Fading Blue

22/07/2024

Phiwe and Sams Wedding
I am sitting in this room,in the middle of Mauritius , in this beautiful wedding gown, in this beautiful hair,beautiful make-up about to marry my high school sweetheart, but I am questioning everything,everything about my relationship,about my love for this man,about his love for me.I could hear the commotion outside my door but my mind was just blank,my mouth was dry,even my tears failed me,they weren’t coming,but my heart was sore.I heard the door opening,didn’t have have the strength to look who it was,they came to crouch next to me,it was Mondli,I knew from his perfume
Mondli: Sbari I know how it looks,I do but believe when I say,Georgia is lying,she drugged him,she admitted it when I confronted her that same day,I wanted to call the police and report her and she said she wouldn’t bother you guys ever again,he was fully dressed and passed out when I found him, I wouldn’t lie to you Sbari,please hear him out
Phiwe: you wouldn’t lie,are YOU seriously saying that to me?,you literally didn’t say anything kwawena
Mondli: it wasn’t my place Phiwe,he was going to tell you,but he was scared for exactly this reason,he said you see no reason when it involves Georgia
Phiwe: Mondli uzokhulumela umngani wakho lana?
Mondli: cha ,well sort of but I’m here to share my truth and what actually happened,Sam loves you and only you,and he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize the happy ending that you both deserve,right now he is on the other side of that door and all he wants to do is talk to you
Phiwe: ngicela ungishiye
Mondli: Sbari
Phiwe: I will not say it again…he stood up
Mondli: you look very beautiful by the way,so radient…I turned and looked at him with a look that says “Fusegi”
Mondli: okay,ngiyahamba,but Georgia knew exactly what she was doing,why hold off until the wedding day?,she is actively trying to break you guys up,because she wants Sam,she wanted you to be the one to walk in that day and find her at his house…I just kept quiet,he turned to leave,as soon as he opened the door,I heard Sam pleading with Anele and Sandra,who were stationed outside my door to make sure uSam akangeni.
After a few minutes the door opened again
Brad: Mama,are you okay…my little handsome boy stood by the door,looking so good in his suit
Phiwe: come here baby…he came towards me,I gave him a hug
Brad: Daddy is upset…oh he calls Sam dad,because that’s the only dad he knows,their relationship is so cute,but ke his dad is a lying,cheating bastard
Phiwe: I know baby,I’m going to tell him to calm down,are you okay?
Brad: are you leaving dad?...that shocked me,where did that come from
Phiwe: Mama and Dad just need to talk that’s all
Brad: okay let me go call him
Phiwe: just not now baby
Brad: then when mama?...you have got to be kidding me
Phiwe: I need to change out of the wedding dress first,Dad can’t see me in this dress before the wedding,its bad luck
Brad: okay,let me go find Sandiswa
Phiwe: Okay baby…he went to the door and got out,when the door opened I heard Sam say
Sam: Anele she needs to tell me to my face ukuthi she believes Goergia over me,that she is about to end us based on an unhinged,entitled bitch!...then the door closed,and those words rang in my head the loudest,he was right,he was absolutely right,Georgia has lied about me enough times for me to just believe her.I took out my phone and called Pooskie,he was the guy I called if Njabs was unavailable,and he was in an undercover job,so Pooskie
Pooskie: Hello?
Phiwe: I need you to do something for me
Pooskie: anything
Phiwe: I’m about to send you a picture of someone,find her and take her to the safehouse on 4th Avenue
Pooskie: okay,and then what?
Phiwe: Do a darkroom for 12 hours,with just water, then after give her enough food to keep her alive for the next 12 hours,then give her full blast music and maximum light for like 5 hours
Pooskie: oh my,what did she do
Phiwe: she doesn’t know who I am,it’s time for her to know,I don’t like people thinking just because I’m nice,then I must be fu**ed with
Pooskie: yoh okay,I’m on it,when will you be here?
Phiwe: I’m about to walk down the aisle Pooskie,I’m about to marry the love of my life
Pooskie: so what must I do after the full blast
Phiwe: it’s only polite to take her home Pooskie,I want you to pass a message to her for me
Pooskie: what?
Phiwe: the “raging bitch” says hi
Pooskie: you got it boss
Phiwe: sharp
Pooskie: Boss?...he is calling me boss because it has been rumored that I am being groomed to take over the agency,not work for them like my dad does,no take over,like be my dad’s boss,I don’t think I want to take that on but I don’t know yet,I want to live a normal life with my family,but apparently if I do accept,I can’t tell anyone,because no one really knows who the boss is.
