Miss Chubby

Chapter 10

The next morning I am woken up by my stupid ring tone, well it’s not stupid, it’s actually Jessie J – I got you but when it rings waking me up from my slumber then it’s stupid. I take my phone and answer it without even checking who the caller is.

Me: “what?”

Lee: “ohh okay you’re still sleeping, that means you haven’t seen today’s trending picture.”

Me: “what trending pic?” she clears her throat and exhales loudly.

Lee: “your high school nude has resurfaced. Someone must have dug deep for your information. A lady who is Mvelo’s ex is the one who posted it.” I take a deep breath. Maybe she is going to say she is kidding. I sit up straight.

Me: “what did you just say Lindelwa?”

Lee: “exactly that Futhy. I just called to find out how you’re doing. I thought maybe you have seen the posts and comments on social media.”

Me: “what have I done to deserve this? Why did Mvelo have to come into my life and turn it upside down? This is the final straw. Do you know how many clients I can lose due to this stunt? f**k! f**k! f**k!” tears stream down my cheeks due to mixture of two emotions: sadness and anger.

Lee: “are you going to be okay? Do you need me to take a day off and just come and chill with you?” I wipe my tears.

Me: “no relax. I will be fine. Tell Noma to find Mvelo’s number for me ASAP.”

Lee: “sure.” She drops the call. Few minutes later Noma sends Mvelo’s number and I call him immediately.

Mvelo: “good morning MaNdosi.”

Me: “good morning Mvelo? Really? What’s good about this morning? You went out there and declared your love to me like a fuckin Shakespeare fan and now my private old pictures have resurfaced again. Did you stop and think about the consequences of your actions before actually doing what you did? Did you use your fuckin brain?”

Mvelo: “wait what are you…?”

Me: “f**k you Mvelo, you hear me? f**k you. I curse the day I laid my eyes on you. Leave me the f**k alone. Your presence in my life has brought back painful memories and opened old wounds. If you ever come near me again or do a live video about me, I won’t be held responsible of what I will do to you.” I end the call and scream out loud.

I remember all the shading I got after that picture trended in high school. Here is what went down. I was a very smart and a fast learner, which I still am. There was this teacher who was young. He was my math teacher. He was handsome but I didn’t date teachers and he also saw me as just a learner. He would give me extra work and sometimes we would stay late and he’d help me practice math.

He had many admirers and many girls were furious that he spent so much of his time with me. At some point they even spread rumors about us dating. They reported us to the headmistress but there wasn’t any proof so the case was dismissed. I played sports back then, netball to be exact, so there was this one time at the changing rooms where I took off all my clothes. I didn’t have the confidence I have now about my body back then.

They took a picture while I was still naked and I didn’t notice. The next morning when I came to school kids were giving me weird stares. A friend of mine showed me the picture and I fainted. I woke up in the sick room and my parents were there. They tried getting to the bottom of this and together with my math teacher they finally found who posted the picture. Although she was suspended, the damage was already done and I was already subjected to body shaming. I became so depressed that my parents took me to therapy. After a lot of sessions I finally started to accept myself and my body.

The picture incident may have humiliated me but that was the first step to gaining the self confidence that I needed. After that a policy was implemented at school that whoever takes and posts nudes of another fellow learner would be expelled immediately. My parents were there for me through it all. I got to see my father’s affectionate side. They supported me and showed me love when I needed it. I really thought the picture was a thing of the past but clearly I was wrong. Whoever posted it will face legal consequences. I take my phone and text Noma telling her that I want whoever that posted the pic first to be sued for invasion of privacy.

I get up, make my bed and go take a shower. After showering and brushing my teeth I head to my closet. I wear my black turtle neck, black high waist jeans, black and white old school vans and a knee length black coat. I comb my hair straight and wear my vans bucket hat. I take my work stuff, phone and head downstairs. I find the guards, driver and my housemates eating breakfast. I put my stuff in the counter after greeting them and sit on the barstool. K hands me a black cup of coffee. I have been staying with her for 5 years so she knows what to give me according to my moods.

After finishing my cup of coffee we head to work. We find more journalists than yesterday at the front door. Just like yesterday I ignore them and get inside my building. We get to the private elevator and head to my office. The guards put my stuff on my desk and as they turn to walk out I stop them.

Me: “the only people you will allow to my office today are my employees only, no outsiders.” They nod and get out. My office phone rings and I answer it. “Ntombifuthi Cele speaking how may I help you?”

