr
emov ethatgi
rl
??
.
..
..
..
..
..
Ifaster
nmyseat beltasXavi
errushesthecar
l
ikeamani acthroughthestr
eetsofMoshupa.I
am wi t
hGabrieli
nthebackseat,Kevi
nand
Xavierarei
nthef r
ontseats.
.Ghosthasbeen
awrfull
yquit
e,iguessheisnervous,myheart
beatsforhi
m.)
Xav i
er:Ihavebeenthi
nki
ngiwasmarr
iedt
oa
crazywomanbuti canseemySamant
hawas
notev encrazy,
ifyouwantt
oseecr
azypeopl
e
j
ustcomet
oBot
swana.
(Hesaysashepullsinsi
det
hegravey
ard.We
canhearalotofnoisefr
om wher
ewear e
packed)
Kevi
n:Comebr
o,t
imet
ocl
earupt
heai
r.We
gotyou!
(Wegetof fthecarandwal kt owher et hewhol e
noiseisat.Iholdhishand,hei smybr other,
i
am notaboutt olethim gothroughal lthisalone,
iwill
behol di
nghi shandallthroughit.Xav i
er
rushesforwardpr obabl
ytost opthet eethof
thatcaralr
eadysi nki
ngintothegr ound.Idid
sayhel i
kestost ayontopoft hings.)
Xav
ier
:Canal
lthesemadnessj
ustst
op.
(Onceagai
nev
ery
onest
opsandt
urnt
olookat
him.)
Kat
h:Xav
ierwhatar
eyoudoi
nghere?Ify
ou
her
etost
opmedontt r
yitwi
l
lnotwork.
(
Gabr
iel
takest
hechanceandst
epsout
,iam by
hi
ssi
de)
Gabr
iel
:May
bet
heni
canst
opy
ou!
(Iwatchasot
herpeoplef
leefrom thescene,
other
scoll
apseandother
sstandt heremouth
wideopenedjustl
i
keKatheri
ne.)

'
'
[
06/
23,
12:
26]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t66
Gamesmi l
edast hecarpul
ledaway,shewas
verygl
adthatshenowhasasi st
er,
abl ood
sist
ert
hatshelookedforwardt
obondingwith.
Theowalkedoverandhuggedher.
Theo:
Arey
ouokay
??
Game:I
m good,dontbeangr
yatXav
ieri
twas
notr
eal
l
yhissecrettot
ell
.
Theo:
(st
unned)okaybuti
shoul
dlethi
m sweat
al
i
ttl
e.
Game: Ishouldbeangryathi
m butiam not
.I
am happyTheodor e,
forthemi
racl
eGodhas
gi
venme, t
obegi v
enasecondchanceagain
wit
hmybr other
.Waitforme.
.
Theo:
Gogety
ourbr
othermyl
ove.
Game:
Ilov
eyou!
(Sheki
sseshim andrunsbackint hegravey
ard,
beamingwithsmiles,t
ohisbrother.Shenoti
ces
him wi
thsit
ti
ngonhi stombstoneheaddown.
Stoppi
nginfr
ontofhim hi
stearedf acel
ooksup
toher)
Gab:
Munchi
e!
Game:
Iam al
lgr
ownnow.
Gab:
Tomey
ouwi
l
lal
way
sbemyl
i
ttl
esi
ster
.
(Hest
andupandshethrowsherselfi
nhi
s
arms,
hehugshersoprotect
ivel
y.
)
Game:
Iam v
erygl
ady
ouar
eal
i
veGabr
iel
,andi
am sor
ryt
hati
wal
kedoutony
oui
was.
..
Gab:I
tisokaynoneedt
oexplai
n.Iam sor
ryi
havebeenawayforsol
ong.
Game:
Youar
eher
enow,
that
sal
lthatmat
ter
s.
Gab:Maybeishoul
dhav
enev
ercomeback
ever
yoneissoangr
y.
Game:Gi
vethem ti
met
heywi
l
lcomear
ound.I
l
oveyouGabri
el.
Gab:
Notasmuchasi
lov
eyouki
ddo.
Game:Letusgohome,
wehav
eal
ott
ocat
ch
upon.
Gab:
Didy
oucomewi
thmyni
ece?
Game:YouandNanawillhavetocometo
Schaef
ert
omeether.Seeingyouaref
ri
ends
wit
htheKi
ngitshoul
dntbeapr obl
em.
Gab:I
tcanbear
ranged.(Hebendsali
tt
le
i
nfr
ontofher
)Comel etusseeifi
cansti
ll
do
t
hisormybonesaretir
ed.
Game:Noi
am t
oool
dforpi
ggy
backr
idest
his
day
s.
Gab:Idontknowwhotol
dy outhaty
ouareold
butt
omey oumyli
tt
lesi
ster,
sostepwasti
ng
myti
meandhopi n.
(
Shechuckl
esandhopsinhi
sback.Hehol
dher
t
ightandst
artwal
ki
ng)
Game:(l
ayingherheadonhi
sback)Iam v
ery
gl
adthatyouarehere.
Gab:
AndIt
oo,
munchi
e.
(Gabriel
'
shear tiscontentt hatshewasabl eto
forgi
veher .Justli
keintheol denday s,hestr
oll
s
tothecarwi thherinhisback.ForGamei ti
s
l
ikeadr eam comet r
ue,forshedr eamtofthi
s
momentf orsolong.Relivingt hedream wit
hhis
brotherl
iket hi
sallsheev erwant ed.)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Kat
her
inespull
sthecari
nfrontt
hehouseand
wal
ksi
ntofindEthannur
singthei
rbabyLl
oydto
sl
eep.Ont hecouchl i
esthesl
eepyMr s
Gabri
ella.Ethanlooksatherbefor ehegoesand
putsLloydi nhisnursery
.Hecomesbackand
sheisst i
llstandi
ngwher ehelef
ther .Het
akes
Gabri
ella,andgoputheri nbedal so.Coming
backhet akeshi scarkeysandwal kpasther
befor
ehecanopent hedoor,Katherinewr
aps
herarmsar oundhim.)
Kat
her
ine:
(bar
elyaudi
ble)pl
easedonotgo!
Ethan:
(remov
esherhandsf
rom hi
swai
st)I
haveasoninhospi
tal
whoneedsme.
(Hewal ksoutshut t
ingthedoorbehi ndhi m.
Walkingtothei rr
oom shet akesabat h, when
shewal ksbacki ntheroom ont opoft hebed
shenot i
ces,thedocument s,anewpasspor tfor
Lethabowi t
hchangednamesf rom Lethabot o
Domi ni
ckEthan, atravel
li
ngv i
sa,arussi an
i
dentityandot hernecessi
ties.Herhear tpounds
wonder i
ngwhati shappening.Shesi tsonbed
faci
ngt hedoorwai ti
ngforhimt ocomeback.
Aft
ermidnight,
hiscarpull
sinf
rontoft
hehouse
andminuteslaterhewalksi
ntheroom.He
l
ookssuprisedtofindherawake.)
'
Et
han:Sowehav
efoundout
,exl
overi
sal
i
ve
whatf
oll
ows?
Kat
h:Not
hing!
Ethan:Youwanttotel
lmey oul
eftour7year
s
daughter,
4mont hsbabyandasicksoni
n
hospit
altojustpr
oveGabri
eli
saliv
ethen
nothi
ng.
Kat
h:Ij
ustneededt
oknow.
Ethan:
:Wellnowyouknow,
whatsi
gni
fi
cance
hasitbrought?
(
Shekeepsqui
te)
Ethan:
Thoughtsotoo,wheni r
elocatedfrom
LondontoBotswana,i
wascomi ngbackt oyou,
imarri
edyoubecauseilov
ey ounotbecausei
hadnochoice.Wehavechil
drenKat heri
ne,
todayyoumademer eali
sethat
,toyouGabri
el
i
smor eimpor
tantt
hatthem.Forthefi
rstt
ime
eversi
ncewegotmar r
iedyoumademe
questi
ondeci
siont
omar ryyou!
Kat
h:Iam s.
.
Ethan: (
inter
rupti
ngher)Nodontsayy ouare
sorrybecausewebot hknowy ouar
enot .Your
sorrysar ebecomingasonst hi
sdays.Whi l
e
youwer ebusyr unni
ngaf t
eryourGabri
el,our
chil
df acesjailt
imeforculpabl
ehomecide.
Kat
h:hewast
he.
..
.?
?
Et
han:Yeshewastheonedr
ivi
ngt
hecart
hat
ki
l
ledpeopl
e,dr
unk.
Kat
h:Whati
sthi
sfor
??
Ethan:i
am notgoi
ngtosi
tandwatchmyson
gotoprison.Tommor
owheisleav
ingt
his
countr
y.
Kat
h:Doy
our
eal
i
sewhatt
hatmeans?
Et
han:
(shout
ing)Doy
out
hinki
am st
upi
d,of
courseiknowthati
tmeanshei
snever
ret
urni
ngbackwhatdoyouthi
nkthenew
i
dentit
yisfor
?
Kat
h:Iam notgoi
ngtoletmysonrunawayl
i
ke
acri
minal
andnev err
etur
ntohi
shome.Whil
e
hehasamot herwhocansavehi
m.
Ethan:(hewal ksupt oherandlooksather
angril
y)DontmockmeLenna, yousuddenly
remeber edthaty ouhaveason, wheny ou
forgotabouthi mt orunaftery
ourex.Iam t he
mani nthishouse, iwearthepant snotthe
otherwayar ound.Iam tel
l
ingyout hatLethabo
i
sl eavi
ng, notaskingforyouropinion.Arewe
clearont hat?
Kat
h:But
..
.
(Hetouchherchinandmakesherl ookathi
m.
Sheseesasideofhi m sheneversawbefor
e,
goneishersoftEthan.TheEthanlooki
ngather
i
st heonesheoncedr eamtof,wit
hhisgoons
kil
l
ingGabri
el)
Ethan:Dontmakemebr i
ngasi deofmet hat
younev ersaw, becausey ouwi llnotl
ikeit.Iwas
sayingLethaboi sleavi
ng, soy ouaregoi ngto
gotommor owt othehospi talandsayy our
goodby es,t
henwear egoi ngtor eporthim
missingandl ookf orourson.Hewi ll
st arta
newl i
fewi t
hAuntZohr ainRussi a.Afteray ear
,
everyonewoul dhav eforgottenaboutal lthi
sso
wewi llgeti
ntoourj etgoseeourson.I sthat
nowcl ear.
Kat
h:Yesi
tis!
Ethan:Good,
ilov
ey ouKather
inebutdonot
takethatasaweakness.
Gabr
iel
l
a;Daddyi
cantsl
eep!
(Theybot
hturnandnot
icet
hei
rdaught
er
standi
ngbythedoor
)
Ethan:(
scoopi
ngherinhi
sar
ms)ial
socannot
sleephowaboutwegomakehotchocol
ate
thenwatchcar
toons.
Gabr
iel
l
a:Yesdaddyl
etusgo.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Ipar
kt hecarinfrontofhisapartment.It
akea
deepbr eathasiwalkinside.Weari
ngmy
sl
eepersbyt hedoor ,i
wal ktothel
ivi
ngroom.
Heisont hecouchtieloosearoundhisneck.
Hiseyesmeetmi ne.Igoandsi ti
nfr
ontofhim.
Mi
guel
:Readyt
otal
know!
Me:Lookiam sor
ryi
didnott
ell
you,
buti
made
apr
omi se.
Miguel
:It
oldy
oui
hat
esecr
ets.Whykeept
his
awayfr
om me?
Me:Imadeapromisetomybr
other
,pl
ust
his
wasnevermysecr
ettotel
l
.
Miguel
:abrot
heryouj
ustr
ecent
lyf
ound?You
choosehi
m overme?
Me: Hei
ssti
l
lmybrotherevenifir
ecentl
y
foundhi
m.Iwasntchoosi
nghim overyou,i
was
honouri
ngapromi
sei made.Forpi
tsake
Mi
guel
iti
snotl
i
kei
cheat
edorany
thi
ng.
Miguel:Howdoi knowthatt
herei
snoother
secret
sy ounotkeepi
ngawayfrom me?You
camewi thhi
m alongwit
hthatCal
vinguy
,what
i
fy ouarecheati
ngmewi t
hhim??
Me: I
sthathowlowyout hinkofme?Thati
wouldcheatonyoujustaweekawayf rom our
weddingwithKevi
nforthatmat t
er.Just
becauseikeptasecretthatmeansi haveother
manysecretsupmysl eeves.
Mi
guel
:Doy
ou?
?
Me: I
fyoudonottr
ustme,i
fyoubel
i
eveican
cheatonyouthenwhyar
ewegoingfor
thwit
h
thi
swedding.
Miguel
:Ij
ustreali
sedthatimightnotknowthe
womani am t
y i
ngmy sel
ftofortherestofmy
l
if
e.
Me:
Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osayMi
guel
?
Mi
guel
:Idontknowi
fmadet
her
ightchoi
ce?I
fi
am r
eadyforamar
ri
agef
il
ledwi
thl
i
esand
secr
ets.
Me:whatareyousayi
ng!Youknowwhati
tsf
ine
dontanswert
hat,
iundest
and.
(Igrabmykeysandwal kout,i
hearhim cal
l
afterme,butineedtogetoutofher
ebef or
ei
embar assmyselfbybeggi
ngamant hatdoes
notwantt omarrymet omarr
yme) .
.
'
AWEEKLATER
SUPPOSEDWEDDI
NGWEEK
NOGROOM,
NOBRI
DESMAI
DS!
!
.
.
.
[
06/
23,
17:
25]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t67
Theyal
lgat
heredi
nthethel
ounger
oom.
Looki
ngateachot
her.
Mi
guel
:Whocal
l
edusher
e??
Kat
h:Yourguessi
sasgoodasmi
ne.
Thabi
so:
Wehavebeenher
eforov
era30
minut
esher
e.
Mpho:
Wher
eisLor
ato?
?
Leo:ShewenttoShoshong,shesai
dNana
needshersuppor
t.Shewil
lnotactal
lri
ght
eous
andangryatNanaforsomethingt
hati
snot
evenherfaul
t.
Game: (wal
ki
ngi ntotheroom)Lor atoistot
all
y
ri
ght.Youallhereacti
ngsor ighteousri
ghtnow
asifyounevermakemi stakesasi fy
ounev er
betr
ayeachot her.Sorr
yikepty ouwaiti
ng.
Li
sa:
Yout
heonewhocal
l
edusher
e?
Game:Yesidid.Ther
eissomethi
ngineedt
o
getofmychestconcerni
ngyoual
lher
e.
Kat
h:Idonthav
eti
mef
ort
his.
Game: youar egoingtoactuallygoi
ngt osit
thereandl ist
ent ome.Iwi l
l st
artwiththe
biggesthy pocri
tesinthisplace,MphoandLi sa,
i
sntNanay ourfr
iend,shouldntyoubewi t
hher
ri
ghtnowi nsteadofbeingher e,youwhatmet
Kather i
nejustmont hsbackandy ourloyalt
ies
l
iewi thherandnoty ourfri
end.Idontev enget
whyy ouangr yather,whathasshedonet oyou?
Forpi tsakey oudontev enknowt hisGabr i
el
j
ustt ellmehowy ouf i
tinthisequati
onbecause
ifai
ltoseei t
!

(Shel
ooksatKat
her
ine)
Game: AndyouLennadoy oualwayshavet o
playt
hev i
cti
m?Whatwoul dhavehappenedi f
shedidtel
lyouthatheisalivewil
lyouhave
embracedherfortel
li
ngy outhatyourexisaliv
e,
thesakeexwhosedeat hleftyouvulner
able.
DidyouwantNanat obringback,yoursorr
ows? ?
Shenev ertoldy ouany t
hingaboutGabr i
el
becauseshewasl ookingoutf ory ou,shedi d
notwantt ohur tyou.Youbusybl amingherbut
theonlypersony ouhav etohat eher eisGabr iel
becausehei stheonewhohur ty ou,Nanadi d
whatshet houghtwasbestf orev eryone.Ilove
youKat heri
nebuti wil
lnotsi tbyandwat chy ou
destroymysi ster'sli
feforthingst hatarenot
evenherf ault
.Yousai dshei ssnakebutt he
onlysnakei seeher eisy ou,turningev er
yone
againsther,herweddi ngi sthisweekendbut
shehasnogr oom, nobridesmai ds.Bravo!Wel l
doneKat h.
Ethan: ThankyouGame,someonehasf inal
ly
saidthet r
uthihavebeensi
nging.Iam v
er y
gratefulactual
l
yforNana'
ssil
ence,my
mar ri
agehasbeenpeacefulforthi
slong
becauseofher .
Game:ThankyouEthan!Nowletgot
othefool
amongstyoual
l.Miguel
!Tel
lmehowmany
ti
meshaveyouscrewedup,andhasfor
giv
en
you?I fshecanf orgiv ey ouev erytimey ouscr ew
upwhycany ounotdot hesame?I tisnotl ike
sheki l
ledany one, al
l shedi dwaskeepa
promi set oherbr other ,givehi mt imet ogethi s
shittoget her.Iam notsay i
ngshei snotatf ault
herebuty ourr eact i
ont oal l t
hismakesme
wonderi fyounotusi ngi tasanescape.The
onlythingki ddoi sgui lt
yofher ei swant i
ngher
brothert ost oplivingi nt heshadowsandcome
outsoshecanbewi t hhi my ou, withouty ou
Miguel havingt obej ealousandact ingi nsecur e.
Youar enotmadatThabi sof orknowi ngabout
Gabr i
el buty oumadatNana, youamazeme.
Whi l
ey oubusymaki nghercr y,therei ssome
guyoutt herewi shi nghecoul dbemaki ngher
smi l
e.St epoutofy ourcomf ortzoneni gga, her
wor l
dwi l
lnotr esol vear oundy ouf orev er.You
gotcompet it
ionoutt her e,t
hel ikesofKev in.
Wakeupandsmel l t
hecof feey ourt imei s
ti
cking.
(
Shewal
kst
othedoor
)
Game: Amongstall ofyouwhocant el
lmethat
theydonothav esecrets.Oh!Pl
easegetover
yourhighhorsesplease,whodiedandmade
youfell
owsJesus, becauselastt
imeichecked
heistheonlyonewhocanj udgenotamer e
i
mmor tal.
(
Shewal
ksoutandsl
amst
hedoorbei
ngher
)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Iti
sawednesdayquat ertomyweddi ngday !I
havetoldmom ev eryt
hingandt oldherthe
weddingisof fbutshewontbudgeshei sbusy
prepari
ngfori t
.Longl ostrelat
iveshavestarted
coming.Iwonderwhati am goingtosaytoal l
thi
speopleher e.Loratoarrivedthedaybef ore,i
am gratef
ulthati havehersuppor t.Butwhat
weddingwi l
l i
tbe, wi
thnogr oom or
bri
desmaids.Asf orMiguel idontknowwhyhe
hasnotcalledof ftheweddi ngy et
.Whatkindof
embar r
assmentdoeshewantt ocauseme. iam
i
nmybedpr etendingtobeasl eepjusttoav oid
twocrazyladi
esDivaDandCrazyLorat
o.
Angela?Lorat
o'sl
i
ttl
egi
rli
sfastasl
eepby
myside.
Lor
ato:(
pull
i
ngawaymybl
anket
s)Wakeup
sl
eepyhead!
Dayna:Youar
egoingtoembrassusatt
he
Mokoenafamil
y,aladyhast
obeawakebefor
e
sunri
se.
Me:Embar
assyouwher
ebecausei
am st
uck
her
ewit
hyou.
Dayna:(pul
li
ngbackcur
tainsandopeni
ng
windows)Canyousmellthat?Thedayi
sfast
approachi
ng.
Lorat
o:Dontworr
yMiguelwi
l
lbewai t
ingatt
hat
al
ter,
oriwil
ldr
aghim her
emy sel
f.
Dayna:Ir
eal
lycantwai
t,ihav
ebeenpract
isi
ng
myv oi
ceall
week.Verysoonwewill
be
si
nging:
(
Theybot
hsi
ng)
Heel
aMant
swal
e,Mant
swal
e
Togel
adi
pit
sat
seo
Mongat
sonekey
ooogor
ogi
l
e
Mmant
swal
etogel
api
tsat
seo.
(Ifi
ndmy sel
flaughi
ng,thistwomi ghtbedi
vas
buttheycannotsingtoev ensingtosave
themselv
es.Suchhor r
iblevoices!
!)
Lorato:Fi
nall
yasmi
legoandbat
hyouwi
l
lfi
nd
breakfastr
eadymyqueen.
.
..
..
..
..
..
Wheni walkouttherei
sloudnoiseinthe
ki
tchen.Theroom isfi
l
ledwi t
hlaught
er.Iwal
k
i
nt heroom tofi
ndmysi bli
ngsalongwithmr
dead-drop-
gorgeousKevin,mom andlorat
o.
Theyaregetonwi thmom, iam happy.
Game: Ourmakot
ifi
nall
ydeci
dedt
ojoi
nus,
(huggi
ngme)heykiddo.
Me:
(gi
vi
nghi
m anev
iley
e)Ghost
!
Gab:(swi
ngingmearound)i
nevert
oldhert
o
cal
lyoukiddo.Wet
houghtmaybeyouwere
avoi
dingus.
Me:Ohpl
ease!Hi
Kev
!Whendi
dyouguy
sget
her
e??
Gab:
Justnowi
nti
mef
orbr
eakf
ast
!
Lor
ato:
Youal
way
slov
edf
ood.
Gab:
noi
didnt
.
(Theydebat
ewhil
ei si
nkint
oachai
rand
engageinaconv
esat i
onwit
hGameandmom.
Thesearemypeoplei l
ovet
hem al
ot!
!)
[
06/
23,
17:
25]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t68
Wheny ousurroundy oursel
fwi t
hposi t
ive
peoplethei
rpositi
vit
yrubsof fony ou,thei
r
happinesshealsthepainsiny ourheart.Bei
ng
herewitheveryonemakesmer eall
yhappy ,
fora
momenti f
orgotallaboutmywor ri
es.Iam
si
tti
ngwi t
hKev inintheGarden, havi
ngachat .
Me:
Soy
ouar
eMi
nist
erOfFi
nance'
sson.
Kevi
n:Noi
am myf
ather
'sson,
str
ipawayt
he
ti
tl
e.
Me:
Whyst
ri
pitaway
?
Kevi
n:Tomei tdoesnotmeanany t
hing,yesi
comef r
om ar ichfamil
ybutfamily'
swealthis
notminet obragabout.Iam sti
l
l makingmy
ownbutt henagainstil
lil
iketoremainunder
shadowsi ti
snotev er
yonethatknowt hatiown
fewhotelsinthiscountr
y?
Me:Whyshadows,whynotshi
newi
thy
our
weal
thl
i
keotherpeopl
e?
Kev i
n:Li
fehumbl esme, i
fi shi
netoday
tommor owimi ghtfall
from beingri
chtobei
ng
apanhandler.Sot omei thinkiwantsame
treat
mentthatev ery
oneel serecei
ves.
Me:I
sthatwhyyouchooset
ori
deabus
i
nst
eadofdri
ve?
?
Kev
in:
(laughi
ng)No!Act
ual
l
yiml
azyi
dontl
i
ke
dr
ivi
ngl
ongdi
stances.
Me:
Younotev
enashamedt
oadmi
tit
!!
Kevi
n:Ofcour
senot,pl
ustr
avel
li
ngi
nthebus
gi
vesmeanopportunit
ytohuntf
ormyprey
!
Me:(
Laughi
ng)Yousomet
hingel
se,
Xav
iersai
d
youl
i
keotherpeopl
e'
swomen.
Kevi
n:Notheyactual
lygoti
treal
l
ywr ong,the
womant hr
owt hemselv
esatmenott heother
wayaround,i
wi l
lnev
erref
usepu**ysof r
eely
gi
ven.
Me:Youaresomethi
ngel
se,
sowhatt
ypeof
gi
rl
sareyouint
o??
Kevin:Mat uregir
lswhojustwantt oshag
nothingelse.Innocentonescatchf eeli
ngsi
donthav et i
met odealwithfeel
ings.Ilikea
chall
engesoal adywhot hinkscanr esistme
j
ustt ur
nsmeonandmakesmyhunt ingv er
y
muchwor thit.Andthenthereisyou, youare
i
nnocentbutchal l
engi
ng,somet hi
ngabouty ou
i
smy ster
iousi wantyouy
etidontwantyou
becauseforthefir
stt
imeinmylif
eiam afr
aidi
mightcat
chf eeli
ngsandgetbur
ned.
Me:
Ohr
eal
l
y?
Kevi
n:Yesithi
nkiti
sbet
teri
fipl
ayawayf
or
thesakeofever
yone.
*
***
***
***
Wear eallinacarGame, Lorato,Kev i
nand
Gabrieldri
vingtoMahal apye.itisinthe
everning,
whatwear egoi
ngt odoi nmahalapy
e
idontknow, buttheymademedr essupinaa
peachbodycondr essandheel salongwith
LoratoandGamewhoar ewear i
ngy ell
ow
dresses.Wear r
iveinMahalapy eandgot o
CrestaHotel .
Me:(wal
ki
ngi
nsi
de)Whatar
ewer
eal
l
ydoi
ng
her
e?
Game:
Wej
ustget
ti
ngsomet
hingt
henl
eav
e.
Me:
Okay
,whydi
dGabandKevr
emai
nint
he
car
??
Game:
Wewontbel
ongaker
e.
(Theygetthekeysandwal
kint
othe
presi
denti
alsui
t,t
heymakesur
eiwalki
nfi
rst
thenlockmyinsi
de)
Me:(
Bangingonthedoor)Guy
s!Thi
sisnot
f
unny,whatar
eyoudoing?Openthi
sdoor!
Mi
guel
:Theywi
l
lnotopent
hedoor
.
(It
urnaroundsupr i
sed, hestandfeetawayf r
om
me, i
nblackr ippedjeans, r
edsneakersanda
redgolft-shir
t.Heremi ndsmeoft hefi
rstdayi
methi m atther est
urant,ireal
iser
ightnowt hat
despisedhi m becausei fel
tthi
sstrong
att
racti
onbet weenus. )
Me:
Hi!
Mi
guel
:Hel
l
o!
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e??
Mi
guel
:(smi
l
li
ng)i
sthi
showy
ougoi
ngt
obe
wel
comi
ngmehomeev
ery
day
?
Me:Iam notr
eal
l
yinamoodf
ort
hej
okesr
ight
now.
Miguel
:Youleav
eaweekandy
oual
readyl
ost
senseofhumour.
Me:
Ileav
e??
Mi
guel
:YesNana,
youwalkedawayagai
nfr
om
mewhenweweresupposedtotal
k.
Me:youmadei
tcleart
hatyouregr
ettedyour
deci
si
onsowhatdidyouwantmet odo,stay
andembar
assmysemor ebybegging.
Miguel
:Younevergav
emeachancet
oexpl
ain
whatimeant.
Me:I
tneedednoexpl
anat
ion,
itwascr
yst
al
cl
ear
.
Miguel
:Il
oveyouNandiphaandicantwaitt
o
makeyouMr sMiguel
Mokoenabutt her
eisjust
onethi
ngthatihat
eaboutyou.
Me:
andwhati
sthat
?
Miguel:Thefactthatyoushutmeoutal lthe
ti
meacr i
sisar
iseinyourli
fe.Aft
eryou
preachedtomeaboutopeni ngupi t
houghtyou
willusethesamepr i
ncipl
ebutitlooksli
keiam
theonlyoneallowedtobeopenni ngupnot
you.
Me:
Thati
snott
rue.
Mi guel:Yesitisyour unoffafteryouhear dthat
yourf atherwasar apist,y
our unof fagai nwhen
thet ruthaboutGabr i
elsurfaced.Allthist i
mei t
i
sl ikey oudidnott rustmeenoughwi t
hy our
sor rowsandpai ns.Howam i expect edt obe
ther eforyouwheni am notthef i
rstper sony ou
trustwi thyourpains.Idonotonl ywanthappy
moment swithyoubutaadt i
meswi th.Wheni
madeapr omisetohol dyourhandt hroughi tal
l,
imeantev erywordi said.
Me:Iam sor
ryt
hati
havebeenshut
ti
ngyouout
,
ihav
enoexcusetowhyidi
ditbuti
real
l
yli
keto
apologi
seforitall
.Il
oveyouMi guelandof
courseiwanttosharemyl i
femoment swit
h
you.Asforkeepingasecretiapologi
sealsoi
guessishouldhav et
rust
edy ouandbeopened
butiwasafrai
dofr ui
ningpeople'
slives.
Mi
guel
:Cani
behonest
?
Me:
Yespl
ease.
Miguel
:Iam glady
ounevertol
dme, t
hatmust
havebeenonehecsecrett
ocarrybecausejust
aft
eryoutoldmeitol
dEthan.Soiwouldnthave
beenabletokeepi
t.
Me:
Soy
oubr
okey
ourpr
omi
se?
Miguel
:Iam sor
ryMashenge,butEthansai
di
mustthankyouforkeepi
ngitt
hislongbecause
youactual
l
ysavedhismarri
age.
Me:
Real
l
y?Soy
ounotmadatme?
?
Miguel:i
wasnev ermadjustneededt
odeal
wit
hy ourdel
inquenta*
s,whydoy out
hinki
nevercall
edofftheweddi
ng?Iknewthatby
saturdayiwil
lbestandi
ngattheendofthat
alt
erf ory
ounomat terwhat
?Makingyou
miserablewasmypuni shmentt
ogiveyoua
tasteofyourmedicine.
Me:Youareawizz
ardNdiy
e!Whatmadey
ou
cuty
ourpuni
shmentver
yshor
t?
Miguel:Yoursi
bli
ngshav enochil
l
,aft
erGame
roastedall
ofus,Gabri
elcamet oseemealso
rubbi
ngi nthesal
t,heevensaidheisbri
ngi
ng
Kevinheresohecanhav ey ou!
Me:Ser
v esyouri
ght
!Thi
spunishmentireal
l
y
donotl
ike.Ipr
efert
hewhippunishment
.
Miguel
:(ki
ssi
ngme)Iwi
l
l gi
veyou,yourwhip
puni
shmentwheniownthefor
biddenfrui
t
l
egall
y.
Me:
Ilov
eyouNdi
ye!
Mi
guel
:l
ovey
oumor
eMr
sNdi
ye!
Me:
Nosecr
ets!
Mi
guel
:Cl
eansl
atemyl
ove,
cleansl
ate.
Marr
iageyoubet
terber
eadybecauseher
ewe
come..!
!
[
06/
23,
17:
25]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t70
Adaybef oretheweddi ng.Wehav ear ri
vedi n
Ser owet hepr eviousdaywi thalltheel dersand
mybr idesmai ds.Wej ustcomi ngf rom aspa
tr
eatdr ivingtowher et heweddi ngwi llbetaking
place.Iwoul dsayev er ythingisgoi ngwel l.The
twowomenwhot hinkt hisweddi ngi stheirs
hav ehi redaweddi ngpl anneraf t
ert heycoul d
notagr eeoni deas, whi chi beli
ev eitisan
excel l
entt hi
ng.Iam j ustex cit
edt hati am going
toseemyman!i am mi ssinghi m, appar entlyhe
knewaboutKev i
nbei ngast r
ipper, totall
y
agai nstt heideabutnoonecanchangeLor ato'
s
mi ndoncesheput sitt osomet hi
ngnotev en
Mybul ldozerhunk!Pr obabl ywonder i
ngwhat
happenedwi thMrSt ripper !Whathappensi n
Crest ahot elstayst her e,butwhati cansayi s,I
passedal
lthet
empetat
ions,
ift
her
eisany
one
readyf
orthi
smarr
iagei
sme!
Day
na:
Ther
eshei
s,f
inal
l
y!
Oliv
ia:Younevertoldme,youhavesucha
beauti
fuldaughter,
(huggi
ngmeandki ssingmy
cheeks)Youmustbet hebri
de,
Iam Oliv
iaor
youcallme,Liv,Iwil
lbetheonemakingy our
dream comet r
ue.
(Iguesswej
ustmetmyweddi
ngplanner,
idont
knowi si
tmeoral
lweddi
ngpl
anner
sar egay
!)
Dayna:Nowever
yonei
sherecanwest
art
.
Ever
ythi
nghastobeper
fect
.
Me:
Wher
eisMi
guel
.
Day
na:
Insi
del
etusgoi
n.
Ol
i
via:
Goi
niwi
l
lbewi
thy
ouj
ustasec.
(
Wewalkintot
hel
odgeandtothegardensi
de,
wher
eevery
thi
ngi
sbei
ngprepared.)
Kat
h:(
teasi
ngl
y)Youcancal
lmeKat
her
ineor
j
ustKat
h!
Mpho:
Isi
taheorshe?
?
Lorat
o:I
tisahe-
she!Inev
erunder
standhow
theydoi
t,
?
Me:
Dowhat
??
Lor
ato:
Sex!Imean,
amanwi
thanot
herman!
Yer
r!
!
Mpho:
Orladywi
thanot
herl
ady
,justhowdo
t
heydoit
?
Lor
ato:Theymustbehavi
ngahar
dt i
me,the
wayilovethe"
D"iwoul
dnttr
adei
tforthe
worl
d.
Kat
h:Hugevei
ned,
cir
cumci
sed,
inev
ergett
ir
ed
oft
heview!
Lorato:Ori
tiremember
,ther
ewasonet
ime
pregnantwit
hAngelail
i
teral
l
ycr
iedf
ori
t.
Li
sa:Andyouwonderwhythel
ikesofLi
v
deci
detobeladi
es.Theyal
sowanttheD.
(
Okayiam deadnow,t
her
eisnev
eradul
l
momentwiththen)
.
..
..
..
.
Iam sti
l
l recov er
ingfr
om thelaughterwhenour
gazesmeet ,hegivesmehi sgenuinesmi l
e,my
i
nsidestur n,hissmil
ewi l
lfor
everturnmeon.I
wanttor unt ohim andwrapmyl egsar ound
him,andhav ehim.Allofhim,canitbe
tommor owal r
eady,imissmymani wanthim
j
ustformy self
.Wewal ktoeachot herandhug,i
putmyheadar oundhiswaist,
hemov esback
sohecanhav eapeek.
Mi
guel
:Youmi
ssmet
hatbad!
Me:Youhav
enoi
dea.Cani
tbet
ommor
ow
al
ready
.
Mi
guel:Youaregoingtohav
emef oramont
h
wi
thoutnodist
urbancessodontsulktoo
much.
Me:
Amont
h!
Mi
guel
:Ourhoney
moon!
Me:
Wewi
l
lbegoneamont
h!
Miguel
:Wil
lbeexpl
ori
ngEurope.Bet
tergety
our
f
renchinor
derbecausef
rom hereourstopi
s
Monaco!
Me:Tel
lmeagai
n,whati
didt
odeser
vesucha
manli
keyou!
Miguel
:ial
sodontknowi meanyoumusthav
e
bewit
chedme, putsomethingi
nmyfood.i
meany ounotbeauti
ful
,educat
edandmost
dummestgirlievermet.
Me:(beati
nghi
m onchest
)Mi
guel
!Whyy
ouso
sav
age? ?
Miguel:Trut
hhurtslove,t
ypi
calexampleofhow
dummyy ouare,i
ttookyou,al
mostay eartoget
yourli
cense,whenittakesanaverageperson
only4-6mont hst
ogeti t
.
Me:
Otogaoi
nyal
a?
Mi
guel
:Thr
eat
eni
ngmenow,
nomanwi
l
lwant
t
omar
ryy
ousoy
oust
uckwi
thme.
Me:Yousayiam adummy,
butyouj
ustprov
ed
t
obet hebi
gidi
other
e,y
ouknowiam adummy
yety
ouaremarryi
ngme.
(
Ilookathi
m amused.Ir
eal
l
yenj
oyandl
i
ket
his
Miguel
theplay
ful
one.)
Oli
vi
a:Okaylovebir
dsletusdot
his,
apparent
ly,
ourbri
deissupposedtobehomewiththe
el
dersnothere.Sothi
sishowwearegoingto
dothi
s!
(Sheexpl
ainsthewhol ethi
ngandwepr act
ice
ontheimaginarypuctureshehassetinour
minds.Anhourlater
,wear edone,ever
yone
confi
dentwithwhattheyexpectedtodo.)
.
..
.
Backatthepl
acewer
ewestayi
ng.i
am wi
th
Mom, GabandGamehav
ingsomefami
lyt
ime.
Dayna:Icantbel
i
evethedayi
sfi
nal
l
yhere!
Geez!Nandiphayour
eall
yget
ti
ngmarr
ied!
Nana:Younotgoi
ngt
ogoemot
ional
onme
r
ightnow!
Dayna:
Neverbuti
wil
li
fyoudeci
det
ohav
e
babi
essoon.
Game:
Whynotsoon?
Me:Mommydear
esther
e,i
snotyetr
eadyt
obe
agr
andmot
her
,st
il
lenj
oyi
nghery
outh.
(
Theyl
ookatherandl
augh.i
joi
nin)
Dayna:Astheyal
wayssay"got
sohal
ay oo
bat
ang"anywayiwantedustot
alkabout
something.
Me:
Whati
sit
??
Dayna:Iknowihavebeenwaiti
ngfort
his
momental lmyl
if
etowal kyoudowntheaisl
e
butiwantGabri
elt
odoi ttommorow!
Gabr
iel
:Noicoul
dnt
,it
syourl
i
meli
ght
t
ommor row,
youwal
kherdown.
Day
na:
Ify
oudontwantGamecandoi
t.Dont
worryaboutmylimel
ight
,tommorowmany
peoplemightmist
akemef orthebr
ide.Iwi
l
lbe
showingjusthowyouthf
ulicanbe.
Gabr
iel
:Okayasl
ongasy
ouokaywi
thi
t.
Day na:Goodnowexcuseme, havetogotot
he
spa.GetmyA- gameready,
wouldntwant
Maggi efeel
i
ngl iket
hetr
ophymom.Wheni am
actuall
ythetrophymom!
(Shewal
ksout
,looksl
iket
heDiv
aDi sback.
GameandGabri
el wi
ll
getusedt
oit
.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iam i
nbedt
alki
ngt
oMi
guel
overt
hephone.
Mi
guel
:Nocol
dfeet
?
Me:Nev
er!Iam ext
remel
yexci
ted,
iwantt
obe
l
yi
ngnexttoyoutommorow.
Miguel
:Ifther
eisonethi
ngiam sur
eof ,i
sthat
tommor ow,noneofuswil
lbel
yingaround.I
havealmost2weekswi t
houty
ou,soi wil
lbe
hel
pingmy sel
ftomyfood,myoffi
cial
lyl
egal
f
ood(hechuckl
es)sur
efeel
sgoodt
osayt
hat
.
Me:
(laughi
ng)Youar
ecr
azy
,youknowt
hat
?
Mi
guel
:Abouty
ou,
yesi
doknow.
Me:Ineedmybeautysl
eepunlessy
ouwantt
o
seeyourbr
idewi
thdarkci
rcl
estommor
ow!
Miguel:Youneednobeaut
ysleep,
youar
ea
natur
al.Il
oveyouMrsNdiye!
Me:LoveyouMrNdi
ye.Dontf
orgeti
wil
lbet
he
beaut
if
ulonei
nwhit
e!
Mi
guel
:Cantwai
t!
(Ihangupsmill
ingt
omy sel
f!Thanky ouGod!
Fortheamazingpar
tneryouchosef orme.I
closemyeyesanddrif
ttosleep,butnotf
or
l
ong, myphonewakesmeup.)
Me:
(sl
eepy
)Hel
l
o!
Her
:Ist
hisNandi
phaWet
hu?
Me:
Yesandy
ouar
e?
Her
:Char
lot
te!
Me:
Okay
,howcani
hel
pyou?
Char
lot
te:Doyouknow,
thet
ypeoff
ami
l
yyou
ar
emar r
yingi
nto?
Me:
Yes!
Charl
ott
e:Andthemanyouar
emar r
ying,i
she
themany ouwantt
oti
eyour
selft
o,f
ort her
est
ofyourl
if
e?
Me:
Whatki
ndofquest
ionist
hat
?Wi
l
libe
mar
ryi
nghi
mifi
didwantto?
Charl
ott
e:Iguessnot
.Justwant
edt
omake
sur
e?
Me:
Wh.
..
(Shehangsupbefor
eicansayanyt
hing?Who
thehel
lisChar
lot
tenow?Iwil
laskMiguel
tommorow.Negati
vi
tyisl
astt
hingineedr
ight
now!Iclosemyeyesandsl
eep!)
.
..
..
..
'
'
'
PleaseFr
om nowonNotet
hati
dontposton
sundaysunl
essihav
eti
metool
iket
oday!
My_ Sundaysarestr
ict
lyf
orChurch,thewhole
daybecauseIat t
end2servicesmorningone,
andev erni
ngone.Onadditi
ontothatIam part
oftheSer v
ingTeam (AnUsheret
te)hencewhyi
pl
acehonoronmySunday sandgi vethem
undivi
dedat t
enti
on!
ThankYou!
[
06/
23,
17:
25]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t69
Iam onhislabi
nthehot
elcouch,
huggi
ngonto
himtight
ly,
dri
nki
nginhi
stoxi
cmuskysmell
.I
missedhim!Alotact
ual
l
y!Therei
saknockon
thedoor!
Mi
guel
:Yourcar
ri
agei
sher
eci
ndr
ell
a.
Me:
Alr
eady
!Idontwantt
ogo.
Mi
guel
:Youhav
enochoi
ce.Theygott
hekey
s.
Me:
cal
lmebef
orey
ousl
eep!
Mi
guel
:asy
ouwi
shy
ourhi
ghness.
(iwrapmyhandsar oundhisneckandkisst
he
daylightoutof
.Wheni pul
lbackhegroans,
i
chuckleandwalkoutbefor
emyt wobody
guardskill
me)
Me:
Arewegoi
nghomenow?
?
Game:
Justonef
inal
stop.
(Wewal ki
ntotheroom decorat
edwithyell
ow
andpeachcolours,alar
gebunnerwrit
tenmy
name.Kath,MphoandLi sastandfewinches
awayfrom wit
han" Iam sor
ry"paper
swr i
tt
en
onthem.)
Me:Oh!Guys!Thi
sisbeauti
ful
.Noact
ual
l
yi am
sor
ryespeci
all
yKath,
inevermeantt
ohurty
ou.
Kat
h:Nowear
etheoneswhodi
dagr
eat
i
njust
ice,
toy
ou.Forgiv
emef ormysel
fi
shway
s
andforal
mostr
uinningyourday
.
Me:Itisokay,youwereangr
yiti
stotal
l
y
understandabl
e.Iam j
ustgl
adigett
omarr
y
wit
hy ouguy sbymyside.
(
Wehav eagr
ouphug,
hav
ingt
hem her
emeans
alot
.)
Kat
:Sot
hef
unhasal
readyst
art
edwi
thoutme?
?
(Sheisst
andi
ngbyt
hedooral
soi
nay
ell
ow
dress)
Lor
ato:
Nowaywecannotst
artwi
thouty
ou.
.
..
..
..
.
Apparent
lyt
hisi
smybridal
shower,
every
one
knewmeexpectme.Wear esi
tt
ingonthe
coucheshavi
ng,
foodandchampagne!
Game:Okayj
okesasi
de!Nana,
y ouar
efi
nal
ly
becomi
ngawomansowewant edtodot
histo
you.
Lorato:
Ofcour
set
alktoy
oubefor
ethoseold
pettywomencomefi
ll
youheadwit
hlotof
nonsense.
Kat
h:Lor
ato!
Lorat
o: What!Thosewomenwi llf
il
lyouhead
withjunk,
thingsli
ke"
monnagaabot swekwaa
tswang",t
heymustbei nsane,ifmymansl eeps
out,t
hemi nutehewalksin,iholdhim byhi
s
ball
sanddemandt oknowwher ehehasbeen.
Kath:
Any
waynev ermindLor
ato,
shewi
l
lteach
youbadt
hings.Igoty
outhi
s.
(Shegivesmeabi gshoppi
ngbagofLaSenz
a
Linger
ie.Iopeni
tandfindal
lsor
tsofl
i
ngeri
e)
Kath:Youshouldbehiswi f
einpublicandhis
sl*
tbehindcloseddoor.Donotev erdenyhim
sexbecauseamanwhoi ssexuall
ystarv
edcant
thi
nkst r
aight
,befor
eyouknowi thewi l
lbe
bri
ngy oudiseasesandbastardchil
drenwhile
youtheonewhohadpowert ostopallt
hat.You
arebossatwor kbutathomey ouar e
submissiv
ewife.Makehimlookfor
wardto
cominghome.Beawomanwhom cooksbot h
i
nkitchenandbedroom,tr
ynewt hi
ngspi
ceup
sexl
ife.Theballl
i
esinyourcour
t.
(
Ihugher
)
Me:
Thanky
ou!
Game: (sheput sabi gmakeupbagi nthet able)
Ibroughty oumakeup, oftenti
mesmar ried
women, getcomf otabl
e, whentheygetther ing
theynol ongerputanef fortonlooks.Iwanty ou
toremai nbeaut iful
,dressupandl ooksmar tall
thetime.Remi ndhi m al
l t
hetimewhyhef ellfor
you.Nev erfor
gett hatyouhav ecompetiti
onout
there,sodontgi vehimr easontolookout si
de
wheny out here.Bebeaut if
ulf
orhim.
(katdragsthetwobigboxesandsti
pst
hem,
theotherboxissetofcooki
ngpot
sandand
anotheri
ssetofplates)
Kat
:Awaytoaman'shear
tist
hroughhi
s
st
omach.Socookf
orNdiy
e,makesurehi
s
stomachisf
ullallt
heti
me.Youownt wobusy
reat
urant
sbutdontmakehi m eatoutal
lthe
ti
me.Beawi f
et hati
sneverbusytofeedher
husbandhomecookedmeal s.
(
Mphobringsme,asteam i
ronwit
hhugger
s,an
i
roni
ngboardandl
aundrybasket
)
Mpho: Agreathomebegi nswit
hapr esent
abl
e
husband,behismot herandl
ookafterhim.
Makesur ehiscl
othesareallcl
ean,
ironedand
readyal
lthetime.Taketimetomakesur eheis
present
ableandclean.
(
Lisagi
vesmeacl
eani
ngequi
pment
)
Li
sa:Nothingmakesahomet hanacleanhome.
Cleanyourhouse,
cleanaft
erhim.Makehi
m
seetherei
sawomani nthehouse.
(Lor
atosmilesatmeasshepul
lsoutadil
do.
Every
onelaughs.Tr
usthert
odothecrazy
thi
ng)
Lor
ato:
Wel
liam gi
vi
ngy
out
hisar
ti
fci
alpeni
s,
i
fhecantsat isfyyou,thedi l
dowi l
ldot hejob,
dontgolookingf orsatisfacti
onout si
de.My
secondgiftisthis(shegi vesmeahol ybible)
Youcanonl yhav esucessf ulmarriageifyoulet
Godleady ou.Dontgett oobusyf orprayerand
worshi
ppingGod!I twi llgettoughbutwhen
HolySpi
ritistherenot hingcancomebet ween
youguys.Bet hepr overbs31woman.
(
Iam emot
ional
whent heyf
ini
sh,
whatgr
eat
f
ri
endGodhasblessedmewi t
h)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Wehavebeendr
inki
ngandhavingsomef
un.
Theymakemesitonthechai
r.
Lorat
o:i
tnotabr
idal
showerwi
thouta
Str
ipper
.
Me:
(l
aughi
ng)No!Youguy
sdi
dnt
!
(Gamewhi st
les.Themusicstart
sandi am
shockedtoseewhoi smyst r
ipper,
Mr -
dead-
drop-
gorgeousy eshi
m Kevi
n.Hewal ksin
wear i
ngblackjeansunbut
onned!Iswal l
owa
bi
gl umpasi l
ookathis8packs.Hegi vesmea
colgatesmilethatgi
vesmebut terf
lies.He
mov eshisbreastsandmyinsidest urn.Damn!
Brotheri
ssof inem-m!Theladiesscr eam.This
wil
l beaverylongnight
.Thedev il
st andsinf
ront
ofme)
Lor
ato:
Shei
sal
lyour
sKev
,showherf
lames.