Phiwe: stop calling me that,what?
Pooskie: Njabs hasn’t checked in the last 3 days
Phiwe: what do mean he hasn’t checked in,and it’s been 3 days?
Pooskie: procedure says we have to wait 5 days before taking it seriously,but I know Njabs,he finds a way to check in,if he is not checking in,then something is off
Phiwe: f**k,you’re right,but if we send someone in and he is okay,his cover his blown and we have lost the intel,let me think about it okay,let me know if anything changes with Njabs,get onto the other thing as soon as possible,off the books,I will compensate you separately
Pooskie: take it as wedding present boss
Phiwe: lol okay then,sharp…I dropped the call,well then let’s get married.I sent him the picture and details he needed,then I texted Anele “I’m ready to walk down the aisle”,a few minutes passed and she came bursting into the room
Anele: I got a text,I don’t know what to say,you are getting married?,are you okay
Phiwe: I love Sam,and I believe him,you love Mondli,do you believe him?
Anele: well yes I do but---
Phiwe: then there there you have it,uphi umyeni wami
Anele: Mondli took him to his room,to calm him down
Phiwe: well text Mondli and tell him I’m ready when he is
Anele: well okay then…she quickly sent the text
Anele: okay let me get the make-up artist for touch ups,then gather people to the venue
Phiwe: thank you sis,Anele come here please
Anele: why is everything okay?
Phiwe: Yeah I just need a hug, please…she walked towards me,I leaned in for a hug,she was first reluctant,but she came into the embrace
Phiwe: Njabs hasn’t checked in,it’s been 3 days…she looked at me,I could see the fear in her eyes,I wasn’t happy about her situation with Njabs but I understood it,I understood how they both could’ve gotten to a point where they care deeply about each other,in a time where Anele need a reset,her eyes watered
Anele: what do you mean hasn’t checked in,he always checks in,you don’t think---
Phiwe: Anele I don’t know,I need to ask dad and make a few phone calls,but Njabs is one of our best ones,I’m sure there is an explanation
Anele: Phiwe you have influence in the agency manje,especially with the rumours and all that,after this job,I want you to be the one to debrief him and release him
Phiwe: Anele,are you sure?,if I release him,he has to leave the country,change his identity,situate himself into society and have a family
Anele: it’s what he wants,and you know more than anyone ukuthi if anyone ever finds out about Njabs and I,that could put our family in so much danger,and we have more to lose now more than ever…she says touching my tummy
Phiwe: (sighs) Okay yeah,I want to go in myself to check if he has been found out,but uSam,and you can’t go,you have chosen Mondli,so going in to save Njabs will make things worse for both of you
Anele: send Amanda,I trust her,she can go in as a love interest or whatever,just please,if he has been compromised, pull him out
Phiwe: I’ll see what I can do,but Anele,I will have to make the best decision for the mission,I can’t have you completely in my head with this and you know it’s not my decision,I just advice…she moves closer to me
Anele: if you were still married to Brandon and Sam was potentially in danger,would you make the best decision for the mission too?
Phiwe: that’s uncalled for
Anele: Phiwe I love him,dod you get that,I love him and although I am not with him,I can’t lose him,you more than anyone should understand that
Phiwe: how did we even get here Anele,Njabs was supposed to train and mentor us,he even told us not to create any connections with him,he trained us to detach emotions from subjects,wena you go and fall for one of the most dangerous men in Africa
Anele: I needed something and he was there in a way I can’t seem to let go of
Phiwe: and Mondli?,are you with him because it’s dangerous to be with Njabs
Anele: Mondli is the love of my life,I can live a world where I know Njabs is out there and he is okay,even if he is not with me but I can’t live in a world where Mondli is not with me,I can live without both of them,but it hurts me more to live without Mondli
Phiwe: Okay I se---…and the door opened,it was our dad,he closed the door
Dad: what is all the whispering about in here?,Phiwe we are ready for you when you are,Sam just needed a few minutes,but he is fine now uhm and because I know my daughter almost too well, I know that the only way that this wedding is moving forward this suddenly is because you feel you have secured yourself a win,so because I am still your father and your boss,I am telling you,no I am ordering you to call it off
Phiwe: call what off
Dad: Aphiwe!,call it off now…Anele was looking around confused,my dad looked angry but like mild angry,I wanted to try push him,but it wasn’t worth it,he already feels like I am challenging him at the agency,he wasn’t happy that I might be take over the agency,especially because we all thought it would be him,our relationship took a hit when the rumours started,and we have been trying to find our way back since then.My dad didn’t break eye contact with me,I tried to keep it up but guy has more experience in the staring game so I took out my phone and dialled the number,I didn’t break eye contact though,if I am to be a boss,I need to grow a pair,Pooksie picked up,
Pooksie: boss
Phiwe: how far are you with the job?
