LUBANZI
Chapter 28
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It's Hlelo's birthday today and also the matric dance day. Her mother just organised a small dinner for her before she goes to her dance. She's having her real eighteenth birthday party tomorrow with her friends. They are actually going to Cape Town. Daddy dearest sponsored the trip.
"You girls are looking pretty." Mrs Dalindyebo says as Hlelo and Kaya walks down the stairs.
Hlelo's mother asked us to help Hlelo get ready so we brought Kaya along.
"They are indeed looking pretty. Let me take you pictures." I was holding Banzi's iPhone so I took them pictures. Some they were alone while some they posed together. Not that they get along now but just that it's a happy occasion.
"Happy birthday." I went to hug Hlelo after I took them pictures.
"Thank you,sis. I need a present."
"You're going to Cape Town. What more do you want?"
"A lot of things. I better find my presents when I come back."
"Come give your mom a hug." She went to hug her mother.
"Sis, you're looking pretty." I complimented Kaya.
"Thank you,sis." I gave her a hug.
"Our dates are here!" Hlelo screamed running outside in a heel.
"You'll fall!" Her mother yelled.
Hlelo walked in arm in arm with some boy followed by Senzo. His tuxedo was matching with Kaya's dress. There was a camera man behind them who was busy capturing everything. This is fancy.
"Sanibonani." The guy with Hlelo said.
"Hello my child. How are you?" Mrs Dalindyebo greeted him back.
"I'm fine,Ma and you?"
"I'm doing well,my child."
"Hi." I also greeted him.
"Pax,this is my sister in law Feziwe. Feziwe,my male bestie."
"Nice to meet you,Pax."
"Likewise,sis Fez."
"Sis Feziwe." That's my favourite boy Senzo.
"Senzoâ¦" I went to give him a hug. Kaya came to us and they took pictures with their partners before they left.
"They grow up so quickly." Mrs Dalindyebo said.
"Yeah."
"Come help me set the table." I followed her to the kitchen.
If you're wondering,Banzi is at work. He had an afternoon lecture but he's probably on his way. Same as Liyema,he had an afternoon shift but he promised to come early. Mr Dalindyebo is upstairs in his study. He asked that he shouldn't be disturbed. Amber is the DJ at the dance so she left early to get everything ready.
"Oh I've invited Nthabiseng as well. I hope you don't mind." Banzi's mom said as if it was something normal. Of course I mind but I'm not gonna bring drama at someone else's house.
"It's okay,Ma. She's also carrying your grandchild."
"You girls made me happy. I'm going to reward you so well. I can't believe soon I'll be chasing after my grandchildren."
"I also can't wait to meet my baby. Banzi says he wants a son."
"Don't feel pressurized,my baby. I'll definitely love a girl but any gender is fine."
"Knock,knock!" Someone yelled from the lounge.
"It must be Nthabiseng. Please go welcome her for me." I gave her a fake smile before I went to the lounge.
"Hey."
"Oh,Fez? I didn't know you were also invited." She said frowning. I must say pregnancy looks good on her.
"I'm practically the daughter of this house. Come this side." I walked back to the kitchen not giving a damn if she's following me or not.
"Nthabisengâ¦" Mrs Dalindyebo went to hug her.
"Ma. You're looking so pretty."
"Not prettier than you. You're glowing. You must be carrying a boy." Nthabiseng just laughed at her remark. She sat down while I helped sat the table as if I wasn't pregnant as well.
Liyema walked in.
"Girlsâ¦oh the baby mamas are all here? This is going to be fun."
"Hai, Liyema." His mother scolded him.
"Go call your father before you annoy me." She told him and Liyema left.
"Where's baby daddy? Isn't here joining us?" Nthabiseng asked.
"Ask Feziwe." Mrs Dalindyebo said.
"Oh, he's probably stuck in trafficâ"
"Babe?" I heard him calling.
"Ah he's here." I went to the lounge and when I saw him I immediately hugged him. His perfume invading my nostrils but I loved it.
"I missed you." I said still in his embrace.
"But we were together few hours ago."
"I know. Let's go. How was work?" I asked him as we headed to the kitchen. His father and Liyema were already there.
"Family." He greeted before he sat down. I sat next to him.
"Baby daddy. How are you?" The annoying Nthabiseng asked.
"Okay." He dismissed her question and focused on me.
"How's my baby doing today?" He brushed my tummy.
"Baby D,is fine."
"My baby is also fine,thank you for asking." Nthabiseng said. Banzi just looked at her once and nodded.
"What would you like to eat?" He asked and served me everything I told him to serve.
We started eating.
"It's going to be a boy by the way." Nthabiseng said out of the sudden.
"Dalindyebo o mkhulu." Mr Dalindyebo praised.(Great Dalindyebo)
"Really?" Lubanzi asked and Nthabiseng nodded. She took out a scan from her bag and passed it to Lubanzi. He took it and smiled while looking at it.
"I can't wait to meet him." He said.
"And I've thought of names already but you can add yours. I'm thinking of Nontsikelelo Esihle Dalindyebo. You know I'm not good with this Xhosa names." Nthabi said smiling.
"Nontsikelelo is such a wonderful name." Agreed Mrs Dalindyebo.
"It is. I still can't believe we are having two babies in this family soon. Liyema,the pressure is on you now." Mr Dalindyebo added.
"What do you think?" Banzi asked me.
"I'm very glad. I'm happy that your first born is going to be a boy." I fake smiled. I'm not evil. I just wish I was the only one pregnant. I wish that my pregnancy was the only one celebrated but here is Nthabiseng stealing my spotlight.
When dinner was over,I was loading the dishes inside the dishwasher when Nthabiseng,the mother of the year approached me.
"Hello sister wife." She was smirking. You'll swear she fell pregnant on purpose to spite me.
"What do you want?"
"I just want to give you advice. Don't show off your fake smiles, you'll end up being the bitter mother while I become the sweet one. I'm giving Lubanzi his first born,his first son something you'll never give him. At least show me some respect."
"Whatever. Can't you see that I'm busy?"
"That's where you belong. In the kitchen while I take your man. Be glad you're also pregnant otherwise I would have made your life a living hell." She left.
It's gonna be a long six months. Baby D,I can't wait for you to get out of there so that I can teach a bÃtch some respect. I can't fight with you in there.