Kat
h:Makesur
ewearesat
isf
iedwi
thy
ourwor
k
Mraft
eral
lwepai
d.
(Il
ookatMphof orhel
pandshewi nksasmy
sti
pperboybeginsdancingforme.Heavenl
y
fat
herwhydoy ouletthem dothi
st ome
mare??)
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t71
*
***
**
Bar
etaxi
kemahal
a
Kor
eyangt
leng
Taxi
kemahal
a
Kor
eyat
lang
Baneel
engNandi
pha
Bat
samay
e,t
axi
kemahal
a
kor
eyat
eng.
..
..
..
..
..
(Asongsangi nmostweddi ngs, i canheart hei
r
mel odicvoicessi ngingatt hef rontoft hehouse
waitingformet oexi tthehouse, TheBr ide.Itis
fi
nallyhere,myweddi ngday , Ilookoncemor e
i
nt hemi rr
orandi bar elyr
ecogni set hest ranger
starri
ngback, Inev erknewi couldbet his
beaut i
ful
.Iam i noneofCar oline'sl i
mi ted
coll
ection,av i
ntageweddi nggown, shor t
sl
eev es,withlaceatt opthatcl i
ngst omybody ,
exposingmyback, Itisabi tf l
air, totalysui ts
me, sheknowswhatbestf ormeal lthet i
me, I
l
ookather ,shewasr i
ghtshei sthet rophymom
ri
ghtnow, alsoinaCar oli
neDai sy '
sdr ess, i
tis
peachi ncolour ,andhugshercur veousbody ,
shewear sapeachl i
ghtmat er i
al coatont op,
hai
rweavestyl
edinawayitisdroppi
ngtoher
l
eftsi
demymom l ooksl
ikeQueenEli
zabeth
ri
ghtnow.Ismi
leatherasshefi
xesmydr ess.
.
..
..
..
.
Everyoneisjustbeauti
ful
,mybri
dermaidsarei
n
l
ongpeachsl eev
elessdress,
wit
hlacesatthe
back,theall
hav edonesamehairsty
le.We
standinfr
ontofthehouse.
Gabri
el:
(Adressingthecr
owd)Thank!Wear e
alr
eadyrunningbeingschedul
e.Pleasegetin
theawaiti
ngcar sandmakewayt oMar ina
Lodge.Ourbr i
dehast of
indever
yonet her
e.
(Alimopacksinf
rontandmybr idesmai dsgetin,
expectforMphobecauseshei smybestl ady.
Afterthel
imomov es, acarri
agecomesal ong!
Jesus!Nowmyemot ionsareall over
,they
reall
ygivi
ngmemyper fectweddi ng,
acar ri
age.
Igetinandtr
aveltothev enue.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Mi
guel
'
sPov
Thet hemei swi nt
erweddi ng.At entt hatl ooks
l
ikeat ank/ bar relwheni tiscuti nhal fandbot h
endsr emov ed, attheot herendi st heal ter, the
whi t
ecar petr unsf rom t heal tertoout si
det he
tent,wher ethecar riagei sexpect edt ost op,
prayercandl esar el i
ght ed, alongt heai sleat
bothsi desoft hewhi tecar pet ,theirisa
machi net hatbl owst hesnowf l
akes, creat i
nga
snow, aper fecfwi nt erweddi ng.Whi t
er oses
decor ating!Theguest sar esi tt
edi nt i
ffany
chairs.Thegr oom' smenar eindeepmer oon3
piecesui t
s.JesusCul ture-I ny ourpr ecense
playsasGabr i
el l
aandAngel awal kdown
throwingwhi tel i
ll
iesandr osespet als.Ast hey
reacht heend, Ol i
viashowst hem wher et osi t
.
BellaandEdwar d'
ssongf rom t wilightbegi ns" A
thousandy ears"Tr ev orandKatbegi nwal ki ng
from bot hsi desandmeeti nt hemi ddle,slowl y
theywal kandr eacht heal terandpar tonce
mor el adiesl eftandmenr ight.Theyf oll
owed
byWi ll
andLi sa, LeoandLor at
o,EthanandKat h
fi
nall
yThabi soandMpho.Shay newar d-
Breathless,pl aysasi walkdownt heaisle,i
am
i
nabl ack3pi ecesuit,al
leyesonme, ispot
Maggi elooki ngatmeandi winkather.asi
standbyt heal terwaiti
ngformybr i
de, iadmiti
t
iam ner vousf orthefi
rstti
mei nmyl i
fe.Whatis
taki
ngt hem sol ong.
.
..
..
..
..
..
Thepi anobegi nsheisplay i
ng,Beaut iful i
n
whi tebywest li
feever
yonest andst ot hei rfeet
andt urnheads.i l
ookforwar dandi am
shocked, iti
slikeiam seeinganangel ,They
wal kingt owardsme, Gabrielbyher side, my
Nanai sbey ondbeautif
ul.Isuddenl yf eel
emot ional,"
Youwi l
lnotcryMi guel"i mumbl et
o
my sel fbutthatdoesnotst opt het earf rom
fall
ing, "Fu*kNandipha,youwi llpayf ormaki ng
mecr yonmyweddi ngday ,you'll
def i
nat ely
pay ."Shei shere,Gabri
elremov esherv eiland
kissesherf oreheadandgiv eshert ome.
Gabri
el:Hurtasi
ngl
ehai
rinherheadandi
wil
l
cast
rateyou.
(I
sthi
sni
ggathr
eat
eni
ngme.Hei
sluckyhei
s
nowfami
ly)
.
..
..
..
Nana'
SPov
Ismil
eatGabr ielashedel i
vershisthreat.ilook
atMiguel,andnot i
cehi stearyeyes."I
st his
moroncr yi
ng?"Iwantt olaughbuti canti am
anemot i
nal wr
eckmy sel
f.Thisi
saf i
rstMi guel
Mokoenai scrying.Het akesmyhandandl ooks
i
nmyey es.Thi
si sit!Iwink.
Pastor:Dearl
ybelovedwearegatheredher
e
todaytowitness,thematr
imoni
alceremonyof
MiguelMokoenaandNandi phaWet hu.
Ecclesi
ates4:9-12readas:
Twoarebet
tert
hanone.Becausetheyhavea
goodr
ewardfort
hei
rlabour
.Foriftheyf
all
,one
l
if
tsuphi
scompanionbutwoet ohim whois
al
one, whenhef al
lshehasnoonet ohelp.
Againi ftwoti
edownt ogether
,theywi l
lkeep
war m but;howcanonebewar m alone.Though
onemaybeov erpoweredbyanot her,twocan
withstandhim andt heref
orecordisnotqui ckl
y
broken.Mayt hecor dthattiey
ouher etoday
neverbr eak.Wit
houtanydel ayisthereany one
herewhobel i
evesthistwoshoul dnotmar ryif
sospeaknoworf oreverholdt
heirpeace.
'
(I
tgetsqui
te,
andi
hol
dmybr
eat
hthatnot
hing
happens.
)
Pastor:Good, Miguel,doyoutakeNandiphato
bey ourlawf ul
wifetohav eandtoholdfrom
thi
sdayf orward,f
orbetter,
forworse,
forri
cher
,
forpoorer ,
insicknessandhealth,
unti
ldeathdo
youapar t?
Mi
guel
:(Conf
ident
ly)Ido!
Past
or:DoyouNandi
phatakeMi
guel
tobeyour
l
awfulwif
etohaveandt
oholdfr
om t
hisday
for
ward,forbetter
,forwor
se,forr
icher,
for
poorer
,insicknessandhealt
h,unt
ildeathdo
youapart?
Me:
(il
ookathi
m)Ido!
Past
or:
Maywehav
ether
ings?
(
Thabi
sobr
ingst
hem andt
hePast
orpr
aysov
er
t
hem.)
Pastor
:Thecoupl
ehasthei
rownv
ows,
Miguel
(handi
nghi
mt heri
ng)
.
Mi guel:(hetakesmyhandl ooksatmeashe
sli
desi tonmyf i
nger)Igiveyout hi
sringasa
symbol ofmyl ovetoyou, t
hisri
ngr epresentmy
hear tthatiti
sforeverwithyou.Mayy ounev er
takei toffbecauseifyoudo, youwillbe
disgaur dingmyhear t
.itsymbolisesmypr omise
tost ayt r
uthf
ulandlovingthroughoutour
shinnyanddar kdays.Iloveyou.
(
Iwi
peof
fhi
stear
)
Past
or:
Nandi
pha!(
hegi
vesmet
her
ing)
Nana: Iputthisr
ingony ouasasy mbol ofmy
heart,
bodyandmi nd.mayi tbeareminderof
myv owst oy ou,t
ostaycommi t
tedtoy ou,
submissive,lovi
ng,honestandlastl
yrespect f
ul
toyouasmyhusband.Ipr omisetonev ergrow
ti
redofy ou, beasupportivewif
eandl astly
spendr estofmyl i
febyy oursi
de.Il
ovey ou
Ndiye!.
(
Ever
yonechuckl
es)
Pastor:WhatGodhasbroughtti
get
hernoman
canseparate.Ladi
esandGentl
emenipresent
toyouMrandMr sMiguel
Mokoena.Youmay
kissthebri
de.
(hestepsfor
thandbr i
ngshisli
pstomine,to
sealourcommi t
mentt ooneanother
.Wef orget
abouttheworldanddev ouri
neachother.This
i
smypr oper
ty,
myt houghtsasipull
him cl
oser.
Thereisanapplause!
!)
)
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t72
Wej ustcomebackf rom changi ngatt
ir
es,we
nowbackatMi guel'
shomef orthesecondpar t
oftheceremony ,f
ortradit
ions.Iam inaaf r
ican
germanpr i
ntdressthatmat chesMi guel'
sshirt
,
theladi
esarealsoinaf r
icanger manboot l
eg
j
umpsui tsandblackchuckt ail
orsneakers.
Sit
ti
ngont hetent,nexttohim, heisholdi
ngmy
hand.
Oli
vi
a: Thenextparteveryonel
oves,Howour
l
ovelycouplemet?Itissaidnoonet el
lsthe
st
orybet t
erthatt
hef r
iend.Sol
etusher efr
om
ThabisothenMphoaboutwhatt heyknow!
Thabiso:Thoughi havenotmucht osaybuti
will
sharet hel i
ttl
eihave.Miguelwasobsessed
withNandi phat hefi
rstdayhesawher .Justli
ke
apredatort hatchasesaf t
erprey
,het racedher
toherwor k, andwest art
edgoingthere.Nana
wasat akenbutmyboycoul dntgiv
eupwai ted
foropportuni t
y,whenitavail
edhegr abbedit.
(
Mphost
andsandwi
nksatme)
Mpho: Iam sti
lloneofthosepeoplewhodont
beli
evethattheyactuall
ymadei ther
e!Imeanit
i
sknownt hattheyhatedeachother'
sguards
andcouldntbewi theachotherinaroom
withoutbi
tti
ngeachot her'
sheadsoff.But
suddenlyeverythi
ngchangedfrom Miguelbei
ng
theenermyt opotenti
alfr
om potenti
alto
husband.Thatsal l
iknow.
Oli
vi
a:Idi
dsayifwegowi ththef
ri
endsfi
rstwe
wil
lgetal
lthei
nfor
mat i
on.Nowletusher
e
fr
om ourcoupl
e.Miguel
.
(
Hegr
oansandst
andsup.
)
Mi
guel
:Ir
eal
l
ydontknowwher
etost
art
ing.
Maggi
e:Howaboutt
hebegni
nni
ng?
Miguel:Forav er
ylongtime,ili
vedwith
sadnessandabr okenheartevenwhenGr an
Manxanepr eachedt omeabouthowhappyi
wil
lbeitallseemedi mpossibl
e.Butthenone
dayiam wal ki
ngint hemallbei
ngapl ayboyi
was,lookingformynextprey ,t
henispot t
edher
,
i
nar eat
urantwit
hMpho, shewasl aughi
ng
suddenl
yeveryt
hinginmywor l
dstopped,i
coul
dntlookaway .Iwentintor
esturantor
dered
foodeventhoughi wasfullsoicanjuststar
e.
(
Theyl
aughi
ng)
Miguel
:Iwassmit
ten,ascreepyi
tisifol
l
owed
her,
shewenthomet henwork.Contempl
ati
ng
mymov e,i
deci
dedtol ayl
owandobser v
e.
Mokoena:
Likeat
ruePr
edat
or.
Miguel
:Butiwasslow,someonebeatmet oher
soisetouttomakeherlif
emi ser
ablel
ikeshe
mademe, butevery
timeitr
iedhardtodoitiwil
l
fal
lhar
dforher.Li
keThabisosaidan
opport
uni
tyavail
edialr
eadyknewshei sthe
womani wanttospendmyl if
ewith,
soher ewe
are.
Mokoena:
Nowwhati
slef
tist
oknockherout
.
Fer
guson:
Trusthi
mtodoi
tsoon.
Day
na:
Dontpr
essur
iset
heki
dst
heywi
l
lhav
e
babieswhent
heyar
ereadythoughi
recommendaft
erayearor2.
Ol
i
via:
Letusher
efr
om Mr
sMi
guel
.
Me:
Hehasal
readysai
dital
l
.
Ol
iv
ia:
Nono!Dar
li
ngt
hatwashi
sst
orywewant
t
ohearyour
s!
Me: Ireall
ydidnotl
ikehi
m wheni f
irstmethim
probablybecauseheinti
mdatedme.And
most l
yr udeall
theti
me,butthatal
lchanged
wheni gotachancetoknowhim.ifellunderhi
s
spellonet hi
ngledt
oanotherandher eweare.
(Therei
sanappl ause,andever
yonegetsmer r
y,
from t
hespeechesf ol
lowsthecakecutti
ngand
danceflooropens.Icanthavemyfatherbuti
havemybr other
-sist
erdancewithGabri
el.)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Katheri
newatchesashedanceswi t
hNana.Itis
evi
dentfrom t
hewayt heyaresmi
ll
ingand
dancingthatt
heyhaveastrongbound,shecant
hel
pbutf
eel
jeal
ousandenv
iousoft
hem.
Game:
Arey
ouokay
?
Kath:Yeahiam.Doy oueverwonderwhat
couldhavehappenedifheneverf
akedhis
death??
Game:Ir
eal
lydont,iam j
ustgr
atef
ulthathei
s
her
enow,somethingshappenbecauseiti
sal
l
par
tofGod'
splans.Whydoy ouask??
Kat
h:Justar
andom t
hought
.
Game:Kat
hdoy
oust
il
lhav
efeel
i
ngsf
ormy
br
other
??
Kat
h:What
??Of
cour
senot
,Il
oveEt
han.
Game:Youbet termeanit,Imeany ouhave
beenmarriedfor14y ear
snowandmost lyther
e
arechi
l
dreninvolved.Youhavingfeel
ingsfor
Gabwillj
ustcompl i
catethi
ngs??
Kath:Myheartissetononlyonemanandthat
s
Ethan.Speaki
ngofwhichletmegoandfind
hi
m sowecango, Ll
oydmustbegivi
ngthe
mai
dhar
dti
mer
ightnow!
Game: Youar
enotst
ayi
ngov
erf
ort
he
recept
ion.
Kath:
Imt oot
iredplusi
wantt
ospendsome
ti
mewi t
hmyf amily
.
Game:
Okayguessi
wil
lseey
out
ommor
ow.
kat
h:Al
ri
ght
!
(
Shest
andsupandwal
ksaway
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Everythi
ngisdone, j
ustfini
shedt hetradi
ti
onal
process"Gol aiwaGaMosadi "iam nowina
duekandshowel l
i
keapr opermot swana
mar r
iedwife.Itisreceptiontime,musi ci
son
andpeopl earedanci ngint heyard.Iam ti
redi
j
ustwantt ogoandsl eep.
Miguel:
Thewayy ouareyawni
ng!Youmustbe
exhausted.Comeletusgotobed.
Me:
Youhav
enoi
dea.Icoul
dusesomesl
eep
becauseihavetobeupt
ommorow,
doi
ng
makotidut
iesbefor
eweleav
e.
Mi
guel
:Icantwai
ttohav
eyout
omy
sel
f.
(Weareheadi
ngtothehousebutt ur
nsoutwe
donotgotothemainhouse,buttherei
sanew
house,whi
chhasbeenthat
chedwi thgr
assnext
tohismom'shur
t,i
nfr
ontofithangsaredfl
ag)
Mi
guel
:Yournewhouse.
Me:
Inowsl
eepi
nat
radi
ti
onal
hut
?
Mi
guel
:Theredfl
agsymbol
isest
heQueen.It
sa
moder
nhouse,j
ustt
hatt
heypref
erusi
nggrass.
(
Hepi
cksmeupandwal
ksi
nsi
de)
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Miguel
:Iti
stradi
ti
on,
ahusbandcar
ri
eshiswi
fe
i
nsidethehousefort
hef
ir
sttimeaf
tert
hey
marry.
Me:
Wow:
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul.
(Thehur
tlooksbi
ggeront
hei
nsi
de,
ther
eis
fl
oort il
es,abigdressi
ngtabl
enextt oiti sawall
war dropewhoonear t
hmadet his,
inthef ar
corneri sadeskwi t
hacomput erandchai r.a
couch, coff
eet abl
eandmount edtv-screen.The
otherisaqueensi zebedwi t
hwhi t
ecov ers,and
pi
llow, embrodedwi t
hournamesNdi yeand
Nandi pha.Iwalktotheadjoi
ningdoorandi t
sa
bathroom wi t
habat ht
ubbigenought of it
whol efamilyandat oi
let
.
Icomebackandsi
tinthebed.Mi
guel
takesof
f
hiswat
chandphonefr
om pocket
.
Miguel
:Iam col
d,Thepast
orsai
diftwoti
e
downtoget
her,t
heywill
keepwarm but
;how
canonebewar m al
one.
Me:(l
aughi
ng)Yousodi
rty
,int
erept
ingt
he
ver
seinsuchbadways.
Miguel:
Plusyousti
ll
owemeawhipforbei
ng
del
inquentandformaki
ngmecr
ytoday.
Me:
Real
l
y?
(Hepushesontobed,
kissesmeashi
shands
getunder
nearhmydress)
Miguel
:Nowi am seal
i
ngt
hismar
ri
agemaki
ng
youoff
ici
all
ymine.
Me:
(br
eat
hless)Mi
guel
..
..
..
.
..
..
..
..
.
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t73
Ourhi r
edcarpacksi nfr
ontoftheHôt elde
Caril
lontheex quisi
teresidenti
alhotelwe
stayi
ngi n,overl
ookingthef amousCasi node
Mont eCal oandMedi t
err
aneansea.The
doormanopensandsmi lesatme, i
hav e
formedaboundwi t
hhi m, t
he3weekswehav e
steppedi ntothi
shot el
.
Adr
ian:
Ça,
va,
Mademoi
sel
l
eNana?
Me:
(must
eri
ngasmi
l
e)Ça,
va,
Adr
ian.
Adr
ian:
(bowi
ng)Ev
erni
ngMonsi
eurMi
guel
.
(
Miguel
handshi
mthecarkey
sandal
arget
ip)
Mi
guel
:Mer
ci.
(Hetakesmyhandandwewal kint
ot helavi
sh
hotell
obbytotheel
evat
or,
westayinginthe
l
uxuri
ouspenthousesui
teofHôtel
deCar il
l
on.I
l
eanagainsthi
sbodyandinhal
ehistoxicscent
.
)
Me:Opér
adeMonte-cal
oissobigandt
he
per
fomancewasbr
eathtaki
ng.
Miguel
:Say
ssomeonewhosai
dshewi
l
lnev
er
gotoanoperaagai
n.
Me:Maybei
tisnotsobadl
i
ket
heonebackat
home.
(West epint
otheroom andiwal
ktothe
bedroom sit
ti
ngbythedressi
ngtabl
eist
art
taki
ngof fmyjewel
ler
y)
Miguel:i
sti
l
lcantbel
iev
eyoumademest ay
herefor3weeksnowwheni pl
annedt
hatwe
wil
lbeinParisbynow.
Me:
Iam i
nlov
ewi
thMonaco,
buti
misshome.
Mi
guel
:Shoul
dwecutthi
sshor
tandgoback
wehav
eanotherweekl
eft
?
Me: Noletussti
cktothemonthi stil
lhaveto
seeOceanographicMuseum, v
isitLarvat
to
beachandcheckouttheresturantuphi l
l
,Le
Coqd'Ormay beicanl
earntwoort hr
eethings
totakebackhome.Pluswithallthedesinger
shopshere,ihav
eshoppingtodo.
Mi
guel
:Iswearshei
sonsomemi
ssi
ont
osuck
medry
.
Me: (
Laughing)Iwi llgoeasyony ou.(
Iwalkint
o
thebat hr
oom.Tot akeashower .Hejoi
nsme
andfirsttoleave.Wear i
ngt helacyli
ngeri
eKath
gotme, i
goout ,hei si
nt hebalcony,l
ooki
ng
overthespar kli
nglight
sofni ghtti
meMonaco
andthev astdar kofmedi terr
anean.Heisnaked
j
ustinhi scalvinkl
einbriefs.iwalkoverandhug
himfrom behi nd.)
Me:
Ihav
ebeenmeani
ngt
oasky
oubuti
keep
f
orget
ti
ng.
Mi
guel
:Askmewhat
??
Me:
Doy
ouknowanyChar
lot
te?
Mi
guel
:Char
lot
te!
!Nott
hati
remember
,why
??
Me:Ireceiv
edacallf
rom someCharl
ottet
he
daybeforetheweddi
ngaskingmeifiknew
whatiam getti
ngmysel
finto.
Miguel:
Im sur
eiti
soneofthosegi
rlswhoijust
fuc**
dforfunandfor
gotthei
rnamesthenext
day.Mostladi
eswerecr
yingwhentheyhear
di
wasmar ry
ing.
Me:
Whyi
sthat
???
(
het
urnsar
oundandpoi
ntst
ohi
ser
ectshaf
t)
Mi
guel
:Iwasoneoft
hebesti
nthemar
ket
.
Me:(amused)OkayMrBesti
nthemar
keti
am
goi
ngtobed.
(It
urnar
oundtowalkawaybuthegr
absme
befor
eitakeanyst
ep.)
Miguel
:
(whi
sper
ing)Wheredoyout
hinky
ouar
e
goi
ng??Theni
ghtisst
il
lyoung.
(Het akesmymout hi nhisandki ssesme, he
plantshi ski ssesal lov ermeashedr opsmy
l
acyt opt ot hegr ound, Iremai ni njustal acy
thongbuti tsoonf ollows, andi standgl oriously
nakedbef orehi m, hedr opst ohi sknees, my
l
egsov erhi sshoul derandi f
eel hismout hin
myf l
esh, i grabt her ailsforsuppor tashi s
tongueexpl oresmyf lesh, hisotherhandr ubs
mycl i
ts, mywal l
sv i
br ateaswav esofpl easur e
hitme, iscr eam hi snameandhei supki ssing
me, icant ast emy selfonhi m.Tur ningme
aroundt of acet hebeaut i
ful vi
ewoft heMonaco,
hepi cksmyl eg, ashesl i
pshi sbi gshaf t,hei s
reallygiftedl ikehesai d, mybl oodboi l
s, having
himi nmel iket hisal way sf eel
smeup, hest art
s
tot hrustsosl owl ythati feel l
i
kei am l osingmy
mi nd, hisshaf t.feelsev eryempt ypor einmy
soul ,holdingt her ails, icl
osemyey esand
moanhi snameashi sspeedpi cks.i sweart his
manwil
lbethedeat
hofme.Hi
shandr
ubsmy
cl
i
tsasiti
pover
.
Miguel
:(ki
ssi
ngmyneck)
That
sitbabygi
rl
,l
et
go.
Me:
Icant
.
Mi
guel
:Yesy
oucan.
Asifhiswor
dsareacommandi ngpoweri nmy
body,Il
oseal
lcontr
olandmyor gasm hi
ts
samet i
meashis,oursoul
sconnect,
hisseeds
spi
ll
sintome.
Mi
guel
:Oh!f
**k.
(
hepi
cksmeupandwal
ktot
hebed)
Mi
guel
:Theni
ghti
sst
il
lyoung.
.
..
..
..
..
.
Wint
erseasoni sf
inal
l
yhere, gonearethe
summerdr essest
heyallhavebeenr epl
acedby
coat
s.Katheri
ne,i
sinhercarout si
de
cont
emplatingonwhether,sheshouldgoov er
toknockornot .Shechecksher selfi
nthemirr
or
onel asttimef
ixi
ngherl ipsti
ckandgetsout.
Shewal kstot
hedoorandknocks.Ami nute
l
at erheopens,heistracksuitnothi
ngontop,al
l
sweat yandahandt owel ar
oundhisshoul
der.
Sheswal l
owsbiglumpasherey esbecome
gluedt ohismasculi
net orso.
Gabr
iel
:(ast
oni
shed)Oemel
enna.
Kat
h:Di
dicomeatabadt
ime?
?
Gabr
iel
:Nonotatal
l
.Comei
n.
(
hest
epsoutoft
hewayandsheget
sin)
Gabr
iel
:Whatbr
ingsy
ouher
e??
Kath:
Ialsodontknow,ihavebeensoangryat
youbuti wantt
oletgoofmyanger .If
orgi
ve
youGabrielf
orall
thepai
ny oucausedme.Can
weatleastbeci
vilwi
theachother
.
Gabr
iel
:Okaynopr
obl
em.
Kat
h:Thanky
ou.Ibet
tergonow.
Gabr
iel
:Al
ri
ght
.
Kat
h:Goodby
e.
(
Shewal
kst
othedoor
)
Gabr
iel
:Kat
h!
Kat
h:(
looki
ngathi
m)Yeah
Gabri
el:
Thanky
ou,
fory
ourf
orgi
venessmeans
alot
.
Kat
h:i
tisapl
easur
e.
(Shegoesoutandwal kstohercar,si
tti
ng
i
nsideshet ri
estocalm herbeati
nghear t
, her
heartistornbetweendrivi
nghomet oherf amily
orgoi ngbackinsi
detoherpastlover.Aft
era
whilesheswi t
chesherphoneof fsheleavesi t
i
nt hecarandwal ksbackt ohisapart
ment , she
knocksonceandopens, shehearswater
running,andwalkstothemai nbedroom, she
waitforhimt ofi
nish.
)
.
..
..
..
Gabr
iel
stal
ksi
nhi
sroom nakedfr
om thebat
h,
andsur
pri
sedt
ofi
ndKatheri
neinhi
sroom.
Gabr
iel
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e??
Kat
h:Icoul
dntl
eav
e.
Gabr
iel
:Kat
h,youar
emarr
iedy
oushoul
dbe
homewithyourf
amil
y.
(
Shewal
ksupt
ohi
m)
Kath:Iknowbutmyhear twant
st obeherejust
fortoday,donttel
lmeyoudontfeelt
hisal
iv
e
att
racti
onbet weenus.
Gab:
Idobutt
hisi
swr
ong.
..
Kath:(
put
tingherf
ingerinhismout
h)f
orget
aboutmorali
ty,
whatisitthaty
ouwant
?
(Shedropshercoatf
oll
owedbythedress,her
underwear
sandbraandshoes.Sheisnaked
j
ustli
kehim.Andshewalkst
ohi m,andbrushes
herl
ipsoverhi
s)
Kat
h:Iknowwhati
want
,fort
oni
ghti
justwant
youGabri
el,
repl
aceal
lthepai
nsi
nmyhear
t
wit
hali
vememor i
es.
Gab:
Kat
her
ine!
Kat
h:Pl
ease,
Gabr
iel
.
(Shekisseshi
m andhecannotresi
stanylonger
,
hetakesherinhi
sarmsandr el
i
v et
heirpast)
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t74
5Mont
hsl
ater
..
.
Shestraightenherski
rtoverherhi
ps,andpicks
hercoatf r
om theoffi
cefl
oor.Gabiswi pi
nghis
shaftandt ossestheusedcondom i
nt hedust
bin.Fi
xinghistrouser
.
Gab:
Youar
ereal
l
ydanger
ousf
orme!
Kath:(smill
i
ng)Thanky
ouDocf
ormymed,
my
sanit
yi sback.
Gab:
Yousowi
ckedy
ouknowt
hat
.
Kat
h:(
fi
xi
nghi
sti
eandpul
l
shi
m cl
oserand
gr
abshi
sbal
l
s)Youl
ovet
hisbadgi
rl
sdonty
ou!
Gab:
I'
m goi
ngt
ogety
ouf
ort
his.
Kath:That
sthewholepoi
nt,
keephimthi
nki
ng
aboutnextti
me.Takecar
eloverboy
.
(Shepowder shernose,
appl
iesl
ipsti
ckand
walkstothedoorsway i
ngherhi
pssidetoside,
heisstar
ringatheramused.Shestopsbythe
doorandwi nksathim)
Kat
h:(
blowi
nghi
m aki
ss)l
aterl
over
.
(
Shewear
shergl
assesandwal
kst
ohercar
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Kev
inwal
ksint
ohisoff
icetofi
ndhisf
ri
end
l
ayi
ngbackonhischai
reyescl
osed.
Kevi
n:Yousl
eazyf
ox,
youar
est
il
lfucki
ngher
ar
en'
tyou?
Gab:
Donty
ouknowhowt
oknock?
?
Kevi
n:No!Idont.It
houghtyousai
dyouar
e
goi
ngtostop3mont hsback??
Gab:Ihavetri
edt
ostopKev
, butican'
ti
nst
eadi
keepdrawingmoreandmoreclose.
Kevi
n:Yousit
uati
onisdanger
ousbecauseyou
hav
ey ouremoti
onsinvol
ved,
andshehaskids
att
heendshewi l
lleav
eyou.Leav
ewhilether
e
i
sstil
lti
me.
Gab:Youthel
astper
sont
ogi
vemeadv
ice,
you
andIarenodi
ffer
ent
.
Kevi
n:Wear edi
ffer
ent,
if**
kt hem weareclear
fr
om thestar
tnoemot i
onsinvolved.Whil
eyou
ontheothersi
deareinsti
ckysituati
on.Come
onwegoi ngtobelat
ecomel etusgo.
Gab:
Shi
t!If
orgot
.
Kevi
n:Youforgetever
ythi
ngwherethi
sKath
l
adyisconcerned.Youcanfor
getanyt
hingbut
nott
hosekids.
Gab:Iknowabouty
ourli
ttl
eki
ds.Letusgoi
ts
notl
i
kei hav
eanypati
ents.
Kev
in:
Yourpat
ienti
sgone.
(
Theygr
abt
hei
rjacket
sandwal
kout
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Itisasaturday,iam theonehost i
ngl unchthis
saturday.LoratoandLeoar et hefirsttoarr
ive.
FollowedbyMphoandThabi so.Li sacannot
comebecauseshei sanursingmom t oa
beautif
ul babychil
daswel lasLi sa.The
Brownleysf ol
lowsnextwitht heirlousy
Gabr i
ell
aandt hehandsomeLl oyd.It akehi
m
from hismom.
Me:
Bri
ngme,
myhandsomechar
mingpr
ince.
Lor
ato:
Miguel
,youshoul
dreal
l
ybecar
eful
,he
i
scomingfory
ourgir
l.
Miguel
:Noonewil
lgetmygi
rlnotev
enpr
ince
charmi
ngLl
oyd.
(Thereisadoorbel
lri
ngs.Lorat
oattendstoi
t,
anotherbunchcomesin,t
heMokoenat wi
ns
Mor enaandMokoena.Theyruninsi
de.)
Kat
:Boy
s,Ial
way
ssai
dyoumustnotr
uni
nthe
house.
(
Ismi
l
eatt
hem.
)
Mokoena:
Aunt
ycanwehav
ecooki
es?
Kat
:No,
youcannotbef
orey
oueat
.
Gabr
iel
l
a:Daddy
,ther
eisuncl
eGabr
iel
.
(Weturnt
ofi
nd,Gabr
iel
wit
hawomanbehi
nd
us.Ist
anduptogoandhugme)
Me:
Ghost
!
Gabr
iel
:Ki
ddo!
Me:Thoughtyouwoul
dntmakei
t.Iseey
ou
br
oughtadate.
Gabr
iel
:Cammy,t
hisi
stheKiddoi
tal
kedabout
,
Ki
ddothisi
sCammy ,
afri
end.
Me: Pl
easeexcusehi
m,i
am Nandi
pha,
the
si
ster,
docomei n.
(Gabr
iel
l
awal
kst
oGabr
iel
ashet
akesheri
nhi
s
arms.)
Gab:
Fav
our
it
egi
rl
.
Él
l
a:Daddy
!Hav
eyoumetUncl
eGabr
iel
?
Et
han:
Yespr
incessi
knowUncl
e.
(Iti
sanawkwar dsilence.Idecidetobreakthe
si
lenceanddoi ntroductions.Aftersometi
me,
wesitaroundthet able.InoticethatMphohas
beenondr i
nki
ngj uicespeesi nceshegother e)
Me:
Isi
tmeory
ouar
eav
oidi
ngal
cohol
Mpho?
Kat
h:t
houghti
wast
heonl
yone.
Lor
ato:
SoThabi
sodoesnotshootbl
anksaf
ter
al
l?
?
Kat
:Lor
ato?
?
Lor
ato:
(si
ppi
ngwi
ne)j
ustsay
ing.
Me:
Arey
ouexpect
ing?
?
Mpho:
Yesi
am,
amont
hol
d.
Lorat
o:Haventyoupeopl
eeverhearof
condoms,thatr
ubberthi
ngworeontheshaf
t.
Thewayy oukeepmakingbabi
esisatan
al
armi
ngr
ate.
Tr
evor:Thebi
bledi
dsayweshoul
dmar
ryand
mult
ipl
y.
Leo:
Okaysi
nceweonbabymaki
ngspee,
Nana
whendoweexpecty
our
s?
(Ichokeonmydr
inkandl
ookatMi
guel
)
Miguel
:Wejustgotmar
ri
edwhatwoul
dthe
hurr
ybefor
??
Me:Pl
uswest
il
lenj
oyi
ngourselvesbabi
es
comewit
hsomanyresponsi
bil
i
ties.
Ethan:
Childrenar
eblessi
ngsfrom Godr
ight
sunshi
ne??(Hekisseshercheek,t
heyar
elovey
doveytoday.)
Kat
h:Tot
all
yri
ghtmyl
ove.
.
..
..
..
Iti
sintheeverni
ng,t
hechil
drenaresl
eepi
ng
andgrownupsar ehavi
ngsomebr ai
iand
dri
nks.
Katheri
neexcuseshersel
fasshegoest
o
checkonLloy
d.Gabr
ieldeci
dedtofol
l
owherup.
Hefindsherl
eani
ngoverhersonandhugsher
fr
om him.
Gab:
(whi
sper
ingi
nherear
)Youl
ooksoy
ummy
t
oday.
Kath:
Doyouhaveadeat
hwish?Behav
e!Pl
us
youhavey
ourdat
edownstai
rs.
Gab:
(amused)ar
eyouj
eal
ous?
?
Kat
h:whywoul
dibe?
?
Gab:
Shei
sjustacol
l
egue.
Kat
h:Shebet
terbe!
Gab:Yousocut
ewheny
oual
lwor
kedup.Come
her
e!
(Shewal
ksint
ohisarmsandt heyshareaki
ss.
Andshar
ejokes.Iam l
ooki
ngf orKat
hwheni
heart
hem l
augh.Iwalki
ntotheroom)
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nher
e??
Kat
h:Camet
ocheckonLl
yod.
Me:
Andhi
m??(
Poi
nti
ngt
oGab)
Gab:
Ica.
.
Me:(i
nterr
upti
nghi m)Actual
lydonttel
lmei
haveatendencyofsticki
ngmynosewher eit
doesnotbelongsthenotherpeople'
ssecr
ets
becomemybur der
.Sodonttellmewhatyou
weredoinginhere.Kath,
Ethanislooki
ngfor
you.
(It
urnandwal kout,myinst
ict
stel
lmethat
somet hi
ngisgoingonbetweenthoset
wobut
forthefi
rstti
mei nmyli
feiam goi
ngtochoose
toignoretheinst
ict
s.)
.
..
..
Coul
dntEDI
TorPROOFREAD
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t75
Theyarehavingasundaychil
lsessionj
usttwo
ofthem,dri
nkingbeerandsomesundayj azz.
Ont hecof
feetabl
eisthelapt
op,videocall
i
ng
t
hemi
ssi
ngf
ri
end,
Xav
ier
.
Kevi
n:LookMr ,
yousaidwhaty ouwantedtotel
l
usisi
mpor t
ant,idontt
hinkuswatchi
ngy ou
pl
aywiththosetwor at
sisimport
ant.
Xavi
er:
Dontcal
lmyki
dsr
ats!Raj
eshgowi
th
Raquelt
oAuntGame.
Raquel
:(cl
i
ngi
ngt
ohi
m)Idontwantt
ogo
daddy.
Xav
ier
:butAunt
ywant
stogi
vey
oui
cecr
eam.
(
Sheisonherfeetrunni
ngt
othedoorwi
thhi
s
t
winbrot
herbehindhim.
)
Xav
ier
:(shout
ing)Nor
unni
ngi
nthehouse!
Gab:
Youl
ookt
ir
ed!
Xavier:
Becausei
am,thecounci
li
sput
ti
ng
pressuret
heywantmetoremarr
y.
Kevi
n:It
houghty
ouar
eki
ng,
youanswert
ono
one.
Xav
ier
:Aki
ngwi
thoutawi
fei
sseenasweak.I
cannothav
emypeopl
ethi
nki
ngi
am weak.
Gab:I
tisnotli
keyouwerenotmar
ri
edbefor
e
ar
etheyforget
ti
ngthaty
ouareawidower.
Xavi
er:Shehasbeengonef or5y ear
snow!My
nat
ionthinksihavehadenoughtimet omourn
Sam'sdeath.Anywaythatnotwhyi cal
led,
Gabri
elyouhav est
oppedshaggingthatmar r
ied
woman.
(
Gab'
sey
esdr
opwi
thhi
sfaceandkev
insmi
l
es
)
Kevi
n:Looksl
i
kei am nottheonl
ywhor
eint
his
ci
rcl
e.Heisst
il
lshagginghim.
Xavier
:DamnitGabri
el!Canyougetagr i
p?I
havedealtwi
thenoughdeathtolastmea
l
ifet
imeiam notabouttoloseyoualso.
Gab:Whatdoyoumeanl
oseme?
?Whosai
di
am goi
ngtodi
e??
Xavi
er:
Yesyouwi l
lthi
sti
meforreal
ifyoukeep
bei
ngKather
ine'
sfu**i
ngbuddy
.Geez!The
marri
edwomansideni
ggaisthatwomanni
ser
byyoursi
denoty
ou!Whyarey oudegr
adi
ng
yourst
andar
dssomuchforthi
sgirl
??
Kevi
n:Itr
iedt
alki
ngt
ohi
m may
bey
ouwi
l
lcan
knocksomesense!
Gab:
Whatdi
dyoumeani
wil
ldi
eifi
cont
inue?
?
Xavi
er:
Isuspect
edthatiknewt
hisEthanguy
whenisawhim soi
hiredaP.It
oinvesti
gat
e
hi
m.
Kev
in:
Sowhatdi
dyouf
indout
??
Xav
ier
:Haveyouguysev
erheardoft
heRussi
an
mobcall
edRoul
ett
eKyri
arcky
??
Kev
in:
Ihear
ditadeadl
ygr
oupt
her
e.
Xavier
:Doyouknowwhot
hef
ounderoft
hat
groupis?
?
Gab:
No!
Xavi
er:
Icanseey
oudontknow, t
hat
swhyy ou
ar
eplayi
ngwit
hfi
re,
EthanKyr
iakoBrownl
ey
st
art
edt
hatgr
oup!
Kevi
n:Youarelying?Hecannotnethe
danger
ousKryiako,hedoesnotevenhav
ethe
badboylook.
Xavi
er :
Abadboyi nasuit,iti
ssaidhequit
whenhemov edherebutthegr oupi
shis,
he
canhav eitanyti
mehewant s.Russi
ansare
knownt ohav enomer cywheni tcomestothei
r
famil
ies.Justknowt haty
ouar epl
ayi
ngina
dangerouslion'
sdenGabr iel.
Gab:
Thanksf
ort
heheadsup.
Xavi
er:
Leav
emyf r
iendwhi
ley
oust
il
lhav
eti
me.
Ihav
etogo,gotameeti
ng!
Kev
:Sur
ethanksboy
!
Xav
ier
:youar
etheboyher
enotme!
.
..
..
..
..
.
Sit
ti
ngbymydr essi
ngtabl
e,i
lookatthepacket
ofpil
ls.Theirwor
dskeeponreplay
ingonmy
head.Mi guelwal
ksoutoft
heroom fi
xinghi
s
t
ie.
Mi
guel
:It
houghtwear
egoi
ngt
ochur
ch?
?
Me:
Wear
e.
Miguel
:Il
eftyouther
ewheni wentt
obat
hand
yousti
l
lseatedther
e.Im notgoi
ngifwewil
lbe
l
ate.
Me:Servi
cest
art
sat11am andi
tsonl
y0930
r
ightnow!
Miguel
:okaycany
out
ell
me,
whati
sbot
her
ing
you??
Me:Doy outhi
nki shoul
dst
opt
aki
ngt
his
cont
racept
ivepil
l
s? ?
Miguel
:(si
tt
ingnexttome)It
houghty
ousai
d
youarenotreadyforachi
l
d.
Me:Iam butal
lourf
ri
endsar
eei
therexpect
ing
orhaveki
ds.
Miguel
:Lookatme(irai
semyey
est
ohim)We
shoul
dli
veourli
fest
hewaywewant
,nott
he
waysoci etyorourf riendsexpect.I
fyourfri
ends
havebabi esbuty ouf eelli
kethatsastepyou
notreadyt otaket hendontf eelbadaboutthe
decisi
ony out ake,ever y
onehasf act
orsthat
i
nfluencet hei
rdeci si
onswedonotknowwhat
i
nfluencedt heirdecisiontohavebabiessot hey
shouldalsonoti nfluenceour s.
Me:
Yout
hinkso?
?
Miguel:
Idontthinkso,iknowso!Wej ustgot
marri
ed,babieswill
comel at
er,
rightnowl etus
enj
oyour sel
ves.Wehav enotevendonef amily
pl
anningy et
,whatistherushal
labout?
Me:
Doy
ouknowt
hati
lov
eyouNdi
ye!
Mi
guel
:Notasmuchasi
lov
eyouMr
sNdi
ye!
(Heopensthepi
ll
packetpopsonepil
land
dropsi
tinmymout ht
henholdsthegl
assfor
measi dri
nkdownthepil
l)
Miguel
:
That
smygirl.Youbet
tert
akethesepi
ll
s
i
fyoudontwantababybecauseiam hi
tt
ingmy
p*
**syr
aw.Notwear
inganyr
ubberonmy
woman.
Me:
(smi
l
li
ng)
Youar
ecr
azy
.
Miguel:Aboutyou,
yes!Nowhel
pmewiththi
s
ti
ething,ir
eall
ydontknowwhatt
owearto
church!
Me:(amused)Youl
ooksex
ywheny
ouar
e
ner
vous.
Mi
guel
:Whosai
diam ner
vous?
?
Me: Ialreadyknowy ouli
kethebackofmyhand,
youf r
ownwheny ouar enervousjustl
ikenow!(I
takeof fhistieandshi rt.
)Youdontneedt o
wearf ormal tochur chjustbecasual,CRCisnot
l
ikeotherchur chesy oucanr ockuponany thi
ng,
i
ncludingt his.(Ihandhi m bl
ackguccijeans,
meroont i
mber l
ands, whit
etshir
tandcheck
shortsleev esshirt.)
Mi
guel
:Ar
eyousur
eicanweart
hist
ochur
ch?
?
Me:
Donty
out
rustme?
Mi
guel
:Ido!
Me: Good,iti
tmakesy ouf eelbetter,
iwi l
lput
somethingsimi l
art
oy ours.(Ipulloutblack
j
eans,sovietblacksneakersandoneofhi s
checkshir
tsandabl ackst ri
ngt opinside)
Mi
guel
:Ar
eyousur
ewear
egoi
ngt
ochur
ch?
?
Me:Itol
dy oumychur chi
sv er
ydi
ff
erent,you
wil
lseeforyour
selfwhenwegetthere.Letus
gopreparesomethingtoeatandl
eave.
(
Wewearourout
fi
tsandwal
kdownst
air
s)
.
..
..
..
..
..
.

[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t76
Me:Ihav
ebeengoingtothehospi
tal
thewhole
oft
hisweekl
ooki
ngforyou.Whatiswrong?
?
Whyareyouonsi
ckleave??
(
Ist
epi
ntohi
sapar
tmentt
hatl
ooksl
i
kea
pi
gsty,emptyal
coholbott
lesont
hetabl
e,
cl
othesonthecarpet
.Iturnandl
ookathi
m,
l
ooksl i
kehehasnotshavedorhadadecent
bat
hf orawhil
e.)
Me:Ghost
,whati
shappeni
ng?
?Youl
ook
awf
ul.
Gab:
Iti
snot
hingki
ddo!
Me:I
tcannotbenot
hingwhenyourpl
acel
ooks
l
iket
his,
whenyoulooksomiser
able.
Gab:
Ilov
eher
!
Me:
Lov
ewho?
?
Gab:Kat
her
ine,Ir
eal
l
ylov
eherNana.Ineedher
backinmyl
ife.
(Iwalkuptohim andhughim.Hehugsme
backwestaylikethatf
orsometi
me.Ithent
ake
hishandandleadhimtothecouch.
)
Me:Ther
eal
quest
ionher
eisdoesshel
ovey
ou
al
so??
Gab:
Idontknowaboutt
hatone.
Me: I
fshedoeswanty ouback, ar
eyour eal
ly
goingtotakeherback, bethereasonfor
breaki
ngapartahappyf amil
y,doyouwant
those2kidstogr owupt ornapartbet
weent wo
parents,
thi
nkaboutLl oy dandGabr i
ell
a,
Lethaboisoldi undestandbutasf orthosetwo,
someonewi l
l havetogetcust odyofthem.Do
youwantt obet hereasonwhyt hosechildr
en
getdraggedtocour tforendlesscustody
battl
es??
Gab:
Ofcour
senot
!
Me: Thatsbasicall
ywhatwoul dhappenifKath
decidestowithy ou.Butagain,shehasmarri
ed
for14y ear
snow, youdonott hrowawaythose
yearsofmar r
iage,thetears,t
hehardworkfor
anex-lover
.Shemi ghtnotchoosetoleav
eher
man, thenwhathappens? ?
Gab:IdontknowNana,whati
doknowi
sit
hur
tssobadt onotbewit
hher.
Me: italwayshur
tsbef
oreitgetbett
er.Letgoof
Katherine,shei
snotyour
s,youinconfusion,
i
suggesty ougoawaytogety ourt
houghtsin
place.VisitGamegoandmeetourni ece.
Gab:
Yout
hinki
twi
l
ldomesomegood!
Me:
Yesi
thi
nkso.Justl
etgoandst
artaf
resh!
Gab:okay
!Iwi
llt
akeamont
hleav
eatwor
kand
vi
sitt
hearabl
ands.
Me:Good,
nowgoandt akeashower
,shav
e
andl
ookhandsome,whil
eicl
eanupthi
smess
andfi
xussomelunch.
Gab:
Youdonthav
etodot
hat
!
Me: Iknowbutiwantt
o,nowgobef
orei
changemymi nd.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Et
han:
No,
Skyconcent
rat
e!
Gabri
éll
a:Butdaddy
,Let
habosai
dthi
sishowi
doit
!
Et
han:Let
habowasnott
eachi
ngy
out
her
ight
way.
(Kather
inewalksint
ot heroom carr
yingLloy
d
whoisdr i
nki
nghismilk.Shesmi l
esatfather
anddaughterwhoarepl ay
inggameonhi s
phonelyi
ngont hemat.)
Kat
h: Gabr
iéll
a,it
houghti
sai
dnol
eav
ing
cl
othesont hecouch.
Gabr
iél
la:
(rol
li
nghereyes)Daddysai
dican
l
eavethem ti
l
lifi
nishpl
ayi
ng.
Kath:
Yourdaddywil
lgety
ouintr
oubl
e.Come
taket
hiscl
otheswher
etheyar
esupposedt
o
be.