Pooksie: we found her location,I’m about to leave to pick her up
Phiwe: Abort
Pooksie: are you sure boss?
Phiwe: yeah,don’t pick her up,I will sort it out myself when I get back
Pooksie: okay no worries then that means I still owe you a wedding present
Phiwe: looks like it,sharp…I dropped the call
Anele: did you put a hit on Georgia?,Damn no more sweet Phiwe
Dad: oh honey there has never been a sweet Phiwe,just a woman who could play every character in the book
Phiwe: you think I play a character in a book outside of work?
Dad: you are outside of work,and heavens knows what you had planned for that poor girl
Phiwe: a less punishment than you had planned for Uncle Zakes that’s for sure
Anele: okay guys no,we are not doing this today or here
Dad: you think you have the right to talk to me like that now,because what,of some rumours
Phiwe: rumours that have obviously gotten you shaken up old man…he came towards me as if he wanted to slap me across the face,Anele stood between us
Anele: baba!,aibo,ufuna ukumshaya on her wedding day,and for ukuthini,that they might offer her a job you have been training her to be fit for,you gave all of your best tricks to her,you trained her,you should be proud of not only her,but yourself but instead you are jealous?...Anele made some good points and I was tired of trying to accommodate his feelings,it’s not like I applied for it,like what the hell is wrong with ubaba
Phiwe: I think it will be better if we create some distance between us,I will therefore walk myself down the aisle…both Anele and Dad gasped as if I have said the most unimaginable thing
Dad: I will walk you down the aisle,I will do that
Phiwe: I don’t want you to,you have not been my dad these past few weeks,you have been a foul rivalry,today is the happiest day of my life and I will not look at the photos and videos years from now and remember how much my father was petty and cruel towars me for a job I don’t even want,you can sit with the guests and be petty there,I will walk myself down the aisle…There was silence,my phone,it was a number I didn’t recognize
Phiwe: yes
Voice: requesting emergency eVac,I have 5 minutes max. before they find me…It was Njabs,I was so happy to hear ukuthi he is fine
Phiwe: a car is coming your way in less than three minutes stay put
Njabs: understood…I dropped the call and made another call,my dad and Anele looked at me confused,expecting me to explain or share
Phiwe: Emergency eVac,go in now,track his phone,you have 3 minutes to get to him,a second later and you will have me to deal with…I dropped that call and looked at Anele and my dad
Phiwe: I will be ready in 10 minutes,then the festivities can begin…I was politely telling them to leave the room,my make-up needed to be touched up,I also wanted to change my wedding dress,I had a few options sent to me and I wanted to change into one of the other options
Dad: Anele,can I please talk to your sister alone
Phiwe: baba I don---
Dad: please?...I nodded,Anele looked at me,I knew she knew what the phone call was about,she need me to assure her and I nodded at her and she gave a sigh of relief
Anele: you guys have 4 minutes then I am sending the make-up artist and mom
Dad: Okay…Anele turned to leave,then it was just me and my dad
Dad: I’m sorry,I have been acting like a child,and you are right I don’t deserve to walk you down the aisle,my behaviour has been disgusting to say the least,but it was not jealousy more than it was worry,I want you to live a life away from danger and the agency,raise your family without fear,I know I trained you and let you into this world…
Phiwe: also because of fear,fear that I would not be able to defend myself if someone ever attacked me again,dad there will always be fear,whether it’s motivated by good or bad reasons,my family is safe whether I take this job or not,because not only are you my father,but I am also Phiwe,my sister is Anele,we are potentially the most dangerous family in South Africa and being divided is never an option
Dad: I know and I see now how perfect you are for this job,Phiwe you are the future of this agency,the innovative ways you have introduced to elevate the agency over the years have taken us to new heights and I am so proud of you…my phone rang
Phiwe: yes
Voice: we got him,we are on our way to the safe house
Phiwe: no safe houses,drive until you reach the border,I will have people there to take you,if you are caught in a foreign country,I can’t get to you guys on time,keep at a safe driving speed,you don’t want any attention on you
Voice: got it boss
Phiwe: how is he
Voice: a bit beaten up but we can make it home
Phiwe: how far away are you from the border?
