Royal Tea☕

Chapter 1

“Merry Christmas mama… Love you too… Okay, mommy…. Bye mommy… I have to go… Yes, mama… Okay… Okay… Okay, bye…” Natasha hung up the call from her mother, who was very excited to have her daughter back home in South Africa after so many years.

Had she known that her son's wedding was the only means to bring her daughter back home, she would have persuaded him to marry years earlier.

“Alright, Ms. Kgosi, we will send your luggage to this address as soon as it arrives,” the airport manager told Natasha, hoping this gesture might ease the disappointment of the bad news she had just received on Christmas Day.

“No, it's alright; I can pick it up myself,” she answered, focusing on sending a text to the family group chat to inform the person picking her up from the airport about the entrance where they could meet her.

“Alright, we will inform you when it arrives. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate you choosing to fly with-”

A line appeared on Natasha's forehead as she looked up from her phone and locked eyes with the older woman who briefly paused to clear her throat before continuing to speak.

“We hope you enjoy your holidays. Merry Christmas, miss Kgosi.”

Natasha had no intention of being rude; she simply couldn't conceal the disappointment on her face, regardless of her effort. She mastered up a genuine smile, hoping to lighten up the atmosphere.

With a bittersweet tone, Natasha said, “Thank you, Merry Christmas,” while gathering her duffle and laptop bags and slowly exiting the office.

Her first visit back home in eight years and the airline lost her luggage. Apparently, it was loaded on a different flight, which got delayed because of some complications. She's just grateful that she packed her toiletries in her duffel bag because she needed them for the shower she took on the plane. Now she just needs to figure out what to wear for the Christmas party tonight because it's too late to go shopping, and she would rather not disappoint her twin brother.

She's already missed three days of the trip that Nathan and his fiancé Vanessa had organized for their bridesmaids and groomsmen to get to know each other before the wedding. Nathan couldn't pick between his two best friends, so he made them best man and best woman.

Needless to say, she has not been a good best woman at all so far.

She could feel the jet lag starting to sink in as exhaustion and disappointment overpowered her excitement to be back home.

But that all changed as soon as she locked eyes with one of the screaming trio of sisters that was running towards her.

She couldn't help but join in as they engulfed her in a big hug, squealing and jumping around in excitement.

“Weeeeeeee wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year.” They all gleefully belted out at the top of their lungs and laughed at how badly they knew they sounded.

“I can't believe that you're here right now.”

“How are you?”

“How was your flight? ““Did they find your baggage?”

“Where's your boyfriend?”

“Girl the drama.”

“Let me hold your bag, you must look good for the cameras.”

“Again, where's your boyfriend?”

Her cousins all spoke over each other like the paparazzi.

“Okay, okay, slow down y'all. I'm good, thank you, you guys look wonderful by the way.”

“Thank you girl, you know we have to represent.” Samantha replied as she and her sisters showed off their outfits in appreciation of the compliment.

“That's right!” Natasha giggled.

“Oh and my flight was long but good, yes they were able to track my luggage, apparently it was loaded on a different plane, so I'll probably get it in the next two to three days, the boyfriend won't be able to make it, and cameras? What cameras?"

“Girl, how are you going to survive a couples retreat without a partner -”

“Samantha!”

Natasha cut her off as they were both clearly trying to avoid each other's questions, but Natasha would never admit to her part. Especially not when they just mentioned that there are cameras.

“Okay, I'm sorry, but it's for work. I'm in my third season and I have to film all the exiting moments in my life to keep this show interesting and to keep the producers happy. Please tell me you're okay with this.” Samantha finally answered all in one breath, hoping for her older cousin's approval.

Samantha is the celebrity of the family, actor, DJ, dancer and now reality star. Their mother died shortly after giving birth to her, but despite her tragic beginning, she remains the happiest of the family always bringing a laugh to everyone around her. She's currently engaged to the hottest African musician, and they seem genuinely happy together, along with their two-year-old baby girl.

“Samantha, you know that some of us are prohibited from being in the media.”

“Don't worry girl, I got you. We'll tweak your faces on shorts that are too good to cut out. No one will know, I promise,” Samantha reassured her cousin.

“Okay, I trust you, but I'll have that in writing.”

“Yes mam. “She obliged, grinning from cheek to cheek in excitement.

“And it's not a couple's retreat"

“Well everyone's boo'd up so…" Samantha commented, giving her a side eye.

“Don't worry, babe, Vanessa's sister and C are also single.” Jayla reassured her.

'Wait, Caelum's single? Why didn't he tell me? Okay, I know why, but why didn't Nathan tell me, he doesn't have an excuse. What kind of twin does that? ' Natasha wondered to herself, her ears completely deaf to the rest of the conversation going on in front of her.

“Girl she's been all over him since he arrived two days ago, constantly trying to get him alone and stuff. I wouldn't be surprised if they are secretly doing it." Lesedi shared being extra careful not to swear around Natasha.

Lesedi is the firstborn of the trio of sisters. She's well known as the tea giver of the family, can't keep a secret to save her life and she is a divorce attorney. How that combination works is a mystery that only God knows. What we do know is that her husband will never make the dumb mistake of cheating on her.

“I would too if I wasn't engaged.” Samantha added. “That man is a walking temptation.”