Gabr
iél
l
a:Iam st
il
lpl
ayi
ng.
Kat
h:Dontmakemer
epeatmy
sel
ftwi
ce.
(Shest
andsupdraggi
nghersel
ftaki
ngher
clot
hesandwal
kstoherroom)
Kath:
Youdoknowthatyoutur
ningheri
ntoa
l
it
tl
espoi
ltbr
at,
shejustr
oll
edhereyesatme.
Et
han:
Whom di
dshel
ear
nthatf
rom?
?
Kath:
Sheisonly8yearsEt
han,
ver
ysoonshe
wil
lbeateenageri
..
..
Ethan:(put
shishandonherl
ipsandkissesher)
Shh!!LetSkyenj
oy,shei
saft
eral
ltheonlygi
rli
n
themi ddl
eofboys.
(Heki ssesLl
oyd'sf
orehead,andtakesherhand
l
eadi nghertothecouch,Gabri
ell
acomesback.
Ethanhol dLloy
dwhileSkylaysherheadonher
mot her'sl
ap.Theyal
lwatchamov i
e.)
Kat
h:(r
est
ingherheadonhi
sshoul
der
)Imi
ss
Let
habo.
Ethan:IknowsodoI.Chr
ist
masi sfast
approaching,
howaboutwevisi
tthem?
Kat
h:Soundsl
i
keapl
an!Il
ovey
ouKy
riako.
Et
han:
Notasmuchasi
lov
eyouSunshi
ne.
(Theykissandstopasthi
ngsareabouttoget
heated.Somanyunspokenwordsbutthere
soulsinter
connect
s.St
arr
ingi
ntohisskybl
ue
t
ear
yey
es,
itsl
i
keshecanr
eadi
ntohi
ssoul
.
)
Et
han:
Iknow,
icanf
eel
itt
o.
Kat
h:(brushesherl
ipsoverhisandtakesLl
oyd)
Youwill
findmei nourr
oom, dontkeepme
wai
ti
ng.
Et
han:
Rightbehi
ndy
ou!
(Shegoesandputsthesleepi
ngLloydinhiscot
onhisnurser
y,t
henwal kstoherr
oom, where
shestri
psnakedandwearashor tsi
l
kgown.
Herhusbandwalkin,onhispyj
amabot t
oms
holdi
ngabottl
eofchampgneandst rawberri
es.)
Et
han:Doyousti
ll
remembert
heni
ghty
ougav
e
meyourvi
rgi
nit
y??
Kat
h:Icannev
erf
orgeti
t!
Ethan:Youhadthesameinnocentl
ookyou
havetoday.Toni
ghtweshall
rel
ivet
hatday
!
(
Shewal
ksupt
ohi
m andki
sseshi
m)
Kat
h:Wi
thy
oui
wantt
orel
i
veal
lmyl
i
fe.
Et
han:
Andi
toosunshi
ne.
(Theyki
ssandmakeittobed2hour
slaterboth
satedandexhaust
ed,
entwi
nedt
ogetherthey
fal
lasl
eep)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Me:NoMi
guel
,yousocheat
ingonmer
ight
now!
Mi
guel
:Justhowam i
cheat
ing?Dr
opt
heski
rt
ma'
am!
(Wear eplayingchessbutour sisquit
e
i
nteresti
ng, whenev eronofusconst ri
ctapi ece
fr
om anot herone, t
heloserhastodropapi ece
ofclothi
ngt hewi nnerdesires.Il
ookathi s
smill
ing,heisl eftwithhi
sunder wear,socks
andv est.Iam nakedatt het op,il
ookathi m
seductiv
elyasi standanddr optheskirttothe
ground,remai ninginmyl acythong,stockings
andheel s.)
Mi
guel
:Ir
eal
l
ydol
ovet
hisgame.
(
Het
akeshi
sphoneandt
akesapi
ctur
eofme.
)
Me:Canthi
sgamecarryonpl
ease??(Ir
each
formywinegl
assanddri
nkmakingsureispi
l
l
some,onmybody)
Miguel
:icanseewhaty
out
ryi
ngt
odo,
itwont
work!
Me:(bi
ti
ngmyl owerl
ip)Idontknowwhaty
ou
onabout!Concent
rat
eNdiye!
Mi
guel
:Youar
enotpl
ayi
ngf
airMashenge!
Me:
Wenev
erdof
airbabe!Check!
(Helooksatt
hechessboar
dandbackatme.I
giv
ehim awickedsmi
le)
Mi
guel
:Howdi
dyoudot
hat
??
Me:Ihav
emyway
s!Youshoul
dknowt
hatby
now!
Mi
guel
:Iam goi
ngt
ogety
ouf
ort
his.
Me:
Iwoul
dli
ket
oseey
out
ry!
(
Ist
andupandwal
ktot
heki
tchen.Ihearhi
m
comi
ngbehi
ndme.Ideci
det
ochangedi
rect
ion.
)
Me:
Whyy
ouf
oll
owi
ngme?
?
Mi
guel
:Whyy
our
unni
ngaway
??
Me:Mi
guel
,behavei
am onmyheel
sher
e,i
fi
f
all
iwi
llwr
ingoutmyneck!
(
Hishandslockar
oundmywaistasi
am about
t
otakeasteponthestai
rs.
)
Miguel:
Youar enotr
unni
ngaway.Notaf
tert
he
stunt
sy oupull
ed,al
i
onhasbeenawakenandit
needsat t
ent
ion.
(Hemov edcl
osersoi
canf
eel
hishar
d
erect
ion.
)
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t77
Lorato:Rememberwearedoi
ngthi
sforchar
it
y,
forchil
drenwhodonothaveany
wheretospend
chri
stmas.
Ethan:I
nsteadofmaki
ngusl
ookl
i
keweare
sell
ingourbodi
eswhydonty
oual
l
owusjustt
o
donate.
Lorato:Youar eallowedt odonate,butthemain
i
ssueher ei st
owasht hecars,themoneyy es
weneedi tbutrememberwhi l
ey ouwasht hem
thepeoplebehi ndmehav eanoppor tunit
yto
sellt
heor ganisati
ontot hecustomer s.
Commonguy sy ouwillhaveplentyfun.To
makei tmor einterest
ingtheladieswi l
lgo
againstthemen, wewi l
lseewhowashesmost
cars.
Leo:
Thi
sonei
sobv
ioust
heyar
egoi
ngdown!
Lor
ato:
Iwoul
dntbesosur
eoft
hat
.
Mi
guel
:Wher
ear
ethey
??
Lor
ato:
Theyar
eher
e!!
(
Westepoutofthecar,put
ti
ngonj eanshort
s
wi
thvest
s,f
li
pflopsandcaps.Isti
l
l cantbel
i
eve
t
hisi
showi am spendi
ngmysat ur
day !Weare
i
nNana'scarparkandappar
entl
ygoingtobe
washingcar
s.Themenar ei
nbeachflor
al
tr
ousersandvest
sthatshowthei
rspect
acul
ar
bodi
es.)
Miguel
:Nowaysnowomanofmi newi
l
lwasha
carwit
hherbodysoexposed.
Tr
evor
:Isecondy
ouont
hatbr
other
.
Et
han:Sunshi
ne!Whathappenedt
odecent
cl
othi
ng.
Lor
ato:
Oh!Pl
easewear
edoi
ngt
hisf
orchar
it
y
guy
s.
Thabiso:Thisisr
eall
yint
erest
ing.Lett
hefun
begin.(
Het akesoffhi
svestandt hr
owsitat
Lorato)
(
Theyal
ldot
hesame.
)
Mi
guel
:Nowl
ett
hecarwashopeni
ng.
Lor
ato:Dj
y ouhear
dwhatmylabour
ershav
e
sai
d,pl
aythemusicandl
etsdothi
s.
(Atfi
rstt
hebusinessissl
owbuti tpicksup
becomesquitebusyaswor dsspreadout ,bot
h
menandwomencomewi ththeircarsforwash
butithi
nktheyallher
etostareandadmi re.
Nothi
ngbeatsgoodmusi canddr i
nkswel l
nothi
ngexpectthehornygi
rlswhoj ustdrovein.
)
Lor
ato:
Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e??
Mpho:
Whoi
sshe?
?
Lorat
o: That
sherLorett
a,thedesper
atesl
ut
whotriedtopinhercharcoalbabyonmy
husband.
Me:Lookwhatshedr
aggedal
ong.Anot
her
desper
atebi
**h!
!
Kat:Iam sor
ry,Ithi
nkiam t
hereasonwhythey
showedupher e,Ipost
edonfacebookfor
adverti
sementAmandamusthav eseeni
tand
decidedtocome.
Me:
Dontwor
ryAmandawi
thhersl
utt
ishway
s
cant
ryal
lshewant
sbutMi
guel
ismi
ne.
Kath:
Iwi
shi
canj
ustt
ri
pherandmakeherl
ose
ateet
h.
Li
sa:Letuscarr
yon,byl
ooki
ngatt
hem wear
e
gi
vi
ngt hem t
hesat
isf
act
ion.
Me: Youareright
!Theycameher eforashow
soletsgiv
et hem ashow!( Inot
iceherspeaking
tomyman, herdi
rtyclawsonhi m,myhear t
beatsrapi
dlybutiignorethem.)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Gab:Weheardther
eisnewl
yopenedcarwash
her
esowet houghtwecomeandsupport
.
(It
urnaroundandi t
sGhostwi
thMr-
dead-dr
op-
gorgeous,Kevi
n.Theydri
vi
nganAudiRS5.I
walktomybr otherandhughi
m)
Me:
Whodi
dyout
wor
obnow?
?
Kev
in:
Suchli
tt
lefai
thinus,
tossi
ngt
hekeyt
o
me.Makei
tshinyver
ysoon.
Me:dontwor
rysoon,i
twill
bespar
kli
ngi
n
mi
nutes.Whenareyouleavi
ng?
?
Gab:
tommor
ow!
Me:Andyouwer
egoi
ngt
osayy
ourgoodby
es
when??
Gab:
Youwor
ryt
oomuch.Ihav
ethewholeday
t
ommorowmyfl
ightl
eav
esint
heever
ning.
Kat
h:Fl
i
ghtt
owher
e??
Me:
Hei
svi
sit
ingGamef
orsomet
ime.
Kat
h:Ohokay
!Saf
ejour
ney
.
Gab:
Thanky
ou!
Me:(pushi
ngt
hem)Okayy
out
oomov
e,i
hav
ea
cart
owash.
Kev
in:
Noscr
atch.
Me:
Youwor
ryt
oomucht
rustt
hishands.
(
Iwi
nkathi
m andwal
ktohi
scar
.)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Aftersuchat i
resomedayallineedt odoi
s
bath,si
tinfr
ontofthetel
evi
sionwat chagood
mov iedevouri
ngmy sel
fonicecream butthat
s
notcasef ormenotwheni haveaf ootbal
l
fanati
chusband.
Me:
youcanal
way
swat
chr
epeatt
ommor
ow!
Miguel
:Socanyou!Justgoi
wil
lcal
lyouonce
t
hegamei sover
.
(I
nsteadisitnextt
ohi m andlaymyheadonhi s
l
apandgetonsoci almediawhi chboresme
aft
erawhi l
e.)Me:im sobor ed!(St
andingup)
Maybei shouldcal
l myladiesandgot heclub.
(
Hepul
l
sbackandki
ssesme)
Mi guel
:iwil
lbedamnedifi
lety
ougotot
he
clubwithoutmeaftery
oushowedsomuchof
yoursel
fearli
er.
Me:
(gi
gli
ng)soy
ouar
eli
ster
ningt
ome?
Miguel
:It
shardtoi
gnor
eyourwhi
nni
ng.Ah
Nandij
ustlooky
oumadememi ssagoal
.
Me:(ki
ssi
nghischeek)Sor
rymyl
ove.Iam
goi
ngtocall
mymom.
Mi
guel
:Sur
epassmyl
ove.
(
Ist
andupandwal
ktoourr
oom)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Kathpull
sinfr
ontoft
hehotelgiv
ingt
hekeysto
thehotelv
alet
,shewalksi
ntothehot
elWit
hin
minutessheisint
heroom.
Kat
h:Whyy
ougoi
ngaway
??
Gab:
Ineedt
oleav
etocl
earmyhead.
Kat
h:Cl
eary
ouheadf
rom what
?
Gab:
Isti
lll
ovey
ouKat
her
ine,
let
srunaway
t
ogether
.
Kath:No!Gabrielyouwerenotsupposedto
catchfeel
ings,idonothavefeel
ingsfory
ou,i
thoughtididbutilovemyhusband.Whatis
goingonbet weenus,i
sjustl
ustforme.
Gab:
Youar
enotawar
eoft
hemany
oumar
ri
ed,
hei
sav
erydanger
ousmanKat
her
ine.
Kath:Donttr
ytotai
ntmyhusbandi
rr
egardl
ess
ofwhohei s,il
ovehi
m dear
ly,
myheartand
soularewit
hEthan.
Gab:Iam sor
ryKathbuticannotgoonbeing
yourcal
lboy,iam al
sohumani hav
efeel
ings
andigethurt
.
Kat
h:Iundest
and,i
knewt hi
sdaywil
lcome.
Anywomanwi l
lbeluckyt
ohaveyou.
Gab:
Anywomanj
ustnoty
ou.
Kath:Ial
readyhavemyknightinashinning
ar
mour .Canthisbeourl
astnighttogether
?You
wil
lneverhearfrom meagai
naf t
erthis.
Gab:
Idontknow.
Kat
h:Justoneni
ghtandwepar
tway
s.
Gab:
Okay
.
(Theyf
indsol
aceineachother
'sarms.Gi
vi
ngit
allt
hei
rbestf
oronefi
nalti
me.Aftersometi
me
t
heyareinbedandor
derr
oom ser
vice.Ther
eis
aknock)
Kat
h:Mustber
oom ser
vicei
wil
lgeti
t.
(Shewearsagownandwal kst
ot hedoorwhen
sheopensshegetsshockofali
feti
measher
husbandstandsi
nfr
ontofherwi
thagunt oher
head.
)
Kat
h:(
stumbl
i
ngback)Et
han!
Et
han:Sowhowil
lbefi
rst
,shoul
dyourl
over
watchasi
blowof
fyourbrai
nsoryouwantt
o
watchasi
blowof
fhis.
.
..
..
..
.
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t78
Herhandsar esweaty,
herbodyhaslostall
its
temperat
ure,shedropsissi
tti
ngnexttoGabriel
whohasf al
lensil
ent.I
tfeel
sli
keallt
hishas
happenedbeforeiti
sdéjàvusheasksherself??
Thenhermi ndremindsherofadream shehad
y
ear
sagoaboutEt
han,
ist
hisi
t??
Ethan:Ti
mei
stickingsunshi
ne,
whoshoul
dbe
fi
rst?
?Youorl
ov erboy?
Kath:
lethi
m go,t
hisi
sbetweenyouandme.He
doesnothavetopayformysins!
Gab:YoumustbEi
nsanei
fyout
hinki
wil
ll
et
youdief
orme.
Ethan:Howr
omant
ic!Wi
l
li
ngt
odi
eforone
another.
Gab:Youdonthavet
odothis,
thi
nkabouty
our
chi
ldr
en.Youwil
lgotoj
ail
forthi
s.
Ethan:Yourfr
ienddi dabackgr oundcheckon
me, youshouldknowbywhoi am.Icanki l
lyou
nowandgetawaywi thy ou.Theguni holdhas
asilencernoonewi llhearat hing,theni can
fr
amey oumakey ouspendy ourmi serable
patheti
clif
einprisonorsi mpl ekillyouandget
ri
dofy ourbodiesnoonewi l
lev erknowwhat
happened.Myguy swi l
lcomeandcl eant he
messi
creat
ed.
Kat
h:Et
han,
thi
swasami
stake.
Et
han:(l
aughi
ng)Youhavebeendoi
ngthi
sfor5
monthsnowandy ouwantt
otell
meitsa
mist
akegetreal
sunshi
ne.
Kat
h:(
stammer
ing)how!How.
..
.
Ethan:Howdi di know? ?Iam nof ool Sunshine.
Iknowy ouphy sicalyandsexual ly.Iknowmy
p***ydidy out hi
nki woul dnotnot iceifi was
sharingitwi t
hsomeone?Pl ust houghy outri
ed
somucht obenor mal butyoubehav i
our
changedal waysgl uedt ophone, smi l
li
ngati t,
comi nghomel ate, spendi ngmor et i
meatt he
offi
ce.Ofcour seatf i
rsti wasindeni al,idi
dnot
thi
nkmywi fecoul dcheatonme.Af ter2
mont hsi decidedt ot akeMi guel'
sadv iceand
putat rackerony ourphoneandcarsi ncei
couldnott rustyou.Idi dandputsomeone
behindy ou.(Throwi ngphot osatt hem) .And
bang!Shei sreall
ycheat i
ngonme, withhim, of
al
lpeopl
e,hi
mthesel
ff
ishbast
ard.
(Pointsthegunather )Doy ouknowf orhow
l
ongi wantedtoconf rontyou,ithoughtyou
woul dstop.Andt hi
smont hwhent woweeks
passedwi thyourslutishway ssuppresedi
thoughtmay bey oufinalystopped,iwasr eady
tobur ythehatchetforgeteveryt
hingi knowand
j
ustgi veusaf i
nal t
ry.Butno!Mywhor ewi fe
couldnothol dherselfshecameback.
.
..
..
..
.
(
Onherknees)
Kat
h:Ethanibegyoupleasei
tdi
dntmean
any
thi
ng,iwasjustbei
ngself
fi
sh.Il
ovey
ou!
Ethan: (
tear
sst reami
ngdownhi sf ace)icoul
d
forgi
vey ouifitwasanyguybutnohi m.Not
Gabriel,Kat
herinenottheguywhowast he
causeofal lourmar i
talf
ight
s.Whydi dy ouhave
tospready ourlegstohim ofallpeople,
after
everythi
ngthisguyputy outhrough,hecheated
ony ou,hefakedhi sdeathmakingy oulose
y
our
sel
faswell
asr
eput
ati
ononthepr
ocess,
y
ouj
usthadt
ocomeandri
dehi
sdick.
Kath:
Pl easeEt
han,ibegyouputawaythegun,
i
knowy ouarehurtbabybutwecantal
k.
Ethan:TalkKather i
netal
k!I
sntthatallwehav e
doingthroughoutourmar r
iageandlookwher e
i
tgotus.Igav eupmyway sandlif
eupf oryou
Lenna,ipickedy ouupandbel i
evediny ouwhen
noonedi d,istoodbyy oursidefi
ghti
ngt he
cancerwhenev eryoneel
selosehope, andthis
i
st hethanksiget .Aft
erall
thisti
mei nev er
thoughthewi l
l betheendofus.
Kat
h: I
tdoesnothav
etoendt
hisway
.Il
ovey
ou
Kyr
iako.
Ethan:(wipinghistearsaway)Dontt alktome
aboutlovebecausey oucannotr ecogni
selove
evenifitstoodinfr
ontofy ou.Yout wodeser v
e
eachother .Youthemostsel ff
ishpeopl eonthis
pl
aneti hav eevermet .(
Throwinganenv el
ope
ather)Iwi l
lnotsel
l mysoul t
ot hedev i
lby
ki
ll
i
ngy ou,butiwillgr
anty ouwhatyoualways
want edKat heri
ne, y
ouar efreetobewiththe
many oul ove.Thosear ethedivor
cepapers.I
wil
lleav ey ouwithalltheempi r
eexpectmy
chi
ldr en.Iam takingthem wi t
hme.Goodluck
ony ournewl i
fe.
(Herushesoutoftheroom.Kat
heri
newearsher
clot
hesandgot othedoorbutGabri
elhol
dsher
handbeforesheleaves.
)
Gabr
iel
:Dontgo!
Kat
h:LetgoofmeGabr
iel
.
Gab:
Ilov
eyouKat
her
ine.Lethi
m go!
Kath:Youdontgeti tdoyou??Thatmanwho
j
ustleftheistheonei l
ovenoty ou.Il
ovedy ou
beforebutmyhear tnowi swithhi
m allofit
.I
am sorryfordraggi
ngy ouintoal
lthi
smessbut
icannotbewi thyou.Iworkedhardformy
mar r
iage,
tolet14y ear
soft hatmarri
age,go
downt hedrain.
(hel
etgoofherhandandsher unsoutwi
thout
evenaglanceback.Gabr
iel
crumblestot
he
doorandrest
shisheadagainstt
hedoor.
)
.
..
..
..
Myphoneisr
ingi
ngasi
am aboutt
ogeti
nbed!
I
tsKat
heri
ne.
Me:
Babe!
Kat
h:(cr
ying)helef
tmeNana,
het
ookmy
chi
l
drenandl ef
t.
Me:
Cal
m downandt
ell
mewhathappened!
Kat
h:i
scr
ewedupNandipha.Hehasl
eft
,hi
s
pl
anet
ookof
fanhourback.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyou?
?
Kat
h:Iam home.
Me:Wil
lbether
ewithi
ninafewmi
nut
es,
dont
doany
thingorgoanywher
e.
Kat
h:Okay
!
(Ihangupandl
ookatMi
guel
.
)
Me:
Kat
her
ineneedsus,
Ethanhasl
eft
.
Mi
guel
:Fi
nal
l
ymyf
ri
endi
sfedup.
Me:
Miguel
!!
Miguel:What!Hehasbeensuspectingshei
s
cheati
ngonhi m wit
hyourbrot
her.Musthav
e
caughther.Iwouldhaveki
ll
edthem.
Me:Miguel
!Et
hanhaslef
twit
ht heki
ds.I
tsno
t
imetobepointi
ngf
inger
shere.Letusgo.
Mi
guel
:No,iam notgoi
ngany
where.Kat
her
ine
madeherbedshemustli
eonit.
Me:
Arey
our
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
obel
i
ker
ightnow?
Miguel
:Theonlypersonishouldheconsol
ing
ri
ghtnowisEthan.Notthatcheater
,soi
fyou
wantdoitbemyguesti donthavetimeforthat
shi
t.Mosadigoinamaabai kantsemosese
kwamor ago.
Me:
Iwi
l
ljustgowi
thouty
ou.
Mi
guel
:Bemyguestl
ove.Dr
ivesaf
elybecause
i
fanythinghappenstoyouwhil
eyouare
rushi
ngt othesel
ff
ishKat
her
ine,i
wil
lnotl
eav
e
herbreathi
ngli
keEthandi
d.
(Ichangeint
odecentcl
othesanddr
ivet
o
Phakalane)
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t79
Wehav ebeenmakingcal
lst
oever
yonewho
knowsEthanbutnooneseemstoknowhis
whereabout
s.Kat
heri
neisanemot
ional
wreck.
Kat
h:Ir
eal
l
yscr
ewedupdi
dnti
??
Mel
:Yesyoudid.Ist
il
lcantbeli
eveyoudi
dthi
s
t
oEthan.I
m somuchdi ssappoi
nted.
Lorat
o:Af
terev
ery
thi
ngGabr
ieldi
dtoyou,
did
youhavet
osneakaroundwi
thhim??
Kat
h:i
real
l
ydontknowwhatgoti
ntome.
Mel
:NoKat
her
inet
hatcannotbey
ourr
eason.
Kat
h:(
cry
ing)Whatdoy
ouwantmet
osay
Mell
isa?
?Youwoul
dntunder
standev
eni
fit
old
you.
Mel:(shout
ing)Makemeundest andthen,make
meunder st
andwhyy oucheat
edi nyour
husbandwiththesameguywhocheat edon
you.I
tsnottimetobeplayi
ngvicti
m here.
Me:
Canweal
lcal
m downher
e?
Mel:Dontt el
lmetocalm down,yourbrotheri
s
reasonwhyt hatmantookof f
.Youknowwhat
thi
sisal l
yourfaul
tinfacti
fyouwer enot
self
fishtowanthim back,hewouldhavest ay
ed
deadandnoneoft hiswoul dbehappening.I
dontev enknowwhaty oudoinghere?
Me: Wow!Asusual t
heblamei sshif
tedtome.I
alsodontknowwhati am doingherewhenin
factishoul
dbeathomewi t
hmyhusband.( I
grabmykey s)Goodl
uckfindi
ngy ourhusband
Kath!
Kath:No!Dontl
eav
eNandi,
Mel pl
ease
apologi
setoNandi
pha,
becausesheneverhel
d
agunt omyheadandf orcedtosleepwith
Gabriel
.Idi
ditonmyownaccor d.Thisisallmy
fault
,iwasself
fishtowantbotht hetwomen
whohav eshowedl ovetomei ndiffer
entways.I
l
ov eEthanhowev ericoul
dnthelpbutwantto
alsohaveGabrielbecauseifel
tiwasr obbedof
myt i
mewi thhi
m.
Me: Iwi
ll
seeyout ommor
owKat
h.(
Kissi
ngher
cheek)Stayst
rong!
(Iwal
koutoft
hehouse)
Lor
ato:
Sowhatdoy
oui
ntendondoi
ng?
?
Kath:Iam notgi
vi
nguponmymarri
age,
all
theseri
chesheleftmear
enotwor
thi
twhenhe
i
snother ewithme.
Lorat
o: Youwil
lhavetoworkhar
dforhi
s
for
givenessbecauseheishur
tandmendont
easil
yforgi
ve.
Kat
h:Icannotl
i
vewi
thoutt
hem, i
mi ssmy
chi
l
dren.Et
hancant
akeanythi
ngfrom mebut
notmychildren.Idontevenknowwhyhet ook
Lethabof
rom AuntZohr ainRussia.(
Cryi
ng)
Whathavei donet omyperfectf
ami l
y??He
tookmychi l
drenandhehasv anishedint
ot hi
n
air
.
Mel
:Gi
vehi
m somet
ime,
hewi
l
lcomear
ound.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
NEXTDAY
Iam attheair
por
t,nextt
ohim.Idontknowfor
howlongwehav ebeensitt
ingher
estarr
ingat
peopleastheymoveupanddown.
Me: Wasi twor
thit?Allthepainyouareinri
ght
nowwasi twor
thit?Gabr i
el:Get
ti
nghurtispart
ofli
feKiddo.Everyonewar nedmeaboutt hi
s
wholethingbutthehear twantswhatitwants.I
couldntstopnomat terhowhar dit
ri
ed,guessi
thoughtshewillcomebackt omeintheend.
Me:
Shedi
dnot
.Andnowy
ouar
ehur
t!
Gabr
iel
:Ev
ery
thi
nghasanendi
ngNandi
.When
Ethanpoint
edagunatme, mywhol eli
fe
fl
ashedbeforeme,it
stimeiletgoandstart
afresh.Imi
ghthavefai
ledi
nt hel
ovesecti
onof
myl if
ebutmywholelif
eisnotafail
ureican
st
illmakemor eofi
t.
Me:
Andst
il
lfal
li
nlov
e.
Gabr
iel
:No!f
all
i
ngi
nloveisweaknessli
ke
Xavi
erandKevi
nal
wayssay.Iam done.
Me:
Youdontmeant
hat
!
Gabr
iel
:Yesi
do.Letmegoandchecki
n.
Me:
Hav
easaf
ejour
ney
.Iwi
l
lmi
ssy
ou.
Gabri
el:
Iwil
lmi
ssy
out
oo.Iam onl
yaphone
cal
laway.
Me:Iknow,
passonmylov
etoever
yone.
(
Hugginghi
m)Ilov
eyouGhost
.
Gabr
iel
:Notasmuchasi
lov
eyouki
ddo.
(
Heki
ssesmyf
oreheadt
henwal
ksaway
)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Gett
inghomei preparesomethingtoeatfor
Miguel
.After
wardsi si
tdownint hel
ivi
ngr oom
onthecarpetgoi
ngt hroughmywor kfi
les.The
di
vadecidestogivemeacal l.
Me:
Mot
her
!
Day
na:
Iam st
il
lal
i
ve.
Me:Iknow,
sor
ryt
hingshav
ebeenqui
tehect
ic
t
hissi
de.
Day
na:
Whati
swr
ong?
?
Me: Kat
h'smar
ri
ageisbr
eaki
bgdown,
She
cheatedwit
hGabri
el.
Dayna:Iknewitwouldbelongbefor
eshegiv
es
i
ttohim.Isawt hewayshelookedathi
m atthe
wedding,undr
essinghi
m withherey
es.
Me:
Mom!
Dayna:Ial
wayssaypeopl
e,shoul
dreal
l
ybe
surebefor
etheyt
iet
hemselvestoonedickf
or
l
ife.
Me:
Shemadeami
stake!
Dayna:Whydi dshedoit?
?Imeanherhusband
cangiveyoumul t
ipl
eorgasmsjustbyst
arri
ng
athim.Helooksliket
hetypewhoknowhowt o
useitunl
iketheli
kesofJohn,
sogi f
tedwit
hthe
bestbutzerogame.
(
Ibur
stoutl
aughi
ng)
Me:I
sthatwhyy
oudumpedhi
m?Becausehe
hadzer
ogame??
Dayna:
Asyoungasiam whywouldiset
tl
efor
l
esswhenicanst
il
lhavethebest
.Imeaniwant
someonewhowouldtakemetocloud9.
Me:Youar ereal
l
ysomet hi
ngelse,
all
thi
sti
mei
hav
ebeenwonder i
ngwhyy oudumpedhimit
wasallbecausehecouldnotgethisAgame
cor
rect
.HowaboutOt tyisheakeeper?
Day
na:
Sti
l
lunderassessmentbuthedoeskeep
meonmytoes.Il
i
kethat.
Mi
guel
:Babewhati
sthi
s??
(It
urnandl
ookathi
m.Heishol
dingt
hedi
l
do,
Lorat
ogotmeasmypresent
.)
Me:
Mom i
hav
etogo.Wewi
l
ltal
k.
Day
na:
OkaymyNana.Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Lov
eyout
oo.
(
Ihangup)
.
..
..
..
Me:
Whyy
ougoi
ngt
hroughmyst
aff
??
Miguel
:Iwasl
ooki
ngformybl
uet
iewheni
cameacrosst
hisl
i
ttl
emanher
e.
Me:Itwasapresenti
gotf
rom Lor
atoatmy
br
idalshower
.
Miguel
:Sheisreal
l
ycrazy
!Anarti
fi
cial
peni
sas
apresentwhenyouhaveareal
one.
Me:(smi
ll
ing)Shesai
dimustusei
twhenmy
needsar
enotmet .Gi
vei
ttome.
Mi
guel
:(Wal
kingtothedustbin)Youcangot
ell
Cr
azyAngel
athatyourhusbandmeetally
our
needsandbey
ond.
Me:
No!Mi
guel
dontt
hrowi
taway
.
Mi
guel
:(dr
oppi
ngi
tinsi
de)Oops!I
tfel
li
nsi
de.
Me:
Ndi
ye!Whywoul
dyoudot
hat
?
Miguel
:(
walki
ng)Becauseiwantt
obetheonl
y
onegivi
ngyouorgasms.Notanot
herman
especi
all
ynotadil
do.
.
..
..
..
.
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t80
Justy ester
daywewer ecel ebrati
ngourf i
rst
weddi nganniversar
y,ay earsincewehav ebeen
mar r
ied.Al othashappenedt hatmakesi tfeel
l
ikewehav ebeenmar riedformor ethanay ear
butst il
lwhatremainsconst antinourli
vesis
thelov ewehav eforeachot her,i
tisthekind
thati dontthi
nkwi l
lev
erwearout .My
rel
ationshipwithmyf r
iendsi sdoingexceedinl
y
well,Loratoexpecti
nghersecondchi l
d,Lisa
fi
nall
yMr sWi llMokoena.Mphobl essedwi tha
boy.Katlegof i
nallyopenedabout iquesel l
ing
weddinggowns.Wel lev
eryonei sdoinggr eat
expectKat heri
neev enuptot odaythereisno
onewhoknowswher eEthanhasdi sapperedt o
withthechi l
dren.Kat hisnol ongersame
personweknow, hav i
nglostwei ght,sheisi n
andoutofhospi tal.Recentlystart
edseei nga
psychologisttohel pherdeal wi
thev ery
thing.
Myv eryownbr other ,
Gabrielwellhei sdoing
wellfi
nallymov ingonwi t
hhi sli
fe.
.
..
..
Ihavedecidedt oaccompanyt oher
appoint
mentt odaywithallthebadpublici
tyshe
hasbeenhav i
ng, shecanuseaf ri
end.Iam
readi
nganot hernewspaperar ti
clewit
hher
famil
yscandal f
rontpage,someonehasl etthe
catoutsack, andj our
nali
stsarehavi
ngaf i
eld
day.Weallknowt hebrutal
it
yofthisvult
ures
call
edjour
nal i
stssomet imesi wonderifthey
havefamil
ies.Il ookattheheadingmyhear t
br
eaksi
ntopi
eces.Ist
artr
eadi
ng
"
#The_
Weekl
y_Papar
azzi
#Br
ing_
You_
Lat
est
_Top_
News
THEDOWNFALLOFOURATTORNEY:LOOkS
LI
KETHISDAYSYOUDONTNEEDHERBEXTO
LOSEWEIGHYONLYJUSTHAVETOCHEAT
ANDLOSEWEIGHT.
..
!!

Ourownbeaut ywithbrainsMr sKatherine

Brownleyisfacingsomer eall
ifechal
lengesa
weekaf t
eroursour cetoldust hatBotswana
ri
chpowercoupl eisgoingthroughadi vorce
becauseoft hewi f
e'si
nf i
deli
ty.Thepower
couplehavepr oventhatmoneycannotbuyl ove,
despitehavi
ngbei ngleftwiththewhol eempire
i
tisobv i
ousourcheat inglawyerismi serabl
e
withoutlov
...
(
Ist
opandputt
hepaperwayi
cannotr
eadany
f
urt
her
.)
.
..
.
I
NSI
DETHECOUNSELLI
NGROOM
Kathl
iesonthecoucheyescl
osedbutthat
doesnotst
opthetearsdri
ppi
ngoutofher
eyes.
Kath:Maybeial
wayst houghtmyli
feevery
thi
ng
wastoogoodt obetruethatwhyiseekedmore.
Thatswhyiquesti
onedev er
ythi
ng?
?Thatswhy
icoul
dntgiv
eital
lmybest .
Megan: ihearyoubuti needy out ounderstand
that
,whenGodbl essesy ouKat her i
ne,youdo
nothavet oquest i
oni t
.Idi dast udylastyear
andfindi
ngsshowedt hatmostwomenwhen
theyfi
ndagoodmant heyendupl eavi
ngt hat
rel
ati
onshiporrui ningitbecauset heyfeeliti
s
toogoodt obet rue.Whosai dwedonot
deservegoodmen, whenamanl ovesusand
makeswayt omakeusf eelhappynor mallywe
fi
ndway sf i
ndflawsi nt hem.Ar ewesousedt o
badmenandbeingtreatedbadl
yt hatwewill
rui
nagoodrel
ati
onshipbecauseitistoogood
tobetr
ue??Howwasy ourupbr
inging?Tel
lme
abouti
t.
Kat h: Mymot herdiedgi vi
ngbi r
thtome.Iwas
rai
sedupbymypar t
enal grandmot her,she
l
ov edandst il
ldoeslikei am herownbuti
alway sfeltthatthelov eisnotenough.My
fatherchasedmeoutofhi shomeaf terhe
remar ri
edbecausehi swi fecouldnotr aise
anot herwoman' schi l
d.Ihav enev erfel
tmot her
orf ather '
slove.Theni metEt hani t
houghti
knewwhatl ov efel
tlikebuthewasgonet oo
soon, hisfami l
yneededhi m andhel eft.Gabri
el
camei ntothepicture,hegav emehope, once
agai nheexpr essedlov einadi ff
erentwayi
nev erf el
t.Hismot herhat edmebuti kept
hopi ngt hatshecoul dl oveme, giveme
mot herlylove,ithi
nkt hatiswhyi alway s
j
umpedwhensheaskedf ormyhel pbecausei
want edhert oacknowl edgeme.
Megan: Growingup,howdidi tf
eeltowatch
otherchi
ldrenwiththei
rparentsandknowing
yourownmot hercannotbetherefory
ou.
Kath:Envy!Ial
waysenvi
edthem wishi
ngicoul
d
belikethem,tohavesomeonekissmy
for
eheadandl ookdownsmill
ingatme.A
mot hertol
oveme.
Megan:Andyourfeel
ingst
owardsyourf
ather
??
Howdiditf
eelknowingheisther
ebutcannot
gi
veyouthelov
ey ouneed??
Kath:Forav er
ylongtime, i
hatedhi
mf ornot
beingther
ef orme.Irememberswear i
ngone
ti
met omakehi m sufferl
ikehemademe.To
str
ipawayt hetit
leofbeingcal
ledmyfather
oncei am succesful
.
Megan:I
sthatwhyyoubecamesucessful
so
youcanpuni
shyourfat
herfornotl
ovi
ngyou?
?
Kat
h:Idi
datf
ir
stbuti
for
gav
ehi
m.
Megan:
Whatdoesl
ovi
ngsomeonemeant
o
y
ou?
?
Me:Lov ingsomeone, t
omemeansi candi ein
t
hepl aceofthatperson.I
tmeansiam afraidto
l
oset hem, t
olovesomeonemeansi accept
t
hem wi thallt
hei
rflawsandstr
engt
h.Itmeans
t
ogiv eitall
mybestandnotacceptany t
hingin
r
eturn.Itmeansi havetocompromi
seher eand
t
here.Itmeansgr eatsacr
if
icet
hati
swor thy.
Megan: From allyousai dwhom oft hetwomen
doy ouseedoi ngal lt
hosef or??Iwantyout osi
t
downandt hi
nkbet weenEt hanandGabr i
el.
Whodoy oulov e??Ialsowanty outogoback
homeandt al
kt oy ourfatheraboutyourfeeli
ngs
foronce, openupt ohi m.That sallf
ortoday'
s
section.Wewi l
l meetnextweek.
Kat
h:Thanky
ou.
.
..
..
..
Wewal ktothecarandidr
opherhomebef
orei
dr
ivetoMiguel'
swork.Asiwal
kint
ohi
soffi
ce
helooksurpri
sedtoseeme.
Mi
guel
:Youl
ookpi
ssed!
Me:Becausei
am,
wher
eisEt
hanBr
ownl
ey,
Mi
guel?
Miguel
:Notthisagai
n,howmanyt
imesmusti
t
ellyouidontknow??
Me: i r
ef uset obel iev ethat,forhowl ongdoy ou
guysi nt endonmaki ngKat herine, suffer?Yes
shemadeami st ake, butdontweal lmake
mist akesatt i
mes?AndEt han, hesay si sKath
i
ssel f
ishbuthei st hesameal sosel ffi
sh,who
takesawaychi ldr enf rom theirmot herbecause
shecheat ed?Howi swhathei sdoi ngnownot
self
f i
sh?t hosechi l
dr enneedt hei rmot her
, Ll
oyd
mightgr owupt onotknowKat h.Whatwi l
l he
tel
lthem whent heyst artquest ioninghi m about
theirmot her??Doesheev enknowt hepainsof
deli
v eringt hosebabi es, carryi
ngt hem t ofull
term? ?Thel abourpai ns??
Miguel
:Honest
lymyloveidontknowwhere
Et
hanis.Hehasnitcont
actedmeeversi
ncehe
l
eft
.
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Mi
guel
:Iam sur
e!
Me:Youbet
terbet
ell
ingthet
rut
hbcauseifi
f
indoutt
hatyouwerely
ingiwoul
dnever
f
orgi
veyouMiguel
.
(Hi
sphoneringsandhelooksatitandanswer
s.
Icont
inuet
ost andashetal
kstappingmyfoot
down.)
Miguel
:Thatwast
hehospi
tal
,theyhavebeen
t
ryi
ngyouphoneisnotgoi
ngthrough!
Me:Ifor
goti
tint
hecar
,isKat
her
inebacki
n
hospi
tal
agai
n?Ihav
etogo.
Miguel
:Nandi
wai
t!I
tisnotKat
hthi
sti
me
ar
ound.
Me:
Whoi
sitt
hen?
?
Mi
guel
:Iti
sDay
na.
Me:
Mymom!
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t81
Ourwor stenemyi sFear !Fearscr i
ppl esy ou, i
t
canhol dy oui nthepal m ofi thandandnev erl
et
yougo.Butonet hingaboutmymot heri know
i
st hatshehasnev erallowedany t
hingt obr ing
herdown, remai ningposi t
iveinev erything.
Whi l
eme, herdaught eriscompl et
elydi ff
er ent
fr
om her .Mi guel isdr i
vingust oMahal apy eand
iam shaki ng, t
errifi
edaboutwhatcoul d
possi blybewr ongwi thmymot her .Manxane' s
wor dst hatdaykeeppl ayingi nmyhead"You
willdoany thingf ory ourdaught er,youl oveher
howev ery ouneedt oletherknowherr oot s.
Youwi llfaceadi ffi
cultfut ureDay na, iseea
diseasesodeadl y.Buty ourst rengt his
cour ageous, y oucanbeati t
."Whati fthisisi t
,
whathappensnex t??Iam noty etreadyt ol ose
her.Asi fhesensesmydi scomf ort,he
squeezesmyhandandgi vesmear eassur i
ng
smi l
e.!
Mi
guel
:Shewi
l
lbeokay
!
Me:Whati
fthi
sisit
??Thedeadl
ydi
sease
Manxanewastal
ki
ngabout.
Miguel
:Thenwewi l
lfi
ndheradoctorandf
ight
thedi
seasetoget
her.St
opworry
ingshewil
l be
okay.
Me:
ihopeso.
Mi
guel
:Cl
oseyourey
esandgetsomesl
eep.I
wi
l
lwakeyouupwhenwegetther
e.
Me:
Okay
.
(Ihugmy
sel
fandcl
osemyey
es)
.
..
..
.
Mi
guel
:Babewakeupwear
eher
e.
(Iopenmyey esandwearepackedinf
rontof
ourhouse.Istr
etchandgetout
.Walki
nginthe
house,sheissi
tti
ngonthecouch,
sheis
rel
axedhavingteaandcooki
es.Ot
husit
seis
nexttoher.
)
Me:
Ma!
Dayna:
Donttel
lmet
hosehospi
tal
peopl
e
cal
l
edy ou.
Me:
Theydi
d.
Dayna:iwil
lsuethei
rassesforbreachof
contr
act,whathappenedtopati
ent'
s
confi
denti
ali
ty.
(Miguelwalksi
nandki
sseshercheekt
hen
greetsOtt
y.)
Miguel:Thehospi
tal
call
edusbecauset
heyar
e
worri
ed.Apparent
lyyouref
usi
ngtobe
checked.
Dayna:Theysuspect
ingitmustbecancer,i
fit
i
scancerthentherei
snousebecausei tcannot
becured.Soiwouldrathersi
tinmyhouseand
wai
tformydeat h.
Me:Ma!Cancercanbecured,Kather
inei
sone
oft
hosepeoplewhofoughtitandwon.
Day
na:
No,
theywi
l
ltel
lyout
hati
tiscur
ed
t
ommor owthesamepeopleagai
ntheywil
ltel
l
you,itisback.Thati
tscy
cle.Iwi
l
lnotsubj
ect
my selftothat
.
Me:
Youcannotj
ustgi
veupl
i
ket
hat
,youhav
e
t
ofi
ghti
t.
Dayna:Therearebat
tl
esthati
willf
ight
,but
somey oujustknowthaty
ouwill
loseevenif
yougiv
ei tal
lyoubest.
Me: Youcannotsurr
enderti
ll
y oufi
ghtit,
you
soldi
eronandmat chfort
h.Whathappenedt o
"YouareaWet huwoman, nothingeverbri
ngs
youdown."
Dayna:Ial
way ssayiwouldratherhaveHIV&
AIDSthancancerbecausewi t
hAI DSatl
east
youknowt her
ear eARVst oprol
ongyourli
fe
butwit
hcancery oudiagnosedtodaywell
tommor owtheyareburryi
ngyou.Nohope.
Miguel
:Ithasstageswedontknowy
etabout
your
s.Dontgiveup.
Me:ori
fiti
sev
encanceri
tmi
ghtbesomet
hing
el
se.
Dayna:il
ookeditup,
iti
scervi
calcancerNana.
I
tssy mpt
omsar emuchsimil
artomi ne.Your
grandmaisgood,shesawmydownf al
l.Imust
buyherwinesowegocel ebr
ate.
Me:Canyouputasidethosej
okesf
oronce.Let
usgotot
hehospital.
Day
na:No!Mydeci
sioni
sfi
nal
.Iam notgoi
ng
t
othehospi
tal
.
Me:
bu.
.
Dayna:
Ihavemadeupmymi
ndNandi
pha.
Pl
easerespectt
hat
.
Me:Howdoyouexpectmetorespecta
deci
si
ont
hatwi
llt
akey ouawayfr
om me.
(Iwalkt
omyr oom andf allonbed,weepi
ng,
whyismyl i
fesosurroundedbypeopl ewhoare
self
fi
sh,onl
ythi
nki
ngoft hemselves.
)
.
..
..
.
Ifmymot hert
hinksi
am justgoingt
ositbyand
watchhergiveuponherselfshebet
tert
hink
again.Ir
eachformyphoneanddi al
Gab's
number .
Gab:
Kiddo!
Me:
Ghost
!
Gab:Justsawyourmessage,
hadasur
ger
yto
per
forminthemorni
ng.
Me:
Okay
!Cany
ougetaway
?
Gab:
:
Whati
swr
ong?Howi
sshe?
Me: Shewil
lnotgot ohospit
alandref
usingt
o
getchecked.Theyaresuspecti
ngitmustbe
cancer.Andsheisjustthr
owinginthetowel
.
Gab:Shecancur
eit
,ifi
tisnoty
etati
ts
advancedst
age.
Me:Thatswhyineedyouher
e,may bei
fshe
heardf
rom adoct
orshemightchangeher
mind.
Gab:
Youwantmet
otal
ktoher
??
Me:Pl
easeGabr
iel
,at
leastexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngt
o
her
.
Gab:Okay,iwi
ll
driv
etherethi
severni
ngand
tal
ktoher.Butyoumotheri
sstubbornjustli
ke
you,oncesheputshermindtosomethingitis
hardtochangehermind.
Me:
iknowbuti
am notgi
vi
ngupj
usty
et.
Gab:Alr
ightkiddobuttobefr
ank,i
fiti
scancer
l
ikesuspected,prepar
eyour
selff
oranythi
ng.
Me:
Okayi
wil
l
.Thanksf
ort
heheadsup.
Gab:
Okayseey
oul
ater
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Gab:
Lov
eyoumor
ebabysi
s.
(
Ihungup.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
BROWNLEYRESI
DENCE
Kat
hiswithhergr
andmotherwhom i
skni
tt
ing.
Shei
sreadingamagazi
neandhavingMerl
ot.
MmaHeber
t:Youhavet
ogoout
,youcannot
hi
dei
nherefor
ever
.
Kat
h:Iam notr
eadyt
ost
epi
ntot
hewor
ld.
MmaHeber t:Youowet hi
swor l
dnot hi
ng
Oemelenna, yesy ouhav ewrongedy our
husbandbuty ouarenott heonlywomanwho
hascheat edandpr obablynotthel ast
.Youhave
shownt hatyouar er emorseful
nowst op
beati
ngy ourselfup.Youar esti
llyounghavea
l
ifeaheadofy ou.Pickupt hepiecesandmov e
on.
Kath:
iti
sveryhar
dtogeton.Whenever
ywher
e
igopeopl
elookatmeli
keihaveki
ll
ed
someone.
MmaHeber t:Peopleal
waysjudgeandtal
k,t
hey
for
getthattheyalsohumanandsamet hi
ngcan
happentothem.Somewi l
levencel
ebr
ateat
yourdownfallbutli
keial
wayssaytoyou,i
tis
notabouthowy
oufall
thatmatt
ersi
tishow
youri
seupagai
nthatmatter
s.
Kath:
Andmychildr
en,
howaboutt
hem doi
just
for
getaboutt
hem?
MmaHeber t
:No!Youkeeponsear chingfor
them, withGod' sgr
acey ouwi llf
indthem.Your
fatheriscomi ngwithyouruncl es,Saturday
mor ni
ngwewi ll
goseet heBr ownleysandget
tohearwhati sthei
rson'sintenti
onsr egarding
yourchildren.Mygr andchil
drenar enotgoi ngto
beusedasbai tbet
weeny ouandEt han.