Voice: about an hour
Phiwe: get there now
Voice: yes boss…I dropped the call
Dad: look at you,a natural
Phiwe: I don’t even know why I am being called for this opertation,it’s not mine
Dad: like I said,because you are a natural my baby
Phiwe: if I ever decide to take any job with the agency,the stipulation is you are my advisor,my enforcer ,my partner
Dad: they would never agree to that baby
Phiwe: then they can’t have me
Dad: you would turn it down for that reason?
Phiwe: this agency is where it is because of you,it’s only right you see it into the future with one of your best trainees,your daughter…I could see his eyes water,this man has been the greatest father any girl can ever ask for
Dad: both my girls are leaving me,you girls are so grown,I cab’t believe ukuthi just yesterday you were moving here from KZN,we were so at odds back then,but we found our way,became best friends,and today I give you away
Phiwe: again,lol
Dad: today feels different, when you got married to Brandon, we knew it was a dying wish and it wasn’t a forever,today,it feels like the universe is resetting, Phiwe that boy breaths you, he loves you in a way I never thought I would see another human being love another human being, the way his face lights up when your name comes up,or you walk into the room, I am happy Phiwe…there was a knock on the door,it was mom and the make-up artist
Dad: looks like our time is up
Phiwe: our time will be up,you will never not be my best friend,I know I said I didn’t want you to walk me down the aisle
Mom: you said what?,aibo kanti kwenzenjani
Phiwe: but please dad
Dad: I was never not going to walk you down the aisle…he both chuckled,he turned,went to kiss his wife then left the room.
Then the rush began,I told my mom I was changing the dress and she helped me,the make-up artist did touch ups and then I was ready,the make-up artist left us
Mom: so a few years back I went to your mothers house,to pack her things,your dad didn’t want you to be the one who went through that pain,we rebuilt the house and rented it out,we made sure it’s in your name,you can decide what you want to do with it or the land it’s built on
Phiwe: oh mama,you have been an extraordinary mother to me,and I will never have the words to thank you,thank you so much,maybe we can build a family home,if we ever want to visit that side of KZN
Mom: being your mother has been a gift,you have been a great sister to Anele and the best daughter to me,and I don’t know how to thank you for that
Phiwe: oh no,the tears,my make-up
Mom: well don’t cry yet,I have a gift for you
Phiwe: another one?,okay?
Mom: when the builders were taking down the house,they found a little treasure box in a space in the wall,inside that box were your mom’s valuable,and I have kept the contents of that for you,for this day,the letter are at home,you cab read them when we get back but she had these in there…she showed me the most beautiful pair of earrings,they were blue diamonds,in shades of blue that fade into each other as the blue get’s lighter
Phiwe: oh my goodness,these are so beautiful
Mom: something blue,something borrowed,I know your mom would’ve wanted to give you these herself,she would’ve wanted to be in this room with you,helping you prepare,but I know she is here and she will always be…the tears came,I couldn’t stop them,she took off the earrings I was wearing and put the blue ones on me ,they looked like they were made for this dress
Phiwe: mama ngiyabonga
Mom: now lets’s get you married before Sam faints again
Phiwe: faints?,he fainted?...she looked like she had let something slip
Mom: uhm did I say faint?,not really faint
Phiwe: mama!
Mom: Phiwe that boy was out until about 30 minutes ago,why do you think we haven’t been rushing you
Phiwe: because the bride is never late
Mom: true but also because the groom fainted and didn’t wake up for an hour…I gasped
Phiwe: hour?
Mom: or more
Phiwe: and no one told me!?
Mom: and how would that have helped,but he is up now,he is waiting to marry you
Phiwe: I need to see him,talk to him
Mom: Phiwe,he can’t see you
Phiwe: he won’t come in,please mom
Mom: fine…she hurried out,Anele came in
Anele: whooow,you look amazing,you changed
Phiwe: yeah that dress was just too heavy,a lot happened
Anele: okay,are you ready?
Phiwe: yep,just want to talk to Sam
Anele: Phiwe!
Phiwe: why didn’t you tell me ukuthi he fainted?
Anele: oh uhm,mom?
Phiwe: yep
Anele: that’s why we didn’t want her coming up her earlier,we knoew she would slip,but on the bright side,he is fine now
Phiwe: mxm…there was a knock on the door
Sam: sthandwa sami…I ran to the door
Phiwe: baby,are you okay?