“Dehydration will do that to you, honey.” both Samantha and Lesedi's jaws dropped clearly having taken Offense to their little sister's judgment.

“Sometimes you just have to water that garden, am I right?” Jayla continued, unbothered.

Jayla is the youngest and most care free of the sisters. She's the person you go to if you want honest judgment. Their father married her half white, half Indian mother a few years after his first wife's death, and then they had Jayla. Like Samantha, she's also in the entertainment industry but behind the cameras as a producer and screenplay writer.

“What garden? What are we talking about?” Natasha finally touched down to reality.

“Aren't you the genius of the family?” Jayla teased.

“Shut up, I'm jet legged.”

“we're talking about Amanda, and how she's latched herself on to hot brother C since we got here.”

“Oh so I am definitely the eleventh wheel.” Natasha joked and they all shared a laugh.

Samantha's camera crew came to view as they walked out of the airport. Natasha had to keep reminding herself to act normal and pretend that their not even there which was proving to be a lot harder than she expected.

Her focus shifted quickly as she saw the beautiful 8pm sunset. She couldn't help but smile as she felt its warmness hit her skin. A drastic but pleasant change from the snow she had her suitcase stuck in less than a day ago. She was also grateful that they chose Cape Town for the trip as it is literally the only bearable part of South Africa in the summer.

“Does he seem interested?” Natasha asked as they got into the car. Caelum was still floating around in her mind. In fact, he was all she could think about. Caelum this, Caelum that, Caelum Caelum Caelum Caelum.

“He treats us all the same so we don't really know for sure.”

“But we know you will…"

“Let's take our first shots for the night.” Jayla jumped in saving Natasha from giving a reply that probably would've started multiple wildfires she would not have been able to rid off. Especially since they are on camera, denying her words would definitely not have been an option.

“Tasha, the stores were closing by the time you called to let us know about your missing luggage and Nate and C were already at the mall so we asked them to get you a couple of outfits and some swimming costumes.” Lesedi informed Natasha.

“Oh no.” Natasha palmed.

“They actually have good taste, these jeans are to die for.” Samantha gushed, but the outfits are not what Natasha was worried about.

She's well aware that those two have great taste in fashion. It's the bikinis that got her. Why would they send her brother and her former best friend to go and buy bikinis for her? Who does that?

"I don't see any bikinis though." Lesedi commented

“I guess they forgot to buy them.” Sammy sighed.

“Oh no, they didn't.” Natasha showcased the conservative swimsuit, while her expression reflected defeat. “I think this is it.”

“Oh, my God!” Laughter filled the entire car.

"Guys it's 09:23." Jayla said finally sobering up from her laughter.

“s**t Tasha do you mind getting dressed now.”

“Right now?”

“Yes.”

“In the car?”

“Yeah we're already late.” Natasha raised her brow.

“Exactly, by the time we arrive we'll be fashionably late. Your version of that term is actually missing the party.” Lesedi teased.

“True” Jayla chuckled

They are not wrong, Natasha has never been the partying type.

She only attends when she has no choice, and even then, she always arrives towards the end of the party to show face and most importantly get some food before she bids her farewell and goes back to her cocoon.

“Please Tasha, we cannot be later than fashionably late, the yatch is leaving at 10 pm and everyone is already there.” Samantha begged.

“Okay fine, turn off the cameras.”

She took the clothing bag from Samantha and chose to wear the black long sleeve cropped shirt with a pair of TRE wide leg jeans and the blue six-inch pumps.

Yes, six inch pumps. A whole six inches. For her of all people. She couldn't tell if it was an inside joke between those two or if they just wanted her to fit in with the rest of the group. Height wise of cause.

“We're almost there, let me do your makeup really quick.” Samantha said getting ready to swoop seats with Jayla.

“No thanks I'm good.” The car came to a halt at the red traffic light, and they all turned to look at her.

“Okay fine, you can add some lashes and touch up my brows.”

“Nothing else?” Natasha shook her head no.

“We'll take it.”

They finally pulled up by the Harbor parking lot with eight minutes to spare. Natasha felt overwhelmed seeing all the expensive cars surrounding them.

They all got out of the car and spent a full minute admiring the big yatch.

“Sammy this isn't a regular Christmas party is it?”

“Nope, it's packed with celebrities and important people from all over the continent and abroad. There are no cameras allowed, so I know you'll feel comfortable to let loose.” Samantha said trying to reassure Natasha.

“Always remember that the rich are regular people just like us. Plus we all look hot. Last shots anyone? “

They all agreed and took their fifth shots of the night before walking to the yatch entrance.

“Alright we're going to have to split up because I have to greet all my friends and co-workers plus I have to perform later on.” Samantha informed as soon as they entered the lively party.

“I'll go with Sammy.” Natasha rushed.

“Are you sure, everyone is excited to see you.” Jayla asked remembering how excited Nathan was to see his twin again.

“Yeah, we'll come and find you guys later.”

“Okay then Lesedi and I will go and find the rest of our group.”

Watching them walk away and remembering Samantha's flaws Natasha low-key wished she had gone with them instead, but she had to stay strong because she wasn't ready to face Caelum yet, let alone see him entertaining another woman.