Kath:
Okay,i
tisti
mei t
akebackmyworld.My
PIi
straci
ngEthanhopeful
l
yhewil
lhav
esome
goodnewsthisti
mearound.
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t82
Presenter:
Wi t
husinstudi
ot odayi
tisMrs
Katheri
neBr ownl
ey,
oneoft hetopri
chest
womani nthi
scount
ry.Sheisheretoadressal
l
al
legat
ionsandmediaci
rcust
hathasbeen
goingaroundi
nhername.MrsBrownl
eywe
welcomey out
oTheTalk.
Kath:
Thanky
ouf
orgi
vi
ngmet
hisoppor
tuni
ty
tobeher
e.
Pr
esenter
:Bat
swanaathomearecur
ioust
hey
wantt
oknowifthet
abloi
dsar
etrue.
Kath:Most lytheyar etrue, 14yearsagomyex-
fi
ancédiedwel lactuallyfakedhisowndeat h
becausehet houghthemi ghtnotmakei t.Hi s
deathwasoneofmybi ggestdownf all
s,itturns
mei ntoanout castofcommuni t
y.Et han,my
husband, foundmeandhel pmef i
ndmy self
againandr ebuil
dmyl ife.Et hanwasmyf ir
st
beforeGabr i
elbutduet oci rcumstanceswe
brokeup, soaf terhecamebackwest arted
rel
ivi
ngourpastandendedupget ti
ngmar ried.
Fastforwar ding,l
asty earar oundthist i
me
aroundi camet olearnt hatGabrielnev er
actual
lydied, hefakedhi sowndeat h, his
ressur
ect
ionbroughtbacksomanymemor i
es
back,mostl
yitbroughtbackthosefeel
ingsi
thoughti
havegotov erbuti
talsobroughtal
ong
hate.Myheartwantedhimy etiwantedtoal
so
hurthi
mf orwhatheputmet hr
ough.
Present
er:
Sohowdoeshav
inganaf
fai
rwi
th
yourexhurthi
m?
Kath:Iwassupposedt ohav ehi m hooked,then
drophim atlastminutebuti alsogotcaughti n
myr evenge.Ienj
oyedt hethril
l andexcitmentit
camewi th.For5mont hsi keptsneaki ngoutt o
seehim, i
nthef i
vemont hs, i
sleptwi thhim
onceinamont hthenwai tforthenextmont h
becausei di
dnotwantmyhusbandl i
ttl
edidi
knowt hatiwil
lgetfri
edinal lthethril
l.
Pr
esent
er:
Sodi
dyougety
ourr
evenge?
?
Kath:Yesihavehur
tGabriel
,butinasmuchasi
wantedrevengeial
sogothurtinthepromise
andhurtthemani t
rul
ylove.Actual
lyihavehur
t
bot
hmenwhoi wasnevermeantt ohurt
.Yes
Gabr i
elhashur tmebutnoti ntentional
lyandf or
met opl aywithhisfeeli
ngslikethatknowi ngi
hadnof eel
ingsforhim wasnotr ight.Andf or
Ethan,whohasal way shadtocompet ewitht he
l
ateman, allbecausei f
eltguil
tyforGab'sdeat h,
hegoti ntotheaccidentaf t
erhelef tmyhouse
afteritoldhimi neverwantt oseehi m again.It
wasunf ai
rforhimt hathecaughtmecheat i
ng
withhimt hesameman, hefelthewas
compet ingwi t
h.
Pr
esent
er:Sowehavetwomeninyourl
i
fe
whi
chofthem wi
l
lyousayy
oulove.
Kath:Ihavebeenseei ngapsy chol ogistinor der
tohelpme.Andi hav ecomet or eali
set hatyesi
usedtoloveGabr i
el butthatpar tofmet hat
l
ovedhi misdead, heispar tofmyol dlife.
Thereisonlyonemanwhom i loverightnow
anditisEthan,y
eshemi ghtnotbel i
ev eme
ri
ghtnowwheni tellhimt hi
sbutmyhear ti
s
sol
doutf orhim,i
ft hereisapl acei woul dtrade
ri
ghtnowt obeat ,i
twi l
ltobewi thhim andour
chi
l
dren.
Present
er:Speaki
ngoffamil
y,ar
ether
umour
s
thatyoutwoarespli
ti
ngtr
ue??
Kath:Yesmyhusbandser v
ednedi v
orcepapers
beforehedisappearedandi reall
ydonotbl ame
him becausehehasbeenpat ientenough.He
deservessomeonewhowi llgivehimt hesame
l
ov ehegivesout.Ilov
ehim buti havelosthi
m,
wehav echil
drentogether
,ifthisdivorceiswhat
hewant siwill
giveitt
ohim buti sti
l
lhopewe
canbeci vi
landraiseourchil
dr entogether.
Present
er:
Itt
akesagreatwomant oseeher
faul
tsandadmithermist
akes.I
sther
eanythi
ng
youwanttosaytoBatswanaoutther
e.
Kath:Iwil
lsaytoallwoment hattheyshould
notbelikeme,donotl oseagem whi l
ey ou
busycountingstones.Andt oEthanwher ever
heis,j
ustwanttot ell
yout hatiam sorr
yf oral
l
painsihavemadey ougot hroughandi know
thatnoamountofapol ogi
escanmeasur eto
whatimadey ougot hr
oughbuti doapologi
se
forbei
ngself
fishandtakingyourl
ovefor
grant
ed.Il
ovey ouandiloveourchil
dren.
Presenter
:Thankyou.Vi
ewersathome, hereat
TheTal kwethankyoufortur
ningin,
forour
sessiontodaywit
hKatheri
ne.From me,Kabo
l
et smeetagainnextweeksamet i
mesame
place.
.
..
..
.
AUSTRALI
A
Gabr
iel
l
a:Daddylookiti
smommy .(Et
hanwho
i
sholdi
ngLloydlooksatt
hetvscreenthen
t
urnsupthevolumeandlist
ernt
oheri nt
evi
ew.)
Gabr
iel
l
a:Whyi
smommysot
hindaddy
?
Et
han:
Rememberi
sai
dmommyi
ssi
ck.
Gabri
ell
a:Daddyifmommyi ssick,
shoul
dntwe
bewithher,
teacheratschool
saidwemust
al
way sbewithoursickl
ovedonesbecausewe
neverknowwhenGodmi ghtt
akethem.
(Ethanlooksathisdaught
ertotal
lystunnedby
herresponse.Hisheartbr
eaksintopieces.He
sil
entl
ywat chestvwhil
ethemai dtakesthe
kidstogoandf eedthem.Lethabowal ksin.
)
Let
habo:
Isi
ttr
ue?Youar
eleav
ingher
?
Et
han:
Yes,
itsf
ort
hebest
.
Lethabo:
whenwereyougoi
ngt
otel
lme?
?is
thatwhyyouar
eherewit
husal
one?
Et
han:
idi
dnotwantt
ohur
tyou.
Lethabo: Iam 19dad,nolongerababyi j
ust
wishy ouguy sunderst
oodt hatyoudonothave
tohidet hingsfr
om mebecausey ouaf
rai
di wi
ll
gethur t
.Itiskeepi
ngthingsfrom methathurt
s
most .
Et
han:
Iam sor
rybuddy
.
Let
habo:
So14year
sofyourhardshi
psyoujust
goi
ngtothr
owi
tawaybecauseshecheated.
Ethan:
Yeshasshehur
tm nott
hati
expecty
ou
toundest
and.
Lethabo:Haventyouhurtherbefor
e?Andagai
n
dadifyouaregoingtoleavemom becauseshe
cheatedtel
lmewher ewillyoufi
ndthatwoman
whowi ll
notcheat?
Et
han:
Iam nothav
ingt
hisdi
scussi
onwi
thy
ou.
Lethabo:It
snotadiscussionimjustlayingit
outforyoudad.Evenifyoucandi vorcemom
becauseshecheatedwhatgur anteesy outhat
yournextwomanwi llnotcheatony ou.Andif
shedoes, ar
eyougoingt obeacowar dandrun
fordivor
ceagai
n?
Et
han:
(fur
iousl
y)Ni
ckl
as!
!
Lethabo:tr
uthhurtsdad.Whileyouareherei
n
yourlit
tl
emi ser
ableworl
dot hermanare
l
ookingv er
ysoont heywillmakehertear
sgo
away .Getyourshitt
ogetherandfor
givemom,
sowecanal lbefamil
y.
(
Hewal
ksoutbangi
ngdoorbehi
ndhi
m)
.
..
.
Iam si
tt
ingonthechai
rli
steni
ngtoGabr
iel
as
heexpl
ainstomom aboutcancer
.
Gab: l
ikei wassay i
ngt hereare2ty pesof
cervi
cal cancer,squamouscel lcarcinoma
whichcov er
st heoutsurfaceofthecer vi
xand
adenocar cenomawhi chitscel
lsscat t
ersalong
theinsideoft hepassagewayt hatrunsal ong
thecer vi
xoft hewomb.

Dayna:
ist
il
ldontknowwhyy
out
ell
i
ngmeal
l
t
his.
Gab:Soy oucangi veupaf teryouknowy ou
haveoptions.Mov i
ngont odiagnosi ngi t
, you
caneit
herhav eapapt estwher ebytheout erof
thecervi
xandv aginai sgent lyscrabbedt ot ake
samplesoft hecel l
sf ort esti
ng.Ory oucan
haveaPel vicExami nationwher ebyadoct or
feel
stheut erus,vagina, ovaries,fall
opi antubes,
cerv
ix,bl
adderandr ect um t ocheckf orunusual
changes.Ther eisanHPVt estwhi chi susual l
y
donesamet imeoraf terapapshowunsual or
abnormal changesi ncer vix.Alsoitisi mportant
toknowt hatanHPVt estcanbeposi t
ivebut
notneccesar i
lymeani ngy ouhav ecer vi
cal
cancerasmanywomanhav eHPVbutdonot
havecancer .Whi chi swhyy ouneedt odoot her
testsforaccur acy .LikeBi opsywher ey ou
remov esmal lpar toft issuef orexami nati
onand
Thereisal soConi zat ionwher ey our emov ea
cone-shapedpi eceoft issuef rom thecer vi
x.
Butconizat i
onl eadst obl eedingandmi ght
causedi scomf ortl i
kemenst uraldiscomf ort
.
Biopsyisadef inat edi agnosi s,itgi
v esaccurat e
result
s.
Day
na: Youar
econfusi
ngmewit
hal
lthe
medicalt
erms.Whati
sHPV??
Gab:Yourememberwheni tal
kedaboutcauses
ofcancerisai
ditcausedbyavir
uscal
led
humanpapi l
l
omav i
rusanot
hernameforiti
s
HPV.
Day
na:
okay
!Soaf
terdi
agnosi
swhatf
oll
ows?
Gab:Al ltheabov ethingscanbedonebya
general doct
or ,
butaf teradiagnosisismade
wewi l
l needagy nacologistoroncologi
stto
stepint odoaddi ti
onal testtoseeifthecancer
hasspr eadbey ondt hecer vi
x.Therearemany
test
st hatcanbeusedbutmostcommoni san
Xraytov i
ewkidneyandbl adderand
Laparoscopywher eadoct orwil
lsee
abdormi nalareawi t
hat hinl
ight
edf l
exubl
e
tubecalledlaparoscope.
Me:
Andt
reat
ment
?
Gabri
el:
itwi
lldependonwhi
chstageiti
s.
Ther
eissurgery,r
adi
ati
ont
herapyand
chemother
apy.
Me:
Youhear
dGab,
masowhatdoy
ousay
?
Dayna:Iguesst
hereisnoharmingoingf
ora
checkupbutonlyunderonecondi
ti
on.
Me:
Whati
sthecondi
ti
on?
Dayna:Iwil
ldef
inat
elynothavemyv agi
na
scr
utini
zedbyyourbrotherNandi
pha.
(
Weal
lbur
stoutl
aughi
ng.Mydi
vai
sback)
Gab:Restknowi
ngi
alsohav
enowi
shi
ndoi
ng
do.
Miguel
:Goodthencanweal
lgonow!Gaborone
i
sfarthesoonerweknowwhatwear
efacing
t
hebetter
.
Day
na:
Mahal
apy
ehospi
tal
isher
e?
Miguel
:Nomot herofour
swi
l
lbesubjectedt
o
publ
ichospi
tal
whenwecanaf f
ordt
ogi v
eher
thebest
.
Me: Youhear
dtheman.Bet
tergoandst
art
packing.
.
..
..
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t83
I
tsbeent
woday
ssi
ncewehav
ebeenbacki
n
thecit
y.Every
thingisj
ustchaotic!Buthopeful
ly
wewi l
lgetthebottom oft
hings.Iam withher
atthegynaecologi
stwaiti
ngtohearherr esult
s.
Doct
or:
Wehav
eyourt
est
sbackMr
sWet
hu.
Day
na:
Aret
heybad?
Doct
or:
Ihav
esomebadnewsandgoodones.
Day
na:
let
sheart
hebadonesf
ir
st.
Doctor:
Yourr esul
tsshowedthati
ndeedi
tis
cer
vicalcancerli
keitwassuspect
ed.
Day
na:Iam noti
mmor t
alaf
teral
l
.It
hought
maybeiwi
lll
ivef
orev
er.
Me:
Andt
hegoodnews?
?
Doctor:
Ther esul
tsfr
om t heXrayalsohave
shownt hati
thasnotspr eadthrough.The
cancerissti
l
l ont
hef i
rststage.Whichmeansit
hasspreadfrom cerv
ixlini
ngintodeeperti
ssue
butsti
llj
ustfoundintheut er
us.
Me:
i
tcanbet
reat
edr
ightdoc?
Doctor
:Yesyourmot
hercaneit
herst
art
chemother
apyordosur
gery.
Dayna:Iwi
ll
rathersubj
ectmybodytosur
ger
y
thanchemotherapy
.Icannotaf
for
dtol
osemy
preci
oushai
r.
Me:
Ma!
Dayna:j
usti
maginegoi
ngaroundwi
thbal
d
head,i
dontwanttol
ookli
keazombie.
Doct or:Okay !Surgerywehav etwotypesradical
orsimpl e.Hy steroctomywherewer emov ethe
uterusandcer v i
x.AndRadicali
nvolvesr
emov al
ofut erus,cervix,uppervagi
naandt heti
ssue
aroundcer vi
x.Itincl
udesextensiv
epelvi
x
l
y mpt hnodedi ssecti
onwhichmeanst he
remov al ofthel ympthnodes.
Dayna:
Canwegowi thRadi
cal
?iwantt
oki
l
l
ever
ychanceoft
hisdevi
lmaki
ngacomeback.
Me:
Ma!Ar
eyousur
e?
Day
na:
Iam Day
nanotsur
e,Ihav
ereached
menopausepl usitnotl
iket
hisvagi
nahasany
use,exceptgett
inglai
d.Andtheyonl
yremovi
ng
theupperpartwhichmeansi cansti
l
lri
desome
D.
Me:
Youar
esomet
hingel
se.
Doct
or:
Cani
goont
oexpl
ainwhol
epr
ocedur
e?
Day
na:
Pleasedo.
.
..
..
..
..
Iwal
kint
ohi
sof
fi
ceandhecomest
ohugme.
Gab:
Youl
ookexhaust
ed!
Me:
Iknowbecausei
am.
Gab:
Howi
sitgoi
ngt
hatsi
de?
Me:Ithasbeenconfi
rmediti
scer
vical
cancer
butgoodnewsis,it
ssti
llont
hefi
rststage.
Gab:t
hati
sev
enbet
ter
.Sowi
l
lshebest
art
ing
chemo?
Me:Apparent
lyherhai
rismor
epr
eci
ous,
shei
s
goi
ngwithsurger
y.
Gab:
Shei
ssomet
hingel
se.
Me:Inevert
hankedy
ouenough,
forwhaty
ou
di
dforher.
Gab:
Iti
swhatf
ami
l
ydoesf
oreachot
her
.
Me: Onethingi havelear
ntfrom t hi
swhol e
thi
ngi syounev erknowwhatGodhaspl anned
forus.Whichi swhywehav et oappreciate,our
l
ov edones,makepeaceandl oveont hem.Your
mot herandsisterareangryaty oubutiti sti
me
youwentbackandbeggedf ort hem totakey ou
backGabr i
el.Youdontwantt ofeelsorryf or
yourselft
ommor owwheni tisal r
eadylate.
Gab:mymom sai
dshewant
snot
hingt
odo
wit
hme.
Me:Iknowbutattheendsheisy
ourmother
,
youareherson,
shewill
takey
ouback.
Game:Youknowsheisthey
oungestbuti
feel
l
ikeshei
sthewiseoneamongstus.
(
Wet
urnar
oundandnot
iceGamest
andi
ngby
t
hedoor
)
Me:
(huggi
ngher
)Whendi
dyougether
e?
Game: Justnowil
eftassoonasihear
d.
Thoughtyoumightneedall
thesuppor
tyoucan
get
.
Gab:(
huggingher
)Goodt
ohav
eyouhome
munchie.
Game:Sowherei
sourdiva?Wecant
alkabout
t
hedramat
icIngr
idl
ater
.
Me:Comei
wil
ltakey
out
oher
.Wher
eisl
i
ttl
e
Sam??
Game:Cameal
onethi
sti
mearound.Me:
Begnni
ngt
othi
nkyoudontwantmetomeetmy
ni
ece.
Game:Longt
oldy
out
ocomet
oSchaef
erand
meether
.
Me:
imustmakear
rangement
ssoon.
.
..
..
.
Justfi
nishedhavi
ngsupperandwear e
watchi
ngamov i
e.Thehouseissuperqui
te
wit
hDay naatthehospi
tal
.
Mi
guel
:Ihav
ebeent
hinki
ng.
Me:
Ial
sohav
ebeent
hinki
ng.
Mi
guel
:(chuckl
es)Ladi
esf
ir
st.
Me:
Noy
ougoon.
Miguel
:Maybeitisti
mewegotapr operhouse,
wecannotstayinthi
sflatf
orever.I
tonlyhas
twobedroom l
ookr i
ghtnowy oursi
sterhasto
goandstaywithGabbecausewehadno
accomodati
on.
Me:
Buti
act
ual
l
ylov
either
e.
Miguel
:Ihav
enoticedbutbabel
etsj
ustbe
r
eali
sti
citi
snolongerworki
ng.
Me:
Okaysohousewher
e?Ar
ewebuy
ingor
r
ent
ingout
?
Mi
guel
:Wet
oool
dtor
ent
.Def
inat
elybuy
ing.
Me:
Wher
e?
Mi
guel
:Phakal
ane?
Me:Noidontl
i
kethatpl
ace,
howabouther
eus
Bl
ock10orGabor
oneNorth.
Miguel:
Whatevery
ouwant.Iwi
l
lcont
actaReal
Estat
eagenttommorow.
Me:
Okaymyl
ove.
Mi
guel
:Nowy
ourt
urn.
Me:
Iam r
eady
.
Mi
guel
:For
?
Me:Forli
tt
leNdi
yesandNana'
s.Iwantust
o
st
artafamil
yofourown.
Mi
guel
:(exci
tedl
y)Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
??
Me: Asrealasi
canbe.Iwantyourchi
ldr
enwi
th
yourblondehai
r,bi
gchar
coaleyebal
lsand
cri
spyears.
Miguel
:Wow!Youj
ustmademyday
,icantwai
t
t
oknockyouup.
Me:Ki
ssi
nghi
m)Andi
fisai
dyoudonthav
eto
wai
t.
Miguel
:Youmeani
canst
artPr
ojectknockher
upri
ghtnow?
(Inodmyheadsmil
l
ing,
hel
ookssocut
eri
ght
now.Hepicksmeupandwal
ktowar
dsthe
stai
rs.
)
Miguel
:Letmeenjoypi
ckingyouupwhil
eist
il
l
can.I
nninemonthsimightnotmanage.
(
Igi
ggl
ewr
appi
ngmyhandsar
oubdhi
sneck)
.
..
..
..
..
.
BROWNLEYRESI
DENCE
Handswr aparoundherf rai
lbodybringingher
cl
osetohi m,softcol
dlipskissherforehead.
Hisint
oxicat
ingcolognefeelsherup.Ev eni n
herwil
destdreamsshecannev erf
orgethi s
muskysmel l
.Openningherey es,hi
sbl uet ear
y
eyesshineamongstt hemoonl i
ght,hert i
ny
handtoucheshisunshav edjaws.Tearsst ream
down, asshet hi
nksofhowl ongshewai tedt o
touchhi sf aceli
ket hi
s.Tostareintohisey es
andf eel l
ikeshei slosingher
selfinthem.He
kissesawayhert earsandbringshisli
pst ohis,
thefreshmi ntbreathofhisimmobi li
seher, her
onet ruel over
.Hecal lsherasheal waysdoes
"Sunshi ne!"Andherhear tswellsup.
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t84
Hestaresatherandwipesawayhertears.
Kissi
ngheragainandagai
nasi fhewantsto
assurehert
hatindeedheisreal
lyher
e.Thatal
l
thi
sisnotadream.Shepincheshercheeks.
Ethan:Youarenotdr
eami
ngsunshi
nei
am
real
lyhere.
(Hegivesherhi
smesmeri
si
ngsmi
let
hat
alway
scausesamajort
remori
nsi
deher
.)
Ethan:
Stopcr
y i
ngandgetsomesl
eepwewi
l
l
tal
kinthemorni
ng.
Kath:
(inashakeyv
oice)Howdoi knowt
hat
youwillbeher
ewheni wakeup?
(Hesmilesandstandsupwalki
ngi
nhiscl
oset
heretur
nswithhi
sbl ackt
iewhi
chheusest
ie
thei
rhandstoget
her.)
Et
han:(
pul
li
nghercloser
)Noonewi
l
lleav
enow
gotosl
eepSunshi
ne.
(Shelaysherheadonhi schestashisfreehand
soothesthroughherhai r.Cl
osinghereyesshe
absorbshisintoxicat
ingcolognein.Shewant s
tosleepyetafraidthati
fshecl oseshereyes
shemi ghtwakeupgof indhim goneagain.
Afteralongbat t
leshefinall
ymanagest osleep.
)
.
..
..
..
.
Thebri
ghtnessintheroom penet
rar
ehereyes
maki
ngt hem tofl
utt
eropen.Looki
ngtoher
si
de,hereyesmeetwi t
hhis,t
earybl
ueeyes,t
he
pi
nki
shlips.Hesmi l
esasbrushesofthehai
r
fr
om herface.Suddenl
yshefeelssoshy!
Kat
h:Howl
onghav
eyoubeenawake?
Et
han:
Longenough!
Kat
h:Whydi
dnty
ouwakemeup?
Et
han:Youl
ookedsopeacef
ull
yasl
eep.Di
dnot
wantt
odist
urb.
Kat
h:Et
han!
Ethan:(puttinghi sf i
ngeronherl i
ps)Youhav e
apologisedenough, iam alsosor ryi t
ookl ong,i
neededmor eti
met othink.Youhav ehurtme
Sunshinebutwhathur tsmosti simagi ningmy
l
ifewi t
houty out her e.Yesi ttruet hatwedonot
knowwhatourf uturehol dsf orusbuti doknow
thaticanf acewhat everthef uturehol dsf orus
withyou.Il ovey ou, andwi llnev erstop.If orgi
ve
youforev ery t
hing, foroursani ty,our14y ears
togetherandmost lyourchi ldrencany ouf orget
aboutGabr ielandj ustfocusonourmar riage.
Kath:Thankyouforcomi
ngback,mostl
ythank
youforhavingsuchagoodhear
tthatf
orgi
ves
Ethan.Youhav ebeennot hingbutagr eat
husband,andsomet imesi feelli
keireall
ydont
deserveyou.Youl eavingmademer eali
selotof
thi
ngsbutmosti mpor tantitmademer eal
ise
thatihavebeent akingy ouf orgrantedbuty ou
sti
llst
ickaround.Itmademer eali
sethat
alt
houghi oncelov edGabr i
elbutitiswithyou
thatmyhear tnowbel ongs.Andi pr
omi seto
l
ivetherestofmyl if
emaki ngy ouahappy
husband.IloveyouKr yiako.
Ethan:NomoreGabrielMoal
osi
.Nomor eEmil
y
Thorne,nomorepastli
femoments.Justy
ou
andmeandourl i
tt
lefamil
yri
ght?
Kat
h:Yesdef
inat
ely
.
Ethan:(
Kissi
ngher)Imi
ssedy
ou,
imi
ssedt
his,
thefeel
ingneverget
sol
d.
Kath:Imissedy
oual
so.Sowher
ear
emy
babies?
Ethan:Il
eftt
hem i
nAustr
ali
a,want
edtocome
andcreateaconduci
veenvi
ronmentbef
orei
br
ingt
hem.Letmecal
lmakeacal
lsot
heycan
l
eaver
ightaway
Kat
h:Wait
!Youaretheheadandf i
naldeci
sion
i
smadebyy ouofcoursebutiwaswondering
i
nst
eadofthem t
ravel
i
ngall t
hewayherecan
wenotgotothem?Stayay earor2ther
e.
Et
han:
Youwantust
omov
eaway
?
Kat
h:Nopr
ecisel
ybutgetawayforsometi
me,
bewit
hLet
habosincehecannotjoi
nusher
e.
Ethan:
Okayiwillgetmyguystoorgani
seyoua
vi
sa.Loapiwi
llbehappytoknowthatweare
notmov i
ngagainshest
artedbal
l
érinacl
asses.
Kath:
Cantwai
ttoseethem i
hav
emi
ssedt
hem.
Theymustbeaĺ
lgrownupnow.
Ethan:Lethabothinksheisamanr i
ghtnow,
cany oubelievehehadt hegut
st otell
met oget
myshi ttogether
?AndLoapi youswearshei s
16y earsoldandnot9, hasaloudblabbing
mout h.AndLl oy
dhet ookhisfi
rststepnotso
l
ongagoverysoonhewil
lrunni
ngaround.
Loapi
sai
dyoulooksothi
n,andshewasr i
ght
weneedtogetyoubackt
ohealthybody.
(
Heget
sof
fbedandl
i
ftsherov
erhi
sshoul
der
.)
Kat
h:Et
hanwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?Putmedown.
Et
han:
Shh!
!Youwil
lwakeupMmaHeber
t.We
ar
egoi
ngtofeedy
ou.
(hewalkstot
heki
tchenwi
thherov
erhi
s
shoul
der.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
MOKOENARESI
DENCE
Everyt
hingseemst obegoi ngqui t
eokay ,mais
sti
ll
inhospitalforobservat
ions,surgerywas
quit
esuccessf ul
.Yesterdaywewer esayi
ng
goodby etoKathandEt hanwhoar erel
ocati
ng
toAustral
iagladtheymanagedt owor kout
thei
rissuesbutsadt hattheyarenowa
conti
nentaway .Welleveryt
hingisgoodexcept
forGab.Igetgoosebumpsaswepul li
nfr
ontof
hermother
'syard.Gameandi deci
dedto
accompanyhim here,
Lordknowsthisi
st he
l
astplacei
wantt obe,thatwomanjustspil
l
s
toxi
cvenom everyt
imesheopenshermout h.
Game: Comeguy sdontbenervous,t
hat
st he
wholet r
ickwit
hIngri
ddontshowhershe
i
ntimidatesyouunlessy
ouwantt obeatthe
recei
vingend.
Me:
let
sdot
hisandgeti
tov
erwi
th.
(Wewal
kint
othecompoundthengoandknock
att
hefr
ontdoor
.Sheopens)
Ingri
d:(clappi
nghands)Youknowthedev
ili
s
testi
ngy ouwhenhesendsy outhel
it
tl
edevi
ls
allatonce.
Gab:
(smi
l
li
ng)Youst
il
lhav
enotchangedabi
t
Ma.
I
ngr
id:
Dontsmi
l
eatme,
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Gab:ial
wayssai
dyoumustpr
acti
cegood
hospi
tal
i
ty,
notevengoi
ngt
oinvi
teusi
n.
(Hesay
sashegoesi
ntothehouse.Wehav
eno
choi
cebutt
ofol
l
owhimin.)
I
ngri
d:Youhave5mi
nut
est
osaywhaty
ou
wantandgetout
.
Annabel:BeniceMa, aft
eral
lthi
speopleare
famil
y.(Str
etchinghandatme)wehav enot
beenformallyintr
oducedIam Annabel
,yourbi
g
sist
erbutyoucanj ustcal
lmeBéllaorbigsi
s.
(Okaywhatdoesshewant?l
astti
mei washer
e
shewashostil
e.Nowal
lthesuddensheisal
l
nice.
)
Me:
Nandi
phabuti
pref
erNana.
Ana:OkayourNana,Gameisgoodtoseey
ou
agai
n,roy
alt
ytreat
ingyousowel
l.
Game:
Youcansayt
hat
.
Ana:
Iam gl
admay
bei
shoul
dvi
sitsoon.
Game:
Door
sar
eal
way
sopen.
Ana:
(huggi
ngGab)Iam gl
adt
haty
oudeci
ded
t
ocomeback.Mi
ssedy
oual
ot.
Gab:
(huggi
ngherback)Iam gl
adt
obeback.
I
ngri
d:(
walki
ngaway)Whenyouaredone
pl
ayi
nghostAna,
showthem out
,theyar
enot
wel
comehere.
(
Shedi
sappear
sint
othepassage)
Ana:Goaf
terher
,shehasbeenwaiti
ngfory
ou,
thi
nkshewasevenstar
ti
ngtolosehope.
Gab:
okay
.
(
Hest
andsupandf
oll
owshi
smot
her
)
Nana:
Wewi
l
lwai
tint
hecar
.
Ana:No,no!Youwil
lwaither
ewhi
l
ewecatch
up.Wearesister
saft
erall
.Ti
mewegett
o
knoweachot her
.
(
IlookatGamewhoj
ustshr
ugshershoul
der
s)
.
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t85
It
sbeen3weeks, sincewewenttoMoshupat o
seeIngri
d.Shehasf i
nal
lymadepeacewi th
Gabri
el.EvenAnabelhasbeenpret
tynicetome.
Shewant stocomeandv isi
tmeinthecityfor
somet i
me.Mymot heri
salsowell
,recov
ering
verywell
.
Kath:
Iam justsayi
ngbecaref
ulthi
sdef
inat
ely
doesnotsoundt heAnabel
iknow.
Me:
May
beshehaschanged.
Kath:Ormaybeshewantssomething,
Ingr
id
andAnabelarepar
asi
tes,
alway
sl ooki
ngfor
thei
rnexthost
.
Me:
Butsheseemedgenui
ne.
Kat
h: Iwouldntputanythi
ngpastt hosetwo,
whati doknowi sthatBel
laishermot her
'ssi
de
ki
ck,shecannotl oveyouwhileIngri
dhatesyou.
Sobecar ef
ulij
usthav eafeeli
ngthattheyare
upt
onogood.Iknowy ouwantt oknowy our
sibl
ingbutbeext
racar
eful
wheny
oudeal
wit
h
those2.
Me:Okayt
hanksfortheheadsup.Iwi
l
lbe.How
ar
emychil
drendoing?
Kat
h:Theyar
eal
lokay
.
Me:
andy
ou?Ihopey
ougai
ningsomewei
ght
.
Kath:HowcaninotwhenEt
hankeepson
feedi
ngmelikeiachi
l
d.
Me:
(laughi
ng)Pr
ojectmakeherf
at.
Kat
h:Howi
spr
ojectknockherup,
comi
ng
al
ong?
Me:
Not
hingy
etbutwear
ehopef
ul.
Kat
h:Al
lthebestony
ourpr
ojectma'
am.
Me:
Thanky
ousamet
oyou.Letmeat
tendt
o
mymom.
Kat
h:Okaybabe.Wewi
l
ltal
k.
Me:
Bye.
(
Ihungup)
.
..
..
.
Sowehav efoundahousewel oveandhav e
purchased,A4bedr oomeddoubl estoryhouse
withast udy
,loungeroom, di
nningroom, pl
ay
room ,anexquisitegardenwi t
hat reehouse,
swimmi ngpool andaser vantquatersifweever
decidetohireamai d.Butaccor di
ngt oDaynait
needssomewomen' stouchhbef orewecan
mov ein.Soshei shast akenoverand
remodelingit
.
Day
na:Comelook,idontknowwhi
chcol
ort
o
gofori
ntheki
tchen.
Me: Honest
lymom, iknownot
hingaboutcol
ors,
thi
sisyourthi
ng.Justmakesurenextweekthe
houseisreadytomov ein.
Day
na:
Youdonthavetoworry,
afteri
tget
smy
t
ouchy
ouwil
lbarel
yrecogni
seit
.
Me:
Dontf
orgett
otakei
teasy
,doct
oror
der
s.
Dayna:I
fimanagedt
obeatcancert
hennothi
ng
caneverbr
ingmedown.Sostopworry
ing,
Igott
his.
Me:
Moo.
..
Dayna:
(int
erupti
ngme)Jesus!Somet imesi
swearit
hinktheymadeaswi tchatthehospit
al
andgavemeawr ongbaby .Nandiphayouneed
tol
oosenup, dontbeupti
ghtal l
theti
me.The
wayyouuptightiwonderifyouev enloosenup
i
nthebedroom.
Me:(
rol
l
ingmyeyes)wear
enott
alki
ngabout
mysexli
feher
e.
Dayna:Wemightaswel
ltal
kabouti
t,may
bei
mightevent
eachyouathi
ngortwo??
Me:
You!Teachme?
Dayna:
Youknownot
hingwena.I
fiev
erget
t
ir
edofbei
ngaheadmasteri
canbeasexguru.
Me:
( l
aughing)Thet
hingsihearint
hishouse.
Majustfocusonthehouseplease,
Anabel
want
stov
isi
tme.
Day
na:
(ast
oni
shed)I
ngr
id'
sdaught
er?
Me:Mysi
ster
,shehasbeenni
cetomeand
t
ryi
ngver
yhardforust
ogetal
ong.
Dayna:Sheispretendi
ngNandi
pha.Anapple
doesnotfall
veryfarfr
om t
hetree.Thatwoman
i
sthedev i
lhersel
fandherdaughteri
salit
tl
e
devi
l.
Me:Youjustsai
dity
our
self
,iam di
ff
erentf
rom
youevenBell
acanbedi
ffer
entf
rom Ingr
id.
Dayna:
thesameBel
l
ayoustoodbyhermot her
whenshecall
edy
ouarapeproductandki
cked
youout.
Me:l
if
eistooshor
ttohol
dont
ogr
udgesma,
f
orgi
veandfor
get.
Dayna:Thatswhypeopl
ewalky ouoverNana,
youforgiv
etooeasi
ly
.Youarejustsoft,
peopl
e
wil
ltakeadvant
ageofyourgoodheart.I
fyou
t
hinkitisagoodthi
ngthenall
thebest.Just
sl
eepwit
honeeyeopen,
shemi
ghtev
enki
l
lyou
whil
esl
eepi
ng.
Me:
Ma!
Dayna:(
walki
ngt
otheki
tchen)Ji
stsay
ing,
one
eyeopen!
.
..
..
..
..
Weareinourroom,Migueli
sinbedgoi
ngover
somefi
les.Iam nextt
ohimt al
ki
ngtomygi
rls
andGabri
elonwhatsapp.
Me:Gabri
elwant
smet
ojoi
nhi
mtommor
owf
or
adr
ink.
Mi
guel
:Wi
l
lKev
inbet
her
e??
Me:Ithi
nkso,appar
ent
lyhi
sgayf
ri
end,
Atang
wantstomeetme.
Miguel
:IfKev
inwi
l
lbet
her
e,t
hent
heansweri
s
no!
Me:
Youcantj
ustdi
smi
ssi
tli
ket
hat
.
Mi
guel
:Ij
ustdi
d,unl
essi
comeal
ong.
Me:Youknowt hatyourpresencemakes
ever
yoneupti
ght,ev
enGabr ielt
urnst
obe
upti
ghtwhenyouarear ound.
Mi
guel
:Okayt
heny
ouar
enotgoi
ngany
wher
e.
Me:
Whydonty
out
rustme?
Miguel
:It
rusty
oui
tist
hatsl
eazyguyt
hati
donttr
ust
.
Me:
Youar
ejustt
oomuchsomet
imes.
Miguel
:Got
osl
eepNandi
pha,
youar
enot
goi
ng.
Me:
Wewi
l
lseeaboutt
hat
.
Miguel
:Ify
oudef
yme,
DearGodsohel
pme,
Nana.
Me:
Yahpr
ayhehel
psy
oubecause,
iam goi
ng.
(Igeti
nbed, makingsureimov ethecover
sso
hispapersfal
lover,i
hearhim sighandgetoff
tocoll
ectthem.Iam angry,hecanber eal
l
ytoo
muchwi thhiscontr
oll
ingatti
mes. )
Miguel
:(
kissi
ngmycheek)Youcangetangr
yal
l
thewayyouwantbutIsti
l
llov
eyou.Goodni
ght
beau.
.
..
..
.
BROWNLEYRES
EthanandKather
inesi
tlooki
ngatt heirson.
Theydontevenknowhowt ost art
.Ethanlooks
atKathwhoalsolookathim shruggi
ng.
Lethabo:Ar
eyougoi
ngtokeeplookingateach
otherthewhol
edaynotsay
inganything?
Kat
h:Youhaveav
erysmar
tnoset
hisday
s.
Howisschool
?
Lethabo:
iti
sgoodbutiam sur
ewear enot
seati
ngheretot
alkaboutmystudi
es.
Ethan:Yesthati
scorr
ect,youaregrowingup
fastnowdoingyourfi
rstyearatvar
sit
y.Wefeel
l
ikeitisti
mewehav ethistal
kwehav e
avoidi
ng.
Let
habo:
Okayi
am al
lear
s.
Kath:Weundestandt hatyout
hoftodayno
l
ongerwanttowai tsowewanty outobe
cauti
ous.Di
seasesar eroamingandwearenot
readytobegrandparents.Sowewantedtotel
l
youtouse..
..
Lethabo:(i
nter
rupti
ng)Whoa!Mom i am not
abouttohav esextalkwit
hyou.Thedayi st
art
Dadwi l
lbethef i
rstper
sonital
kto,socanwe
stopthisawkwardt al
kri
ghtnow.
Kat
h:Oh!Okay
.Andgi
rl
fr
ienddoy
ouhav
eone?
Let
habo:
shedi
edr
ememberatt
hemomentI
dont
.
Et
han:
Why
?Ar
eyoust
il
lmour
ning?
Loapi
:Nohesay
stheyar
etoosnob.
(
Theytur
nandl
ookatGabr
iél
l
á.Whowal
ksi
n
t
heroom)
Let
habo:
Likeshesai
d.
Me: Andyou,y
oungl adyshoul
dntbey
ouat
yourball
éri
naclasses?
Loapi:
(rol
li
ngherey
es)I
tsawednesdaymom,
noclassestoday
.
Et
han:
Good,
whowant
stogoi
ceski
i
ng?
(
Theyal
lscr
eam me.
)
Ethan:
Greatever
yoneonboar
d.Letusgowear
totheoccasi
on..
.
..
..
..
.
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t86
Themai dwalksinsidet
hehouset r
embli
ngwith
fear
,tear
sspill
i
ngf rom herey
es.Pushi
ngthe
emptystrol
l
erint hehouse.
Kat
h: Madi
son!Whati
sthemat
ter
?Whyar
eyou
cr
ying?
Madison:
(sobbi
ng)Ilookedawayf
orone
minutewheni t
urnedbackhewasnotint
he
st
roll
er.
Et
han:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Madi
son:
Theyt
ookhi
m,i
lookedev
ery
wher
e
f
orhi
m.
Kat
h:(
sof
tl
y)Tookwho?
?
Madi
son:
Lloy
d,i
lookedev
ery
wher
eforhi
m.
Kat
h:(
looki
ngi
ntot
hest
rol
l
er)No!Notmyson.
Madison:Iam sor
ryi
shoul
dhav
ebeenmor
e
car
eful.
Et
han:Damnr ightyoushoul
d.Youaregoi
ngto
gooutthereandlookformyson.Orelseyou
wil
lwi
shy oudisappear
edalongwit
hhi m.
Kath:(wear
inghercoat
)comel et
sgo,wehave
togoandf i
ndhim,someonemusthaveseen
him orsomethi
ng.Ij
ustdontgethowsomeone
canloseababy.
Madison:
Idi
dnotl
osehi
m,someonet
ookhi
mI
swear.
Et
han:(
shouti
ng)Justshutup,
shuty
ourst
upi
d
mouthal
ready
.
(Hegrabshi
sjacketj
ustast
heyareaboutt
o
exi
tthehouse,hi
sphonethi
ngs.
)
Et
han:
(answer
ing)Ky
riako.
Voi
ce:
Soitst
ruet
hebi
gmaf
ial
ordhasar
ri
ved
i
nmycity
.
Et
han:
(caml
y)Idi
dnotcat
chy
ourname.
Voi
ce:
Youar etoocalmforsomeonewhoi
hav
ehisson.Yourpreci
ousli
tt
leson.
Et
han:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Voice:
Thisismyci
tyi
bui
l
tit
,iwi
l
lnothav
eyou
taki
ngitover
.
Ethan:Idontknowwhoy ouarebutiwant
nothi
ngwi t
hy ourci
ty.Iam j
ustherei
naholi
day
withmyf amil
y.
Voi
ce:(l
aughing)Fami
lyholi
day!Yeahri
ght,i
am notconvi
ced.Ihav
ey ourl
it
tl
eboy ,
ifyou
wanthim al
i
vey ouwil
lnotcont
actany
aut
horit
y.
Ethan:I
fyouhar
m anyhai
rinhi
shead,
i wil
l
huntyoudownmy sel
fandputabul
l
etthrough
yourskul
l.
Voi
ce:
Iwi
lll
iket
oseeyoutry
,int
hemeant
ime,
pr
epar
eiwant100mil
l
ion.
Et
han:
Arey
oucr
azywher
edoi
gett
hatki
ndof
money
?
Voice:Youhav e3daysy ourti
mei st
icking,
i wil
l
kil
lyourboyt hencomeforthelousydaught er
aftert
hatyoursonandl asti
lyyourwi
fe.Iwill
takegreatpleasuref
rom herbeforeiblowof f
herbrains.
(
Hehangsup)
.
..
..
..
..
..
Ethangoesbacki
ntot
hehouse.Maki
nga
phonecall
.)
Ethan:
Gett hej
etreadyal
ongwit
hmywi fe,
daughterandNicklas'
svi
sar
eady.Tell
Gar yt
o
asembleat eam andgogetmychil
dren.Escort
t
hem t
othepr
ivat
eai
rst
ri
pri
ghtaway
.
Kat
h:Whati
sgoi
ngonEt
han?
Ethan:Oursonhasbeenki
dnappedt
heywanta
randsome,100mill
i
on.
Kat
h:Letusgi
vet
hem t
hemoneyt
hen.
Ethan:It
snott hatsi
mplywecangi vethem t
he
moneybuti tsnoguranteethatwewi l
lhaveour
sonback.Thi speoplej
ustdeclaredwar ,i
am
comingaf t
erthem butfi
rstineedt omakesur e
thatyouaresaf ewit
hourchildren.Theonly
placeyoucanbesaf eisbacki nBotswanaor
Russia.Sochoose.
Kat
h:Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
e.
Ethan:Sunshi
nethi
sisnott
heti
me,thi
speopl
e
knowy ouaremyweaknesstheywi
l
lcomeaf t
er
you.Thisisbl
oodfi
eld.
Kat
h:Sendthechildr
entoRussia,iam notyour
chi
ld,
iam yourpatner
.Iam notleavi
ngwithout
Ll
oyd.Forbet
terforworse,
insicknessandin
heal
th.Wear
eint
hist
oget
her
.
Ethan:(
kissi
ngher)Ihat
ey ou,
youknowt
hat.
Youwi l
lremainbutpromisenott
ogoanywhere
withoutsecuri
tyorme.
Kat
h:Okay
.
Et
han:
No,
promi
seme.
Kat
h:Ipr
omi
se.
Ethan:
Letusgoandsaygoodby
etoour
chil
der
n.
.
..
..
..
.
Darktint
edSUVsgodownt heroadathigh
speed.Kathholdsherhusband'shand,shei s
tr
embl i
ngbutdoesnotwantt oshowi t.Withi
n
minutestheyareattheair
stri
pwher eother4
carsarepacked.TheygetoutandGabr i
ell
a
comesr unni
ngt ot
hem.Et hanpicksherup.
Lethaboalsowalkstothem.
Let
habo:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Kat
h:Youneedt
ogot
oRussi
a.
Let
habo:
What
?Agai
n?
Et
han:
Yest
hist
imeper
manent
ly.
Let
habo: Youhavetost
opmov i
ngusfr
om cit
y
toci
tyl
ikewear esomecri
minal
s.Whatabout
mystudies?
Ethan:Youwill
takeagapyear
,Éll
áwillbe
enrol
ledinschooloncey
ougetthere.
Let
habo:
agapy
ear
,justl
i
ket
hat
?
Et
han:
Yesj
ustl
i
ket
hatNi
ckl
as.
Lethabo:
Ma,
soi
donthav
easayi
nmyf
utur
e
ri
ghtnow.
Kath:
Wewi l
lfi
ndyouaspotatHarv
ardnext
yearj
ustl
i
key ouwant
edinthef
ir
stplace.
Loapi
:Wher
eist
hechubbybaby
?
Et
han:
Lloy
disathome,
wewi
l
lfol
l
owsoon
wi
thhi
m.Justgo.
Kat
h:(
kissi
ngt
hei
rcheeks)Youguy
smeana
wor
ldt
ome.Il
ovey
ou.
Ethan:
Welov
eyou.NowgoanddontAuntZ
hardti
me.
(
Theywai
tfort
het
akeof
fbef
oret
heyl
eav
e.)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Wewal kint
oCl ubMi guel
sourVI Psect
ionhas
al
readybeenbooked.Idontev nknowhowt his
peoplehavetalkedmei ntocominghere.Iam
withGab,Kev,Leo,Loratoandthegayfriend
Atang.Heisjustcrazyli
keLorato.
At
ang:
Ihav
ebeendy
ingt
ocomeher
e.
Lorato:
Youseewhathappenswheny
oudeci
de
todissmeforadi
ck.
At
ang:
Your
eal
l
ydonothav
etor
ubi
nthesal
t.
(Theminutewewalkgi
rl
scr
owdoverKev
inl
i
ke
afli
es.Ideci
det
otakemomentandt
extmy
husband.
"
Wentt
ocl
ubMi
guel
s.Lov
eMr
sNdi
ye")
At
ang:
iwi
l
lhav
eacosmopol
i
tandar
li
ng.
Leo:Iwi
l
lhav
ehei
nekenandor
angej
uicef
or
her.
Gab:
Wil
lgowi
thhei
nekenal
so.
Me:
wil
lgowi
thamar
ti
nipl
ease.
Kev:
Reddslemonv
odkaandmar
gar
it
asf
ormy
l
ovel
yladi
es.
(Onceagai nit
urnt omyphone.Her epl
ies.
"Whatam i todowi thyouMr sNdiye.Seeyouin
abit.Overprot
ecticehusband."Isqueelwit
h
exci
tmentt hekindofef f
ectthisguyhasonme
i
shar dtoexplain.Iputmyphoneaway ,and
giv
et hesepeoplemyat t
enti
on.Thedr i
nkskeep
oncomi ng,andi am gett
ingabi tt
ipsy.
)
Me:
(poki
ngGabr
iel
)It
hinkshewant
syou.
Gab:
Ihav
enot
iced,
shehasbeengi
vi
nghi
nts.
Me:
Thenwhatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or.Got
oher
.
Gab:
Idontl
i
keeasypr
ey,
sheseems
desper
ate.
Atang:My !my!nowi wouldntmindhav
inghim
foranight.Icanalr
eadythinkofwaysicando
withthosehands.M- m brot
heri
sdamnf i
ne,i
dontthinkit
sev enl
egal t
olookthi
sgood.
(Wet ur
nandl ook,it
snoot herbutmyhunk, i
na
blackshirtunbottoned,whitesl
imf i
ttr
ousers,
andf omal shoes,blondehairstyl
edand
combedt ot heback.Het ur
nsheadsashe
walksin,myi nsidesturn.Helookssoy ummy
today.Isuddenlyf eel
inghorny,Miguelwi
ll
definat
elybet hedeat hofmei swear.)