Sam: I am,just an emotional rollercoaster
Phiwe: I’m sorry
Sam: no I’m sorry,I should’ve told you everything,do you still wan to marry me for real?
Phiwe: there is nothing I want to do more in this world than to be your wife today
Sam: oh baby,I can’t wait,I love you so much
Phiwe: beyond the moon
Sam: a distance you can never measure…yeap that’s our phrase,we revised it because he liked the concept of it,he just didn’t want to say what Brandon used to say exactly
Phiwe: Sam I’m sorry I doubted you,you have not given me any reason to from the day you came back into my life up to now
Sam: I probably would have reacted the Sam way and I know how much you dislike Georgia
Phiwe: I am about to walk down that aisle to you,there is no going back now,are you sure this is what you want?
Sam: is that a trick question,I have wanted this from the first day I saw you,so hell yeah I’m sure
Phiwe: oh thank God
Sam: you and I,we are walking into the future together,I am yours Phiwe,now let me go wait for in front of that aisle…I heard him walk away,I turned to Anele,who was wiping tears from her eyes
Phiwe: take me to my husband,I’m ready
We went to the venue,camera man snapping away,Anele left me by Dad because as a maid of honor she needed to get everyone ready to go down the aisle
Dad: those earrings,where,how?
Phiwe: your wife is my personal hero,she kept this for today,she found them at my mothers house when it got taken down
Dad: but that was before you even married Brandon
Phiwe: wait what?,then why didn’t she give them to me for the wedding
Dad: maybe she forgot,it was rushed Phiwe,I gave those earrings to your mom on our first date,I didn’t know she still had them,she only ever wore them once
Phiwe: aww baba,I’d like to think she kept them for me,for this moment,for both of us to remember her
Dad: I believe that with all my heart…we heard the bride song and the doors before us opened,revealing the wedding guests,and the venue
Phiwe: oh Lord
Dad: it’s time,just remember,one foot at a time
Phiwe: oh uhm,okay…we started walking,my legs felt wobbly,I looked to the end of the aisle and there he was,so handsome,he had tears streaming down his face,Rato gave him a handkerchief,and whisphered something to him,that little prick covered his mouth,so I could read what he said.I focused on him and only him,dad and I reached the end of the aisle and gave my hand to Sam
Dad: hurt her and you have a problem
Sam: yes sir,thank sir…he took my hand and we stood before Brandons dad,he was going to marry us,like I felt weird about it,but they asked Sam and Sam said absolutely yes before absolutely checking with me,so I was absolutely outnumbered and here we are,about to be married by the ex father in law
Br.Father: please face each other…we turned to face each other,Sam mouthed “you look beautiful” “I love you”,I mouthed “I love you more”
Br. Father: we are gathered here to witness the love of these two individuals who has loved each other from through all spheres of time,this union is blessed by God and their families,including my own family, the couple has requested to say their own vows,so Sam whenever you are ready
Sam: oh uhm--- thank you,yoh this is not going to be easy but I will try,I am overwhelmed with joy,I always say ukuthi everyone needs,in fact deserves that one person who will give them a second chance,that one person who will look beyond the flaws,the mistakes and the failures,who will see the great potential hidden under all of it and help nuture a dream that doesn’t make sense to anyone,and Phiwe you have been that for me in a way that you will never understand,I am experiencing my wildest dream come true because you took a chance on me again,you didn’t love me through the lenses of who you once knew me to be,but through who you have always wanted me to be and who you have always seen me to be,I have hurt you in more ways than I should’ve but you choose to love me anyway,Phiwe I have no right to being this in love with you,amalungelo alwelwa obabomkhulu awavumi (the guests chuckle),but I love you so much and this is a dream come true and thank you for making my dreams come true,I will spend our forever together making you happy,probably angry sometimes,but only because I will challenge you emotionally,intellectually and physically,I will be your biggest cheerleader,just as you have been mine,I will be the best father to our son and the two little ones on the way,all I ask is for you to never let go of my hand
Phiwe: I promise,I won’t
Br,Father: that was beautiful Samuel,Phiwe?