Mom: “Lwandlelethu are you okay?” she has seen the picture I guess. Something in her voice makes me so emotional that I find myself sniffing.

Me: “I will be fine mom. I have dealt with this before and I came out stronger. Don’t worry yourself about me.” she keeps quiet for a while.

Mom: “you know what? That’s it, I am coming.”

Me: “no mom please I will be fine. I will tell Lele’s publicist to deal with this and Noma is going to sue whoever posted the picture.”

Mom: “okay. If you need me I will come there whenever.”

Me: “thanks mom. I gotta go. Bye.” I hang up and sit down on my chair.

I bow my head and take deep breaths trying to control my emotions. The door flies open and when I raise my head I see u Ndosi omkhulu standing in the middle of my office. He doesn’t say anything, instead he just opens his arms and I rush to hug him. He brushes my back and I just cry silently. After a while I stop crying and he leads me to the couch inside the office. We both sit and he holds me close.

Dad: “uwu Ndosi wena. You are stronger than you think. You are successful and independent. You are beautiful with all your flaws. Many would kill to have a body like yours. Whoever that publishes negative stuff about you is just jealous. You are one of the richest women on Mzansi. Even I am jealous of you sometimes.” I giggle. “That’s what I wanted to hear. Don’t worry about your company. This won’t make you lose clients. You didn’t publish this yourself intentionally. If you are afraid of losing them then organize a press conference and set the record straight.”

Me: “thanks daddy. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Dad: “you’d probably be non-existent if it wasn’t for my powerful sperm.” I burst out laughing and he also laughs in his deep voice.

Me: “I can’t believe you just said that.”

Dad: “I just wanted you to loosen up my princess. I love you.”

Me: “I love you too Dubandlela.” He plants a soft kiss on my forehead. He stands up and I also stand up.

Dad: “I guess I will see you tomorrow then.”

Me: “yeah.” He hugs me once more and the leaves. After a few seconds Thobeka peeps in the door.

Thobeka: “damn boss your father is intense and scary.” I laugh out loud. Many people have said that before. My dad is not scary it’s just that he carries himself with dignity and hardly talks to people he doesn’t know. Kahle-kahle akafuni ukujwayelwa.

Me: “leave my dad alone tuh.” She laughs and closes the door.

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***NARRATED***

After seeing Futhy’s nude, Kuhle knew that he had to do something. He called his younger sister who is a hacker. He knew that due to the different time zones she might not answer the call but luckily she answered.

Lisa: “this better be important Kuhle. I told you not to call me in the morning.” Kuhle sighed.

Kuhle: “I wouldn’t be calling you if it wasn’t important.”

Lisa: “whatever. So what do you want?”

Kuhle: “someone posted a nude of friend of mine on social media. I need you to delete that picture and try deleting it on every device.”

Lisa: “what is she to you?”

Kuhle: “a friend.”

Lisa: “you don’t have female friends Kuhle.”

Kuhle: “are you going to do this or not?” he said as he was starting to get angry.

Lisa: “fine, fine. I will do it. Just send me her information.”

Kuhle: “done. Please do this ASAP.” He didn’t wait for her to respond, he just dropped the call and sent her Futhy’s information.

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Mvelo on the other side of town felt horrible for the attention he brought Futhy. He wished he hadn’t done what he did and maybe he’d still had a chance. He wished he hadn’t listened to his friends because it looked like even the diamonds didn’t soften Futhy but instead made her even mad. What was he thinking buying diamonds for a woman who probably has everything? After the morning phone call he could hear that she was fed up and wanted nothing to do with her. But giving up wasn’t one of his strongest traits. He just decided to lay low for a while and will continue pursuing her after all this has died down.

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***BACK TO FUTHY***

Zah comes to my office to tell me that the Ntuli brothers have arrived. I am only going to the meeting to oversee. I take my phone and Tobo’s business card and put them in my pocket. Zah and I both head to boardroom 1 and the guards follows us. We get to the private elevator and descend to the 1st floor. The elevator opens and we all step out. While walking down the corridor someone jumps me landing on my back and wraps his legs around my waist. I giggle. There is only one person in my life who is this childish.

Me: “Sibulele mann.” I reprimand him and he laughs in my ear. He climbs down and wraps his arms around my shoulders.

Lele: “I missed you big sis.” I turn to face him and give him a proper hug.

Me: “I missed you too lil bro.” he hugs Zah.

Lele: “long time no see MaZandy.”

Zah: “it’s MaZet wena man. MaZandy is Zandile. How many times do I have to tell you this?”