Lor
ato:Thetypethatgi
vesy
ouanor
gasm j
ust
bystar
ri
ng.Lethal
.
Me:
Idef
inat
elywantapi
eceofhi
m.
Atang:(excitedly
)Sorrydarl
i
ngi sawhimf i
rst
,
hei smine.Gosh!Hei scomingt owardsus,
okayguy snoonet ouchesme, thatpi
eceof
meati sdefinatelyminetoni
ght.Iwill
makehi m
forgetthathei sstr
aighti
fheis.
Gab:
Whathappenedt
oVict
or?It
houghtby
nowyouguy
swillbemar
ri
ed??
Atang:Nonegati
veenergyrightnow,youcan
askaboutVict
ortommor owr i
ghtnowi have
theyummyhunkt oscore.Hei shere,
remember
heisminemay beicanborrowy ouhi
m
tommor owbuttoni
ghtheshal lbemine.Come
tomommy .
(
Miguelr
eachesus,hegoesst r
aighttomeand
makesmest andt
henkisstheday l
ightoutof
me.Himthough!Wit
hhismar ki
ngt err
it
ory
t
endenci
esnowhehasr uinedeverythi
ng.)
At
ang:
(ast
oni
shed)Whatt
hehel
l
?
(Hi
sstat
ementisfol
l
owedbyr
oarofl
aught
er.
Eveni
cannotholdmysel
f)
Mi
guel
:(puzz
led)Di
dimi
sssomet
hing?
Ler
ato:
Noy
ouper
fect
lyi
nti
me.
Gab:(
laughi
ng)l
etmedothehonors,
Atang
meetMiguel
,mybrot
heri
nlaw,Nana'
shusband.
Mi
guel
ourf
ri
endAt
ang.
Me:Unf
ortunat
elydarl
i
ngi
cannotbor
rowy
ou
t
hanksforthegest
ure.
(
Ever
yoneonceagai
nbur
sti
ntol
aught
er)
Atang:Okayat
leastt
ell
met hathehasa
brotherwhoi
sjustli
kehim.Icannotdeal
wit
h
thi
s.
(Justwhenit
hinkihav
eseeni
tal
l
,thi
speopl
e
keeponsurpr
isingme.
)
'
'
'
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t87
Me:Becar
eful
nott
obr
eakany
thi
ngi
nthat
box.
(
Isayt
othemenwehi
redtomoveafewthi
ngs
t
hatwant
edt
otakewi
thusher
e.Mom has
doneanamazi ngj obwi t
ht hehouse, Iam in
l
ov ewi t
hev erythinginit,Ialway ssai
dshe
knowswhatbestsui t
sme.Bel lahasar r
ivedthe
previousnight,ev eryt
hingseemst obegoi ng
well.Withi
nanhourt hemenar edoneandIam
showi ngthem out ,Migueldriv
esi nandIwal k
upt ohiscar .Hei ssuchawor kaholi
cev enon
weekendshest il
lgoest owor k.)
Me:
youar
eback?
Mi
guel
:yes,
missedme?
Me:
notev
enabi
t.
Mi
guel
:(gi
vi
ngmeacockysmi
l
e)i
sit
?
Me:
no!Ndi
ye.
(
IsayasItur
nbackandmakeanattemptto
wal
kawaybuthishandsar
eal
readyaroundmy
wai
sthepull
smetohim.)
Miguel
:wher
edoy
out
hink,
youar
erunni
ngof
f
t
o?
Me:
Ihav
etocheckonoursupper
.
Miguel
:notsof
ast,
youaregett
ingcomf
ort
able
t
hisdays.I
sthi
showthoseoldwomensaidyou
mustwelcomemehome?
Me: (
Ismileandturnaround,wr appi
ngmy
handsroundhisneck)whent hehusbandhas
tur
nedhimselfint
oawor kaholi
c,thewi
fehas
ri
ghttoslackinherwif
elydut i
es.
Miguel
:Ij
ustspentt
hisSatur
dayatt
heof
fi
ce
suddenl
yIam aworkahol
ic.
Me:
yesy
ouar
e,Imi
ssedy
ou.
Mi
guel
:theny
oushoul
dhav
ejustcomet
her
e.
Me:
wehav
eguest
sar
eyouf
orget
ti
ng?
Miguel
:Iam suretheycansur
viv
ejustanhour
or2withoutyou.NowcanIgetmywel come
homekiss?
(Onceagai
nIsmi l
easIstandonmyt oesand
giv
ethemanwhathedemands.Igethi sbri
ef
caseandjacketandwal
kinthehouse.)
……….
..
..
Gabrielhasdeci dedt opayusav i
sitt
histi
me
aroundhehasl efthispartneri
ncrimeMr -
dead-
drop-gorgeousKev i
nbehind.Bell
ahasdecided
tocookusherdel iciousfoodsit
ti
ngbyt he
dini
ngt abletheonl ynoisethati
sheardisfrom
theclutter
ingkni v
esandf or
ks.
Mi
guel
:babepassmet
hewi
nebot
tl
e.
(Ismil
eathi
m asIpasshi
mtheal
mostempt
y
bott
le.
)
Day
na:
Iam goi
ngbackt
omor
row.
Me:
goi
ngbackwher
e?
Day
na:
Tomyhome,
Ihav
eov
erst
ayedmyv
isi
t.
Me:butyouhavenotf
ull
yrecov
ered,
whowi
l
l
t
akecareofyou.
Dayna: Iam v
erymuchcapableoftaki
ngcareof
myself.Ihavetonot
hinglef
ttodo,unl
ikesome
people( l
ooki
ngatBel
la)Icannotsi
tandwant
someonet of
eedmewhi l
eIhav emyown
hands.
Mi
guel
:wewi
l
ldr
ivey
out
her
eint
hemor
ning.
Dayna:noneed,
Othusi
tsehasal
ready
vol
unteer
ed.
Me:
okayi
fyoui
nsi
stt
hent
her
eisnopr
obl
em.
Gabr
iel
:speaki
ngofjustst
ayi
nghome,
Anabel
l
a
whatar
ey ourpl
ans?
Bel
l
a:(
puzzl
ed)pl
ans?
?
Dayna:y
esgirl
,don’
ttel
lmeyoul
eftadaughter
athomesoy oucancomeandbeherejustl
ike
aqueen.Shehastobefedsodoyou.
Bell
a:Iwasact
ual
l
ythi
nki
ngofst
art
ingt
olook
forajob?
Me:
whatki
ndofj
ob?
Bell
a:any
thi
ngwashopi
ngyouguysmaybe
coul
dhelp,Miguel
may
beatyourcompany
?
Miguel
:wearecurr
entl
ynothir
ingbutNana’
s
l
ookingforwai
tr
essesi
sn’
titbabe?
Me:
yesmyl
ove,
youcangi
vemey
ourcv
-
r
esumejustf
orformal
it
ywi
llt
alkt
omy
managert
osecureyouapl
ace.
Bel
l
a:wai
tr
essi
ng?
Gabri
el:Ithinkit’
sagoodidea,youhavestar
t
somewher ebabysi s,andt
omakemat t
ers
worse,you28y earsoldwi
thonl
yaf orm5
cer
tif
icate,nocompanywi l
lhir
ey ouinthi
sera
moreespeci all
ywi t
hyourr
esult
s.
Dayna:Pl
usseei
ngthatyoufastagingbutstil
l
notmarri
ed,Iwi
l
lgrabthi
soppor t
unit
ywi t
h
openarms,whoknowsmay bey oucanf i
nall
y
fi
ndahusbandwhil
ey ouarebusyservingthem.
Justsayi
ng.
Bel
l
a:CanIt
hinkabouti
t?
Dayna:(l
aughi
ngthenclapsherhand)think
aboutit
,aboutwhatexactl
y,youareinno
posi
ti
ont obeeventhi
nking.Beggarscannotbe
choosers.
Me:
donotbet
ool
ong,
becauseweur
gent
ly
needst
affsot
heposi
ti
onneedst
obef
il
led
i
mmediatel
y.
Mi
guel
:(st
andi
ngup)Gabcar
etohav
eadr
ink.
Gabr
iel
:(st
andi
ngupal
so)coul
duseone.
Miguel
:(ki
ssi
ngmycheek)wewi
l
lbei
nthe
l
oungeroom.
……………….
Kat hwakesupf r
om hertor mentingdream,
sweat i
ngandwi thapoundi nghead.Lookingat
thesidethatEthanwassl eepingitisempty.I
t
hasbeent woday ssincetheirsonhasbeen
mi ssi
ng.Thedooropensandhewal ksin
wear i
ngblacksneakers,blackjeans,anda
blackleat
herjacketontop.
Et
han:sunshi
ne!Whatar
eyoudoi
ngupt
his
l
ate?
Kat
h:Icoul
dn’
tsl
eep.
Et
han:
Iwi
l
lfi
ndhi
m,t
hat
’smypr
omi
set
oyou.
Kat
h:wehav
eyoubeen.
Et
han:
fol
l
owi
ngal
ead.
(Walki
ngtot heen-
suitebathr
oom heopensthe
showertapst hest
ri
psof fandget
sinthe
shower.Katheri
necomesi nandnoti
cesthe
bloodyt-
shir
t.Shetakesitandopensthe
showerglass.)
Kat
h:whati
sthi
sKy
riako?
Et
han:
pleasesunshi
nenotnow.
Kat
h:whosebl
oodi
sitEt
han?
Et
han:Ipai
dourf
ri
endav
isi
t,t
hebi
gtown
mafi
a.
Kat
h:st
il
ldoesnotexpl
aint
hebl
ood.
(Hetakesherhandandleadsheri
ntheshower
.
Underthewarm waterhekeepshi
seyeson
her
s.)
Ethan:Ineedyoutounder
standthatf
ormy
famil
yIwi l
lgetmyhanddir
ty,f
oryou,f
ormy
daught
erandoursons.Get
ti
ngmyhandsdi r
ty
meansIcomehomeatt imeswit
hbloodyt-
shi
rtsl
i
kethatandIneedyounottoquest
ion
meaboutit.
Kat
h:but
??
Ethan:
nobut ssunshine,
howIpr otecty
oualli
s
mybusi ness.Don’
tquesti
on,i
fitbother
syou
thenpretendtonotseeit
,butdonotquestion
me.
Kath:
okay!Iwil
lnot
,anddi
dsomet
hingcome
outofyourvi
sit
?
Ethan:yesi
tdid,
wehav ebeenchasi
ngawrong
l
ead, andhedoesnothaveoursonandknows
nothi
ng.
Kath:t
henwhodoes?Tomor
rowi
sthef
inal
day
theygaveus.
Et
han:t
hat’
swhatIi
ntendtofi
ndout.Iwil
lfi
nd
hi
m,tomorrowyouwil
lbewit
hourLloydthat
’s
mypromisetoy
ou.IhaveaplanbutIneedyou
t
otr
ustmeoni
t.
Kat
h:okayIdo.Pr
omi
semeonet
hing.
Et
han:
any
thi
ng.
Kath:
whenthisi
sallov
er,y
ouwi l
ll
ett
his
l
if
estyl
ego.Youwil
lneverr
etur
nnomat t
er
what.
Et
han:
okayIpr
omi
se.
Kath:
thanky
ou.Il
ovey
ouEt
hanKy
riako
Brownley
.
Et
han:
Ilov
eyouMr
sEt
hanKy
riakoBr
ownl
ey.
(Hewrapshishandsaroundherwai
standpul
l
s
hertohi
m, befor
edevouri
nghi
mselfi
nhim
underhotsteamyshower.
)
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
THEDREAM
I
NSERT88
Istepoutfrom thebathr
oom withthe
pregnancytestkitbehi
ndme, whichIt
hrowi
n
thebin.Ihaveevenlostcountofhowmany
test
sIhavedonethismonthandt heyjustkeep
givi
ngmesamer esult
soverandov eragain,
j
ustoneli
neinst
eadoft wo.Isi
gh,hewal ksup
tom andhugsme, whycan’tIj
ustfal
lpregnant,
Iam soeagert
ohav eachil
dofmyown.
Miguel
:don’
twor
rymylov
e,wewi
l
lget
pr
egnantsoonmylov
e.
Me:(emot
ionall
y)whyisi
ttaki
ngsolong?We
hav
ebeent r
yingforov
eramont hnow?
Miguel
:youhear
dwhatourdoct
orsai
d,i
tmi
ght
sometime.
Me:
whati
fIam i
nfer
ti
leMi
guel
?
Miguel
:no!Noneofusisinfert
il
e.Iam not
goi
ngtoletyouputyour
selfthrought
his.
Me:
Iwantachi
l
dMi
guel
.
Miguel:Iknowmyl oveandwewi l
l hav
ealotof
chil
drenjustbepat
ientenough.St opchecki
ng
everydaybecausey oujustgoingtoput
yoursel
finalotofstress.Letusjustgetri
dof
al
lthi
spr
egnancyki
ts.
(Hesaysashegrabstheunusedkit
sandthrow
them i
nthebi
n.Ij
uststandther
elooki
ngathim.
Iwonderhowheev enmanagestostayposi
ti
ve
i
nallthi
s)
Mi
guel
:Br
ingi
ttome.
Me:
(innocent
ly)what
?
Miguel
:theoneinyourgownpocketandt
he
oneinyourhandbag.
Me:
(smi
l
ingathi
m)canIhol
dont
ojustt
his
t
wo?
Mi
guel
:noy
oucan’
tsobr
ingma’
am.
(
Ipasst
hem t
ohi
m)
Miguel
:goodnowl etusgoandtakeabat
hIam
t
akingyououtforbreakf
astbef
orewegoto
work.
(
Hepi
cksmeupandwal
ktot
hebat
hroom.
)
…………………………………………………………….
Twohour
slat
erhepull
sinfr
ontofMi
guel’
s,he
j
ustt
ookmeforbreakf
astl
i
kehepromised.
Mi
guel
:Iwi
l
lpi
cky
ouupaf
terwor
k.
Me:
don’
tletany
onedri
vemycar
,act
ual
l
y
may
beIshouldj
ustgoanddr
opyou.
Miguel
:noIwi
l
ldr
ivemy sel
f.Yourl
itt
lecari
s
safei
nmyhandsi
fy ouaresowor r
iedabouti
t.
Me:(sarcasti
call
y)“
Yourl
it
tl
ecar”says
someonewhohasbeenf i
ndingexcusesever
y
daythiswholemont ht
odriv
emycar .Iam ev
en
begi
nningt ostar
tyouhav
ef al
l
enoutoflove
wit
hy ouri8.
Mi
guel
:Idoadmitt
hiscari
sali
ttl
ebi
tfancybut
myl
oveyoucannotcomparei
ttomybeast.
Me:
Ist
il
lwhyy
oudon’
tletmedr
ivei
t.
Miguel:wecanshareany t
hingMashenge
exceptmycar .I
fIeverf
indy oudr
ivi
ngit
,just
knowt hatyoubesigni
ngy ourowndeath
sentence.
Me:
(openi
ngt
hecardoor
)yahwhat
ever
.
Miguel
:(gr
abbi
ngmebefor
eIgoout
)ar
en’
twe
f
orgett
ingsomethi
ng?
Me:
what
?
Miguel
:(ki
ssi
ngme)t
his!Hav
eal
ovel
ydaymy
l
ove.
Me:
don’
tbel
atet
opi
ckmeup.
Mi
guel
:asy
ouwi
shy
ourhi
ghness.
(Istepout si
dethecarandwalkint
omy
restaurantthoughIdonotwanttobeherebutI
hav etokeepmymi ndbusytokeepitf
rom
thinkingtoomuch.Afterspendi
nghoursint
he
officeIdecidetogoupandhav eateabreak
whi leIenjoytheamazi
ngv i
ewofthecit
y.)
……………………………….
Idon’
tknowf orhowlongIstandther
elooki
ng
over
,losti
nmyt houghts.Hervoi
cebri
ngsme
backtoeart
h.
Her
:Bet
hel
!
Me:
huh?
Her:
that’
sthenamey
oushoul
dnamey
our
baby,Bet
hel
.
Me:
excusear
eyou?
Her :y
oudon’ tneedIam justaservantofGod,
camet odel i
verthemessage.Getony ourknees
andpr ayhard.Dr awcl
oset othepresenceof
God, Nandiphay ouhavebecomet oobusyf or
God.Buthewanty out
oknowt hatyouar estil
l
hischild,
het heLordwill
nev erabandonnor
forsakeyou.Ast ormiscomi ngyouwi l
l needto
wearanduset heweaponsGodhasgi veny ou.
Thelmai smyname.
(herwor dshitt
hecor eofmyheart,Ili
ftmyf ace
toaskhermor ebutsheisgonewhenIr aisemy
head,ItrytorunafterherbutwhenIst epoutof
therestauranthercarisal
readyj
oiningthe
mai nroadwi t
houtmycart herei
snowayIcan
catchupwi thher,Ihavesomanyquest i
ons
thatIwantedtoaskher.Whatstor
mi sshe
tal
kingabout?Myheadi sbuzzi
ngwith
questi
ons,quest
ionthatIdonothaveanswer
s
to.Ndiy
edecideiti
sperfectti
metocallme.
)
………………………….
.
(
picki
ngme)
Me:
Ndi
ye!
Mi
guel
:wearebackatusi
ngt
hatnameagai
n?
Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
whywoul
dn’
tIbeokay
?
Miguel
:Idon’
tknowyoutel
lmewhyManxane
wouldl
iketoseeyoubackathome?
Me:
what
?
Miguel
;yesshesai
dImustbebr
ingy
ouhome,
t
hisweekend.
Me:Ireal
l
ydonothavetimenowtodealwi
th
Manxane,Ihav
ethi
ngsIhavetodoNdiy
e.
Goi
ngbackhomei snotanopti
onformenow.
Mi
guel
:but
…
Me: noMi guel
,Iam notgoi
ngi fyouwanttogo
backanddoal l t
hosemumboj umbowithyour
grany ouarewelcome,butIam notgoing
anywher e.AsfarasIam concernedIam
perfectl
yokay.Youcanpasst hemessaget o
grandmaManxane.
Mi
guel
:okaymma,
Iheary
ou,
Iwi
l
ltel
lher
.
Me:
thanky
ou.
Miguel
:al
ri
ghtwel
ll
etmegetbackt
owor
kMr
s
Ndiye.
Me:
seey
oul
aterbabe.
(Ihungupandt akeadeepbreath,
Igetsome
coldchi
ll
s.ForoncecanIjusthaveaperfect
l
ittl
eworl
dwi t
hnodarkcloudhangingoverme?
)
……………………………………………….
.
THEBROWNLEYRES
Katheri
newakesupandwal ksout si
de.Todayi s
thedayt heyhav ebeengivenbyt hekidnappers
tohavecomeupwi ththe100mi l
li
ont heyhave
requestedorelseherchild’
sbl oodwi l
l bespl
it,
shegetsshi versasshethinksaboutherl i
tt
le
boyandwhathemi ghtbegoi ngthrough.Shei s
surpri
sedt hatallt
hesecurityt heyhav ebeen
havingaroundt hehouseisgone.Shecanhear
thei
rmai dsinginginthekitchenshewal ksto
thekit
chenandsi t
sintheki tchenst ool.
Madi
son:(pani
cki
ng)Mr
sBr
ownl
eyIdi
dnotsee
yout
here.
Kat
h: Inot
iced,
youhav
eal
ovel
yvoi
ce
Madison.
Madi
son:
thanky
ou.CanIgety
ouany
thi
ng?
Kath:acupofblackcoffeeandoneofyour
mouthwateri
ngcr oi
ssantswil
ldo.What
happenedtothesecuri
ty?
Madison;t
heyall
lef
twi
thMr.Brownleyi
nthe
morning,
hesaidsomet
hingl
ikethem nol
onger
bei
ngneeded.
Kat
h:ohokay
.
(Shegetsanewspaperandst artreadingit
.
Madisongiveshert herequestedbreakfastand
sheeatsit,
readingthenewspaperenj oyi
ngthe
sunraysthatgetsinther oom thr
ought heopen
windows.Oncef ini
shedshest andstoherf eet
andfeel
sabi tfaint
,asshet akesast epshe
fal
lstoherdown, Madisont ocomeandst and
overher.
)
Madison:Iam sorr
ybutIneedthatmoney,
and
yourhusbandisjustbei
ngtoostubbor
n.
Kat
h:whathav
eyoudone?
Madi
son:byt
akingyoual
soi
twi
l
lreal
i
sehi
m
howser
ioust
hisis.
Kath:youdonotneedt
odothi
s,Et
hanwil
lki
l
l
youwhenhef i
ndsoutt
hati
thasbeeny
ouall
along.
Madi
son:
noti
fIki
l
lhi
mfi
rst
.
(Kathtri
esbyall
meanst okeepherey
esfr
om
closi
ngbutsheisfighti
ngalosi
ngbat
tl
eas
darknessstar
tstocreepsi
n.)
Kath:thi
sisnotov erMadi
son,iti
sfarfr
om
beingover,andwear ecomingforyou.Be
preparedli
ttl
egir
l,weareBrownley’
sthewor
ld
dropstoitskneesatthementionofourname,a
l
it
tleratli
key oudoesnotevenshakeus.
(
herey
escl
oseandshef
all
sindeepsl
eep.
)
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t89
Wi t
hapoundi ngheadsheopensherey es,to
fi
ndher sel
font hebednex ttoherli
esherl it
tle
babyboy ,whoi sfastasleep,shelooksathi m
studyinghisfeatures,shewishesshecoul djust
wakehi m upandhughi m,shebrusheshi shair
backandki sseshisf orehead,asmot herl
y
i
nst i
nctskickin.Theyar einastrangeroom i na
bi
gsi zebed, whil
eshei sstil
ltry
ingtorecall
wher esheisandhowshegother e,
thedoor
opensandherhandsomehusbandwal ksi
n,he
i
sawhi t
eshirt
,sl
eevesr
olledt
otheback,the
ti
eisgoneandtheupbuttonshavebeen
unbut
toned.
Et
han:
Sunshi
ney
ouar
eawake?
Kat
h:whati
shappeni
ng,
howdi
dIgether
e?
Et
han:
youdon’
trememberhowy
ougother
e?
Kath:Notr
eal
lyiij
ustrememberdri
nki
ngt he
coffeeMadi
s…..(
Shet r
ail
soffi
nhersentence)
waitwhyyouhere?Andwher ei
sMadison?She
druggedmeandsai dsheisgoi
ngtokil
lyou.
Ethan:(
smil
ing)youmeanourf ool
i
shmai d,
she
i
sf aci
ngtheconsequencesofheract
ionsri
ght
now.
Kat
h:i
sshet
heonewhoki
dnappedourbaby
?
Ethan:yesmylov
esheandherst
upi
dboyfr
iend.
Theyplannedonget
ti
ngmoneyfr
om usand
runni
ngaway .
Kat
h:whatki
ndofmonst
ersdowei
nvi
tei
nour
l
i
vesBr
ownl
ey?Howdi
dyouf
indus?
Et
han:doyour
ememberthepr
evi
ousnight
whenIsai
dyoumustt
rustmeIhaveaplan.
(
Shenodsherhead)
Ethan: Ialreadyknewshei sr esponsibleforour
son’sdi sappear anceIhadourmanf oll
owher
upbutIdi dnotknowwher eshehi dLloydso
thef i
nal partoft hepl
an,IknewIhadt omake
herbeliev eshewaswi nni
ng.Igotr i
dofal l
securityandl efty ouwi
thjusther ,withti
me
runningoutIknewshewi llcomef oryou.So
beforewel eftthehouseImadesur eIputa
tracki
ngdev iceont heearr
ingsy ouwer e
wear i
ngsot heyl edustowher ey ouar e.
Kath:sowherei
sthi
sbit
**ri
ghtnowshehast
o
payforwhatshedi
dEthan.
Ethan:
(ki
ssinghercheek)Madi
sonsignedher
owndeathwi sh,shewi
llpaywi
thherownli
fe
forwhatshedid,andnoonetouchesmyfamil
y
andgettoli
v e.
Kath:goodshedeserv
esev
ery
thi
ngcomingher
way.Icannotal
lthi
sti
mewehavebeenlooki
ng
foranenemywhenourenemywasjustunder
ournose.
Ethan:
aft
erwhatjusthappenedIdon’
tthi
nkI
canevert
rustany
onet olookaft
ermyfamily
.
Kath:
thatmakestwoofusmylov
e,wejust
l
ookafterourchi
l
dren,
nomor
emai dsor
nanni
es.

(Hepicksupthesl
eepingLloy
dandhol
ds
Katheri
newit
hhisotherhandandt
heywal
kout
ofthehouse.
)
…………………………………………………………………….
Butbeforetheycanexi
t,Kathgetsachancet
o
seeMadi sonandherboyfr
iendtheybot
ha
beatentopulp.Madi
soncr awl
stoherandbegs
atherfeet.
)
Madi
son:
pleaseIbegy
ou,
for
giv
eus,
webeg
y
oudonotki
l
lus.
Kath:youshoul
dhav ethoughtaboutthat
befor
ey oudeci
dedtoki dnapayearoldchil
dfor
yourownselfi
shreasons.Rotinhellbi
***
.
Madison:
(put
ti
ngherhandsar
oundKath’
slegs)
pl
easeIbegyou.Ihav
eaf ami
l
ytotakecar
eof
sodoeshe.
Kat
h:don’tworryy
ourfamilywil
lbewel
ltaken
car
eoff.Iwil
lseetoi
tmy self
.Nowletmego.
Madi
son:
No!
(
Ethanki
cksherandshef
all
sback)
Et
han:
ourchi
l
drenar
ewai
ti
ngcanwego?
Kat
h:y
esl
etusgo.
…………………………………………………………………………….
(Theywalktothecar,Ethangetsinthedri
ving
seatwhil
eKat hstr
apsthesleepingLloydt
ot he
carseat
.Sheget sinthepassangerseatnextto
herhusband,hekissesherhandandt heytake
of
f)
Et
han:
3,2,
1andbam!
(Hesay
sasthehousetheyj
ustexi
tedbur
sts
andbur
nst
ot hegr
ound)
Et
han:
resti
net
ernal
peace.
Kat
h:t
heygotwhatt
heydeser
ved.
(
Her
eachesf
orhi
sphoneandmakesacal
l
)
Et
han:
Mar
k
Voi
ce:
MrBr
ownl
ey!
Ethan:int
woday sreportt
heincidentthensee
toitthatt
hef ami
lyofMadisonBowel and
ThomasBr ewarebothwellt
akencar eof,
depositeveryhal
fami l
l
ionintheiraccounts
unti
ltheyar ewel
lst
ableandhelpt heli
ttl
esist
er
withthecollegef
ees.
Voi
ce:YessirIwil
lseet
oitthatever
ythi
ngy
ou
sai
disdone.Isther
eanyt
hingelsesi
r.
Et
han:
Not
hanky
out
hatwi
l
lbeal
l
.Iwi
l
l
cont
acty
oui
fther
eshoul
dbeanychanges.
Voi
ce:
alr
ightSi
rhav
eal
oveyj
our
neyback
home.
Et
han:
thanky
ou!
(
Hehangsup)
Kat
h:Fr
eshst
art
Et
han:
(ki
ssi
nghercheek)Fr
eshst
artmyl
ove.
…………………………………………….
.
3MONTHSLATER
Itooksomet imetoresearchaboutt hename
Bethel,
itisaHebr ewnamewhi chmeans
HouseofGod.Ev enupt othisdayIam st i
ll
waiti
ngf ormyBet hel,
Iam noty etpregnantbut
myf ai
thkeepsmegoi ngfor t
h.Eversince
meet i
ngt hatdayIhavelearnttogetonmy
kneesandpr ayl
iketherei
snot omor row.Idon’t
knowwhatst orm shewast alki
ngaboutbutal l
I
needtoknowi sIhavet oprepareforit,
Isti
ll
havenotgonet oseeManxanebecauseunl ike
myhusbandIam notabeli
everofancest
ors,
I
canonlyser
veoneLordandthati
sGod.By
runni
ngtoancest
orswheredoesitpl
acemy
fai
thasChri
sti
anonGod!
Ididnotfeelli
kegoingt owor ktodaysoIjust
remainedhomecl eaningmyhouse, Bel
l
a’sshif
t
start
sintheev eni
ngsoshei shelpingmeout .I
don’tknowwhati sitwiththisgirl
andcooking,
butshealway swantst obedoi ngthecooking
whenshei shome.Justf i
nishedeat i
ngthe
deli
ciouslunchshecookedme.
Me:Wow!Thi
slunchwasamazi
ng,
ist
her
eany
l
efti
nthepot
.
Bel
la:
( smi
li
ng)plent
y(t
aki
ngmydi
sh)Iwi
l
lgo
anddishforyou.
Bel
l
a:Iwi
l
lwr
it
edownt
her
eci
pef
ory
ou.
Me:thatwouldbenice,don’
twor
ryaboutt
he
di
shes,Iwil
ldothem, y
oucangoonand
pr
epareforyourshi
ft.
Bel
l
a:t
hanky
ou,
Iwi
l
lgoadt
akeanap.
Me:
alr
ight
.
(Iwrapupeat ingt henIdot hedi shes.It r
y
watchingsomet elevi
sionbuti tisbor ingsoI
decidetogoanddosomewor ki ntheMi guel ’
s
study.Isitonhi schai randopenmydocument s
thengot hr ought hem.Looki ngf orapenIopen
thedeskdr awer s, Istumbleacr ossourbank
statement s,Inev erbot hermy sel fwithallthis,
soIpaynoat tent i
ont othem, butj ustasIam
abouttocl oset hedr awersomet hingcat ches
myey e,Ipi ckt hest atement ,andi t
’sforan
accountthatIdonotknowof ,r egisteredunder
thenameChar l
otteDev ine,Char lott
e,isthist he
sameChar lottewhocal l
edmebef oremy
wedding?I st hist hesameChar lott
e, Miguel
saidhedoesnotknow.Whyi st her eaccountf or
g=herregist eredundermyhusband’ sname.I
knowwher eIcangetunderal lmyanswer sI
rushtomyr oom andchangecl ot hesgr abbing
mycarkey sandt hebankst at ement sIheadt o
t
hebank.)
………………………………………………
Thebankmanageristheonl
yonecananswer
myquesti
ons.Idonotwaitf
oralongt
ime
whenIgetther
ebefor
eIam showedinhi
s
off
ice.
Ant
hony:Mr
sMokoena,
towhatdoweowet
his
pl
easur
e?
Me:Iam notonasocial
visi
tAnthonyIneed
answer
sandIhopey oucangivethem t
ome.
Ant
hony
:hav
easi
tpl
ease.
(
Isi
tdownandlookathi
m,put
ti
ngthepapers
i
nfr
ontofhi
m,helooksatt
hem andbackat
me)
Anthony
:It
hinkyourhusbandi
stheonewho
cananswerall
yourquesti
ons.
Me:NoIwanttheanswer sf
rom y
ou.Whyi
s
t
hereanaccountregi
ster
edbymuhusbandfor
aCharl
ott
eDevine?
Anthony:t
heaccounthasbeenoperati
onalfor7
yearsnow,ever
yyearanamountaccount i
ngto
2mi l
li
onisdeposi
tedi
nit.Iunder
standtheuser
oftheaccounti
sintheAmer i
ca.
Me:
Amer
ica?7y
ear
s?
Anthony:yesthat
’sal
l Iknow.Thefundsfrom
yourjoi
ntaccountwithMrMokoenaar enot
touched,t
hisaccountisbeingmaintai
nedbyMr
Mokoenaal one.
Me: Alri
ghtt
hankyou.It
rustt
hatwhatev
erwe
h=j
ustt al
kedaboutwil
lremai
ninthewall
son
thi
sr oom.
Ant
hony:y
oucant
rustuswi
thy
ourpr
ivacyMr
s
Mokoena.
Me:
hav
eal
ovel
yday
.
………………………………………….
Iam homebutIr
emaininmycar,Ifeelfai
nt,
my
worl
disshaki
ng,i
sthi
sthestor
mt hatthey
weretal
ki
ngabout,
ist
hisCharl
ott
et hestor
m
theyweretalki
ngabout .Igetinthehouseafter
Bell
aleavesforwork,fi
xingmy selfagl
assof
wineIwaitforthely
ingbast ardtocomehome.
ThefrontdooropensandIwal kt othel
ivi
ng
room wit
hmywi neglass.Hewal ksuptome
andtiestokissmebutImov emyhead.
Mi
guel
:(smi
l
ing)whathav
eIdonenow?
Me: IwishIcansl
apthesmi r
ksmileofhisface)
Iam goingtoaskyouforthel astt
imeMiguel,
whot hehelli
sCharl
ott
e?Forsomeonewhoy ou
clai
medy oudidnotknow, Iam actual
l
yjolt
ed
thatyouhaveopenedanaccountf orherand
giveher2mi l
li
onever
yy ear.Whot hehel
lis
Charlot
te?
Miguel:
(scr
atchi
nghi
shead)babeIcan
expl
ain,
Me:yesgoonexpl
ainIwoul
dlovetoknowwhy
youl
i
edt omeaboutThi
sCharl
otteDevi
ne?
Mi
guel
:Char
lot
tei
smywi
fe’
ssi
ster
?
Me:par
don!Asf
arasIr
emembermysi
ster
s
ar
eBell
aandGame,noChar
lot
te.
Mi
guel
:Myf
ir
stwi
fe
(Il
ookathim,Igetcol
dchi
ll
sdownmyspi
ne,
Heavenl
yfat
hernotthi
snow!)
[
06/
23,
17:
45]Ron:
TheDREAM
I
nser
t90
Ther eisnot hi
ngt hathur tsmostl i
keabet r
ayal
mor eespeci allyfr
om someonewhoy outrust
mor et hanany oneint hiswor l
d.May beIshould
hav eappl i
edt heprinciple“Lovethem allbut
trustnoone”i nmyl if
ebecausei tisevi
dentthat
theal lpeopleIt r
ustint hisworldhaveawayof
takingt hetrustIgiveandshov ingitbackinmy
face.Thegl assofwi neIam hol dingdropsto
thegr oundashi sstatementhi tmyear s.
Me:
(puzzl
ed)di
dyouj
ustf
ir
stwi
fe?
Miguel:
comel
etussi
tdown.Iwi
l
lexpl
ain
ev
erythi
ng.
Me:noIdon’
twanttosi
tdownNdiye,
Iwant
youtot
ell
mewhatt hef
**kyoumeantwhen
yousai
dfi
rstwi
fe?
Mi
guel:
(hesi
tsdownonthecouchandf
aces
me)Iwasmarri
ed7year
sback.
Me:
Goon.
Mi guel
: ithappenedwhenIwasi nRussi awi th
EthanImett hiswoman, from Zimbabweher
namewasGl oriaDevine, Igotengagedand
camebackhomesoIcoul dmar ryher .My
fatherwasnott hri
ll
edt hatIwant edt omar ry
mor eespeci al l
ytoaZi mbabweanl ady .Ididnot
l
istensomeandherweel oped.Afterwegot
mar ri
edt hingsgott oughf athercutmeof fand
blackli
st edmebutmeandherwewer esokeen
onourl ov eforeachot herwest ayedt oget her
throughi tal l
.Fat herreali
sedt hathewas
fi
ght i
ngal osi ngbattl
esohecameupwi t
h
otherst rategi es,hedruggedmeandmadei t
l
ikeIsl eptwi thanothergi rl.Aft
erwar dshesent
thephotost oGlori
a,heknewt heywil
lmakeher
angryandmakeherwantt ocomet omeand
confr
ontme, sohetamper edwitht
hecar,on
herwayher e,shegoti nt
oanaccidentanddi
ed
onthespot .Iam sorryInevert
oldyouthatI
wasmar riedbefore,Ij
ustthoughti
tdidnot
mattersincesheisdead.
Me: Youar
ewrongitmattersMiguel,i
tmat ter
s
thatthemanIam marr
iedtocanhidet hef act
thathewasmarri
edbefore,af
terhepr eached
tomeaboutkeepi
ngsecrets.I
fGloriaisdead
thenwhyareyousti
l
lsendinghersistersucha
hugeamountofmoney.
Miguel
:(hedr
opshisheadandst
arest
othe
gr
ound)because…
Me:becausewhatMi guel
,doy ouhavea
feel
i
ngsforthissi
ster
?Allthi
st i
mewheny ou
gooutsi
dey ouarenotgoi
ngonbusi nessstr
ips
ri
ghtyouaregoingtomeety ourlov
erCharl
otte.
Mi
guel
:yesIhav
ebeent
rav
ell
i
ngt
otheSt
ates
butnott
oseeChar
lot
te,
butmyson!
Me:
(jol
ted)huh!
Mi
guel:
whenGlor
iahadanacci
dent
,shewas
wi
thour2year
sson.
Me:waitsoyouwanttotel
lmenotonlydi
dy ou
hi
dethefactthaty
ouhavebeenmarri
edbefore
buty
oual sohaveasonoutther
eMiguel
Mokoena.
(
henodshi
shead.)
…………………………………….
.
Iam overwhelmedIam angrywhoisthisand
whathappenedt ot hemanImarr
ied.Idi
dnot
marryt
hi sl
iar.Ir
aisemyheadandslaphim
acr
osst heface.
Me: al
lthi
stimeIhav ebeenwor r
iedaboutnot
havingachil
dandIwasaski ngmy sel
fwhyyou
arecalm,kanteitisbecauseyouknowy ouhave
asonoutt here.IhateyouMiguelMokoena,I
hatethedayIl ai
dmyey esony ou.
Miguel:
Iknowy ouareangryandy ouhav e
ever
yreasontobe, Got
ham wasaf fect
edbyt he
acci
dent,hehasbeeninacomaf or7y ear
s
now,inahospit
alinAmer i
ca.Charlot
teisthe
onewhot akescareofhim.
Me:
whatdoy
oumeani
nacomaf
or7y
ear
s?
Miguel:eversi
ncet heacci dent,t
hemachi nes
aretheonlythingsthatkeepshi m al
iv
e,ifwe
everdecidetoswi t
cht hem of fhewilldi
e.
Doctorsdon’tknowi fhewi l
leverwakeupand
i
fhedoeswakeupt hereisnoguar anteethathe
wil
lbet hesamebecausehehadsomebr ai
n
damage.Iam onl ykeepi ngalivebecauseI
cannotbringmy sel
ft oswi tchoffthemachines,
i
thasbeen7y earsnow.
Me: wher
ehei sacomaornoti tdoesnot
changethefactt
hatyouhidallthi
sawayf r
om
me.ItdoesnotchangethefactthatIaskedyou
whoChar l
ott
eisandyoulookedmei ntheeye
andliedt
ome.Idon’tknowwhathappenedt o
themanImarr
iedbutt
hisl
i
arst
andingi
nfr
ont
ofmenow,i
snohusbandofmine.
(
Irunupstai
rsandl
ockthebedr
oom t
henIf
all
t
ot hebedandcrymylungsout
)
Miguel
:(knocki
ngl
i
ght
lyonthedoor
)pl
ease
openthedoorsowecantal
k.
Me:
justgoawayMi
guel
.
………………………………………………
WhenIopenmyey esagain,i
tisdark,
Iwal
kint
o
myclosetandpackaf ewclothes,t
henopen
thebedroom doorIfi
ndhim bythedoorl
ooki
ng
miserabl
e,Iwalkpasthi
ml ooki
ngformycar
keys.
Me:
Bri
ngbackmycarkey
s,Mi
guel
.
Miguel:
IknowIhav ewrongedyoubutIam not
abouttolety
oudriveoutofher
e.Il
ostGlotoa
caracci
dentIam notabouttol
oseyoualso.
Me;juststop,st
opsayi
nghername,
justst
op
al
lthis.Idon’
twantt
obeinthesamehouselet
al
onesamer
oom wi
thy
our
ightnow.
Miguel
:IknowbutIam notl
ett
ingy
oudr
iveany
car.
Me: wewi l
lseeaboutt
hat
.(IsayasIwalktohi
s
study.Imakeaphonecar,wit
hin10mi nut
esa
hi
r edcarpeepsIfr
ontoft
hegate.Igetmybags
andwal kout.)
Miguel:NanapleaseIbegyoudon’
twal
kouton
ourmar r
iage.Icanfi
xthi
s,wecanfi
xalof
these.
Me:i
tisnotever
ythi
ngthatcanbef
ixedNdi
ye.I
wi
ll
beintouch,Ij
ustneedtogoandthi
nkon
myown.
(Iwal
koutandgetint
othecar
,whatIdoneed
nowismymot her
’scomfor
t.
)
………………………………………………….
.
Di
ana:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
esol
ate?
(Iruni
ntoherar
msandcr
ymylungsoutthenI
sitdownandrel
ayt
hewhol
est
oryforher
.Not
l
eav
ingev
ery
thi
ngout
)
Di
ana:Iunder
standyouarehurtbaby
,butyou
ar
emar r
iednow,youdonotrunawaywhent he
marr
iagebedgetshot.I
tisnotli
kehecheated.
Me:nomama,don’tt
ellmeyouar
egoi
ngt
o
si
dewit
hMiguelr
ightnow.
Day na:Iam notsidingwi
thanyonebutIam
beingrationalri
ghtnow,youcannotthr
owaway
yourmar riagebecauseyouhusbandhidthe
factthathehasbeenmar ri
edbefor
e,orthathe
hasason, asonassoonasdead.Sowhati fhe
tol
dy ouwast hatgoingt
ochangethefactthe
soni sthere?
Me:
nobuthebet
ray
edme.
Dayna: y
eshebet rayedyoubutthat’
snott he
typeofbetrayalt
hatsendsy oupacking,the
typeofbetrayalt
hatsendsy oupacking
Nandipha,isifhecheatedony ouandhadt hat
chil
dwheny ouaremar r
ied.Wedidtellyout hat
mar r
iageisnoplay gr
ound,thi
sisthefir
st
chall
engeofmarriageandithassentyou
runni
ng,whathappenswhenot herbi
gones
comeal ongwi
llyousti
llr
unaway ?
Me:youhavediv
orcedandmarri
ed3t i
mesnow,
whyshoul
dIholdontoamarri
agethathurtsme
whenyouquit
tedonyourownmar r
iages.
Dayna: becauseIdon’ twanty oubeaf ail
ureli
ke
me,becauseIhadnoonet ogui demei nmy
marriagesandy ouhav emet omakesur ethat
youdon’ trepeatsamemi stakesIdi d.That’
s
whyy ouwi llgobackhomeandt al
kt oyour
husband, heneedsy ouNandi pha,i
fhehasa
sonwhoi ssickIcanj ustimaginet hepainhei s
i
n.Hemadeami stake,heishumanwemake
mistakesandl ear nfrom them.Gobet herefor
yourhusband, heneedsy oursuppor tthatchil
d
whohasbeeni nacomaf or7y earsnow.
Me:
Idon’
tknowi
fIcandoi
tma.Iam hur
t.
Day
na:ofcour
seyoucandoity
ouareaWethu
woman,wegethur
tbutst
il
lwecar
ryon,
that
’s
ourstr
engt h,nowyouarehereandy ouhavelef
t
youvulnerablehusbandinthedangerouscl
aws
ofyourfakesi st
er,
nowi fy
oudonotwantt o
dealwithar ealbet
rayal
thi
stimearoundI
suggestyougobackhome.
Me:Idon’
tcare,whathedoes,
may
beIam
bet
terof
fwithouthi
m.
Dayna;okayletj
ustgiveBel
laIcallt
hen,Iam
sureshewillbethr
il
ledtoknowthaty ougave
heryourhusbandonasi l
verpl
atterj
ustli
ke
that
.
…………………………………………………………………
BROWNLEYRES
Ethan:
Ijustt
alkedt
oNickol
as,hear
ri
vedsaf
ely
andwillbest
arti
ngcl
assessoon.
Kat
h:hemustbet
hri
l
ledheal
way
swant
ed
Har
vard.
Ethan:l
et’
sjusthopehewil
lstayoutoft
roubl
e
Lethabocanbest r
essf
ulatt
ime.
Kat
h:gi
vehim benef
itofdoubt
,It
hinkhehas
l
ear
nthi
slesson.
Et
han:
okaymyl
ove.
Gabr
iel
l
a:daddy
!
Et
han;
daddy
’spr
incess.
Gabr
iel
l
a:canwegobackhomenow?
Kat
h:butwear
ehome.
Gabri
ell
a:nohome,Imeanourrealhome,wi
th
AuntNana,Lor
atoandUncleMiguel
,Leoand
Gabri
el.Imi
ssgrandmaEzraandMmahebertI
al
somi sspl
ayi
ngwi t
hAngela.
Et
han:
youmi
ssBot
swana?
Kath:
sheisnottheonlyone,IknowIsaidwe
muststayher
ef orayearort
wobutIr eal
ly
missmyhomel and.
Ethan:It
houghtIwastheonl
yone.Iguesst
he
famil
yholidayi
sovernow.Ti
metoreturn
home.
Gabr
iel
l
a:y
esf
inal
l
y.
Kat
h:wr
apuev
ery
thi
ngsowecanmyl
ove.
Et
han:
okayIwi
l
l.Il
ovey
ou.
Kat
h:notasmuchasIl
ovey
ou.
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t91
Lorato:No!Listentomet hisi
swhaty ouare
goingt odo,youwi l
lgetyourpr
ettyassthengo
backhome, becausenowomanr unsawayf r
om
mar r
iageespeci al
l
yleavi
nghermanwi t
ha
l
ethal weaponlikeBell
a.
(Iam backinthecit
y ,
hav i
ngcoffeewithLor ato,
whichIthinkwasabadi dea.Thesepeoplej ust
don’tgethowmuchIam hur t.Iam li
steni
ngt o
hergoonandonaboutev eryt
hing.May beI
shouldhav ej
ustgonet oseeMphoorGabr i
el
i
nsteadofLor at
oandmymom becausei tis
pret
tyobv i
ousthattheyareonMi guel
’sside.)
Me:
I’
m noty
etr
eadyt
ofacehi
m Lor
ato.
Lor
ato:
tel
lmeNandi
pha,
doy
oul
oveMi
guel
?
Me:
doy
ouev
enhav
etoask?
Lor
ato:
arey
ouaf
rai
dofl
osi
nghi
m?
Me:
mor
ethanany
thi
ng.
Lorat
o:gr
eatthatjustgav eyoumor er
easonto
goback.I
fwehav edeal twithathi
rstbit
**l
ike
Amanda,Iam surewecanhandl ethe
Zimbabweangirl
Char lot
te.Andalsoteachi
ng
Miguelal
esson,inthepr ocess,
gobackhome
andtakechar
geofy ourhouse.
Me:
whatwoul
dyoudoi
fyouwer
eme?
Lorato:fi
rstt
hingsfir
stIwi
l
lgetinthatplane
andgoseemyl i
ttl
eboywhoisinacoma, t
henI
wil
llettheChar l
ott
eknowherplaceinallofthi
s.
Andt henIwilldealwit
hmyhusbandf orhis
l
ies.
Me:okay
!Ihav
etogoIbel
i
eveIhav
eat
ri
pto
pr
eparef
or.
Lor
ato:
Amer
icaher
eshecomes.
Me:
hasKat
hcont
act
edy
ou?
Lor
ato:
yesshehas,
theyar
ecomi
ngback.
Me:
agoodt
hingImi
sst
hem.
Lor
ato:
sodoI
.
(Wefi
nishourcof
feesessi
onandgoour
separ
ateours)
……………………………………………………….
Iwalkint
othehouse,Bel
l
aislayingonthe
couchwatchingsometel
evi
sion.Shejumpst
o
herfeetwhensheseesme.
Bel
l
a:y
ouar
eback?
Me:
yah,
Hel
l
o!
Bel
l
a:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:
Iam good,
myhusbandi
sheatwor
k.
Bel
la:
nohehasbeeninhisst
udysincey
oul
eft
.
It
ri
edtocheerhi
m upbuthedi
smissedme.
Me:
okayt
hanky
ou.Canj
ustf
ort
odaygoand
spendt
hedayandnightatGabri
el’
splace.I
haveal
readyt
alkedt
ohim onyourbehalf
.
Bel
l
a:oh!Okay
.
Me:
thanky
ou.