Phiwe: and I thought I was the wordsmith in this relationship,how do I even top that.They say the scars that break us,have the potential to heal us and I think that is true in our story,you have healed scars that you didn’t even inflict on me,in the process of healing those that you did inflict,and I will forever love you for that,I love the way you love me Sam,they way you are patient with me,the way you push me to be the absolute best version of my self,I love the way you have raised Bradley as your own and given him the love I know his father would’ve given him,I love the way you always pull me towards you,even in your sleep,you protect me and love even in your deepest sleep.The first time I met you,I knew I felt something for you but at first I couldn’t define those emotions,I couldn’t define those emotions beyond “butterflies in my tummy” but when I could define them, I knew it was a deeper kind of connection,a deeper kind of attraction,it was an extraordinary kind love,love that can’t be comprehended into words,or sentences,it’s only something you can feel at the pit of your stomach,and I didn’t want to stop feeling this way,I didn’t want to pull away from that force,I wanted to exist in that moment forever,even though I knew it was too strong,too passionate it could quite easily burn me into ashes but I needed it,I was addicted to it and when I didn’t have it anymore,there was a void,where I never thought could be filled in anyway but although it wasn’t filled,Brandon came close,and when he left I didn’t know if I deserved anything besides being a grieving mom,a grieving widow,but that day when you caught me in my fall,hope was ignited,hope that I would one day be okay,and I would one day be strong enough,and Sam you have been catching me ever since,you filled that void to the brink,to the very top and my love for you burns me,it engulfs me in the best ways,thank you for never giving up on me,on my heart, I love you and I will love you forever…there were sniffs in the church,even Brandons father was wiping tears,Sam just looked at me,with tears streaming down his face,this moment would exist in my memory forever
Br.Father: wow,and here I thought I could no longer cry (chuckles )….he said the formalities,pronounced us husband and wife and Sam kissed his bride,without even being told lol,there were cheers and we made our way to the reception to eat and dance,as the night went on I asked the hotel staff to please make a fire but the beach,my husband and I would go sit there after the guests were done congratulating us,they were going to stay and dance here and we would just go have a moment alone.
I went back to my room to change and check my phone,I had a few missed calls,I dialled the number
Voice: hello?
Phiwe: talk to me
Voice: we ran into a few difficulties because they had gotten every single eye in the city to look for him,so he had to cross the border through the river because they were waiting for us
Phiwe: and?
Voice: we lost him for a bit,we weren’t sure if he drowned or got eaten by the crocodiles
Phiwe: but…my heart was in my chest but my voice was calm,was I about to tell my sister that Njabs is gone?
Voice: we found him,he is in the facility hospital,his wounds got infected and the coldness of the water left him in bad shape,but he is fine now,Boss he has a USB,with everything
Phiwe: everything?,all of it
Voice: all of it
Phiwe: where is it
Voice: he says he will only tell you…good boy
Phiwe: I will be back there in a few days,when he wakes up,call me immediately
Voice: yes boss…okay so that went better than I anticipated,if that USB is what I think it is,Njabs is about to have the best retirement package.
I changed into a more comfortable white dress,suitable for the beach,then I went out,Sam was already waiting for me outside
Sam: you ready
Phiwe: I’m ready…he took my hand and we made our way to the fire down the beach,they had set it up so beautifully,blankets,non-alcoholice champagne,literally everything,the view was so beautiful,we could still hear laughter and dancing from our wedding,it was up the beach.We sat down,I sat in between his legs,sambatha and just let the brush against our faces
Sam: I can’t believe this day finally came and you are my wife
Phiwe: and you my husband
Sam: wow,it all feels like its all a dream
Phiwe: it does baby,but it isn’t,I just married my soul mate…we sat there reminiscing and just chit chatting.
Sandra and Rato were the first ones to join us,they came with their own blankets and champagne,they didn’t say anything,bavele bafike bandlala bahlala and cuddled,they sat like we were sitting,Rato kept whisphering sweet nothings into her ear,she was giggling,they looked so happy.Rato and Sandra did end up moving back to South Africa,just last week actually,they were finding their feet,we offered that they move in with us,the house was bog enough and we were looking at places already so we would be out of their way soon because we did offer them the option to rent the house from us and Rato was reluctant at first,saying they would be able to afford it,but we worked out numbers that everyone was happy with and they will be renting our house for as long as they needed.Their little family was beautiful shame and it looked like they were going to have more kids so they need the space.
