The Wife

Episode 3

I felt a light shake. I opened my eyes to meet his face up all in mine. He brushed my cheek.

Ndaba: I'm going to work.

Me: What time is it? Did you eat?

Ndaba: I'll grab something on the way don't worry. I love you.

Me: I love you.

He kissed my lips and off he went. I sat upright and leaned on the headboard. I am tired. I took my phone to check up on Lacy but it went to voicemail. I wouldn't be surprised if she blocked my calls. I went to w******p. There was tons of messages from the group chat of housewives, which is us, Ndaba and his friends wives. Nobuhle the self righteous married to Sphiwe, Naomi prayer warrior married to Njabulo, Zintle the whatever engaged to Bonke. We can't add any of Kabelo's ladies because they never stick around. I wouldn't say we're friends, we get along very well though. We discuss just common things and how our men are working hard for us. We never really talk about our personal issues.

I ran my eyes on the messages until I saw the one about meeting later today. I am really not in the mood to go anywhere. Naomi is hosting.

I got out of bed and went to pee. I came back and RSVP. They all start complaining about how quiet I have been. Don't people talk only when they have something to say? I'm mostly uninterested about things they usually discuss here.

I went downstairs to make breakfast. I ate while watching tv. Tebogo came in as I took my plate to the kitchen.

Tebogo: I guess I'm late. I was told to go buy and bring this.

He placed the Dona Donuts paperbag on the counter.

Me: Thanks.

He narrowed his eyes and grinned.

Me: And I don't appreciate the way you look at me lately.

Tebogo: Which is?

Me: Lazy eyes, smirks and that incident of walking into my bathroom, even now you bought me donuts. My husband doesn't let me eat anything with so much sugar. So who told you to buy and bring this?

He laughed.

Tebogo: Okay you got me. About the look, I'm sorry. Its truly innocent. I saw how you were last night I thought you'd love donuts to cheer up.

Me: Thanks. I am okay now.

Tebogo: Any plans for the day?

Me: Yes. I am going to Noami's.

Tebogo: Oh let me just camp here and wait to drive you.

Me: My car is still new. I don't mind driving myself around. Let me go shower.

Tebogo: Did Ndaba approve?

Me: He did. Have a good day Tegogo.

He smiled but stopped quickly.

Lunga: You too ma'am.

I walked up. I could feel his eyes accompanying me. I stopped and turned.

Me: Oh my God.

Tebogo: I'm sorry. I swear to God I wasn't watching you.

He turned quickly and walked away. I've never seen someone so brave to drool over Ndaba's wife.

-

One thing I truly love about Naomi is that she's down to earth. With all the money she's still humble and doesn't show off. Going to her home gives courage. You feel at home. I rang the door bell, yes her door has a bell and we use it. Mine rusted due to people never using it because they are so free they just walk in.

She opened and opened her arms for a hug, her belly touched me first. We laughed.

Me: I hope your baby bag is ready wherever it is.

Naomi: It is. I am so over being pregnant.

She is a mother of 4 expecting the 5th one. I don't know if she ever heard of birth control but sometimes I really wish my womb was as friendly as hers. She has an 18 year old Khwali and then 7,5, and 3. I want kids but not as many.

Me: Is Njabulo gonna be in the room this time?

Naomi: I am hoping so. Let me go to the loo. The ladies are at the back.

I put the bottle of wine in the table on my way out. I don't know what's more appropriate to bring other than wine. She is gonna need it after giving birth, lots of it.

Me: Good day ladies.

They were busy blubbering. They stopped and looked my way.

Them: Hey.

Zee: I had concluded you were not coming.

Me: I was thinking of not coming actually

Buhle: And what changed?

Me: I needed some fresh air.

I poured a full glass of sparkling wine.

Buhle: Ohhh we're fresh air. Good to hear that.

I smiled.

Me: How are wedding preparations going Zee?

Zee: Horrible. My designer died.

Me: No! Oh my God I'm sorry.

Zee: Don't you read the messages on the group?

Me: I do but I must've missed that information. That's terrible I'm really sorry.

Buhle: She can afford another one.

Us: It's not about affording!

Buhle: Geez. What is it about then?

Me: A good tailor who would turn your dream dress into reality.

Buhle: Any tailor can do that.

Zee: Do you know how long it took me to find Lina? She's the only person who could've done my dress the way I want it.

Buhle: David Tlale?

Zee: Busy!

Buhle: Just buy a dress and get married. Its not like Bonke will recognize the difference.

Me: Did you buy a dress and got married?

Buhle: Its different. My designer didn't die and I had all the time in the world.