(Iwalkupst air
st omyr oom andunpackmy
clothes,thenIwal kt ohisst udyitsdarkinsi
de
butIcanseehi m ourey eslock, heissit
ti
ngon
thecouch, holdingagl assofbr andy.Iwalk
i
nsi deandpourmy selfof“RemyMar ti
n”Igulp
i
tdownasi tbur nsdownmyt hr
oat.Icoulduse
somet hingst rongr ightnow.Iwal kupt ohim
andt ouchhi sunshav edcheek, helooksamess,
Ihav enev erseenhi ml i
ket his,whereismy
Mi guel
,theonewhoi sal way sincontrol
.He
smel l
slikeabr ewer y.
Mi
guel
:(sadl
y)y
ouar
eback?
Me: wemadeapr omisetoeachot herthatwe
willholdourhandst oget
her,andfaceev ery
challengetoday.Iam hurtbutIwi
ll nev
erbreak
thatpr omi
se.Ij
ustwi shyoucouldhav etoldme
i
nst
eadofl
yi
ngt
ome.
Miguel:Iam sor
ryIam ser
iousl
yverysor r
y,for
everyt
hing,
fortheli
esandforthesecrets.I
thoughtIwaspr ot
ecti
ngyoubynottell
ingy ou.
Me: Iwouldli
ket
ogoandmeetourson.So
pleaseorgani
seourv
isasandaccommodat
ion
thatsi
de.
Mi
guel
:(puzz
led)ohokay
!
Me:Iwouldal
soli
ketoknowhi
str
eatmentbil
l
s
andbetheonetotakecar
eoft
hem st
art
ing
fr
om nowon.
Miguel:
okayIwi
l
lgi
vey
out
hepaper
s
ev
erythi
ng.
Me:good,nowIwi
llgoandprepar
ey ouabath
t
henfixyousomet
hingyousomethingtoeat
.
(Isomuchwantt ocrawlinhi
slapandl aymy
headonhi sbr
oadshouldersbutIcannotdo
thatbecauseIam st
il
lsupermadathim.
I
nsteadIturnandwalkoutbutbeforeIcan
reachthedoorhishandsarearoundmywai st
pull
ingmebackt ohishardsol
idbody,thi
shas
alwaysbeenmyweaknesswheni tcomest o
him, t
hebackhugs.Itakeadeepbreathtocalm
ri
singemotionsdown.)
Miguel :(whisperi
nginmyear )Iam gl
adyouare
back, Ipromi setoli
vetherestofmyli
fetaki
ng
awar ey ourtearsandreplaci
ngthem wit
h
smiles.Il ov
ey ouNandipha.
Me:Ihav
enotf
orgi
veny
ouNdi
ye,
Iam st
il
lmad
aty
ou.
Mi
guel
:Iknow,butatl
eastyouar
ebackt
o
my
sideandtal
kingtome.Thatgi
vesmehope.
(Iunhookmyhandsandwalkout,
wi pi
ngmy
tearsaway,whymustl
ovebesucha
compl i
cat
edmatter
,whymustIl
ovehim when
allhedoesidhur
tmetimeandagain.I
sthi
s
howl ovei
ssupposedt
obe?)
………………………………………….
AWEEKLATER
Icannotbel i
ev ethatmyf irsttriptothest atesis
becauseIhav et ogoseeachi ldwhohasbeen
i
nacomaf ormor et han7y ear snow.Icannot
evenbegi ntoi magi newhathemustbegoi ng
through, havingt oil
et hereev er ydaynott al
king,
j
ustt hereabl et ohearwhatot herpeopl eare
say i
ngt oy ouandnotr espondi ngtothem.We
hav earrivedt hepr eviousdayi nChicagoand
todaywear egoi ngt o“AnnandRober tLuri
e
ChildrenHospi tal”
.Iam aner v ouswr eckbut
compar edt oMi guel IcansayIam bet ter
becausehel ookssadsosad.Ourhi reddr i
ver
pullsinf r
ontoft hehospi talandMi guel hol
ds
myhandaswewal ki nsi
deaf t ertal
kingt othe
nurse, wegeti ntheel evatort hatleadst ofloor
4.
Whenheopensthedoor
,thefi
rstthingIseeid
t
hebeepi
ngmachinesandthechil
danador able
l
it
tl
eboywholi
esconnectedtoall
t hose
machi
ne,
helookssomuchl i
keMiguel ,
except
thatheisabi
tdarkert
hanMi guel
.Icannott
ake
myey esofhi
m,tearsst
ream downasIwal kto
him andst
andbyhisbedside.
Miguel
:hecanhearyouwhenhetakesand
someti
meshecant apyoutwi
cewithhi
sindex
hand.
Me:
okay
.
Miguel:(ki
ssi
nghisf orehead)hey !Myboy
todayIhav ebr
oughty ouapr esent,
remember
l
astt i
meIwasher e,Ipromisedt hatnextt
imeI
willbr
ingyoumommy ,welltodayIhav ebr
ought
her.Hernamei sNana, wi
shy oucanopeny our
eyestoseeher .Sheseemst obesmi t
ten.
Comeonl ovesay“ hi
”toourboy .
(Isi
tdownandholdhi
shandandfacehim.I
cannotstopmyt
ears,
heissoyoungand
adorabl
ehedoesnotdeser
veanyoft
his.
)
Me:ther
eissomucht hatIwantt
osaybutI
don’
tevenknowwheret obegi
n,yousuchan
ador
ablebaby,
Iam sorr
yIcouldnotcomeearl
y,
butIhopey oudi
dnotwai
tforsolong.Iam
Nanay ournewmama.Ihaveheardsomuch
aboutyouandIhopethedaythatyouwakeyou
fr
om thisbedyouandIwi
llmakeourown
memor ies.
(Itouchhisface,
hisli
tt
lepaleface,thereisso
muchpaini nmyheartIwantt oletmypai nout,
Iwanttoscream andletthepainIfeel i
nmy
heartout
.Istandtomyf eetandr unoutoft he
room,Ihavetoescapet hi
spain,iti
st oomuch,
Icannotholdit
.MiguelholdmeandIcr yinhis
chest.
)
Me: Ican’tMi
guel.Iam notasstr
ongasyou,I
cannothol dmyself
,ithur
tssobadly
.Whymust
thi
swor ldbecruelheisjustachi
ldani
nnocent
chi
ld?
Miguel
:shh!
!Iti
sokaybeaunobodyexpect
s
youtobestr
ong.Iti
sokayyoucancry.
Me;whyarey
oupunishi
nghi
m Miguel
?Why
don’
tyouswi
tchoft
hemachinesandl
ethi
m of
t
hispai
n.
Mi
guel
:Ican’
t,
Icannotgi
veuponhi
myet
.
Me:(
IcryasIbeathi
schest
)iti
snotabouty
ou,
i
t’
sabouthi
m.
Miguel
:(ki
ssi
ngmyf
orehead)Iknow,
Iknow
beau.
Char
lot
te:
Ihear
dsomecr
ies,
whati
sgoi
ngon?
(Irai
semyheadandl ookf ortheladywhoi s
tal
king,Ibli
nkaf ewt i
mesandf eel i
ntimidated,
andhowshecanbesosi mplebutbeso
beautif
ul,darkski n,bi
gmar bl
ecar amel eyes,
andanhourgl assbody ,withti
nywai st.Her
faceissmoot h, shesmi lesexposinghercut e
dimplesthenbi tesherl owerlip.Wi t
hAmandaI
wasnoti nti
mi datedbecauseev erythingabout
herwasf akebutt hishowam It odeal withthis.
Shecanhav eanymanshewant sandt heway
sheislookingatmymani tisprettyobv i
ousshe
want shim.Lor dgi v
emeabr eak,howmany
womanmustIf ightwi t
hf orwhati smi ne)
………………………………………….
BROWNLEYRES
AuntZ:(
huggi
ngKath)Icannotbel
i
evet
haty
ou
al
readyl
eavi
ngsosoon.
(Kathhugsherback.Theyareattheai
rport
wait
ingtogetint
othei
rawaiti
ngjetandgoback
home.Ethanisbusychatt
ingwit
hGabriel
lawho
i
sexcitedaboutl
eavi
ng.)
Kat
h:wewi
l
lvi
sitagai
nsoon.
AuntZ:
youbet
ter
.
Et
han:
takeext
racar
eAunt
.
AuntZ:
don’
tIal
way
s.
Ethan:(
chuckl
es)maybeLoapishoul
dremai
n
behindtokeepyoucompany.
Gabri
ell
a:Nodaddy
, Icannotr
emainhere,i
tis
bori
nghere,
andcold,ther
eisnosunjustsnow,
evensnowmansaidhewast i
redofpl
ay i
ng
withme.
(
Theyl
ookatherandl
augh)
Kat
h:Ist
il
ldon’
tknowwhoshet
akesaf
ter
.
AuntZ:
Iseeabi
toft
hatcr
azyf
ri
endofy
our
sin
her
?
Kat
h:whoLor
ato?
AuntZ:
yesher
.
Ethan:noway,i
tisalreadybadenoughthatwe
havetodealwit
hLor ato,wecannotdealwi
th
anothercr
azyAngela.Loapisaygoodbyewe
havetogonow.
(t
heysaythei
rfinalgoodbyestheboar
dintot
he
pl
ane.Aft
ertake-of
fthechildr
enfal
lasl
eep,
Kathsi
tsi
nhi sl
apandki sseshim)
Et
han:
(amused)whati
sthatf
or?
Kat
h:f
orbei
ngj
ustmyman,
Ilov
eyouKy
riako.
Ethan;
(ki
ssi
ngherback)notasmuchasIlov
e
youSunshi
ne.Ar
ewer eadyforBot
swana?
Kat
h:wi
thy
oubymy
sidewecanber
eadyf
or
any
thi
ngt
hewor
ldt
hrowsatus.
Et
han:
good
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t92
Ikeepmyeyesonherasshewalksforwar
dand
hugsMiguel
.Ir
efusetobei
nti
midatedbythi
s
l
ady.Ikeepacal
m poseandmyey esonher.
Charl
ott
e:Ididnotknowyouwerecomi
ngI
coul
dhav ecomeandpickedyouupatt
he
ai
rport
.
Miguel:
iti
sokay,Ihadalreadyor
ganisedfora
pr
ivatedri
vert
hisside.Idon’
tbel
iev
ey ouhave
metmybeaut i
fulwife.
(
Shegi
vesmeat
ightf
akesmi
l
e.)
Char
lot
te:
nonotof
fi
cial
l
y.
Miguel
:BeaumeetChar
lot
te,
Got ham’
saunt
.
Charl
ott
esheist
hewifeNandipha.
Me:
(ext
endi
ngmyhand)i
t’
sapl
easur
etomeet
y
ou.
Char
lot
te:
sameher
e.SoMi
guel
whatbr
ings
youandwif
eher
e?
Mi
guel
:wehav
ecomet
ocheckonourboy
.
Charl
ott
e: Got
ham mustbehappythatyouar
e
her
e,wet houghtmaybeyouhaveabandoned
useversi
ncey ougotmarri
ed.
Mi
guel
:Icannev
erabandonmyboy
.
Me:(ki
ssi
nghi
scheek)excuseIam goi
ngt
o
powdermynose.
Miguel
:okay
,doy
ouneedmet
ocomewi
th
you?
Me:
noIam okay
.
Char
lot
te:
Iwi
l
lescor
thert
othel
adi
esr
oom.
(
Shet
akest
hel
eadandIf
oll
owher
.)
………………………………….
.
LADI
ESRESTROOMS
Char
lot
te:
Imustadmit
,whenMi
guel
brokethe
newsofhi
smarri
ageInev
erwashemarry
ing
someoneli
key
ou.
Me:
Ibegy
ourpar
don!
Charl
otte:y
ouar ebeauti
fulImeanbutyou
completediff
erentfr
om mysi st
er,
shealways
hadMi guel
’sint
erestatheart
,wouldnothav
e
neverkepthim awayfrom hisson.
Me: youdeadsi stery oumean?Doy ouknow
howpat heti
cy ousoundr i
ghtnow, compar ing
met oy ourdeadsi sterwelli
nfacty oujustwant
tocompar emet oy oursel
f.Whereisy ourself
disr
espectwoman, drooli
ngoveramar ri
ed
womant omakemat tersworseyourlate
sist
er’shusband?
Charlott
e:where,wereyouwhenInur sedhim,
whenIhel dhim ashecriedovernightfor
,when
hehadnoonet oturnto?Doy ouev enknow
thathisfamil
yissoev i
l,
theykil
ledmyown
sist
erandf orali
tt
lepuppyli
key ouIam surein
notimeyouwil
lbedeadj
ustli
keGlor
ia.Miguel
doesnotneedl
oveheneedsawomanwhoi s
str
ongli
kemetohelphimfacehi
sevilfat
her.
Me: letsusgetonet hingcor rectChar lot
te
actually4t hingscorr ect ,1stIdi dnotseduce
Miguel ,hecameonhi sf reewi lltomeandf el
l i
n
l
ov ewi thmenoonehel dagunt ohi shead.2nd
thi
ng, youar eaf ooly ouhav ebeenwi ththi
s
man, f
ormor ethan7y ear s,hedoesnotseey ou
asawomanbef i
tti
nghi my ety oustil
l pi
neover
him andhopef orafut urewi thme( clapmy
handandl augh)andi tseemsl i
key ouwi l
lwait
forther estofy ourpat heticlife.3rdsor r
yto
bursty ourbubbl esdar li
ng( givingherasl y
smile)noonei nthatf ami lycant ouchme,
(walkingupt oher)doy ouwantt oknowwhy ,
unli
key oursisterIact uallyhav etheancest or
s
onmysi de,Iam therel ongwai tedrainqueen,
sot oev ent heev i
lchi efIam apr eci
ous
gemst one.
Char
lot
te:
itcan’
tbe,
youcannotbet
her
ain
queen.
Me: unf
or t
unatelyIam, soifyouthinky ourl
it
tl
e
callbef
oremycal lwouldhav escaredmei tdid
notworksamegoest oy ou.Anywaycar ryi
ngon,
l
astbutnotl east,Iam Mi guel
’swif
e,hislover,
thatmani smi neandhev erymuchl i
stensto
me, sobecausey out hi
nky ouaretheitIam
j
ustaboutt opr ovetoyout hatyouarenot hi
ng
butapr i
ckleonmyj our
neyt hatIcanremov e
whenev erIwant .
(Itur
nar
oundandappl
ypowdert
omyf
ace
alongwi
thl
ipst
ickt
henwal
kout.
)
……………………………………………………………………
Iam justtir
edoft hiswomant hinkingtheycan
comei ntomyl if
e,intomymar r
iageandt hink
theycanj ustdoast heypl ease.Iwalkbackt o
thewar dandf i
ndMi guel,t
alki
ngt ohisson, I
standbyt hedooradmi r
ingthev i
ew,helooks
socut e,andsadInev erknewhehadasadsi de.
Thekindofsi tethatst aysinyourheadev en
wheny outr
yt oforget
.Iclearmythroatas
Char l
otteapproaches.Sheismyl eastf avour
it
e
personr i
ghtnowandIwantt omakehersuf f
er.
Whot hehelldoesshethinksheis?Mi guel
standsupandwal ksupt ome, hekissesmy
foreheadandbr usheshislipsovermi ne.)
Me:haveyouev
ert
houghtaboutbr
ingi
ngour
boybackhome?
(
Char
lot
tel
ooksatme,
herj
awsdr
oppi
ng)
Miguel
:Idi
dthi
nkabouti
tsomet
imebackbut
gaveupontheidea.
Me:
why
?
Miguel:
Iam al
waysbusyatwork,
pluswedo
nothavemuchspecial
i
stther
einBotswanaso
i
twillbedi
sadvant
agetohim.
Me:howaboutnotput ti
ngmei nahospit
al l
ike
movingallnecessar
ystaffathomeandhav i
ng
ahospital
room forhi
m athomewi thal
lthese
machinesbutinahomeenv i
ronmentwi
thhi s
parent
s,hisfat
hercloseby.Ofcoursewewi ll
needat r
ainednursetostayhomet akingcare
ofhim andmeal soIcantakeoffwor kandjust
focusonbeingamom andhi srecovery.
Mi
guel
:ar
eyoubei
ngf
orr
eal
rightnow?
Me:may ber easonwhyhei sn’twakeupishe
feel
sstuckint hishospit
al andwebot hknow
nobodylikeshospi t
als.May beheneedsso
homescener ywithapar entplusit
snotli
ke
Charl
ottespendst imeher eshei sher
eallthe
ti
mewi thherj obdemandi ng.
Mi
guel:
itwoul
dbenicetohav
ehi
m home.
Whatdi
dIdodeser
vey ou?
Me: don’tgettooexcitedImeanIwi llhaveto
tal
kt oGabrielgetwhathet hi
nksasadoct or
andot herspeciali
st.Getourhousereadyand
l
ookf oraqual i
fiednurse,sodon’tgetexcit
ed
j
usty etMr .
Char
lot
te:
wai
t,t
hishospi
tal
isoneoft
hebest
andt
otakeasi
ckchil
dacrossthewor
ldmight
bet
oor
iskypl
uswhataboutme?
Me:that’
swhyIam say i
ngIwil
lhav etoconsul
t
andseeal lt
heri
sksandhowwecandeal wi
th
them becausei
tiscl
earenoughthatthe
hospit
alisnotworki
ng.Iunder
standthatyou
aretheauntbutyoucanalwaysv i
sitl
i
kewedo
now.
Miguel:
Ithinkt
hisisbri
l
li
anti
deamylov
e,to
havemyboywi thus.(HehugsmeandIlookat
charl
ott
ewhol ooksli
keheisaboutt
ocrygi
vi
ng
herasmi r
ksmile.CryBi
**h!)
……………………………………
Visi
ti
nghoursareover,Iwai
toutsi
dethe
hospit
alasMiguelt
alkstoGotham’sdoct
or.I
needfreshai
r.Char
lott
ewalksuptome.
Char
lot
te:
looksl
i
keIunder
est
imat
edy
ou.
Me:
(for
cedsmi
l
e)Igett
hatal
ot.
Char
lot
te:Icannotbel
iev
eyouwi
l
luseapur
e
i
nnocentchil
dforyourfi
ght
s.
Me:isn’tt
hatwhatyoualsohavebeendoi
ng,
usi
ngt hatpoorchi
l
di nt
heretomakeMiguel
comeal lt
hewayher esoyoucanseehim.
Char
lott
e:Got
ham i
sal
lIhav
elef
tofmysi
ster
,
don’
ttakehi
m away
.
Me:l
ikeIal
readysai
dy oucanalwaysvi
sit
.You
cant
hinkofitasapaidtri
pexpense.
(Mi
guelcomeadwegetinthecarbef
oreshe
canr
eplyme,Ist
areout
sidet
hewindowonour
waytoHil
tonhot
el.
)
………………………………….
.
TheBr
ownl
ey’
s
Thecarpar ksinfr
ontoft hehouse.Fr om the
ai
rporttheypassedbyMmamashi asaying
greeti
ngEthan’smom andf amilywher ethey
st
ay edaday .Nextmorningt heypassedt o
Mogapi whichispresentday ,Katheri
nesmi les
assheseeshergr andmot hersi
ttingunderthe
mophanet ree,kni
tt
ing,herhear tswell
swi thjoy,
thereistr
ulynoplacel
ikehome.Gabriel
l
ais
alr
eadyoutoft hecarr
unningtowar
dshergreat
grandmother,whoputsawaywhatshewas
knit
tingandopeningherhandstowelcomethe
bubblyMsEl l
a.
Mmaher
ber
t:soy
ouf
inal
l
ydi
dmi
ssme.
Gabr
iell
a:(gi
ggl
ing)don’
tbeasnobgr
an,
embracelove.
(Kather
inerol
lsherey
es,wonderi
ngwher
eshe
l
earnsallthi
sthi
ngs.Theyshar
ehugsand
greeti
ngsandsettl
edown.)
Mmahebert:ImustsayIam ver
ysurpr
isedt
o
seeyoubackMsEl l
aIthoughtMogapiwastoo
bori
ngforyou?
El
la:
nograndma,
itwast
oobor
ingf
orLet
habo,
notme.
(
Theychuckl
e)
Kath:Iam goi
ngt
otel
lhi
mthaty
ouar
ely
ing
abouthisname.
El
la:
grandmafr
om nowonwhenev
ermommy
anddaywantst
ogotoRussi
acanIremai
n
behi
ndhere.
Mmaheber
t:whywoul
dyouwantt
oremai
n
behi
nd?
El
l
a:becausef
rom nowont
hisi
smyf
avour
it
e
pl
ace.
Ethan:
shehasneverbeentheloyalone.Come
younglady
,youhavetotakeyourbagtoy our
room.
(Theystandandwalkaway,Kat
hsi
tsonher
Gran’
slapandkisshercheeks)
Kath:
MsEl l
ahasr
eal
l
yst
olenmygl
am l
i
ght
thi
sdays.
Mmahebert;
youar
etoool
dforthi
sOemel
enna,
Ihav
ecarr
iedyouf
ortool
ong.
Kat
h:Imi
ssedy
ou,
oldbones.
Mmaheber
t:Imi
ssedyoual
so,
mychil
d,Iam
sur
pri
sedt
houghthaty
ouar
ebacksosoon.
Kat
h:guesswecoul
dnotst
ayaway
.
Mmahebert:
Ihopey
ouwil
lnotr
epeaty
ourpast
mist
akes,
youhavel
ear
ntandwil
lmoveon
now.
Kath:noactual
l
yIam st
il
lgoi
ngt
ohav emy
breadbutt
eredonbot
hsides,
Iwi
llr
ideGabr
iel
again.
Mmaheber
t:(
pinchi
ngher
)Oeme!
Kat
h:ouch!Iam j
ustki
ddi
nggran,j
ustmeand
myfamil
yfrom nowon,nofunnybusi
nesses.
Mmaheber
t:goodort
hist
imeIwi
l
lhungy
ou
mysel
f.
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t93
4Weeksl
ater
Hercarpacksi
nfrontofmyhouseandshegets
offweari
ngafl
oraldr
ess,sungl
assesandfl
i
p
fl
ops.Sheisgl
owingandbacktoheroldsel
f
agai
n,evenl ooki
ngsosimpleshest ay
swinni
ng,
beenbackf oraweeknow, wemanagedt o
moveGot ham home, andnowhest aysher
e
wit
husal ongwi t
hhisnurse.Ismil
eatherI
mustadmi tIhavemissedheral ot
.Herbubbl
e
sel
f.
Me:IcanseethatProj
ectGetherbodyback
hasworkedj
ustfine.
(Laughi
ngasshecheckshersel
fout,
shaki
ng
herroundf
atassforme,j
oinandlaugh.
)
Kat
h:t
heassi
snoty
ett
her
ebutget
ti
ngt
her
e.
(
Meet
ingherhal
fwaywehugeachot
her
)
Me:
wel
comebackt
oBechuanal
and.
Kath:Ishoul
dbesayi
ngthatseei
ngt
haty
ouran
offtoAmer i
cawhenIwasonmywayhere.
Me:
Iwouldn’
tcal
li
trunni
ngof
f,hadpr
essi
ng
mat
ter
stoatt
endto.
Kat
h:Imi
ssedy
oumyf
ri
end.
Me:notasmuchasImissedyou.WhereImy
ki
dsIthoughty
ouwer
ecomi ngwit
hthem.
Kat
h:sodidI,
butJacquesdeci
dedt
ocomeand
ki
dnapthem t
oday.
Me:
Jacques?
?
Kath:
Ifr
iendofmine,shehasbeenwor
kingon
aproj
ectacrossboar
dersthatwhyy
ouhavenot
yetmether.
Me: ohokay!IguessIwil
lseet
hem someother
ti
met hen.WhatcanIgetyou,j
uice,
cof
fee,
tea?
Bell
aisstil
lprepar
ingl
unch.
Kat
h:shecancook?
Me:l
ikeapro,
Iam al
way
sli
cki
ngmyf
inger
s
whenshecooks.
Kath:Iguessi
tismyt
urnt
otast
eherf
ood
today
.
(
Igogetustwoglassesofj
uiceandwesi
tin
t
hegardenatthesecr
eti
vepl
aceInormal
l
yseat
wi
thMiguel
.)
Kath:howisproj
ectKnockherupcomi
ngalong,
IthoughtmaybebynowIwoul dfi
ndabigbaby
tummy .
Me:Iwi
sh,wehavebeentryi
ngbutital
lgoest
o
wast
e.Ithi
nknowwi t
hGotham her
e,wehave
ev
enforgot
tenaboutouri
dea.
Kat
h:don’
tlosehopeever
ythi
nghasat
imi
ng,
howishedoing,anyi
mprovement
?
Me:
noty
etbutwear
ehopef
ul.
Kat
h:okayl
ove.
Me:youar
egl
owi
ngKat
h,t
hingsmustbepr
ett
y
good.
Kath:Ihav
ebeenbl
essedwi
tht
hebestof
courseImustgl
ow.
Me:
(laughi
ng)Icanr
eal
l
ysee.
Kat
h:(
put
ti
ngahandonmymout
h)shi
h!
(Il
ookatherpuzzl
edandsheindi
catesina
dir
ect
ion,
Bell
astandsnotver
yfartal
kingt
oher
phone)
………………………………………………………….
(
IlookatKat
her
ineandsmi
l
e)
Me:
(whi
sper
ing)wecannotear
dropKat
h.
Kat
h:j
ustshutupNanabef
orey
oubl
owour
cov
erokay.
(Il
ookathersmi l
ingasIshakemyhead, Ithi
nk
beingacriminal
lawyerhasreal
l
ymessedher ,
alwayslooki
ngforcri
mewher ether
eisnone.
OratleastIt
hought.Thephoneconservati
on
getsint
erest
inghavenochoicebuttol
isten.)
Bel
la:No!Mathefi
rstpl
anhasnotwor
ked.I
hadtoimprov
ise.
I
ngr
id:
why
?
Bel
la:theyareinseparabl
emom, Imeantheguy
neverevenlooksatme, maybethisl
it
tl
ewitch
hasgivenhim somel oveporti
onbecauseshe
hashim eati
ngi ntheplum ofherhand.
I
ngri
d:Iwoul
dnotbesur
pri
sed,
whathappens
now?
Bell
a:don’tworrymom, y
ouknowme, Iam
goingtoruinNandipha’smar r
iagejustli
keher
mom ruinedy ours,
thenIwi l
lmov eont othat
onewhot hinksshei suntouchabl
eGame.Just
tr
ustmet ot aketherevengeforyou.
Ingr
id:
buthowsi
nceyoual
readysaidy
ou
cannothav
eMiguel
fal
li
ngf
ory ou?
Bell
a:AuntDi puohasgi venmesomet r
adit
ional
herbs,theywillpreventNanf r
om fall
ing
pregnant,despiteherbei ngar ainqueen,i
fshe
cannotbearachi l
d,Mi guelwillhavetotake
anotherwife,causingNanapai nshenev er
expected.Litt
lefool sheis,thefoodIkeep
givi
ngher ,shekeepseat i
ngshedoesnotknow
i
t’
sbecauseoft hatf oodt hatshecannotget
pregnant.
I
ngr
id:
(laughi
ng)t
heywon’
tev
enknowwhathi
t
t
hem.
Bell
a:(
laughi
ng)Iknowr i
ght,sheisso
desper
atetohavehersibli
ngst hatshecannot
evenseeanenemyr ighti
nfrontofher .
I
ngr
id:
that
’smygi
rl
.Youmakemepr
oud.
Bell
a:Iwi
l
l nowIhav
etogo.Wewi
l
ltal
kwhenI
gettowork.
I
ngr
id:
byebaby
.
(
Shehangsupandwal
ksbacki
nthehouse)
………………………………………………………………
(Icannotbel
ievewhatjusthear
d,am Idr
eami ng
orwhat .Kat
heri
neisal
readyonherfeetlooki
ng
furi
ousandwal ki
ngtowardsthehouse.Irun
afterherandpull
sherback)
Kath:
Iknewshewasupt onogoodtheminut
e
sheaskedt
ovisi
tyou.Letmedeal
witht
his
bit
ch.
Me:noKather
ine,
thi
sismyfight
,Iwi
l
ldeal
with
Bel
l
a,hermom andTrevor
’smom howIwant.
Kat
h:youseeyoushoul
dhav ejustl
i
stened
whenItol
dyouthatgi
rli
sjustbadnews.
Me: yesIshouldhav
ebutt
hisisnotthet
imeto
sitbackandf eel
sor
ryf
ormyselfKat
h,Ii
nvi
ted
thedevilint
omyhouseIwil
ldealwit
hthedevi
l
accordingly
.
Kat
h:how?
Me: don’
twor
ryaboutt
hatone,
butIneedt
ogo
homenowandgett hepoi
sonshehasbeen
feedingmeoutofmybody.
Kat
h:geti
touthow?
Me: ourt
radi
ti
onal
heal
erbackathomehisl
ong
summonedmet ocomebutIhavebeen
ref
using,
itst
imeIgo.
Kat
h:Iam her
e,f
ory
ouev
eryst
epoft
heway
.
Me:thankyouKatherine.Letmegoandpack.
Needtoalsocal
lMi guellethi
m knowt hatIam
goi
nghome?Idon’ tev enknowhowi am ttel
l
hi
mt hatmyownsi sterisresponsi
blefora
f
ert
il
it
ypr
obl
em.Hewi
l
lki
l
lher
.
Kat
h:j
ustt
ell
me.Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
aterl
ove.
Me:
dri
vesaf
ely
.
(Igoupst air
spackmybagandMi guel
’s.ThenI
l
oadt hem i nthecarandsaymygoodby esI
hatetoleav eGot ham alonewiththenurseand
thatl
i
t t
lewi tchbutIhav enochoice.Iwillhave
Gabri
el checkingonhi mi nthemor ni
ngand
eveni
ng.IaskedMi gueltomeetmeathi old
apart
ment .WhenIgett herehiscarisalreadyin
theparkingl otIguesshehasal readyarri
ved.I
takemyphoneandcal l
Katlego.
)
Kat
:shefinal
l
yremember
sthev
il
lagegi
rl
Kat
lego.
Me:Idon’tevenknowwhatyoudoingi
nt he
vi
ll
age,verysoonyouwil
lst
artwi
tchcr
aftand
gossi
pingliket
hosevi
ll
agepeopl
e.
Kat:unl
i
key oumydear,It
akethi
sancestor
s
thi
ngseriousl
y,Ihav
ebeensummonedt ocome
home,soIwi
l
lhav
ecomehome.ButImi
sst
he
town.
Me:
whatdoy
oumi
ssmay
beIcanbr
ingy
ou?
Kat
:youar
ecomi
nghome?
Me:Icannotbet
hepr
odi
gal
daught
eri
nlaw
f
orever
.
Katl
ego:f
inal
l
y !May
beIwi
l
lgetr
eleasedwho
knows.Withyounowcomi
ng.
Me:Iwouldcountmyeggsbef
oretheyhat
chi
fI
wer
ey ou.Iwantt
oaskyousomething?
Kat
lego:
okayl
ovewhati
sit
?
Me:
howwel
ldoy
ouknowy
ourmot
heri
nlaw?
Kat
lego:
Dipuo?
Me:
yesher
.
Katl
ego;
shehasneverl
ikedme,appar
ent
lyshe
hadagir
lshewantedhersont
omar ry
.SoIam
j
ustabarri
erf
orherpl
ans.
Me:
Idi
dwonderwhyshewasnotaty
our
weddi
ng.
Katl
ego: nowyouknow,
apparentl
ysheisnot
thetypethatyoumesswit
h,rumourssaysshe
i
sawi t
ch.Thatwomanihatetosaythi
s,butI
beli
evetherumours.
Me: (
laughing)Idi
dsay,youwil
lcat
cht
he
ty
picalvil
l
ager st
endenci
es,nowyouar
e
gossipi
ng.
Katlego:i
tsli
feavi
l
lagerwhatdoyouexpect,
thedayIgetsummonedbyGr anManxanehere,
i
twasamor ni
ngIf
oundabi gbl
acksnakeinmy
mar i
talbedwhenIscreamedforhel
pitj
ust
disappearedNandi
phalikei
twasneverther
e.
Me: Ithoughtthi
stradi
ti
onal t
hingsdon’
texist
s
guessi asjustly
ingtomy self
.Wewi l
lcatchup
whenIgett hereletmegetr eadyandsendal i
st
ofthingsyouneedbef oreIleave.Andoh!Don’t
tel
lany onewear ecoming.
Kat
:asy
ouwi
shmyqueen.
…………………………………………………
Iam wit
htheir
ri
tatedMi
guel
try
ingtotell
him
thatweneedtohomebutheisjustbei
ng
stubbor
naboutit
.
Miguel
:i
fwet
akeofft
ohomer i
ghtnow,
nana
whom dowel
eaveoursonwi
th?
Me:Ihaveal
readyt
alkedt
oGabr
iel
andt
he
nur
se,heisi
ngoodhands.
Miguel
:Ij
ustdon’
tunder
standwhysuddenl
ywe
havetogobackhome.
Me:
Iwi
l
ltel
lyouwhenwegett
her
e.Ipr
omi
se.
Miguel
:Ihav
eabusi
nesst
orun,
Ican’
tjustt
ake
of
fandgohome.
Me:
Isyourbusi
nessmor
eimpor
tantt
hatt
he
f
amil
ywewant ?
Mi
guel
:ofcour
senot
.
Me:Goodnowcallgranandtel
lherweare
comi
ng,j
ustherbecauseify
outellany
oneel
se
wemi
ghtnotev
enmakei
tther
e.
Mi
guel
:youar
escar
ingme.
Me:
don’
tbescar
edi
tjustast
ormi
twi
l
lpass
myl
ove.
(Ikisshim asher eachesinhi
spocketforhis
phone.Iam j ustti
redofplayi
ngvi
cti
m every
ti
mei tgetstough, nowifthi
sist
hestorml eti
t
allcome, NandiphaWet huMokoenaismor e
thanr eady.
)
………………………….
.
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t94
Thecarpul lsinfrontofthemai ngate.Thelast
ti
mei washer ewasadayaf termyweddi ng,
beforewel eftforhoney moonandt odayiam
herejustbecausei needt hei
rhel pandoneof
them isatt
acki ngme, aren'
tithewor ld'
s
biggesthypocr i
te.Ihav ebeensuchabad
daughter-
in-l
aw, i guessl i
fei
st eachingmet he
hardwayt hatihavetohumbl emy sel
f.May bei
neededt his,
toremindmeofwhoi am because
ifeltli
keiwaslosingtouchwithmyol dself
turningint
osomeonei dontknowandcan' t
recognise.Asifhecansenset hatim ner
vous,
hehol dsmyhandandki ssesit
.Whatwoul di do
withouthim?Wehav eourmoment sbutilove
thisbossyhunkofmi ne.Themai dscomet o
getourbagsaswewal kintot
hecompound.
(
Standi
ngi
nfr
ontoft
hehouse)
Maggi
e:Theheavensar
elooki
nguponust
oday
,
t
heprodi
galchi
ldr
enhavecomehome.
Miguel
:
(ki
ssi
nghercheek)weknowy
oumi
ssed
us.Hel
loMother
.
(
Igoandhugheral
so)
Maggi
e:Whyt
akeusbysur
pri
se?
Mi
guel
:wewant
edt
o.Wher
eisev
ery
one?
Maggi
e:i
nside,
yourf
atherhaswentt
othe
t
ri
balmeet
ing.
Mi
guel
:ohokay
!Beaul
etusgoi
n.
(
Wewal
kinsi
det
hehouseabdgr
eetev
ery
one)
Ferguson:f
inal
l
yyoudeci
det
omakean
apperance.
Me:Wehav
ebeensobusyl
atel
y,wewoul
d
hav
ecomesooner
.
Di
puo:
Toobusyf
orf
ami
l
y?
Miguel
:Wewentt ot
heSt
atesandmov
ed
Gotham backhome.
Tr
evor
:Wow!Fi
nal
l
y,nowi
canspendt
imewi
th
mynephew.
Di
puo:whywast
eti
meonadeadper
son
al
ready
?
Jul
i
e:Di
puo,
thati
sinsensi
ti
veofy
ou.
Di
puo:
Whoaskedy
oui
fiti
sinsensi
ti
veornot
?
Maggie:Sheisri
ght,
youknowthatwedonot
saysuchinsensi
ti
vethi
ngstoourown.
Di
puo:
okayi
seet
het
wof
avour
it
esar
egangi
ng
uponl
enow!
(Izoneoutastheycont i
nuewi t
htheirr
att
le,
i
hav et
oomucht odeal witht
ol i
stentothi
s.I
s
thishowbeingmar r
iedt oapolygamousman
supposedtobe, t
hewi vesarealwaysateach
other'
sthr
oat.Theyjustkeeppr ovi
nghowmuch
mor eandmor eidespisepolygamy.)
MrMokoena:
(shout
ing)Enough!
(
Weal
ltur
n,hei
sst
andi
ngbyt
hef
rontdoor
.)
MrMokoena: (
fur
iously
)whyareyouall
behavi
ngli
keabunchofhool i
gansr
ightnow?
Youthreecomeoutr i
ghtnow.
(
Hewal
ksoutandhi
swi
vesf
oll
owhi
m out
.)
Miguel
:youseewhywechoosetost
ayi
nthe
ci
ty.
Fer
guson,idontev
enknowhowmanage.
Fer
guson:
wear
eusedt
oit
,ri
ghtmyl
ove.
Lesedi
:Veryri
ght
.ComeKat
legol
etusgoset
upthedinnert
abl
e.
Me:
iwi
l
lal
sohel
p.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
(Wear einthedinnertable.Ial
wayswondered
whyi ti
ssobi gnowi canseewhy ,sothati
tcan
accomodat eeveryone.Thereisabsol
ute
si
lence,soundcomi ngisonl yf
rom t
he
cl
utteri
ngknivesandf orks.)
Di
puo:Sowhenar et
heycomingtheli
tt
le
Miguel
s.AtleastKat
legohassecur
edherpl
ace
i
nthistabl
ewi t
hMor enaandMokoena.
(Irol
lmyeyes,nowi canseewhysheget
s
alongwi
thIngr
idi t
sliket
heyar
ecutfr
om the
samecloth.Bi
tteroldwomen.)
MrMokoena:Behaveyour
sel
fbefor
eif
orbi
d
youf
rom ev
ersit
ti
nginthi
stabl
e.
Di
puo:(gulpi
ngdownt hewine)i
mjustcuri
ous, i
am sur
ey oualsocur i
ous,t
heyhavebeen
marri
edforoveray earnowandst i
l
lnochildren.
Maybeshei si
nfert
ile,nowwouldn'
tthatbefun,
abar
renr
ainqueen.
(Idontevenhowhest oodupsosooni just
noticehi
m slaphiswifehardri
ghtacrossthe
face.Okayithinkiknowwhymay beTr evor
turnedoutthatway.Abi t
termom andan
abusivefat
her.Thereissomuchdr ama.)
MrMokoena:howmanytimesmustital
kto
youabouty
ourbehav
iour
?leav
ethi
stabl
ethis
i
nstant
.
(
Shest
andst
oherf
eetgr
abst
hewi
nebot
tl
e)
Di
puo:Dinnert
ablemanner
shadneverbeenmy
t
hing,
theyareforgoodgi
rl
sli
keJul
sandMags.
(Shesaysasshewal
ksout.Theroom f
all
s
sil
entonceagai
nasshewalksout.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Final
lysheishere,
thepersoni wanttosee,
whomademecomeal lthewayher e.Weareon
theThromer oom.Sheissitt
inginfrontont
he
fl
uffycarpet
.
Manxane:
Ndi
ye!
Mi
guel
:Nkuku(
Grandma)
.
Manxane:
Ifonlyyoul
ist
enedandbr
oughty
our
wi
fewheni asked,we
woul
dntbeev
enher
eri
ghtnow.
Mi
guel
:iknowma.Myapol
ogi
es.
Manxane: Theyhav eturnedtheirbacksagai nst
you.Weneedt omakethingsrightagain,the
threedaught erinl
awsoft hi
sfami l
yneedt obe
appeaset het hem.Thatsonlyafterthatshecan
hav eawel comer i
tual
intothefami l
yandt heir
protect
ion.
MrMokoena:
okay
,youwi
l
lpr
epar
eforal
lthat
s
needed?
Manxane:Ialreadydid.Thewhilethi
ngmi ght
takeamonthor2, nowstart
ingtoday,Lesedi,
Katl
egoandNandi phawi l
loccupymyhutev ery
mor ni
ngbeforeeveryonewakesupwewi l
lgo
tothemount ai
nsanddowhati sneeded.No
onei
sal
l
owedi
nthathutexceptme.
(I
sthisoldwomanbei ngr
ealri
ghtnow,a
monthor2.Wal ktomountai
ns.Lordhav
e
mercy!Ihavealif
eandahusband,whydirst
his
suddenlyfeel
sli
keit
sBotset
se.)
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t95(
coul
dntedi
t)
BROWNLEYRES
Ont hecouch, coveredwithafl
eece, Kathgoes
overhercases, aglassofmer l
otwi nebyt he
tabl
e.SheknowsEt hanwi l
lki
llherifhef ound
herdrinkingbutshecannothelpi t.Thev i
sitto
theDoct orhasshakenherupabi t.Sheis
l
iter
all
yshaki ngont heinsi
dewonder ingifher
cancerisback?wor ri
edaboutherchi l
dren,who
will
takecar eofthem?Shewonder sifEthan
will
remar ryi
fhercancerwasbackandnot hi
ng
couldbedoneabouti t?Shebli
nksbackt ears
assher eachesf orherphonewhi chisringing?
Kat
h:Myboy
!
Lethabo:Mom, it
hinki am i
nlove.Icantstop
thi
nkingabouther,sheisdoamazi ngwitha
cutetinymouthandamesmer azi
ngsmi l
e.I
cantseem tostopthinkingabouther.
Kath:(smil
i
ng)whoa!Sl
owdown,
takeabr
eat
h
andtellmewhoisthi
sgil
?
Lethabo:
Thatsthethingmom, idontev
en
knowhernameonl yhav eseenherf ewti
mes
oncampus.Ihav eseenherar oundbutim
afr
aidtoevenaskher, hername.
Kat
h:i
nev
erknewy
ouwer
eachi
cken!
Lethabo:iam notachi
ckenjustdontwantt
obe
rej
ected.Whatifshedoesnotfeelsamewayi
do?
Kat
h:i
guessy
ounev
erknowunt
ily
ouask.
Let
habo:
younothel
pingmom!
Kath:whendidyougetreadyf
orrel
ati
onshi
psi
thoughtyousai
dthegir
lsarej
ustwhatwasthe
wor
dÉl
l
aused.
..
Lethabo:(
int
err
upt
inghi
m)Snob!Gi
rl
sfrom
austral
i
awerebutherei
sadif
fer
entsi
tuat
ion.
Kath:Okay
,Mr,wel
ljustt
akesomecour
ageand
goforher,
youneverknowti
lly
oudoit
.Maybe
sheiswait
ingf
oryout omakeamove.
Lethabo:
Okayi
guess,
ther
eisnohar
minj
ust
tr
ying.
Kat
h:Tel
lmehowi
tgoes.
Let
habo:
Iwi
l
lmom.
kath:
Youdor
ememberwharmeansy
ourdad
tal
kedtoy
ouabout
.Usi
ngp.
..
.
Lethabo:No!Maial
readysai
diwull
nothave
thesextalkwi
thy
ou, dadi
sther
eforareason.
Kat
h:Whycal
lmet
hen?
Lethabo:
becausey
ouar
ealadyyoui
nbet
ter
posit
iontol
etmeknowhowgir
lswor
k.
Kat
h:i
am char
gingf
ormyser
vicesf
rom now
on,
eachadv
icewi
l
lcostmassage.
Let
habo:
Nopr
obl
em.Ihav
etogonow.
Kat
h:Il
ovey
ouLet
habol
apel
oyaka.
Let
habo:
Arey
ouf
ine?Yousoundi
abi
tdown?
Kat
h:Noi
am goodmyboy
.
Let
habo:
Arey
ousur
e??
Kat
h:Yesi
am,
dontwor
ryaboutat
hing.
Let
habo:
Okay
,yout
hebestmom,
int
hewor
ld.I
l
oveyou.
(shehangsupandsmi
l
est
oher
sel
fasshe
closesherey
es.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Ethanwalksintotheroom andnot i
ceshiswife
sl
eepingont hecouch,wit
hpaper sallover,
a
glassofwineont hetabl
e.hisheartfeel
ssad
ashet hi
nki
ngaboutt hei
rvisi
ttothedoct or
,he
wishestheycanhav etheresul
tssoon, i
fthe
cancerisbackthenitisquit
eapr oblem anda
roughr oadhewill
r athernothot hrough.
Wal kinguptothecouchhrcr ouchesdownand
kisseshercheek.herey esflairopenandt heir
gazesmeet ,foralongt i
menoonesay anot hi
ng
j
ustseeki ngandsear chingeachot her'
ssouls.
Tear sdropfr
om Kat h'seyesandEt hankisses
them away .
Et
han:
Hey
!Dontwor
rywewi
l
lhef
ine.
Kat
h:Iam scar
edBr
ownl
ey.
Ethan:Dontbe,wecandef
eatany
thi
ngev
ena
reoccuri
ngcancer
.
Kat
h:Wher
ear
ethechi
l
dren?
Et
han: i
tookthem t
omymom'
siwant
edi
tto
bejusttwoofus.
(
Hepi
cksherupandwal
kst
ohi
sst
udy
)
Ethan:wenev erspendtimetoget
hert
hisday
s
sofocusedonourchi ldr
en,weseem l
ikewe
haveforgott
enour sel
ves.Fr
om nowonwewi l
l
rel
iveourli
febeforeourchil
dren.
(Heopensthedoorandit
scandl
esareli
te
alongwit
hthefi
rei
nside,
abrownfl
eece,
champagneandglasses,
melt
edcholcol
ateand
strawber
ri
es.
)
Kat
h:(
emot
ional
)ohmygodEt
han!
Ethan:manyy ear
sago,wheny
ougavemeup
yourinnocencetome,wehadsomet
hingl
i
ke
thi
sthatnight.
Kat
h: (
put
ti
ngherhandsar
oundhi
sneck)You
st
il
lremember
?
Et
han:
Liket
hebackofmymi
ndsunshi
ne.
Kat
h:i
lov
eyou
Et
han:Idointendonshowi
ngy
ouhowmuchi
l
oveyoutonight.
(Hesaysashisli
psmeether sandguideher,
hishandsexpl
oreherbody.Blazi
ngfi
rewarms
uptheroom asthetwolov
ersf i
ndeachother
again.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iti
soffi
cial,iam av i
l
lagegirlr
ightnow,wellthe
onlydi
fferencewi l
lbethatiwillbein
confi
nement .IglanceatMiguel whoissitti
ng
onourbedl ookingatme.Hel ooksstressed,he
i
sobssesedwi thmeamdnowhehast ospend
amont hor2wi t
houtev enseeingme.Icant
evenbegint othinkwhatmi ghtbegoinginhi s
head.
Me:
Ihav
etogoi
nnow.Buti
needaf
avor
.
Mi
guel
:okaywhati
sitmyl
ove?
Me:
Wheny
ougetbackt
oGabor
one.
..
Miguel
:(i
nter
rupt
ingme)Whosai
diam goi
ng
back?
Me:(
puzzl
ed)It
houghtsi
nceiam her
eforsuch
al
ongti
mey ouwil
lgoback.
Miguel
:Youthoughtwr
ong,
whatcoul
di
possi
blewantinGabor
onewhenyouar
enot
ther
e.
Me:
Whataboutwor
k?
Miguel
:Phonecal
ls,
int
ernetandv
ideocall
sget
t
hejobdone.Dist
ancecannotbeabarr
ieri
n
t
histechnol
ogi
calworl
d.
Me:
WhataboutGot
ham?Oneofushast
obe
t
her
eforhi
m.
Miguel
:hi
suncl
eisthereGabr
iel
,hehasal
ready
st
eppeduptothetask.
Me:
Okaymyl
ove.
(
Pul
l
smei
nhi
sar
msandki
ssesme.
)
Miguel
:Nowgoandgetclean,
aft
ert
hatwewi
l
l
dealwi
thyourwi
ckedsi
ster
.
Me:
Howdi
d??