Anele and Mondli joined us next,nabo they didn’t say much,they established themselves and poured each other champagne and started talking amongst themselves
Sam: looks like our time alone is done then…Sam whisphered to me,I giggled
Anele and Mondli have been through a lot in their relationship,from that first break up to the Mondli cheating,the miscarriage and the almost divorce but they have really fought for their marriage,Anele’s infidelity also ate at Mondli although he was in denial about it,but the moment he confronted it,it was hard but they chose each other and they have been doing so great,still living in Durban.Mondli,Sam and my dad opened a business a few weeks ago and they are excited about,they call it their hobby,so we don’t really know much about it yet because it’s in it’s early stages.Mondli and Anele still need to have their traditional wedding but otherwise konke kuhamba kahle kubona
Phiwe: well then since you have all invaded our alone time,lets make a toast,we will go around and everyone will make a toast,baby you first
Sam: okay uhm,Toasting to forever afters,to more kids,to many more years of happiness and most importantl,toast to this group of friends,some us of are family by blood,some of us are family through love but may we choose to be friends always
Everyone: cheers!
Sandra: okay may I please go next,I have siblings,I had friends but this group of people have been more family to me than mine ever was and I have found longlife friends in you guys,so a toast to always having each others backs,to babysittings and to amazing dinners to be hosted by each household regularly
Everyone: awwww,cheers!
Rato: To us guys,with everything we have gone through as individuals and as couples to be in this moment,happy,content and excited for the future,it’s truly a blessing and that’s why we came back,for our kids to be close to their cousins,grandparents and the aunties and uncles in this circle,so cheers to us
Everyone: Cheers!...that was some beautiful cheers hey
Mondli: Cheers to more moments like these,to family,I too have found an amazing family in you guys,and I have never not been the richest friend Phiwe,(chuckles),lol and yeah man the way you are so self-less and humble,I speak for myself when I say, I understand wealth more because of you,you have taught to be humble and always keep pushing myself to be better and do better and you said “most importantly to achieve all my dreams,that money is a commodity of this world,if they want to pay you for living the life you dream for yourself everyday,then let them,wena just do what you love”,That advice is words I live by,so to friendships that push you,brothers that hold you accountable,and love you despite your flawa
Everyone: CHEERS!...everyone clapped
Anele: that was beautiful baby,okay you guys have some beautiful things hey,what’s left to say but that I love you all,I have grown within this group,I have lost myself within this group and I have learnt so much about myself within this group,Phiwe,Sandra you guys mean the world to me,Sam and Rato,we have known each other for years and you guys are a big part of my growth,so thank you,Mondli we have hurt each other,taken each other to the limit but the fact that we are still here,together,and loving each other means everything to me,I promise you,it’s you and I
Mondli: just us two my love
Anele: Cheers everyones
Everyone: CHEERS!
Phiwe: wow that was beautiful,firstly I want to thank each and every one of you for being here and for the contributions you each did to make this day so beautiful,your time,your resources,your contacts,you guys really came together to give my baby and I our happy ending,so thank you.Sam and I met in high school,I had the biggest crush on him,only to find he had a crush on me too but we just could never get it right and now I know,everything was preparing us for this moment,to appreciate this moment more,I love you muntu wami and Cheers to the love in this circle,you all have such extraordinary love stories that have inspired us all,so thank you for that and lastly cheers to the ones we have lost,may they continue to rest in peace,and cheers to the future,and wena Mondli,who told you I’m rich,angiyazi loyonto mina
Rato: weeh maye
Sandra: hahhaha weee ahhhh
Anele: lol sis at this point let it go,we know about your millions
Phiwe: cheers ke kodwa,when I’m “rich” we are all rich,so anikahle.CHEERS!
Everyone: CHEERS!!!...we all drank from our glasses
Anele: I have something to share with you guys and with my husband
Phiwe: the floor is yours sis
Anele: well it looks like there is another person to babysit…she touched her tummy
Mondli: wait really?,when did you find out?
Anele: this morning,I just wanted us to focus on today without you fussing over me…Mondli stood up and walked to the edge of the water and crouched down,he had his face in his hands,Anele ran to him and just sat next to him and cried too,it such a beautiful moment especially because they lost a child two months ago,this is God displayed,Sam and Rato stood up and went to them,when Anele stood up,she stood up and came back to where Sandra and I were sitting
Sandra: congratulations Anele
Phiwe: yes congratulations sis,you guys deserve this happiness…we watched them embrace each other,they remained in that position as if they were having a conversation.My phone vibrated in my hand.I moved away from Sandra and Anele to take the call,then I picked it up
Phiwe: what is it?,is he awake?