I looked at Zee. She shook her head.

"Ladies ladies ladies!"

Kabelo shouted. He had a woman under his arm.

Us: KB

Kabelo: I'm sorry to disturb your peace but Njabulo told me you ladies were meeting so I thought I could bring my queen here.

I just hope I am not the only one with the urge to roll my eyes right now. We all smiled. She waved a low Hi, we returned it.

Zee: You may come sit down.

I'd fall in that inch of heels, she's a real life Barbie doll like all of his girlfriends.

Me: I'll go check up on Naomi.

I walked inside the house and waited for Kabelo to come.

He got in whispering. I grabbed his arm and pulled him aside.

Me: What are you doing?

KB: What am I doing?

Me: Yes! What is she doing here?

KB: I really like her and I have a feeling that she is the one.

Me: Need I remind you that you're forbidden to bring anyone to us? Do you remember what happened the last time you did?

His b***h sold them out like hot cake to the police.

KB: Yoh Bianca just be careful what you say around her. I'm telling you she's gonna be my Mrs.

Me: That's what you say about them all!

KB: Believe me she's different.

He kissed my cheek and whistled going away going away. I give up. I went to check up on Naomi.

Naoma: I'm preparing food.

Me: Why didn't you ask us to help you?

I helped her.

Naomi: You know how Buhle gets.

Me: You could've asked Zee and I.

Naomi: I will next time.

I smiled. We carried the snacks first to the porch and then the main course meal.

Zee: The fact that I have to be pregnant again stresses me out.

Buhle: Me too. Sphiwe's mother has been talking of a granddaughter lately and Sphiwe will soon tell me we should try again. I'm not ready to lose this figure I've worked so hard to get.

I laughed.

Me: I'd kill for that opportunity to be honest.

Them: Awww!

Naomi: Babies are called a blessing for a reason. You do not decide when God blesses you. Every time you pray, always mention your womb to God.

Me: I do. All the time.

Naomi: Then wait.

Buhle: She needs to see a Dr.

Me: That would just mess up my head. I'd rather wait.

New girl: I'm Adelaide.

Buhle snorted.

Zee: How rude of us. Pour a glass Adelaide. And make yourself feel at home.

Adelaide: I don't drink.

Naomi: Cheers to the juice and water gang.

She poured her a glass of juice.

Buhle: Why don't you drink Adelaide?

Adelaide: Its against my beliefs.

Buhle: Which are?

Adelaide: Alcohol is for men.

I took a sip on my glass. My phone rang. Good escape plan. I excused myself.

Me: Hey.

Ndaba: Are you doing okay?

Me: Yeah I am. Kabelo brought a girl.

Ndaba: Just discuss nails and make up and hair. I am still running a background check on her. What time are you gonna go home?

Me: Before 5.

Ndaba: Don't leave. I will come there when I knock off.

Me: Ok. I'll see you then.

I hung up. This is our life. He sort of have a fear that my mental state might collapse amongst the people. He calls to check every time I'm not home.

Buhle: Was that Ndaba?

Me: Yes.

Buhle: What a gentleman.

Me: I guess.

I took a plate and dished up. Naomi is such a good cook. I will take some home. We eat while we discuss hair and make up. Every time I sent my eyes up, I'd find Adelaide's fixed on me. I was getting uncomfortable.

Me: Let me clear up this table. Zee wanna help me?

Adelaide: There's no maid?

Me: No.

Adelaide: Why?

Naomi: Because I can handle my own home.

Adelaide: I think you're selfish.

Naomi: Excuse me?

Adelaide: You're rich. Why won't you create job opportunities for other people?

Buhle laughed.

Buhle: Who are you again?

Adelaide: I'm-

Buhle: Exactly. Stay in your lane or should we request you an uber?

She eyed Buhle for quite some seconds.

Adelaide: Kabelo said he will fetch me. I will help you get these inside Bianca.

I took the plates and went away. I placed them on the counter and filled up the sink. She walked in.

Me: We don't do that around here.

Adelaide: What? You don't tell the truth?

Me: We mind our own business.

Adelaide: I wouldn't know that because the first thing I saw when I got here was you getting into my man's business.

Me: Kabelo's business is mine girl. Because whatever lousy decision he makes effects all our lives.

Adelaide: How? Are you all connected by blood pact or something?

Me: No. We're family.

Adelaide: Then I don't see anything wrong with me not minding my business.

Me: You are not family. That's the thing.

Adelaide: Yet.

Me: Ok.

I took the dishes into the sink and started washing them. He sure knows how to pick them...