Miguel
:imakeitmybusi nessto.Af
terthe
welcomerit
ual
,iam goingtoknocky ouup,t
he
fi
rstni
ght,
moreespeciall
ysinceiwouldhave
gonethatl
ongwithoutmyf ood.
Me:
ist
hatat
hreat
??
Mi
guel
:Not
hat
sapr
omi
se,
justgodoy
our
mumbojumbowi
thManxanef
rom ther
eiwil
l
makey
ouwearfl
ayshoesaweek,
noheels.
Me:
Miguel
!
(If
eelhotri
ghtnow, hi
swor dsi
mpactmei na
weirdway.Hekissesmej ustasthi
ngsare
abouttogetheatedupthereisaknock.We
l
ookateachot herandbothsay)
Bot
h:Tal
kaboutbadt
imi
ng.
Me:
that
smycue.Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
Miguel
:byeby
emymot
set
se.Leav
ingmewi
th
aboner.
Me:
blameManxane.
(
Isayasismi
l
etohim andwal
kout,myescor
t
maidget
smybagandi f
oll
owherl
ead.
)
.
..
..
.
..
..
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t96
Ont heroaddriv i
ngbackt ot
heci t
y.Playi
ng
somehi phoptokeephi mselfbusy.Hehat es
thefactthathel efthi
sotherhalfbackbuthe
gotnochoi ce,hehassomei mportantthi
ngst o
deal wi
th.Reachi ngforhi
sphone, hedecidesto
givehisbestfriendacal l
.
Et
han:
Myman!
Mi
guel
:Ihav
eal
i
ttl
epetpr
oject
.
Ethan:
Im alwaysgameforsomepetpr
oject
,
doesthispetneedsometrai
ning?
Miguel
:(chuckl
es)Noi
tneedssome
r
eformation.
Ethan:i
am game,
shoul
dibr
ingt
he
equipment
?
Mi
guel
:Noact
ual
ly
,want
edt
otestt
hatmet
hod
wel
ear
ntl
astt
ime.
Ethan:Thi
sshouldbesomef
un,
Godknowsi
coulduseitr
ightnow.
Mi
guel
:(checki
nghi
swat
ch)Gi
vemeaboutan
hourbacki
wil
lcal
lyouwheni
am i
ntheci
ty.
Et
han:
okaynopr
obl
em.
(hehungsupandt
ight
enhi
sjaws.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
2hour
slat
er
Theypul
li
nfr
ontofNanasandl
ookateach
other
.
Et
han:Areyousur
eyouwantt
odot
his?Shei
s
arel
ati
ve.
Miguel:
Norel
ati
veofmine,andcl
earl
yno
rel
ati
veofmywife.Sodontaskmeifiwantt
o
dothis.
Et
han:
Shoul
digogetherory
ouwi
l
l?
Miguel
:Shewi
llcomewill
ingl
ywi
thme.Make
herthi
nkshei
swi nni
ng.
Et
han:
Alr
ight
.Gogetoutl
i
ttl
epet
.
(Mi
guel
getsofft
hecarandchecki
nghimself
out
,hewearshi
ssungl
assesandwalksinsi
de
ther
est
urant
,heputsonhi
scolgat
esmi
l
eand
spot
sherandwalksupt
oher.
)
Mi
guel
:Hey
!
Bel
l
a:Mi
guel
.
Mi
guel
:Wantt
ogetoutofher
e??
Bel
l
a:Huh?
Miguel
:Couldntstayawayanyl
ongerBel
l
a,i
neededtoseey ou.
Bel
l
a:Dontunder
stand.
Miguel
:(t
ouchi
nghercheekandwhi
sper
sin
herear
)dontbesuchapart
ypooper
.Youknow
ver
ywellwhatimean.
Bel
l
a:whataboutNana?
Miguel:Iam herefor
getaboutNana.Ihat
e
repeati
ngmy selfsoiwil
laskforthel
astt
ime,
doy ouwantt ogetoutofhere??
Bel
l
a:(
bit
ingherl
owerl
i
p)ofcour
se.
Mi
guel
:Goodchoi
ce.Letusgo.
(
Hetakesherhandandusher
sherinthe
wai
ti
ngcar,
theygeti
nthebackseatasEthan
t
hestar
ri
ngwheel.
)
Et
han:
beaut
if
ull
ady
.
Bel
l
a:hel
l
o!Sowher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Miguel
:Wehav
ebeeni
nvi
tedt
osomepar
ty,
ina
f
am.
Bel
la:
Alr
ight
,(movi
ngcl
osetohim)asfarasi
am cl
osetoyouandwi
thyou,
itsokay
.
(Ethanl
ooksatMi guelwholooksirr
it
ated,once
theygetontheroadt othewarehouse.He
mov escl
oseasi fheiskissi
ngherbutwr i
ngs
herneck,knocki
ngherout .
)
Et
han:
youar
einl
oveboy
.
Miguel:(
movingherheadtoonesidewithhi
s
f
inger)shei
si ndr
eamlanddontworrysoon
ver
yshewi l
lwakeupandsmel lt
hecoffee.
Et
han:
Youar
eacol
dbast
ard.
Mi
guel
:Lear
ntf
rom t
hebest
.
(
Theybot
hchuckl
eandkeepongoi
ngf
urt
her
.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iminthehutwi thmypar t
ners.Wear echatti
ng
aboutjustrandom things.I
tsbeenaweeksi nce
wehav ebeeni nthishousei missMi gueland
thefactthathelefttoGaboronet odayjust
makesmer entl
ess.
Kat
:Dowehav
etogoupt
ommor
owagai
n?
Me:Di
dyoumisst
hememo?wear
egoi
ngt
obe
doi
ngthi
sev
erymorni
ng.
Kat:
ifeell
ikethi
sissomebodysli
mmi ng
campainididnotsignf
or?Me:Todayaswe
weregoingupi f
elt
,myengi
nelose.
Lesedi
:Youwer
eev
enqui
te,
nosi
ngi
ng.
Me: Idontknowwher et
hatol
dladygett
he
energyfrom butshei
saanoldeneginet
hatst
il
l
runsevenwi t
hrust.
(
Myphoner
ingsandi
pickup)
Me:
Dear
estmom!
Day
na:
howi
stheci
ty?
Me:
iam st
il
li
nthev
il
lage.
Dayna:Youar
ekeenont
hatmumboj
umbo
st
aff.
Me:
Dontr
ubof
fyourdi
vanessonmemom.
Dayna:(
laughi
ng)Thatol
dwomanhasr
eal
l
y
foundherlat
estt
oys.
Me:
Ma!
Dayna:whenar
eyoufi
nishing?Whati
sthe
wholepoi
ntoft
hiswhol
et hing?
Me:
youwi
l
lnev
erunder
stand.
Dayna:
Theinv
itehascomef
ory
ourwel
come
i
ntofamil
ycer
emony .
Me:
ohokaywhenwi
l
lyoubear
ri
vi
ng?
Day
na:
Iti
sschedul
edf
orendofmont
h,but
seei
ngt
hatyouareinthev
il
lage,imustcome
dosomedeepcleansi
ngmy sel
f.
(
Irol
lmyey
es)
Me:
Deepcl
eansi
ng?Goi
ngt
omount
ainsal
so?
Day na:Nodar l
ing,evenifi
wasgi v
enadeat h
sentence, iwoul dneverdot hatsh!t.Thedeep
cl
eansi ngisf ory ou,
Ibetyourbodywi ll
need
somedet oxicationthosekindofpl acrsonly
breathbadmoj ifort
hebody .Iam ev enthinki
ng
ofbr i
ngingal ongOmarsohecanspeci fi
call
y
attendt oyou.
Me:(gi
ggl
i
ng)iam okayma,
iam i
nahouse,
notatt
hemountai
ns.
Day
na:Dontwor
rymybaby
,Igoty
ou.Wher
eis
myson?
Me:Heiswentt
otheci
tycomi
ngbackon
monday
.
Day
na:
Hopey
ouchasedt
hatl
i
ttl
ewi
tchaway
.
Me:
iwi
l
ldeal
wit
hherwheni
getback.
Day
na:
Alr
ightnopr
obl
em
(
Anot
heri
ncomi
ngcal
li
sget
ti
ngi
n.)
Me:
Ihav
eanot
heri
ncomi
ngcal
l
.
Day
na:
Alr
ightbaby
.
..
..
..
..
.
(
Picki
ngup)
Kev
in:
MrsMokoena
(
Thoughit
sanunknownnumberbuti
can
r
ecogni
sethev
oice.
)
Me:
Whatapl
easantsur
pri
se.
Kevi
n:Ar
entwegl
adi
theart
hati
tisapl
easant
sur
pri
se.
Me:
Sar
casm hasal
way
sfi
tt
edy
ousowel
l
.
Kev
in:
Imi
ssy
oudol
lface?
Me:
Youdoknowt
hati
am amar
ri
edwoman.
Kevi
n:Whosai
dmar
ri
edwomancantbe
missed?
Me:
doy
oual
way
shav
eanswer
stoev
ery
thi
ng?
Kevi
n:Notall
theti
mel i
kenow,i
fyouwereto
askmewhyi wentthroughsomuchtr
oublet
o
getyournumbersoicancall
youiwoul
dnteven
answeryou.
Me:Musi
ctomyearstoheary
ouwentt
hrough
somuchtr
oubl
etogetmynumber
.
Kev
in:
Arey
ouf
li
rt
ingwi
thmer
ightnow?
Me:
Iwoul
dntev
endr
eam ofi
t.
Kevi
n:Ihavetogobuti
justneededy
ohear
yourvoi
ce.Thanky
ou.
Me:
Not
hanky
ou.
Kev
in:
Thoughi di
dnotgety
oubuti
sti
l
lhope
wecanbefr
iends.
Me:
Thati
snopr
obl
em.By
efr
iend.
(i
hungup)
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t98
Finall
yitisher
e,thelongawai tedday .Iam
steppingoutofthishouse.I thasbeenal ong
j
our neybutsomehowi enjoy edit,wellexcept
thepar twereihadtowakeupev erymor ning
andgot othemountainsthatonei despisedit,
withall mybei
ng.Wehav eourper sonal maids
doingourmakeupandhai rst y
les.
Manxane:(
looki
ngatme)makesur eshel
ooks
l
ikeaqueensheistodayi
tisherday.
Kat:Icannotwai
ttoseemyhusband.
ireal
l
y
missedhim.
Lesedi
:Sameher
e.Thi
s2mont
hswast
he
l
ongest.
Me:
Iam j
ustgl
adt
hisi
sov
ernow.
(Manxanetakesmyhandandweallkeepqui
te
l
ookingather.Shesmi
lesandl
etgoofmy
hand)
Manxane:
Youmustnamehi
m orher
,Nkokhel
i
orNol
it
ha.
Me:
Who?
Manxane:
Thebabyt
haty
ouwi
l
lconcei
ve.
Lesedi
:Nkokhel
imeansl
eaderandNol
i
tha
meansbeam ofli
ght
.
Manxane:Ifi
tisaboyhewil
lbeourleaderj
ust
l
ikehi
sfatherandifi
tisagi
rli
tsourbeam of
l
ighti
nall
darkness.
(Whatiswiththispeopleandgi vi
ngmychi l
d
names?Dontt heyknowi havenamesofmy
ownthati wouldlovetocal lmychi l
dwi th?God
wantsthechildnamedBet hel oratleastthat
s
whatthatwomansai dandev eryt
hingshesai d
hascomet r
ueandnowt herei sManxaneand
theancestorswantingmet onamehi m/ her
NkokheliorNoli
tha.Whatdoi do?)
.
..
..
..
..
..
Istandbythedoorwait
ingtost
epoutsi
de,iam
theonlyoneremai
ninginsi
deandiam nerv
ous.
Apparentl
yiti
ssupposedtorai
nwheni st
ep
outsidethehutt opr ovethatindeedt he
ancest orshavewel comedmeast heirrain
queenandt hemot heroft henexthei rt othe
throne.Whati fi
tdoesnotr ain,whatshal l
ido
next ?Thisstorm hasbeent hewor sti haveev er
faced.Asi fitwasnotbadenought hati l
earnt
thati am notmyhusband' sfirstwifeandhehas
acomat osesonwhoi havet ostepupandt ake
careof .Justwheni thoughtthingswi llbeokay
anot herbombshel ldecidestodr op,myown
sisterisresponsi
blef ormybar ennessandnow
ihav etowai tf
orsomeappr oval f
rom ancest ors
i
nt oaf amilyiam alreadymar r i
edto.Bei ng
Nandi phaNanaMokoenasucksatt imes.
Someonet ouchesmyshoul derbr ingingme
back.
Manxane:
(smi
l
ing)i
tist
ime.
(Shesaysasshel
eadst
hewayoutgi
vi
ng
prai
ses.
)
Manxane:
Wehav
ebeenanat
ionwi
thouta
mot herforsolong.Ourf orefather
shavef i
nal
ly
decidedtoblessus.Mot herofnations,monesa
pulawar ona,mmapul a, kgosigadi
,the
rai
nmaker ,ourbeautif
ul rai
nqueen.Lett he
heav ensopenandl etitpouri nourdryl
ands.
Letuswel comeMashenge, Nandipha.
(Ist
epout side,andal lpeoplef al
ltot heirknees
bowingbef oreme, ast heybow, therain
deci
dest ojoint hem.I tfall
sdown, mykni ghtin
amourwal kst ome, hei sinanaf ri
canshi rtthat
matchesmydr ess.Hewal kstomehol dingan
umbr ell
a.Gosh!Imi ssedt hi
sguy ,seeinghi m
walkupt omel ikethisst i
rsupemot i
ons.He
smil
esandmyst omachr oll
sinknot s.Ial way s
sayhewi l
l bethedeat hofme.Doesheknow
whatt hissmi leofhi sdot ome?Hehol dst he
umbr ell
aov erusandpul lsmei nfrontofhi m as
hemer ci
lesslycl ai
msmymout h.Ihav eno
choicebutt oclungt ohi sbicepsf orsuppor t,he
i
sdoi ngt hisinpur poseheknowsmybody 's
weakness.Hegr absmyass.)
Me:
(gr
oani
ng)Mi
guel
,wear
ewi
thpeopl
e.
Miguel
:Iknow,y
ouaremi neiam nott
heone
whosaidtheymustnothavecurv
ywomanl i
ke
mine.
Me:
(smi
l
ing)i
missedy
oumunch.
Miguel:
Iwil
lnotsayimissedyou,becausei
i
ntendonprovingit
,wit
hnodistabancesjust
twoofus.Comel etusgeti
ntothetentour
guestsmustbewonderingwhatmadnessi s
thi
snow.
(
Hetakesmyhandandwewal
ktot
hepi
tched
t
ent
.)
Me:
Whatguest
s?
Mi
guel
:Youwi
l
lseef
ory
our
sel
f.
(wewal kint
ot hetentandfirstpeopleare
noti
ceareourf ri
ends,evenGabr i
el,
Xav i
erand
Kevi
nar ehere.Whatasupr i
se.Theyal ll
ookli
ke
someBev erl
yhi l
l
sbill
ionnai
res.Iwalktotheir
tabl
e.)
Me:
whatar
eyouguy
sdoi
ngher
e?
Lor
ato:
Youev
engl
owi
ngt
hehouset
reat
edy
ou
wel
l.
Kat
h:wewoul
dhavenev
ermi
ssedt
hisf
or
any
thi
ngi
nthewor
ld.
Mpho:
youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmyf
ri
end.
Ethan:
Atl
eastwedonothav
etol
i
stent
o
someonewhineany
more.
Xavier:
Rainqueen?Youshoul
dhavewar
nedus
thatyouwillbemaki
ngrai
ndropsowebri
ng
umbr el
las.
(
Ever
yonel
aughs)
Me:Welcomebackyourhi
ghness.Ididnot
ev
enknowt hati
wil
lbegracedwithyour
pr
esence.
Gab:
(huggi
ng)heyki
ddo.
Me:
Imi
ssedy
ouGhost
.
Gab:
Weshal
lhav
eourbr
othersi
sterr
euni
on
wi
thoutanycompany
.
Me:
Soundsl
i
keapl
an.
Dayna:Mostchi
ldr
engotothei
rmothersf
ir
st
butmyownchi l
dshewouldrat
hergotoher
fr
iendsfi
rst
.
(It
urnar
oundandf
acesmymom asIr
oll
my
eyes)
Me:
Youar
eal
l
owedt
ojustsayi
missedy
ou.
Dayna:howdoi sayimi
ssedyouwhenyouj
ust
rui
nedmyout i
fi
tandhai
rsty
leit
ookwhol
e
morningfi
xi
ng,withy
ourrai
n.
Me:
Evenwi
thr
uinedhai
r,y
oust
il
lst
aywi
nni
ng.
Dayna:
ThatshowWethuwomenar
e,ev
eni
n
st
ormstheystaywi
nni
ng.
(Ihugher
.Imi
ssedheral
ot.Act
ual
l
yimi
ssed
every
one)
.
..
..
..
..
.
Wej
ustf
ini
shedsay
inggoodby
etoourl
ast
guestsandnowi nourhuthav inghusbandand
wif
emoment .Clot hesaref l
yi
ngal lover
,
butt
onsar escat teringont hefloor.The
i
ntoxicati
ngl ovemaki ngiswhati am
anti
ci
pat i
ng.Hehasmepi nnedmeagai nstt
he
wall
.Hi sphonehasbeenr ingingforsomet i
me
nowbuti cannoti gnoreitany more.
Me:
Whoeveriscall
i
ngisper
sistantgoont
ake
t
hecal
l
.Iam notgoi
nganywhere.
Miguel
:Dontevenmoveainch(Her
eachesf
or
hi
sphoneandlooksatthescr
een)i
tis
Gotham'
sdoctor.
Me:
Whatar
eyoust
il
lwai
ti
ngf
or,
takei
t?
(
Henodshi
sheadandt
akest
hecal
l
)
Mi
guel
:Doct
ori
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
.
(Iwatchhim ashetal
kstothedoct
or,hi
sfacial
expressi
onchangesasthephonesli
psfrom his
handandf al
lstot
heground.Ir
ushtohim)
Me:
Miguel
whati
swr
ong?
?IsGot
ham okay
??
(
Heav
enl
yfat
herl
eti
tnotbewhati
thi
nki
tis.
)
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t97
Openinghereyes,thei
rgazesmeet ,herhead
hurtandsheisinasi l
knightdress,shetr
iesby
al
lmeanst orememberwhathashappenedbut
hermemor i
eskeepf adingaway .Sheisti
edtoa
chairandherfeetareonwat er
.
Miguel
:Wewel
comey
oubackt
othel
andoft
he
l
iv
ing?
Bel
l
a:Wher
eam i
?Whyam It
iedt
othechai
r?
Miguel
:Iwoul
dntbesoworr
iedaboutwher
ei
am rat
herwhati
saboutt
ohappentome.
Bel
la:
Whatdoy
oumean?Whati
sgoi
ngon
her
e?
Miguel:Iam notaganster
,thegansterismy
fr
iendEthanbutwhensomeonet ouchesand
hurtswhatismi ne,
theywakeupt hesleepi
ng
beastinme.
Bel
l
a:Iam st
il
ll
ost
.
Miguel:Youal waysbeenthedumpone.Your
secreti
soutma' am weknowthatyouhave
beenpr acti
cingsorceryi
nourhousepumping
poisonousst affi
nNana'sbodythatpr
event
s
herfrom fal
li
ngpr egnant
.
Bel
l
a:t
hati
snott
rue.
Mi
guel
:It
houghty
ouwoul
dsayso.
(Heswitchesonandel
ectr
iccurr
entrunsin,
shocki
ngherbody,f
ryi
ngher.Miguelwatches
hercol
dly.Et
hanwal
ksinandstops.)
Et
han:Hewi
l
ldothi
sallni
ghti
fyoukeepon
l
yi
ng,y
ouror
ganswil
lev
entual
l
yfail
.
Bell
a:(
cry
ing)Iwasjustdoi
ngwhatmymom
askedmet o,
iam sorr
y.
Miguel:Doyouknowthaty
ouwastedmy
pr
oteins,mysemenformonthsonnot
hing.
(Heswit
chesi
tonagai
nandshescreamsi
n
agony
.Heswit
chesoffandl
ooksather
)
Miguel
:Thatwasformywastedpr
otei
nsnow
t
henextoneisforal
lthedi
str
essNanawent
t
hroughbecauseofyou.
(Heswi tchesonashegr absabot tleof
heinekenanddr inksitl
ookingather .Therei
s
noener gyleftinhert oscream, shejuststay
s
thereli
felesscry i
ng.Tearsstreami ngdown
beggingf ortheirmer cy
,butherwor dsare
hit
tingdeafear s.Afterawhi l
eEt hanstopsand
untiesher,hepi cksherupashewal kstothe
casket,heput sheri nsi
de.)
Bel
la:
Pleasepl
easei
begy
oudontbur
yme
al
iv
e.
Ethan:(smil
l
ing)inevert
houghtyouar
ethe
ty
pet hatbegs.Iguessihav
elivedl
ongenough
now.
Bel
l
a:(
cry
ing)i
am r
eal
l
ysor
ry.
Ethan:okayyouhave2choices,i
tseit
herwe
buryyoualiv
eorthatbat
htubthere,y
ouwi l
lget
i
nt her
eandwewi llf
il
li
nwi t
hiceblocksfor3
hour
syouwi
l
lbei
nit
.
Bel
l
a:Pl
easedontdot
his.
Et
han:Choosefast
,thei
ceort
hecasket
.Ti
me
i
sticki
ngyounggir
l.
Miguel:
Orishoul
djustmaket
hechoi
cef
ory
ou
andjustbur
yyou.
Bel
l
a:Thei
ce,
iwi
l
lgowi
tht
hei
ce.
Ethan:(chuckl
es)Iwashopi
ngy ouwil
lsayt
hat
.
Iwill
got hehonorsnowbutfi
rstihav
e
conditi
ons.
Bel
l
a:Iwi
l
ldowhat
every
ouwantj
ustdontki
l
l
me.
Ethan:fi
rstcondit
ionofl ett
ingy ouli
v e;wewi l
l
neverhearfrom youagai norhearf r
om y ou.
Youwi l
ldisappearfrom ourl i
ves.Second
condit
ion;you&y ourmot herwillcutal l
t i
es
withDipuo,nomor ej oinedf orcesofwi tchcraf
t.
Lastconditi
ony ourbr otherhast onev erknow
whathappenedher eifhedoesi willcomef or
youthi
st i
mear
oundi
wil
lnotl
eav
eyou
breat
hing.
Bel
l
a:Iwi
l
lhonoral
lthecondi
ti
ons.
Et
han:
iknewt
her
eisagoodgi
rli
nyou.
(Theyputheri nathebat ht
hubandfi
lli
tupwit
h
i
cecubes.Si t
ti
ngont hei
rcampingchai
rs,
drinkingsomebeert heywatchherasshe
trembl es,
teethcl
utt
eringfr
om t
hecoldsheis
get t
ing.)
Mi
guel
:Thepethasbeent
amed.
Ethan:Thepr
ojecthasbeenasucess.Nomor
e
tr
aini
ngneeded.
Mi
guel
:weshoul
ddr
inkt
othat
.
Et
han:
Def
inat
ely
.
(
Theyr
aiset
hei
rgl
assesupanddownt
hem.
.)
.
..
..
..
..
.
TheBr
ownl
eyRes
Kat
hjustf
ini
shedt
aki
ngabat
handpr
epar
est
o
l
ockupsoshecansleep.Whenshehear
sthei
r
noisei
nthel
ivi
ngr
oom.Walkingtot
heli
vi
ng
room.Shefi
ndsMi
guelandEthanwast
ed.
Kat
h:Et
han.
Et
han:
Myl
ove,
(st
utt
eri
ng)t
hesunshi
neofmy
l
if
e.
Kath:
(walkingupt
ohi
m,tosuppor
thi
m ashe
canbarel
yst andi
nhi
sown.
)Whathaveyou
beendri
nking?
Miguel
:thi
ssucksyouarewit
hyourgi
rlandmy
gi
rli
slockedupinahouse.
Ethan:
(laughi
ng)shoul
dwegot
her
eandget
her.
Mi
guel
:soundsl
i
keapl
an.
Kath:(
locki
ngthehouse)Noonei
sleavi
ng,i
dontevenknowhowy ougother
e,t
hisdrunk.
Whowasdr i
vi
ng??
Ethan:
(beat
inghi
schest
)iam apr
oatdr
ivi
ng.I
candoitwit
honeeyeopening.
(Sheshakeaherheadasshepassest othe
bedroom whereshegr abssheet
spil
li
wsand
duvetsfrom t
heclosetandwalksbacktot
he
l
ivi
ngr oom.)
Kat
h:Yousor
tyour
sel
vesoutr
ightboy
s?
Miguel
:Dontwor
ryi
goti
cov
ered.Youcant
ake
hi
mt obed.
Kath:Dontwor
ryy
ourf
ri
endwi
l
lbej
oini
ngy
ou
today
.
Et
han:
youdontmeant
hat
?
Kath:orimeanitver
ywel
l.(
Brushi
ngherl
i
ps
overshis)Goodni
ghtmyl
ove.
(
Shet
urnsandwakesout
)
Ethan:
(cal
l
ing)Babycomeon,
sunshi
nedontdo
thi
stome.
(Kat
hgoesi
ntoherbedr
oom andl
ocksi
n
behi
nd)
.
..
..
..
..
TheMokoenaRes
Ijustfi
nishedtalki
ngtoKathaf t
ershesentme
pictur
eofourhusbandswast ed.Ineverseen
Ethansodr unkorMi guelf
orthatmat t
er.Iam
theonewhoi salwayswastednothi m.Ismile
tomy selfasilookatthepict
ureatleastheis
doingwel l
.Myphoner ingsasi am aboutto
sleep.
Me:
MrMokoena.
Mi
guel
:MmaNdi
ye.
Me:
Rra!
Miguel
:Gatwebotsetsej
wagagobohelal
eng?
(
Wheni syourconfi
nemebtper
iodendi
ng?
)
Me:
ireal
l
ydontknow.Youmi
ssme?
Miguel
:youhav
enoi
dea.Iwantt
otapt
hatass
ofmine.
Me:
iam sur
eyoudo.
Mi
guel
:ihav
edeal
twi
thoursi
tuat
iony
ouj
ust
hav
etocomeoutnowsoi
canknocky
ouup.
Me:
okayhowi
sourboydoi
ng.
(I
tgoessilentforsometimet henfol
lowedby
somesnor ing.Ismil
etomy selfasihangup.
Huggingthepi l
lowtomy sel
ficlosemyeyes.I
misshim.Howam i toendurethiswhenimisd
himthismuch.I tgasnotevenbeenamont h
yet
.)
.
..
..
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t99
Deathwher ei
sy oursti
ng?Donty ouhav eany
shame?Whymusty ourobusofourl i
ves, even
l
itt
lei
nnocentchi l
drenwhohav enotev en
expri
encedlif
ey oudonothesitat
et otake?
Peoplemighttrembl ewhenyournamei s
mentionedDeathbuti wil
lneverstoopt othat
l
eveljustl
ikethesongby" Hil
l
song, What
beauti
fulanamei tis"Deat
hcouldnothol dy ou,
Youar edef eated, yesy oumi ghtt hinky ouhav e
wonbecausey out ookoursonbuty oucannot
holdus.Wewi l
l r
iseagai nandst umbl eov eryou.
Wear eatt hecement rypay ingourf inal
respect stoGot ham Mokoena, hehasf oughtf or
hisli
fef orsev enf ully earsitissadt hathenow
haspassedonduet oj ustamer ei nfect i
ont hat
couldhav ebeenpr ev entedi fsomeonedi dtheir
j
ob.Appar ent l
yweshoul dbesadwhen
someoneget sbor nint othiswor l
df ort heyar e
comi ngt othesor rowsoft hewor l
dbutr ejoice
whent heydi ebuthowdower ejoicewheni t
hurtsthisbad!Ihav enev erseenMi guel sohur t,
heisal way st heonecheer ingmeupwheni m
downandnowhei ssadandi donotev enknow
howt obet her eforhi m.ast gecasketgoes
downhe, wal ksawayi watchf rom adi stance
notknowi ngwhati shoul ddo.Howdoi even
begint ocomf orthi m?Hehasbeenhol dingon
for7y earsnow, iguesshenev ert houghthe
mightsaygoodby esoonbutr atherweal l
anti
cipatingtosayhel lo,welcomet ot heworld
notagoodby e.assoonast heyf i
nishallthe
procedur es,weheadt othecarsandheav yrai
n
begintof all
.i waitourcarforMiguel buthe
doesnotshowup.Af t
erwai t
ingfor15mi nut
esi
grabanumbr ell
aandmycoatasi got olookfor
him.ifindhi m onhi skneesont heheav yran,
beforehi sson'stombst one.iwalkt ohim and
kneelalsoandhughi m.Rightnowi tdoesnot
mat t
erifi catchcoldornotwhatmat ter
si st
his
bighurtingbear ,whichneedsme.
Me:
Dontdot
hist
oyour
sel
f.
Miguel
:Gobackt
othecar
.iwi
l
lber
ightbehi
nd
you.
Me:
No!i
am notl
eav
ingy
oubehi
nd.Yourpai
n
i
smypai
n.
Mi
guel
:Nandi
pha!
Me: No!Miguel
!Letusgohome.Youneedtolet
go,heisinabetterpl
acer
ightnow,
re-
uni
ted
wit
ht hi
smom.
Mi
guel
:l
etusgo.
(Hest
andsupandgivi
ngmehi shandtohel
p
meup.Heisshut
ti
ngmeout .Ihatei
twhenhe
doest
his,
whycannotheundestandt
hatiam i
n
thi
swit
hhim.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Ther ainissti
llpouringdownaswegethome.I
packnextt oourhut .Mi gueli
soutthemi nute
thecarpacks.Isi ght omy sel
f,ial
wayssayal l
theot herMiguel'
si candeal wit
hbutthisone,
andt heangryonej ustsendmeov ertheedge.
Asi getofthecar .Inot i
ceCharlot
tef
irstasshe
approachesme.West andbythehousev eranda
bothofussi lentforsomet ime.
Charl
ott
e:Youhav
eki
l
ledhi
m,y
oudoknowt
hat
ri
ghtNana?
Me:
Ibegy
ourpar
don.
Char
lot
te:
Ifi
twasnotforyouri
deatomov
e
hi
m her
e,hewil
lbeal
i
ver i
ghtnow?
Me:
Whatmakesy
oucer
tai
nhewoul
dbeal
i
ve?
Char l
otte:Becausehehadt hebestdoct
orsin
Chicago.Itmusthav ebeenwhaty ouwantedall
along,tokillhi
sbastardchi
ldwhoposeda
threattotheexistenceofyourchi
ld.Youarea
mur derer.
Kat
h:Suchstr
ongal
legst
ionswi
thoutany
evi
dencecanl
andyouinjai
l.
(
Wet
urnandnot
iceKat
hbehi
ndus.
)
Charl
ott
e:Thi
snoneofy
ourbusi
nesssost
ay
outofit
.
Kat
h:youclearl
ydonotknowwhoiam.
Anyt
hingthathast
odowi t
hheri
sver
ymuch
mybusiness.
Me:
Kat
her
ine?
Char
lot
te:
Ineedt
ogo
(
Shet
urnsandwal
ksaway.Kat
her
inest
udi
es
mesi
l
entl
yforamoment.
)
Kat
h:Youdoknowsheonl
ysai
dthatj
ustt
o
hur
tyourf
eel
i
ngs.
Me:
butshei
sri
ght,
iki
ll
edGotham kat
h.Iam
t
heonewhoi
nsi
stedonbri
ngi
nghim home.
Kat
h:becausey
ouhadhi
sbesti
nter
estathear
t.
Me:Nobecausei want
edtopuni
shher,she
sai
dmeant hi
ngstomesoi usedthepoorboy
asbai
tinourl
itt
legame.
Kath:
Thoughthatwastheintenti
onatfi
rstbut
youendedupcari
ngNandipha.Becausethatis
exact
lywhoyouare.Youhaveahear tofgol
d,a
for
giv
ingcar
ingandmostlylovinghear
t.
Me:t
henwhydoifeelsogui
l
ty?Whydoi
feel
l
ikei
am r
esponsi
blef
irhi
sdeath?
Kath:Dontdothi
stoy oursel
fnoneofiti
syour
faul
t.I
fyouaregoingtobl ameyousel
fwhowill
bethereforMi
guel becauseheishurt
ingmore.
Me:
hedoesnotneedme.Hei
sshut
ti
ngmeout
Mi
guel
:Thati
sbecausehei
shur
ti
nganddoes
notwantt
oshowit,bet
her
eforhi
m bestway
youthi
nkyoucanbe.
Me:
Thanky
ouKat
alena.
Kath:Youalwaysbeent her
eformeiti
sti
mei
ret
urnedthefavor.Yourmotheri
nlawi
s
actual
lyl
ookingforyou.
Me:
Wher
eisshe?
Kat
h:Thet
hroner
oom.
Me:
okayl
etmegohearwhatshehast
osay
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Ifi
nallymanaget ogetawayandt otoourhut ,
theshoweri sr
unning.Iguessi canuseabi tof
warm wat eral
so.Isayasi str
ipoffmycl othes
andwal ktotheshower.Hei sstandunder neat h
thewat er
.Igetinandhughi mf rom behind.He
tensesup.Thisbigbearisst i
l
lhurti
ng.Tur ning
tofaceme, hekissesmycheekandget sof f
.I
dontknowhowmuchi havet otakethis,butmy
patiencei
swear i
ngout.Iwr apupandst epinto
theroom,si
tti
ngonthebedst
arr
inginanempty
placeheonl
ynoti
cesmewheni sitnextt
ohi
m.
Imakehimf aceme.
Me: iknowy ouar ehur t
ing,
andi cannotev en
i
magi netost artthi
nkingwhaty ouaregoi ng
throughbutpl easedonotshutmeout .Iwant
tobet herefory ou.Tofeelyourpainalso,y ou
donothav etocar r
ythebur denalone.Letme
carrysomeofi twithyou.Letmehel py ouheal.
Forbet t
erandf orwor se.Al
lowmet obey our
l
ifepartner.
(
isayasigetonhisl
apandki
sshi
m.Heki
sses
mebackbeforehest
ops.
)
Miguel:
Icannotdothi
sNandi
pha.Iam
unstabl
e,i
willhur
tyou.
Me:Dontyouthi
nki knowthi
sbynow, t
hisi
s
whatisi
gnedupfor.Thisi
swhati want.Solet
mehelpyouthebestwayi knowi can.Goon
dontbeafr
aidofhurti
ngmel eti
tallout
.
(
Hegr
absmyhai
randpushesmeagai
nstwal
l
makingsureifacethewall.nofor
eplay,hei
s
i
nside,i
am readyforhim,standi
ngononel egi
sel
lmysoul t
ohi m ov
erandov eragain.Some
sayit
stoxi
clovebutthisi
smydai r
lydose,my
medici
ne.Iam addict
edthisguy.)
.
..
..
..
..
Wakingupi nt hemor ni
ng, ther ainisgone, the
arousingsmel lofsoilmakesmewantt ogoout
anddigt hegroundsoi caneatupt hesoil.My
bodyist i
redandi npainbuti tisallworth,idont
knowhowmanyogasmsi hady esterdayilost
count.After2mont hswi thoutbei ngi nti
mat e,
it
i
sl i
kewewer ecatchinguponal lthet i
mewe
havelost.Iturnsmili
ngsoi canf acehim buti
am disappointedtofindhi ssi decoldl i
kehe
neversleptthere.Thereisanot eadressedt o
meonhi spil
lowi seatupandr eadt helett
er.
'
Iam sor
ryi
couldnotstaytot
elly
outhi
sbuti
needsometimetomy sel
ftodealwi
thwhathas
happened.
'
Iheardyout alki
ngt oKat her
inel
astni ght.She
i
sr i
ghtthisisnoty ourfaultanditisnotf airthat
partofmeal sofeel
sl i
key ouareresponsi ble
forhisdeath.Idontwantt oli
vetohat ey ouf or
somet hi
ngt hatisnoty ourfaul
twhi chiswhyi
needt ogetawayf r
om y ouNandiphasoi can
comet otermswi t
hwhathappenedwi thout
havingtoblamey ou.Iloveandi cannotl i
v e
withoutyouj ustasi cannotli
vehatingy ou.
'
hopey ouwil
lgetwher eiam comingfr
om.
LosingGotham ishard.Andineedtimefor
my sel
fiknowi am beingsel
fishbutt
hisonce
al
lowmet obe.

Lov
e
Ndi
ye.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Ithoughtthestormisov erclearl
yiwasjust
l
y i
ngt omy sel
f,i
twasj ustgetti
ngstar
tedbuti
t
nol ongetfeel
sli
keast ormi tsuref
eelsl
ikea
tornado.Igavethelasttaskallmyst r
engthf
or
thi
sonei havenostrengthleft.
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t100
4Mont
hsLat
er
Istepoutofmygy naecol ogi
stroom andwalk
towardsGabr iel'
sof f
ice.4mont hspregnant,
my
husbanddi dknockmeupt henightofhi
s
disapperance.Icantl i
eandsayi donotwishhe
washer etohel pmet hroughwi t
hthis
pregnancy, wecoul dbecomi ngtothi
sultr
a
scant ogether.Ireachf ormyphoneandl eave
him anothev oicemail message.
Me:Hi!I
tisme,meandt hebabywearedoing
j
ustf
ine,wejustgotbackf
rom t
hedoctor
.
Every
thingiswell,
wellev
eryt
hingexceptthe
factt
hatwemi ssyou.Pl
easecomebacksoon,
idontthinkicandoitanymorewit
houty ou.
(Ihangupandwi pemyt earsaway.Imi sshi m,i
misshi m sov erybad.Ithasbeenforf ull
mont hswi t
houtseei nghim.Nobodyhasan
i
deaofwher ehemi ghtevenbe.Ift
hi sismy
punishment ,itistoomuchofapuni shment .I
knockonceandent ertheoffi
ce.Hest andsup
asheseesandcomest ohugme, idontev en
knowhowmanyt imesi cr
iedonhischestl ike
thi
s, heandt hisbabyhav ebeenmypi l
larof
strengthl
ately .Il
etital
lout.
Gab:
(wi
pingmyt
ear
saway
)Isi
tty
ebaby
?
Me:
Not
hebabyi
sokay
,imi
sshi
m Ghost
.
Gab:It
houghtwemadeapr omi
set
hatnomor
e
cr
yingf
orthatscam bag.
Me:
Iknowbuti
tishar
d.
Gab:
Whoi
smor
eimpor
tantt
haebabyy
ouar
e
car
ryi
ngory
ourest
rangedhusband.
Me:
Mybaby
.
Gab: Gr
eatnowbeagoodgi r
landwipethose
tearsaway.Itol
dyouchil
drenabsor
btheir
mot her
scurrentmoods.I
fyouaresadthebaby
alsowil
ltur
nt obesad.
Me:
Okaynomor
esadness.
Gab:Goodi
hav
eanhourbefor
emynext
pat
ient
,doy
ouwantmetotakeyouonar
ide.
Xav
ier
:Iwi
l
ltakeher
.
(It
urnandnoti
cehi
mly
ingont
hehospi
tal
bed
bythewindow.
)
Gab:
Ithoughty
ouwer
esl
eepi
ng.
Xavier
:Wi
thall
t henoi
sei
nthi
sroom,
youcant
expectmetosleep.
Gab:
Arey
ousur
eyouwantt
ogowi
thher
?
Xav
ier
:Looksli
kewebot
hneedsomecheer i
ng
soi
m sureafewhour
switht
hepregnantl
ady
cantbet
hatbad.
Gab:
Okay
.Shei
sal
lyour
s.
Xavi
er:
(hest
andsupandt
akesmyhandbag
andmyhand)youhear
dwhathesai
dyoumine.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iam star
ingathim, wearesit
ti
ngoncampi ng
chai
rsinlionspark.Thi
skingisjustamyst
ery,
thi
stimear oundhehasnoguar dswithhi
m.
Xavi
er:
(ey
esf
ocusedont
her
oad)I
tisr
udet
o
st
are.
Me:Iam notst
arr
ing.Iam j
ustaski
ngmy
sel
f
quest
ions.
Xav
ier
:st
opaski
ngy
our
sel
f,y
oucanaskme?
Me:Younev ergi
veanswer
stoanyofmy
quest
ions.
Xav
ier
:Consi
dert
odayy
ourl
uckyday
.
Me:
Whyy
oual
way
sni
cet
ome?
Xav
ier
:(smi
l
ing)i
knewy
ouwer
egoi
ngt
oask
met hat
.Youremindmeofsomeone,whohas
passedonplussomehowiam att
ract
edt
o
vul
nerabl
ewomanwoment hisdays.
Me:
Att
ract
ed?
?
Xavi
er:Notim awayyouarethi
nki
ng,
ijusthat
e
toseeawomansuf fermakesmewantt obe
ther
eforthem.
Me:Isi
tbecauseofwhaty
ourl
atewi
fewent
t
hrough?
Xavi
er:
Yahi couldntbethereforherbutthat
doesnotmeani cantbether
ef oral
ltheother
s.
Todaymakesi tsevenyearssinceshepassed
onbutitst
il
lfeelsli
keyester
day .
Me: Itishardt
oletgobutsomet i
meswehav e
to.Youar ehol
dingontoadeadper sonwhowi l
l
nevercomeback.Iknowsomehowy oufeeli
tis
yourf aul
tbuti
tisnot.Youneedtost opblaming
yourselfanddosomej usti
cetoyourself
,date
again.Smi l
emore,youhav eabeauti
fulsmil
e
thaty oushoul
dshowmor e.Whenwast helast
t
imeyouwer
ewi
thawoman,
hadawoman'
s
t
ouch?
Xav
ier
:7y
ear
sago
Me:No!Noweneedtodosomet
hingaboutt
hat
.
Youhavet
otr
ydati
ng.
Xavi
er:Ihaveanat
ionandchi
l
dren.Ibar
ely
hav
et i
met odat
e.
Me: Nowear enotgoingt
ocomeupwi th
excusenow.Iam notsayi
ngmarry,
iam saying
date,getl
aid.It
hinki
havesol
uti
on,ij
ustneed
myi pad.
(
Isayasi di
gthroughmyhandbaglooki
ngfor
myipad.Ifi
nditandismi
l
eathim wav i
ngi
tin
t
heair.Andmov emychai
rcloset
ohi s.
)
Me:Nowwearegoi
ngt
osi
gny
ouupona
dat
ingsi
te.
Xavi
er:
( ast
onished)Adati
ngsit
e?Me:Weneed
togetyouat swanagir
ltospi
ceupyourl
i
fe.
Let
sseewhi choneshouldwegowi t
h.
Xav
ier
:youar
ever
ykeenont
his.
Me:
youwi
l
lthankmel
ater
.
(
Hel
ooksatmeandl
aughs.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Justfi
nishedt aki
ngabat h,ithasbeensucha
l
ov el
ydaywi thXav i
erbehindt hatcold
personali
tyl
iesagenui nemanwi t
hawar m
heartj
ustneedsagoodwomant oironitout
.I
reachformyphoneandt ex thim.
"Dontfor
getthedatetommorowandt ell
me
howitwent."Ihi
tsendandsitback.Herepl
ies
i
nstantl
y,"y
eskiddo!Iwil
lgotothebloody
date.
"
Icanseewhyhei sf ri
endswi thGabr
iel.It
sli
kei
am tal
kingtotheot herv ersi
onofmybr ot
her
.I
si
tont hecouchwat chingsomet el
evision
eati
ngsomepi zza.Bondi ngti
mewi t
hmychi ld.
Theintercom buzzes.
Me:
Whoi
sit
?
Kev
in:
Openupl
azybones.
(istandupandwalkoutsi
de,openi
ngt
hemain
gate,hi
scarrol
lsi
n.Hestepsoutwear
ingan
overral
landwit
hbucket
sofpaint.
)
Me:
Andt
hen?
Kevi
n:iam of
fer
ingmyser
vices.Iwi
l
ldot
he
nur
sery
.
(
Ilookathi
m andl
augh)
Me:Daynaal
readybeaty
outoi
twhenshewas
doi
ngtheint
eri
ordesi
gnoft
hewhol
ehouse.
Kev
in:
ohman!Di
dshe?
Me:Yesbutwecanputthepaintt
osomegood
wor
k.Therei
ssomethi
ngi hav
ebeenmeaning
t
ogetmyhandson.
Kev
in:
whati
sit
?
Me:
iti
sasur
pri
sej
ustst
ayr
ightt
her
e.
(Ir
ushintothehouseandchangeint
o
somethingcomfort
abl
ethengetinMiguel
'
s
preci
ouscaranddriv
eoutoft
hegarage.Iwil
l
sureenj
oydoingthi
s.Kev
inl
ookspuzzledasi
dri
vethecarout.)
Kevin:
No!Iam notgoi
ngt obepartofi
t.The
carisoneofmyfavour
itesicannotdosuchan
i
njusti
cetoi
t.
Me:Bemyguestt
hen.Gof
etchussome
dr
inks.
Kev
in:
Youar
ewi
cked.
Me:
Tel
lmesomet
hingi
dontknow.
(helaughsashegoesintothehouse.Itakethe
paintandsplashi
toverMiguel
'si
8.Theni get
thespadeandsmasht heglassesandthetires.
Iam getti
ngemotional
,cry
ingasidoit.Kevi
n
comesbehi ndmeandgr absme.)
Kev
in:
Youar
eonl
yhur
ti
ngy
our
sel
fmor
e.
(t
urni
ngbackhehugsmeasi weepl
ikeababy
i
nhisar ms.Af
tersomequit
emomentwesi t
down,leani
ngagainstt
hedamagedcarand
l
aughout
.)
Kevi
n:Remi
ndmet onevergetont
hewr
ong
si
deofapregnantwoman.
Me:I
tisnotf
unnyatal
l
.thi
shor
monesar
e
messi
ngmeup.
Kevi
n:(
brushi
ngbackmyhai
r)t
heyarenot
pl
ayi
ngfair
.Youarer
eal
l
ybeauti
ful
Nandipha.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
(Ther
eisanawrf
ulsi
lentaswestar
eateach
other
.Thenhemovesandhisl
ipsareov
ermine.
)
Kev
in:
Iam sor
ryi
shoul
dnthav
edonet
hat
.
Me:
Thi
sissowr
ong.
(isayasiki
sshi
m back.Hei
sagoodki
sser
j
ustli
keit
hought
.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Br
ownl
eyRes
Kat
hisbusypacki
ngherov
erni
ghtbag,
Ethani
s
l
ooki
ngatherst
andi
ngatt
hedoor
.
Et
han:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Kath:wearepl
anninginvist
ingNanaf
orasl
eep
over.Shei
sall
aloneinthathouse.
Et
han:
Ohokay
!Hav
efun.
Kat
h:Thanky
ou.
Ethan:
Guessi
tjustme,
myl
i
ttl
egi
rlandboy
toni
ght.
Kat
h:Yah,
ihav
epr
epar
edev
ery
thi
ng.
Et
han:
Thanky
ousunshi
ne.
(
Het
urnst
owal
kout
)
Kat
h:Kr
yiako?
Et
han:
Yesmyl
ove.
Kath:Ar
eyoucer
tai
nyoudontknowwher
e
Migueli
s?
Et
han:Iam cer
tai
n.Ireal
lydontknowbuti
hir
ed
aP.Ii
am cl
oset ofi
ndinghim.
Kat
h:Okayt
hanky
ou.
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t101
Hisv oiceri
ngsi nmyhead, heismadatme.I
cannotdot hi
s, y
ouar eamar ri
edwomanf or
heav en'ssakeNandi pha.Ipullawayandst ar
e
atKev in,heisstil
latempt ati
oni mustav oidby
allcost.Ther i
ngi nmyf i
ngermeansal ottome,
themanwhoi dontknowwher eonear thheis
sti
llownev er
ypartofthisheart.I
fitevent ake
yearsf orhimtocomebacki willwaitforhim.I
standt omyf eetandKev i
nalsost ands.
Kev
in:
ithi
nki
shoul
dleav
e.
Me:
Alr
ightdr
ivehomesaf
ely
.
Kevin:
Yout
akecar
e,iam l
eav
ingt
hecount
ry
thi
supcomi
ngweek.
Me:
Wher
eto?