Njabs: I’m awake
Phiwe: that makes me happy Njabs,what you did was reckless,you were in that cover for two months,you were told you need to gain their trust,you could’ve been seriously hurt and in the process compromised the agency
Njabs: I know,and I am sorry,I saw an opportunity and I took it,the boss came out of hiding for air,I managed to take some pictures of him,I managed to get their routes and their contact in South Africa,but there was a guy there who had been suspicious of me from the get go and he was the one who roughed me up,only based on suspicions,but I heard he wanted to kill me and create a story of how I died,so I broke free and ran
Phiwe: this is good,really good,did you write a report?
Njabs: yes,I was told you would debrief me and no one else should,why?
Phiwe: because I wanted to get the chance to say this,”the agency officially releases you,your retirement is a green light”…I heard him gasped,I know he has been asking for a release and I know it’s time,he has served his country with everything in him,sacrificed so much,so I will not allow him to be held hostage,just because he is great at the job he was trained to do
Phiwe: Pooskie will give you a wooden box,you will know how to open it when you see it,I know you have your escape plan to my sister,and now I am giving you mine,
Njabs: no f**ken way
Phiwe: in that box you will have 3 options,3 passports,choose any or all of them,it’s okay,however you can only settle down in one of them,in that box there is money,as your retirement package,it’s enough to get you by until you find your new home
Njabs: Phiwe,oh my f**ken goodness,what?
Phiwe: the agency thanks you for your service
Njabs: if you take over,the agency is in good hands Phiwe,you are about to take this to a whole new level
Phiwe: I even have that option because of people like you,my sister and I owe everything
Njabs: uhm,is she there?
Phiwe: yes she is here
Njabs: oh uhm
Phiwe: I know everything so speak freely
Njabs: oh wow,she told you
Phiwe: she did
Njabs: and you’re okay with it?
Phiwe: can’t really do anything now can I?
Njabs: I fought it,I really did but I lost that fight
Phiwe: would you like to talk to her?,
Njabs: no,I said my goodbyes,she knows how I feel,I know how she feels,so no need to do that to each other
Phiwe:you can never contact her
Njabs: is she happy?
Phiwe: she really is
Njabs: then I will be okay,tell her I said goodbye
Phiwe: you have 12 hours
Njabs: thank you Phiwe,for everything
Phiwe: thank you Njabs,for everything…I dropped the call,I felt to content,I wish Njabs all the best.I went back to join the group,the boys were back,everyone was standing with their person,umuntu wami yedwa obeyedwa,but they were having a conversation
Sam: baby,finally,I missed you…he kissed me
Phiwe: what are we talking about
Anele: our next vacation
Phiwe: we haven’t even started with this one
Sandra: this is not a vacation Phiwe,it’s a vacation wedding
Phiwe: okay let me put it this way,we are book here for the next days,and we would like our friends to join us
Sam: all expenses paid
Mondli: you are joking right?
Phiwe: nope
Mondli: well count me and my baby in
Rato: count us in,it’s about to be a crazy week,asazi abamithi
Anele: lol awusiyeke,my sister and I will have the most fun…she came to me to give me a hug,Sam went to join the others,and left us together
Anele: thank you sis
Phiwe: you are welcome
Anele: any updates?
Phiwe: found and returned was recovering but a bit better now,I have discharged him
Anele: he didn’t want to talk to me?
Phiwe: I’m sorry sis
Anele: I understand,clean break,I think this is good,really good
Phiwe: the baby?
Anele: definitely Mondli’s,Njabs and I always used protection,he never wanted mistakes,neither did I
Phiwe: is Mondli questioning the paternity?
Anele: no,he is just over the moon,and I am a month pregnant,Njabs and I happened before that
Phiwe: okay,tonight let him go,so he may also find happiness
Anele: yeah sis,uqinisile
And the rest of the night was beautiful,the rest of the trip was exceptional.
When we went back home,I found the USB Njabs had left for him and it was a pot of gold,it triggered so many investigations and it was all thanks to Njabs.I was offered the job officially,they wanted my terms,I told them my terms.They brought my dad in and explained my terms to him,he couldn’t believe it,unfortunately we couldn’t share the news with anyone but each other.
At work were we told that they could only promote one of us to senior partner,and we quit,we are opening our own law firm,as soon as we fight the non-compete clause,which we will win,because we were both promised senior partnership when we joined the firm,so they breached their contract years ago
Rato and Sandra are settled in and happy.
Last I spoke to my sister,she was great and so was her husband.
But with the crazy lives we have chosen for ourselves, anything can happen,anytime,but for now this is Aphiwe signing out.

THE END

I combined this story into a book and there are edits that add to the story,I have not been able to figure out how to post the PDF version here,if you want the book,please send me an email