Lele: “well that’s the same s**t to me.” Zah rolls her eyes and gets inside the boardroom. “And who is this sexy mamasita?” he says looking at Thobeka while biting his lip.

Thobeka: “call me mamasita one more time and I will crush your balls.” She says in her scratchy voice. Lele becomes serious instantly. I laugh quietly.

Me: “Sibulele these are my bodyguards Thobeka and Mabutho. Guys this is my little brother Sibulele.”

Mabutho: “nice to meet you man.” Lele nods and clears his throat. I can see that he took the balls threat seriously.

Me: “Thobeka you can tell him now that you were joking.” Thobeka laughs and tells him that she was joking. He finally loosen up. “So are you going to attend the meeting? Are you even allowed to?”

Lele: “my sister is the owner of this company and the Ntuli brothers are my buddies so I am allowed.” I roll my eyes and get inside the boardroom and he follows. The guards stay at the door.

Me: “sorry I am late guys.” I say shaking their hands.

Yandisa: “no problem. Miss Zanele has already started the presentation.”

Me: “okay then continue Zah.” She continues presenting and after she is done the brothers give out complements.

Yandisa: “so Futhy did you find a restaurant owner?” I take out the business card from my pocket and hand it to him.

Me: “she will be expecting your call. You should go check out her restaurant in Durban North. Yoh the food there is so delicious you will be licking your fingers all the way.”

Sakhile: “we will surely pass there when we got time.” We all stand up and the others head out but Sandile doesn’t get out instead he comes and stands in front of me. He scratches his head.

Sandile: “are you okay? I saw the picture. I just wanted to know how you holding up.”

Me: “thanks for asking. I am okay.” He clears his throat.

Sandile: “ehm Futhy I know this isn’t the best time to say this but I really like you. I am not good with words but what I know is that I like you and I’d like a chance to get to know you better. I am not rushing you. You can take your time. When you are ready to give me a chance you can give me a call.” Wow I didn’t see this coming. I take out my phone and give it to him. He dials his number and saves it on his phone and then gives me back my phone.

Me: “I guess I will see you around.”

Sandile: “yeah. Before I leave can I get a hug? It’s partially for me as it is for you. When I am feeling down a hug always helps so maybe it might comfort you.” I laugh. What a way of asking for a hug.

Me: “sure Sandile.” He opens his arms for me and we hug each other. The hug lasts longer than it should. We finally break it when we can feel other emotions rising. We both get out of the boardroom and find everyone waiting outside. Good thing the boardrooms are sound proof.

Lele: “what were you guys talking about?”

Me: “ask me something that doesn’t concern you again and I will allow Thobeka to crush your balls.” Everyone laughs.

Sakhile: “so her name is Thobeka?” he asks wiggling his eyebrows.

Me: “one punch from her will send you straight to ER.” His facial expression changes.

Sakhile: “please be my bodyguard. I will pay you 3 times the money Futhy is paying you, just for the views.” He licks his lips. We laugh and Thobeka steps forward towards him, he takes 2 steps back and we laugh hysterically.

Thobeka: “pussy.” We say our goodbyes and the Ntuli brothers leave. I turn to Lele.

Me: “So where are you headed to now?”

Lele: “I am going to lunch with them then after that I am going home. I will come to your place after the weekend.”

Me: “that’s fair. So I guess I will see you tomorrow then.” We hug and he leaves. Zah, the guards and I go to my office.

Lee asks me if we are still going to Zimbali and I tell her that we should postpone to next week. She replies by saying she understands. I view the designs of the PMB Bridge that Bob left in my office. They are pretty good but I make a few notes where I can see that if he continues with this, the bridge might collapse within 5 years after it has been built. I call him to my office and give him my notes. He takes them together with the designs and heads out. Lindsay brings me lunch personally which is something new, he places it on my desk and sits on the visitors’ chair.

Lindsay: “babes uryt kodwa? I know that’s a stupid question but I felt the need to check up on you. I want you to know that I care and I am here for you. Anyways I found who posted the pic and it’s Shamase’s ex fiancé. Like b***h you cheated, what do you want from Shamase’s next?” I laugh. I need people like this who will make me laugh. “Plus she has dry and white ankles, I mean we have Dawn in South Africa which is cheap and yena uzosphaphela whereas she can’t even afford a cheap body lotion.” I laugh and shake my head.