Kevi
n:St
ates!Thi
nkwi
l
lbegonef
oramont
hor
so.
Me:
Okayhopey
ouwi
l
lkeepi
ntouch.
Kev
in:
Iwi
l
l.By
e.
(Heget si
nhiscaranddr ivesout.Assoonas
hedr i
vesout.Lorat
o'smi nicooperdriv
esin
fol
lowedbyt heKath'sR8, behi
ndt hem i
sMpho
i
naToy otaFort
uner,KatinaherJeepRubi con
l
astlyLisainherJeepGr andCher okee.The
gateclosesandi st
andwat chi
ngt hem wi
th
handsonmywai st.
Kath:(
point
ingatthecar
)Andt
henwhat
happenedtocar?
Me:
Ismashedi
t.
Kat:ThewayMigueliscr
azy
,aboutt
hiscarhe
wil
lhaveahear
tattackwhenheseesitl
ikethi
s.
Me:Thati
sthei
ntent
ion,
kil
lhi
m wi
thahear
t
at
tack.
Lor
ato:
Dihor
monedipeki
le,
diabela.(
Her
hor
monesarenowatboi
li
ngstage.
)
Me:
Whatar
eyouguy
sdoi
ngher
e?
Li
sa:Wethoughty
oumi
ghtneedsome
company
.Sowecameoverforasl
eepov
er.
Me:
Forr
eal
?
Mpho:Butseei
ngyoualr
eadyhavefoundsome
goodtheur
apet
ichobbi
es,guessy
oudonot
needus.
Me:Dontsayt
hat,ofcourseineedy
ou,i
thi
nk
bei
ngalonei
nthisbighousehasahandonmy
waywar
dbehaviour.
Kat:
Todayy
ouar
ethequeenwewi
l
lhonour
you.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iam blessedt ohav esuchfri
endslikethi
s.We
havemov edthecouchesi ntheli
vingroom to
thesidesandl aidthemat r
essont hefloor
.We
j
ustfinishedeatingandnowsi tti
ngont he
matressescat chingup.
Lor
ato:
Sowher
eist
hedi
l
doi
gav
eyou?
Me:
Miguel
thr
ewi
taway
.
Kat
:(l
aughi
ng)i
knewhewoul
d.
Lorat
o:Youseewhyt
hedil
dowasimport
ant,
youcouldbeusi
ngi
ttohel
pyour
sel
foutri
ght
now.
Kat
h:Lor
ato?
Lorat
o:Becauseihaveever
yone'
sbesti
nter
est
atheart
,ihaveboughtt
hem agai
n.Thi
sti
me
di
ffer
entsizes.
(Shesaysasshetakesoutt
heshoppingbag
andpoursthecontent
sonthematt
ressbefor
e
us.Ireal
l
yidontevenknowwhereshebuysthi
s
staf
f.
)
Kath:(
holdingoutt
hedi
l
do)wher
edoy
our
eal
l
y
getthi
sthings?
Lor
ato:Whereigetthem i
snoti
mpor t
ant,t
he
i
mportantt
hingisthatt
heymustbeev er
y
women'sbestf
ri
end.Dontbeshyitcat
ersforal
l
si
zes?
Kat
:It
hinki
wil
lgowi
tht
hisone,
almostsame
si
zeasTr
evor
s.
Lor
ato:Hemustbegi
fted.Ihear
dbl
ackmena
bl
essedwit
hthebest
.
Kat
h:Bl
ackmenar ebl
essedbutt
heycannot
gi
veyouthebestgameli
kewhit
emen.
Me:Iagreetothat
,awhi
teguywil
lhaveyou
say
ingthingst
hatyoudi
dnteveni
ntendon
say
ing.
Li
sa:
Youguy
syouar
eraci
st.
Mpho: I
tdoesnotmat t
ert hesizeornot ,
or
whetherblackorwhite,itishowheuseswhat
heisgiventhatmatters.Forinstancemy
husbandisnotatallgiftedheisj ustshortand
normalli
ket hi
s(Mphopi cksoutherdildo)buti
cantesti
fythathesureknowshowwhathei s
giv
entomakemeav erysatedwoman.
Lor
ato:
Ibegt odi
ff
erhonestlyi
wontsett
lefor
asmalldi
ckwhethertheguyknowshowt ouse
i
tornot,i
justl
ovethosedickst
hatmakesme
wanttogagmylungswhenhethrust
si n.
(
Picki
ngthebi
ggestsi
ze)Aguyli
kethis,aguy
l
ikemyhusband.
Me:it
hinknowwegetwhyy
oucr
yov
erhi
sdi
ck
whenhecomessti
ngy.
(
Theyal
ll
augh)
Kath:Formesizei
sjustabonus,ij
ustneeda
guywhocanmakemef orgetev
enmyown
name.(Shesaysasshepicksherdi
ldo.
)Ithi
nk
thi
sismyguy .
Li
sa: Honestlyiwillpi
ckawhi tedickovera
blackoneanyday ,nooffencebuti hadmy
shar eofbl
ackdi cksthatjustti
ckledmebut
withawhi tedick,no!many oucannev ergo
wr ong.(Pi
cki
ngoutal so)Ithinkthiswil
lbethe
per f
ectWillr
eplacement.
Me:Honestl
yiwill
chooseNdi ye'sdickoverany
di
ckinthiswor
ld.Thefactthathei sjeal
ous
makeshim gi
veitall
hisbestev eryt
ime,hegets
ev
enjealousoverabloodydil
do.( Pi
ckingout
one)iwil
lgowit
hthisoneev
enthoughiknowit
wil
ljoi
ntheoneatthedumpi
ngsit
ev er
ysoon
(Theyall
laugh.If
eell
ikei
hav
ethemost
crazi
estfr
iendsever
.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Ithankheav enlyfat
herforf r
iendshehaspl aced
i
nmyl i
fe.Wehav espentthewhol enightand
mor ni
ngt ogether,j
ustsil
l
ymar ri
edwoman
catchi
ngup.Wheny ouhav eLor atoinyour
group,younev errunoutoft hingst otal
kabout .
Theyjustleftandi walkbacki nt hehouse,i
needt ogetcat chsomesl eepi sayasi taket he
stai
rs.Beforei canli
ftmyf oottot akeevent he
fi
rststepmyphoner i
ngs.Iti
smyl ovelybrother.
Me:
Ghost
.
Gab:
youneedt
ocomet
othehospi
tal
now.
Me:
Why
?
Gab:
ItsMiguel
.Hejustbeent
ransf
eredher
e
fr
om Kasanehospi
tal
.
Me:
ohmyGod!Iwi
l
ljustbet
her
enow.
Gab:
Dri
vesaf
ely
.Weneedt
hatbabyal
i
ve.
(Ihungup.Igrabmycarkey sanddr i
veoutof
thehouse.Mycarisspreedi
ngof fathighspeed.
Ipulli
ntothecarpar
k.Notcaringthatiam i
n
mypy jamesandagowni r
unt owardsthe
recept
ion.Gabri
elmeet
smet here.
)
Gab:
Youst
il
li
npy
jamas?
Me:Thatdoesnotmat
terri
ghtnow.Wher
eis
he?Whatwashedoinginkasane?
Gab:Apparentl
ythatswher
ehehasbeenall
thi
sti
me, heownsaf ar
minPandamat
engaso
hehasbeent here.
Me:
Sowhathappened?
Gab:
Hiswasi
nvol
vedi
nacaracci
dent
.
Me:
Isheokay
?
Gab:
Comei
nandseef
ory
oursel
f.
(
Igeti
nsi
det
her
oom andi
almostdonot
recogni
sethemanlyingont
hebed.Hehasa
beardandsunburntnomorewhiteguy,hei
s
caramelri
ghtnow.Whatoneart
hhashebeen
upto?Iwalktohi
sbedandholdhishand)
Gab:
Hehasl
osthi
sconsci
ousness.
Me: Idonthavestr
engthf
orthi
sagain.(Angr
il
y)
Yousel f
fi
shman, wakeupineedyou,you
cannotknockmeupandwantt ol
eaveme
al
onewi thyourchi
ld.
Gab:
Howdoyouexpecthi
mt owakeupi
fyou
ar
egoingt
obeshout
ingathi
m?
Me: Youarer i
ght
,(ibrushmyl ipsov erhis)Baby
wakeup, iam notangry.Iforgiveyouf ortaki
ng
offandleavingmeal one.Iforgiveyouf orall
.
Justcomebackt ous.Thebabyandi needy ou
Ndiye.Wer eal
lyneedy ou.
(Wi
thi
naninstantheisuptaki
ngoffthedr
ips
hei
sconnectedto.Heholdmyf aceandki
sses
methensmil
esexcitedl
y)
Miguel
:Notaki
ngy
ourwor
dsback,
yousai
d
youhavef
orgiv
enme.
(Il
ookatGabr i
elwhoistr
yingbyall
meansnot
tolaugh.Thesetwohavecompletel
yfool
edme
again.
)
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t102
Iam l
ookingatthesefool
s,l
aughingatmeandi
dontevenknowwhatt odo,whethertobeangry
ortojustl
augh.Theydonothaveanyi deahow
worri
edi was.It
akeapill
owandt hr
owi tathi
m.
Me:Youjustbl
ewy ourchancesofmeev
er
f
orgi
vingyouMiguelMokoena.
Miguel
:Youj
ustsaidy
ouforgaveme.Wedo
nottur
nourbacksonourwords.
Me: (
hissi
ngathi
m)Donttal
ktomeabout
tur
ningbacksonourwordswheny
oudid
exactl
ythesamethi
ng.
Mi
guel
:Dontmakemef
eel
badmyl
ove.
Me:Dontcal
lyourl
ove.I
nfactj
ustgobackt
o
wher
everyoucamefrom.
Gab:
Shedoesnotmeant
hat
.
Me: Justshutup,idontev
enknowwhyyouar
e
si
dingwi t
hthisscam bagrightnow.
Gab:
Becausei
hav
eyourbesti
nter
estathear
t.
Me:
Idonthav
eti
mef
ort
his.Iam goi
nghome.
(
Iwal
ktothedoort
hent
ouchmyt
ummyf
aki
ng
t
obeinpai
n)
Me:
Ouchouchouch!
!
(Theybothrushtomejustl
ikeithoughtwhen
theybendtocheckmeout ,
i gr
abtheirear
sand
pinchthem sohard.
)
Me:Thatformakingmespeedt
hrought
raf
fi
c
r
obotsall
fornothing.
(Il
etgoandMi
guel
'
sfacei
sred,
Gabr
iel
is
hol
dinghi
sear
.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iam st
andi
ngbythewindowl ooki
ngout
side
whenitur
naroundif
indhim smili
ngl
ooki
ngat
me.
Me:
Whyar
eyousmi
l
ing?
Miguel
:Iam happytoseethati
dontshoot
bl
anks.Ireal
l
ythoughtido.
Me:Iam get t
ingadivor
ce,mysolici
torwil
l
cont
acty ou.Inev
erwantt oseeyouagain.They
wil
lsortoutthechil
d'
sv i
sit
ingr
ightsand
ever
ything.
Gab:
Whoa!Youdontmeant
hat
.
Me:Kant
ewena,
whosesi
dear
eyouon?Mi
guel
orme?
Gab:
Ihav
eyourbesti
nter
estathear
t.
Me: Howissidi
ngwit
hamanwhol eftmef or
fourful
lmonthsmybestinterestatheart?Just
l
ookathi m hei
sbusysmi l
i
ngl i
keev ery
thingis
okaywhennoneofitis.Letsseeify ouwillst
il
l
besmi l
i
ngwheny ougetservedwi t
hdi vor
ce
paper
s.
Miguel
:Doyouknowwhyiam smi
li
ngbecause
iknownooneisget
ti
ngadiv
orce.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?Iam get
ti
ngadi
vor
ce.
Miguel:Ioncetoldy ou,yoursist
erisdumpand
youdisagreedwi thmesot odayther
esheis
provi
ngmypoi nt.Myl ovesecti
on14ofMar i
tal
Clausessaysasol egroundfordivor
cein
Botswanashal lbet hatt
hemar ri
agehasbroken
downi r
retr
ivably.
Gal:AndSect i
on15babysi st
erpart1states
thatanactionfordivorceshallnothol
dthe
mar r
iagetohav ebrokendowni rret
ri
vabl
y
unlesstheplai
ntif
fsatisfi
esthecourtwithone
ormor eofthe4f acts.
Miguel:(gi
ggles)Knowinghershedoesnot
knowt hem soletmehel pout.Fact1:thatthe
defadanthascomi tt
edadulteryandtheplaint
if
f
fi
ndsitintol
erabletol
iv
ewi t
ht hedefandant.Of
coursethisdoesnotapplytousbecausei have
beennot
hingbutf
ait
hful
int
hismar
ri
ageandt
o
you.
Gab: Movi
ngont ofact2:t
hatt hedefandant
hasbehav edinsuchawayt hattheplantif
f
cannotreasonablybeexpect edtoli
vewi ththe
defandant.Thisalsodoesnotappl y
,i caneven
testi
fyi
ncour tthatMiguelhasneverdonet hat.
Miguel:Youar erunningoutmyl ove.Shoul
di go
on?Letme, fact3:thatthedefandanthas
desert
edt hepl ai
ntif
fforacontionousperi
odof
2yearsimmedi atel
ypreceedingthe
commencentoft heacti
on.Thisonealsodoes
notfavory ou,ionlybeenawayf orfourmonths
not2y ears.
Gab:Idontknowki ddobutitsoundsli
key ou
l
osingthebattl
eher e.Fact4:t
hattheparti
esto
themarri
agehav elivedapartf
oracontinous
peri
odof2y earsim. .
.
Me:(i
nter
rupt
inghi
m)Justshutup,
shupupal
l
ofy
ou.
(Theybot
hlookatmeandl augh.Howi
wishi
canslapbot
hofthem r
ightnow.)
Gab:Getti
ngmar ri
edinBot
swana,iseasybut
asforadivorce.That
sawholelotofprocess,
st
ressfulpr
ocess.Anywaydontgetyoursel
f
workedup,comesi tdownandhearwhat
Miguelhastosay .
(Nomorejokes,
theyar
eser
iousal
loft
he
sudden)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Theymakemeseatont
hebedandf
ace
Miguel
.
Me:
Thi
sbet
terbegood.
Miguel
:Fir
stl
yiwouldl
iketoapol
ogi
sef
or
t
akingoffwit
houtanyword.
Me:
Thel
ett
ery
oul
eft
,waswor
ds.
Mi
guel
:Whatl
ett
er?Inev
erl
eftanyl
ett
er.
Me:
Theonei
foundont
opofy
ourpi
l
lowwheni
wokeup.
Miguel:
Thewayi l
efti
nahurryi
neverevenhad
anopportuni
tyt
oevensitdownandwrit
ea
l
etter
.
Me:If
oundalet
ter
,youtel
li
ngmet haty
ouneed
ti
meofft
odealwit
hy ourl
ossandthat
somehowyoubl
amedmef orGot
ham'sdeat
h.
Miguel
:Idontknowwhatyout
alki
ngaboutmy
l
ovebutsomeonewhoknewi wasleavi
ng
wrotet
hatlet
ter,
notme.
Me:
Okaysowher
ehav
eyoubeen?
Mi guel:Theancestorswer enotonlymadaty ou
aloneNanabutatmeal so.Manxanet oldme
thati needtot hecaveshenur sedmei nwheni
wassi ckthemi nut
ey ougetoutfrom your
conf i
nement .Icouldntl
eavethenbecauseof
Got ham' sdeathhencei l
efti
mmedi at
elyafter
hisbur ial
.
Me:
Soy
ouhav
ebeeni
nthatcav
eforf
our
months?IthoughtGabsai
dyouwerein
Pandamatenga.Whydidyounotsayany
thi
ng?
Miguel:Thatwasjustalietogety ouher e?Yesi
havebeenabushmanf or4mont hs.Formy
safet
yandy ours,y
oudoknowt hatourf ami
lyi
s
ful
lofconnivi
ngpeoplear edesper atetogeton
theChieft
ancyseat,whatdoy out hinkwould
havehappenedi ft
heylearntthati nolonger
havetheancestorsprotecti
on.
Me:Iguesstheywoul
dhaveki
l
ledy
ou.Butat
l
eastyoushouldhav
etol
dme.
Miguel:Manxanethoughti
twasbettert
hisway
.
Iam real
lysorr
yforall
thedist
ressmylove.
Me:Atl
easty
ouarebacknow.Buty
ouar
enot
of
fthehookj
usty
et.
Miguel
:Iknowbutcanwegohomenow?i need
aproperbathandt
oshavef
ir
stt
henican
r
eceivemypunishment
.
Me:
Home?Cantwej
ustst
ayher
e?
Mi
guel
:What
?Ofcour
senot
.Letusgobeau.
(Ir
elunctlygetofbedandwalkwithout .Iam
scaredofgoi nghomebcauseofwhati have
donet ohispreci
ouscar.Howam i goingtobuy
my selfoutofthi
sone.Imadesuret hecardoes
notev enhaveacomeback.Ii nsi
stedondr iv
ing,
asi pulli
nfr
ontofthegateigetmor enervous
andt akeadeepbr eat
hlooki
ngathi m.)
Mi
guel
:Youar
etensewhat
swr
ong?
Me:
Not
hingmyl
ove.
(Thegateslowlyopens.Assoonashesees
whatiam looki
ngat, heisoutofthecari
take
opportuni
tyandlockmy sel
finsi
demycar.Thi
s
i
st hesafestpl
aceicanber i
ghtnow)
Mi
guel
:Whatt
hef
uckhappenedt
omybaby
?
(Hesaysasheinspect
sthecar
.Hehol
dshis
headandlooksatme,andcomesbol
ti
ng
towar
dsmycar .Looki
ngli
kehei
saboutt
ocry)
Mi
guel
:(t
ri
est
oopent
hedoorbuti
tsl
ocked)
Nandi
phapleasetel
lmet
hati
snotmyBMW i
8.
Pl
easeibegy ou.
Me:
Iam sor
ry.
(Runni
ngtowardsitagain.Thent
hegar
aget
o
checkifi
treal
l
yit.
Iti
slikeheisamadmanri
ght
now)
Mi
guel:
Noitcantbemybaby,notmyger
man
machi
ne.Notmypreci
ouscar
go.
(Tearsarestr
eami ngdownhi sface.Ist
hisguy
forreal
,heisgoingtor eal
l
ycr yforacar .Iwi
ll
belyingifi
saidi am notenjoyingthisbecausei
am.Mi guelNdiyeMokoenaj ustgotav i
sitf
rom
karma.Hei sevencrying)
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t103
I
tisnotev ery
dayy ouseeamancry,especi
all
y
aprideful
manl i
keMi guel
whichi
swhyi am
t
akingav ideoofthismoment.Agrownupguy
i
scry i
ngforacar,i meanj
ustacar
, t
heguy
couldntev encr ywhenhi ssonpassedawayand
hei snowbusycr y i
ngf oracar .Fornowi wil
l
j
ustst ayi nher e.Hegoesi nsidet hewhouse, i
sitinthecarwai t
ingf orhimt oexi tagainbuthe
doesnot .Idr ivemycari nsidet hegar ageand
decidet ostayi nsidehowev ermyst omach
disagreeswi thme.IguessBet hel ishungr y
now.Idontknowwhatawai tsint hishouseand
um notaboutt owal kal i
on'sdenunpr epared.
Whatdoi domybagandcr editcar dsareal li
n
there.Afterbei ngi ndeci sivef orsomet ime,i
decidet obeacowar d.Iwi llgocr ushatKat h'
s
placewhi leigi vehi mt i
met ocool down.Idr i
ve
offtoPhakal ane.i ringt hei ntercom sot heycan
openupf orme.Dr ivingi nsidet hecompund, i
not i
ceshehascompany ,l
ooksl i
ket heyar e
hav i
ngami ni braiiwi thherot herf ri
ends.
Mel l
issaisal soher e.May bei twasabadi dea
tocomeher ebuti cantdr i
v eof fnow.Buthow
willigetoutoft hecar ,
i am inmypy j
amast hey
mi ghtthinki hav epr obl emsi nmymar ri
ageor
thati r
unaway .Iwill
justsi
tinmycar .Icansee
from ther earmir
rortheykeeplooki
ngmyway
expectingmet ogetout.Ther
ei saknockonmy
wi ndowt hatstar
tl
esme.I t
sthehostess
Kat her
ine.
Me: Mov
eoneofy ourcar
sfrom t
hegarageand
al
lowmei nsi
de.Thenunl
ockGaragedoorthat
adjoi
nst
ot hemainhouseandmakesurethere
i
snoonei nthehouse.
Kat
h:Huh?
Me:
PleaseOeme.
Kat
h:Thegar
ageisemptyy
oucangor
ight
i
nsi
deiwil
lwaiti
nsi
det
hehouse.
Me:
Okay
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Shelooksatmepuzzl
edasi
wal
kinsi
det
he
house.
Me:
Idi
dnotknowy
ouhadcompany
.
Kat
h:i
forgott
otel
lyouthati
mtheonehost
ing
l
unchwit
htheoldf
ri
ends.
Me:
okay
.
Kat
h:Di
dsomet
hinghappened?
Me:
Alot
.
(
Istar
ttel
l
ingherwhathappenedaft
ert
heyl
eft
wheniam doneshei
sinstit
ches.)
Kat
h:hewasser
iousl
ycr
ying?
(
Ishowhert
hev
ideo.
)
me:
ifeel
bad.
Kat
h:Youshoul
dyour
uinedhi
sfav
our
it
etoy
.
Me:Iwasj
ustcr
az yf
oramomentt
he
hor
monesgotbi
tterofme.
Miguel
:Youshoul dhav
eyoursel
fcheckedi
na
mentalhospit
al.Doyouhav
eanyi deahow
i
mpor t
antthatcarwastome?
(Wetur
nar
oundandnot
icehi
m st
andi
ngbyt
he
door
.)
Me:Iam sor
rypregnancyhor
monescanbe
l
it
tl
euncontr
olabl
eatt i
mes.
Kat
h:Iguessi
shoul
dlety
out
wot
alk.
Me:
(gr
abbi
ngherhand)Nodontl
eav
e.
Mi guel:
Iam notgoingtodoany thi
ngtoy ou
ri
ghtnow, j
ustbecauseofthebabybutonce
yougi vebir
thNandipha,iwil
ldealwit
hy oufor2
thingsfir
strui
ningmycarandsecondf or
kissingKevininmyhome.
(
Myhear
tski
psashesay
sthat
)
Kat
h:Youki
ssedKev
in?
Me:I
twasamomentofweaknessi
tdi
dnot
meanany
thi
ng.Howdi
dyouknowthat
??
Miguel
:Ist
hatal
lyouaregoingtosay?Our
homehasCCTVs.Icamet ogetyou.Areyou
comingorshoul
dileav
ewithoutyou?
Me:
iwi
l
lber
ightbehi
ndy
ou.
(
IlookatKat
handshei
ndi
cat
ethati
mustgo.
)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Thesilenceinthecari
st oomuch.Icannot
evenlookathim.Iam gladwhenwegethome.
Thedamagedcari snolongert
here.Hecomes
toopenmydoorandhel pmeout .Walki
ngin
thehouset hearomafeelsupmyst omach.
Miguel
:ihavepr
epar
eyousomef
ood.Theyar
e
i
nthemi cr
owave.
Me:
Iam okay
.
Miguel:Youarepregnanti
ncaseyouforgoty
ou
dontonlythi
nkforyoursel
fbutf
orthechil
dyou
carr
ying.
(
Hewalkst ot
hekitchenandwar
mst hef
ood
t
hensetstheplat
ebef or
emeandtakesa
mout
hfulspoon.)
Miguel
:Ifi
twill
easeyourconsci
ence,
ihav
enot
putanypoisonint
her
e.
Me:Inev
ersai
dyoudi
d.Whyar
eyoubei
ngt
his
ni
ce?
Miguel
:Ihav
ealreadymi ssedoutonfour
monthsofyourpregnancysopleaseallowme
t
obet her
eforthelastremaini
ngmont hs.
(Hesaysashef i
xesmesomej uiceandwal ks
out.Heisherebutnotreall
yher e.Hei skil
li
ng
mewi thki
ndness.Thefoodi sdel i
ciousiclear
upmypl ate.Andwashmypl ate.i coulduse
somebat handdecentsleep.Wheni openthe
bedroom door,Heisgett
inginhi spy j
amas.
Justhadabat h.
Miguel
:Goinial
readyfi
xedy
ousomebath.
cl
eanpyjamasar
et her
eandfresht
owel
s.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
(igoint ohavemybat h.t
henwearthesi l
k
pyjamashehaspi ckedoutforme.Wheni wal
k
backi ntheroom hei sgone,bymydr essing
tableisfrui
tsalad,andsomegalviscone.How
didheknowt hatihaveheartbur
n.Isi tdown
andeatt hengeti nbedbutikeepturningand
tossing.Aft
er12t hedooropenssoi deci deto
pr
etendt
obeasl
eep.Heget
sinbedt
henput
s
hi
shandonmybabybumbandkissi
t.
)
Miguel:Heyboy !Ibeli
ev ewehav enotbeen
offi
cial
yintr
oduced, iam yourdad.Iam sorryi
couldntdoitsoon, iwasangr yatmommy
becauseshedest r
oyedt heonelastthi
ngi had
thatconnectedmet oy ourgr
andma.i bought
thecarwi t
hthei nheri
tancemoneyshel eftme.I
hopedt hatonedayi wi l
lpassittoyou.Makeit
ourfami l
yheir
lom.Any waythatenoughfor
todaygoodnightmyboydaddyl ovesyou.
GoodnightMmaNdi ye.
(Heki
ssesmycheek.Iwantt
ocr
y,whathav
ei
done.
)
.
..
..
..
Br
ownl
eyRes
Kathisinbedonsocialmedi
awhi l
esheawaits
forherhusbandt
ofinishbat
hing.Herphone
ri
ngs.
kat
h:Let
habol
ame.
Let
habo:
Mom.
Kath:Youarei
nagoodmoodi
takei
tyouf
inal
y
achievedy
ourpur
sui
t.
Let
habo:
Yesi
did.Shei
sof
fi
cal
l
ymi
ne.
Kat
h:Good,butknowt
hati
am noty
etr
eadyt
o
beagrandmother.
Lethabo:Iknowmom.Youwontbel ievesheis
fr
om Aust ral
ia?Imeaniwaslit
eral
lyin
Australi
aandi sai
dallt
hegirl
stherearesnobs
l
itt
ledidi knowthatiwi
llact
uall
yfal
l f
oragir
l
fr
om t her
e.
Kat
h:Suchsmal
lwor
ld.Whati
shername?
Let
habo:
Emer
aldBowel
.
Kat
h:Bowel
?
Let
habo:Yesma,
looki
hav
etogoi
needt
odo
somethi
ng.
kat
h:Let
habowai
..
(
Hehasal
readyhungup.Et
hanwal
ksi
nthe
r
oom)
Et
han:
Youar
eluckyt
hatboycanev
encal
lyou.
Kat
h:Wehav
eapr
obl
em!
Et
han:
Whatpr
obl
em?
Kat
h:Oursoni
sdat
ingMadi
sonBowel
'
ssi
ster
.
Et
han:
Themai
dweki
l
led?
(
Shener
vousl
ynodsherhead)
.
.
[
06/
24,
11:
10]Ron:
TheDr
eam
I
nser
t104
I
tissai dt
hatthepasthasawayofal way s
tangl
ingupwi ththef ut
urewhichiswhywe
needt oal
way sthinkbeforewedoany thi
ng.I
tis
quit
esadt hattheBr ownleysgettol
earnthis
thehardway .Ethanr ai
seshishandbrushi
ngi t
overhishair
.
Et
han:Ni
ckl
ascannotdat
ethatgi
rl
,Kat
hori
t
woul
dbackf
ir
eonus.
Kath:Iknowthatiswhati am worr
iedabout.
Howdi dsheev engetint
oHar var
d?Ithought
theyarepoorthatswhyMadi sonkidnappedour
son.Whoi spayingforherfees?
Ethan:No!Theyusedtobepoorbutnot
anymore,Madisondyingcameasabenefi
tto
them becausetheynowgethal
famill
ionev
ery
year.
Kat
h:Doyout
hinksheisforr
evenge?That
s
whyshei
sdat
ingLethabo.
Ethan:That
sexact lywhatthisis.Youseewhy
youshouldneverf eedapoorper sonbecause
theyalwaysbit
et hehandt hatsfeedthem.Gi
ve
met hatphone,ineedt ocallboy,hehasto
breakupwi t
hthatgi r
l.Andi am wit
hdrawi
ng
themoneyi giv
eTheBowel s.
Kath:Babywait,
Lethabohasbeenthrough
enoughalreadyheseemshappy.Letsuslet
hi
m plusi
fwefor
cehi
m hemi
ghtr
esentus,
pushi
nghimi
ntoherl
ure.
Ethan:
Youdoknowlett
ingt
hisr
elat
ionshipgo
oncouldbackf
ir
eandputhi
m ev
enatgr eater
ri
sk.
Kath:Iknowbutwej ustknowshei saBowel
butwedonothav eanyconcr ateev i
dencethat
sheisindeedMadison'slit
tlesisterorifshe
knowst hatweareresponsi bleforherdeath.
Andcut t
ingof
fthei
rbenef itlovewoul dbetoo
much, t
heyseem tobej ustmaki ngabr eak
thr
oughnow.
Ethan:Youaret
oosoftSunshi
ne,
thi
sgood
heartofyour
swil
lgetusintr
oubl
e.
Kat
h:Notwheni
hav
eabadboyi
nasui
tbymy
si
de.
Ethan:Tommor owmor ningim cal
li
ngmyp. ito
i
nv esti
gatethi
sfur
ther.Thenim sendingoneof
theguy sovertoHarvardasanunder covert
o
wat chovermyson.Idontneedl ooseends.
(
Put
ti
ngherhandsar
oundhi
sneck)
Kat
h:weal
way
sont
opoft
hegamear
entwe?
Et
han:Thatisj
usthowweoper at
e.Nowt
hat
weknowt hecanceri
snotbackcanwest
arton
Pr
ojectBabyGir
l2?
Kat
h:Whati
fitaboyagai
n?
Et
han:
Not
hist
imei
gott
her
ighti
ngr
idi
ent
s.
Kat
h:Okayi
dontseewhynot
.
Ethan:(pi
ckingherupanddr
oppingheront
he
bed)letsseeifwecanoutsmartthi
s
programmi ng.
(
Thei
rli
psmeetast
hei
rbodi
esi
nter
twi
ned.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
MokoenaRes
Itakethelastbit
eandstandt omyf eetasir
ace
downf rom thekit
chentothetoi
letli
kea
heedlesschicken.Icr
ouchdownt hetoil
etsi
t
andthrowup.Wi t
hinaninst
antifeelhi
m
behi
ndme,
hehol
dsmyhai
ratt
heback.
Me:
Getout
.
Mi
guel
:Insi
cknessandi
nheal
th.
(
Ikeepqui
te.Oncedoneif
lasht
hetoil
etand
r
insemyhair
.Heissti
ll
wit
hmel ooki
ngatme.)
Mi
guel
:Ar
eyouokay
?Shoul
dical
lthedoct
or?
Me:(snappi
ngathi
m)Im pregnantNdi
yenot
si
ck.Areyougoi
ngtocal
lthedoctorever
yti
mei
vomit?
(
Hej
ustl
ooksatmesadl
yandi
feel
bad)
Me: iam sorryjustt
hatidontknowwhatt odo
anymore.Thi sisthe3r
dt i
me,iam thr
owingup
thi
smor ning.Yourchil
disbusythrowing
tant
rumsi dontknowwhy ?
Mi
guel
:Comeher
e.
(Igoint
ohisar
msandheholdsme.Maybethe
Betheli
sthr
owingt
ant
rumsbecausehemisses
daddy.)
Miguel
:(pi
cki
ngmeup)Letseei
ficanst
il
ldo
t
his.
Me: Whoa!Mi
guel
,doy
ouwantt
owr
ingmy
neck?
Miguel
:Evenwhenyouare9monthspr
egnanti
am sti
l
lgoingt
ocar
ryyou.Youknowwhy?
Me:
Noi
dont
.Why
?
Mi
guel
:Becausegankakekapal
elwake
mor
waloelewame.
Me:
isi
t?
Miguel
:Yes,
nowputy
ourhandsar
oundmy
neckyoungl
ady
.
(Igi
ggleanddr apemyhandsar oundhisneck.
Andclosemyey es.Iam mar r
iedtoHercules2
heistakingthestairs.Her eachesourroom and
sti
psmenaked.Thenhi msel f
,seeinghi
m
nakedjustawakensmysexual desi
rest
hey
havebeensur pressedt olong.Ibit
emyl owerl
ip
wheni noti
cehei sar ousedjustasi am.We
standstar
ingeachother
,ther
eist
hischemi
st,
thepull
i
ngenergyaroundusthati
cantexpl
ain.
)
Mi
guel
:Youf
eel
itt
oo?
(Idonttr
ustmy
sel
ftospeaksoi
justnodmy
head.)
Miguel
:Thei
ntenti
onwas,wet akeashower
andgooutbutfuckthatpl
ans.Imissmyass.
(Hesay sashepul lsmei nhisarmsandmakes
sweetpassi onat elovetome.Whatawayt o
startmymor ning.Wheni wakeupagai ni am
alone,andther eisnoi sedownst airs.Icoul duse
someshower .Soi decidet ogoandhav esome
showerbef orei cangoout si
de.Undeci si
v eon
whatt owearpr obablybecauset hereisnot hing
i
nmycl osetf i
tsany mor e,somet imesitf eels
l
ikei am gettingfardaybydayany wayi wear
Mi guel
'sshirtandsomel egging.Iam sur prised
tof i
ndMrMokoena, Mom andMaggi eint he
l
ivingroom, whatar etheydoi ngher e?
Mom:
Final
yshei
sawake.
Maggi
e:Sl
eepi
ngbeaut
y.
(
Ismi
l
eandgoongr
eet
ingev
ery
one)
MrMokoena:
Youar
egl
owi
ng.Pr
egnancyt
otal
y
agr
eeswit
hyou.
Me:
icantwai
ttogi
vebi
rt
h.Iam al
readyt
ir
ed.
Maggie:
Youst
il
lhav
e5mont
hst
ogo.Be
st
rong.
Dayna:ist
il
lcantbeli
evei
m goi
ngtobea
grandmother
.Thisiswhatical
lbet
ray
al
Nandiphawhathappenedtoouraft
er5year
s
agreement?
Me:
Inev
eragr
eedt
osuchmom.
Dayna:Youcutmyyout
hdaysshortany
wayi
dontknowaboutyouMagsbutiam goi
ngtobe
worl
dhot t
estgr
andmot
hert
heyeverseen.
(
Wel
ookatherandl
augh.)
MrMokoena:
Excuseme,
letmegoandchecki
f
t
hatboyhasf
ini
shedt
hetaski
gavehi
m.
(
Heexcuseshi
msel
f)
Maggi
e:Weact
ual
l
ycamet
oseey
ouNana.
Me:
Okayma.Iam l
i
steni
ng.
Maggie:Youareawar ethatonceyougiv
ebi
rt
h
si
ncethi
si syourfir
stchil
dinmarri
ageyouwi
ll
goandst aywit
hy ourmom duringthe
conf
inementperiod.
Me:
Yesmai
am awar
e.
Dayna:Weknowpr egnancycanbecr uci
al
especi
all
ytoaf i
rstti
mel adyli
keyou.Whichis
why,wethinkit
swi seMaggi ecomesandst ays
herewit
hy ousoshecanhel py ouaroundwith
homechor esaswel lasthewholepregnancy.
Sheknowsbet t
erthani do.
Me:Iwoul
dntwanttoimpose.Mot
heri
s
wel
comeonlyifi
tissomethi
ngshewant
s.
Maggie:
Ofcour
sei ti
s,youknowabout
Fer
gusonandLesedi'
sferti
l
ityprobl
em, sot
his
i
spracti
cal
l
ymyf i
rstgrandchil
di am so
exci
ted.
Me:Okayt
henidontseeanypr
obl
em.Youar
e
wel
cometostaywit
hus.

TheDr
eam
I
nser
t105
Êpi
l
ogue
Finaltr
imest er,8mont hsandoneweek
pregnant ,2mor eweekst ogoandi will
bea
freelady.Thej ourneyhasnotbeensot hri
ll
ing
butim gladt hatIhadmymot heri nlawand
husbandt ohelpmet hr
oughi t .Wehadt omov e
from ourmai nbedr oom upst ai rstotheone
downst airsbecausemyov erpr otect
ivehusband
thoughti mightmi ssast epandgeti nj
ured.I
am nowt hepreciouscar goint hishouse.We
areinourbedr oom, iam pickingoutsone
clotheswhi l
eMaggi eispacki ngf orme.
Wonder ingwher ei am going, wear egoingto
ourannualgetawaytr
ipwi t
hthefri
ends.This
ti
mear oundwearegoingsmal l
,andjustlocal
.
Theyhav er
entedoutaaf ar
mf orus,outside
theci
ty.Weallgoi
ngthere.
Maggi
e:Idontseewhyyouinsi
stongoi
ngt
o
t
hist
ri
p.Youcanjoi
nthem nextyear
.
(Di
di ment
ionthati f
inalygetwhyMigueli
sso
bossyandcontroll
i
ng.Heget sital
lfr
om her.
Nowimagine,beingst uckwitht
hesetwointhe
samehouse)
Me:Iwantt
ogoplusiam sti
l
lfar
.Buti
fitwil
l
makeyoufeel
anybett
er,
Gabriel
iscoming
al
ong,hei
sadoctori
willbei
nsafehands
Mom.
Maggie:Youshoul
dtakethebabybagjusti
n
case.Ihavesuchabadfeel
ingaboutt
histr
ipof
yours.
Me:
Eemma,
wewi
l
ltaket
hebag.
(
Miguel
wal
ksi
nhol
dingsomef
il
es)
Mi
guel
:Whatbag?
Me:
thebabybag.
Miguel
:Whatdoweneedi
tforaker
eyoust
il
l2
weeksaway?
Maggi
e:Sti
ll
justf
oranemer
gencyy
ouneedt
o
bepr
epared.
Miguel
:Maybeweshouldjustr
emai
nbehi
nd.
Saveoursel
vest
het
rouble.
Me:Ify
ouwantt
oremai
nbemyguest
,iam
goi
ngmr .
Miguel
:Okfi
newewillgo.Ineedt
ogodr
opt
his
attheof
fi
cewil
lyoubeokay ?
Me:
Iam f
inej
ustgo.
(
Heki
ssesmycheekt
henwal
ksout
.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Idri
veint
hecompound,ihadtosneakout.Iam
notall
owedtobeev
endr i
vi
ngaccordi
ngt othe
Mokoenasinmyhouse.Ipar
kthecar,ican
heart
heirar
gumentf
rom t
heout
side.Ibeti
tis
al
laboutme.Iopent
hedoor.
Me:
Whati
sthewhol
ecommot
ional
labout
?
Mi
guel
:(comi
ngt
ome)wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
Maggi
e:y
ouhaduswor
ri
edsi
ckabouty
ou.
Me:
Ihadt
ogogetsomet
hing.
Maggie:Nandi
pha,weal
waystell
youhow
dangerousi
tisfory
outodr
iveinyourst
ate.
Miguel
:Coul
dnty
ougetAust
int
ogoandget
t
hatsomethi
ng?
Me: St
opworr
yingiam back.Her
eiam ar
enti
?
Ineedyout
oputt hi
sonandcomewi t
hme.
Mi
guel
:Why
?
Me:
Justdoi
tpl
ease.
Mi
guel
:Okayma'
am.
(
Hedoesasiaskedhi
m.It
akehi
shandand
l
eadhi
m out
side.
)
Me:
Youcannowt
akei
tof
f.
(Hetakesi
toffandiseehi
m star
eatmet
hen
backatthecarandatmeagain)
Me: iknowitcantr
eplacetheonei destr
oyed
butthisismypeaceof f
eri
ngt oyou.I
tjustgot
herethisweek.Samecarast hatoneonly
di
fferencei
sthatthi
sonei sred.Yourfavour
it
e
col
or.
Miguel
:Mom doy
ouknowt
hati
mar
ri
edan
angel
?
Maggi
e:Iknow.
(
Hewalkstomethenkissesmebef
orehegets
t
hecarkey
sandgetsinhisger
manmachine.)
Miguel:(
hestart
sthecarandlaughs)Just
l
ist
ent othat
!(Runni
nghishandsont heint
eri
or)
Man!Iam goingtoloveyouti
lldeat
h,factt
hat
youareredmakeshav easpecialpl
aceinmy
heart
.
(may
bei
didami
stakei
shoul
dhav
enot
boughthi
mthecar
.hecanbesuchachi
l
dat
ti
mes.)
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Looksl i
kewear ethelasttoarri
v e.idontblame
i
tbecausewef i
rsthadt otakethecarf orat est
dri
ve.Andmakest opsher eandt hereasi had
toreliev
emy sel
f.Theyar eall
out sidebythe
l
awnt heladi
essit
tingonat hebl anketl
aidon
thelawnandt hegent l
emenont hecampi ng
chairs.Wegetoffthecar
Et
han:
No!YoudidnotgoandbuyanotherBMW
i
8whenit
oldyoumyguy sar
efi
xingthatone.
Miguel:Looksli
kemywif
eistoofastf
ory
ou
guys,gotmet hi
sasapeaceoff
eri
ng.
Xav
ier
:May
bei
tist
imei
gotmy
sel
fawi
fe.
Gab:Mysel
fincl
udedifothermancangetsuch
l
uxuri
esaspeaceofferi
ngs.Itmakesme
quest
ionmydecisi
ontost aysi
ngle.
Et
han:
Soshoul
dist
opf
ixi
ngt
hatone?
Mi
guel
:Say
swho?
Gab:
Sowhatwi
l
lyoudowi
tht
heot
herone?
Miguel
:Whatist
hepur
poseofacaraker
eiti
s
t
obedr i
ven.
Xav
ier
:Why
,twosamecar
s?
Mi
guel
:Justf
orcont
rol
nje!
Me:Withmybigtummyandf atsel
fiam v
ery
sur
ethatiam noti
nvi
sibl
e.
(
Theyal
ll
ookatmeandl
augh)
Lor
ato:(
pat
ti
ngnexttoher)Youl
ookreadyt
o
popoutany
time.Comesitdownbabe.
(Ismil
easi si
tdown.West arttal
ki
ngabout
random thi
ngswhiletheguy scrowdov erthe
brai
istand.I
tsabitdarkbutt hemoonl i
ght
makeitseem li
keitisdayli
ght .Rel
axingshari
ng
j
okeswi thmygir
lsisallicouldaskf or.
)
Me:Isi
tmeorKat hy
out ummyjustkeeps
get
ti
ngbiggerandbi
ggerever
yti
mei seeyou.
Lor
ato:
Shei
sev
engai
ningwei
ght
.
Li
sa:
Notf
orget
ti
ngt
hegl
ow.
Kat:I
fididntknowbet
ter
,iwoul
dsayshei
s
pregnant
.
(
Kat
hchokesonherdr
ink)
Lor
ato:
Youwi
ckedgi
rl
,youar
epr
egnant
.
Kat
h:Okayf
inei
am pr
egnant
,3mont
hs.
l
orat
o:Whenwer
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lus?
Kat
h:Tommorowbutyoublewt
hesur
pri
se.We
hav
ebeentr
yingf
oragir
l.
Me:
Whati
fiti
snotagi
rl
?
Kath:
Thenwewi l
lkeept
ryi
ngt
il
lwegett
he
ri
ghti
ngri
dient
s.
Lorato:Ihearsf
oraboy
,youdoitonthebed
butforagi r
lyoudoi
tst
andi
ng.Ihopeyoudi
dit
standing.
(
Weal
llookatherandl
augh.Shenev
ercease
t
oamazeme)
Kat
:Sincei
tisconfessi
ontimeimi
ghtaswel
l
spi
l
lthebeansalso,iam al
sopr
egnant
?A
monthnow!
Mpho:Pr
egnancyi
satrendt
hisday
smay
bei
shoul
dal
sogetmysel
fknockedup.
Lor
ato:I
tisl
ikeyouareforget
tingthatt
hereis
dev
ilcal
l
edlabourpains.Iam notabouttoput
mybodythroughthattort
ureagainbemyguest .
Li
sa:Foroncei
agr
eewi
thy
ou.Iam okaywi
th
pr
egnancy.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Ihaveexcusedmy sel
ft ogoandsl eepbecause
iwasnotf eel
ingsowel l
.Somest r
ong
contractingpainwakesmeupandi findmy sel
f
al
lwet .Ohhel l!t
hiscanthappeningr ightnow.I
si
tupasanot hercont racti
onhit
s.Ther adi
ois
onout sidesot hosepeopl ewil
lnotev enhear
mei fical l
edforhelp.Igrabmygownandwal k
outside.Theyar ehavingt i
meofal ifeti
met hey
cantev enseeme.Ipul louttheradiof r
om the
pl
ugthatshoul
dgett
hei
rat
tent
ion.Theyt
urnt
o
l
ookatme.
Me:
Thebabyi
scomi
ng.
Mi
guel
:What
?
Me:
Isai
dthebabyi
scomi
ngy
oumor
on.
(
iwat
chast
heyr
uni
nal
ldi
rect
ions.
)
Miguel:
Whenwecameher e,
wewer etol
dthere
i
sast orm comi
ngsowecannotusetheroads.
Kath:Anditwi
l
lal
sobedanger
ousf
ora
chopper.
Lorat
o:Canyoual
lstoppani
cki
ng?Gabr
iel
can
youcheckhowfarsheis?
Me:
What
?Ar
eyoumad?Notmybr
other
.
Kat
:Iam aqual
i
fiednur
sei
wil
lcheck.
(Theyhel
pmebacki
nsidether
oom andlayme
onthebed.Whi
l
eKatcheckshowfariam.)
kat
:Thi
sbabyisr
eadytostepoutint
otheworl
d.
Looksl
i
keyourwaterl
ongbroke.Wecannot
wai
tanyl
onger
.
Me:
Yahi
wokeupt
ofi
ndmy
sel
fwet
.
Kat:i
thinkwegoingtoneedGabri
elt
odel
i
ver
thebaby.Icantdoi
t.Ij
ustanur
senota
midwife.
Me:
Hei
smybr
other
.
Lor
ato:Thati
snotimpor
tantnow,
whati
s
i
mportantist
hatbaby
.
Me:
Okayf
inel
ethi
m.
(
Mphowal
ksoutt
ogocal
lGabr
iel
)
Mpho:
Gabr
iel
weneedy
out
odel
i
vert
hebaby
.
Gabri
el:
Mphogogr abmymedi calbag.Kathi
needtobringmewarm wateri
nacl eanbasin.
Miguelyouneedtogett
hatchopperhere.The
babyandmot herwi
ll
needtogettot hehospit
al
asap.
Mi
guel
:Okayi
wil
l
.
(
Gabr
iel
goesi
nsi
det
her
oom.Whi
l
eTheot
her
mentryt
ogetachoppert ocomeandget
Nandi
pha.Theyfri
ngeevery
timet heyhear
Nana'
sscream andcur
singMi guel.)
Xav
ier
:It
hinki
needsomet
hingst
ronger
.
Thabi
so:
Makest
woofus.
(Af
tersomet
imet
heyheart
hebabycr
y.)
Trev
or:(
pat
ti
ngMiguel
'sshoul
der
)Congr
ats
boy,t
her
eisyourf
arm chi
l
d.
Xavi
er:From t
hisdayforwardweshallcal
lthat
chi
l
df arm gi
rlorboydependingonhersex.
(
Theyl
augheasi
ngt
het
ent
iont
hatwasi
nthe
r
oom)
.
..
.
Iopenmyey es,i
tlooksli
keiam inhospit
al.On
myl ef
tsi
deismybi gbearNdiy ef
astasl
eep.He
l
ooksexhausted.Onmyr i
ghtiti
smyt i
nybear.
OurboyBethelNkokheliMokoenalooki
ngso
cuteandadorabl
e.Icouldntaskformore,they
aremydream.THEDr eam il
ongedforafami l
y
ofmyon.Ti
l
lwemeetagai
nthanky
ou!
.
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THEEND.
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