Me: “she might have posted my nude but that doesn’t give anyone a reason to shade her. I am going to get back at her the legal way not by shading her like she did to me. I don’t like body shaming other women, if you have twitted about her dry and  white ankles please delete that post. I am not a rapper, I don’t clap back.” He looks at me in disbelief. “I appreciate your support but I currently need emotional support now.”

Lindsay: “I hear you and you are too kind. The world needs more women like you. Anyways here is your lunch, enjoy.” He leaves.

I eat my lunch and after I am done I continue working. At 15:30 I pack my things and exit my office. I give my stuff to the guards. We head home. After putting my bags in my study they leave. I go to my room, take a warm shower, dry and lotion my body then wear my thong and put my silky gown on top and sleepers. I take my phone and my big teddy bear and head downstairs. I am going to cuddle with it.

I sit and the lounge cuddling with my teddy and watching Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir cartoons. They always take my mind off things. The front door opens and my 2 best friends walk in carrying lots of food and bags. They put the food in the kitchen, go upstairs to put their overnight bags there and come back with wine and glasses. They pour the wine and we start drinking.

Noma: “Marinette’s crush on Adrien reminds me of Lee’s crush on Lele.” We all laugh. Noma is right, Lee was just like Marinette. The fact that my brother’s singing career started when he was still in high school is what made him seem like an adult while he was still a teenager and that is what attracted Lee most to her.

Lee: “leave me alone tuh.” She pouts and look the other way and we continue laughing at her.

We continue teasing each other and remembering about the old days. We are disturbed by the bell from the front door.

Noma: “give our surprise guest a show and open the door with your gown untied.”

Lee: “yeah that will teach them not to come to someone’s house unannounced.” I laugh and shake my head.

Me: “you guys are crazy.”

Noma: “come on, we know you wanna do it and you’re going to do it.”

Me: “whatever.” I stand up and untie my gown.

Lee: “that’s what I am talking about.”

Noma: “leave the gown behind.” I laugh at her.

Me: “now you’re overstepping.” I wear my sleepers and head to the front door. I open the door and freeze when I see who is there. His eyes pop out and his jaws drop to the floor when he sees my half naked body. I finally unfreeze and tie my gown. “OMG! What the f**k are you doing here?”

Kuhle: “I came to see how you’re doing. I went to your office and they told me you left. Aren’t you going to allow me in?” he asks in an innocent voice as if he hasn’t just seen my nakedness a minute ago. “You have a nice body by the way.” I roll my eyes and step aside so that he can get in. I close the door and lead him to the lounge.

Me: “guys this is the uninvited guest and uninvited guest these are the invited guests.” They all laugh.

Noma: “are you telling me that you showed him the…?”

Lee: “wow.” They laugh out loud.

Me: “you can sit while I get you something to drink.” He nods and sits down. I go to the kitchen and take out a bottle of flying fish, I open it and also take a few snacks that my friends brought. I go back to the lounge and find these three laughing like old buddies. I hand Kuhle the dumpy. “Well your majesty I don’t have Castle Lite but I think this will do.” He smiles and take it.

Kuhle: “thank you.” I sit back to my original place. “So I called my sister and asked her to remove your picture from most of the devices and from the net. She did it.” Noma takes out her phone and checks if what he is saying is true.

Noma: “OMG he is right. There is no trace of your picture anywhere.” I look at Kuhle.

Me: “thank you for doing this. But what’s the catch?”

Kuhle: “there is no catch.”

Me: “come on. You can do better than that.”

Kuhle: “I had a female friend in high school. She was very beautiful and kind and friendly but she was also gullible. She dated the school’s play boy and he broke her virginity. He made a s*x tape of her first night. He sent it to his friends and his friends to their girlfriends. Soon after the whole school had seen it. She couldn’t take the critics very well so she drowned herself. I didn’t want the same thing to happen to you. No woman should have her nakedness displayed to the whole world without her consent. That’s violation of privacy on another level.” Lee sniffs and we look at her.

Lee: “I had a teenage client just like her 2 years ago. The same thing happened to her. She tried committing suicide many times but I guess God wasn’t ready to have her. People can be so cruel out there. They don’t understand how pain they inflict on an individual when sharing their nakedness to the world, especially when the pictures/video are shared by someone you trusted.”

Me: “thank you Kuhle. Noma there won’t be a need to sue that woman.”

Noma: “but…”

Me: “no Noma. I will do a live video tomorrow addressing this issue and i will stay the f**k away from Mvelo.”

Kuhle stays for a little while and then leaves. We continue with our ladies’ night in.

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#MissChubby