This is Us

Chapter 5

I was s**t nervous, I didn't even know what to say. I took a deep breath then looked at Themba.

Me: Dude I'm sorry for what I did to your sister, I treated her like s**t and I didn't give her the respect she deserved. I punished her for someone else's sins and I'm asking for forgiveness. I know I don't deserve it but please forgive me. You're my best friend, actually you're my brother and you're the last person I want to resent me right now

He got up and stood in front of me. I got up too and he just smiled and we did our handshake. Then he pulled me in and whispered...

Themba: You hurt her again and I won't hesitate to put a bullet through your skull

Me: I don't plan to

Themba: Now talk to her

He patted my back and walked over to Mami and kissed her cheek. She smiled at him and he walked up the stairs. I went to go kneel in front of her and took her hands in mine.

Me: Mami I'm sorry, I'm sorry for the way I treated you and I'm sorry for shattering all your dreams. I'm sorry for not treating like the Quuen you are and I'm a sorry excuse of a man

She started crying softly looking at me in the eyes.

Me: You don't really know how much i love you, do you? You have no idea I'll love you for the rest of my life, not because i want you to blush or something, I mean it from the centre of my heart..... You don't have my heart neither are you in it, you are my heart... It's because of your flaws and suffering that I've fallen for you....I crave for your attention sometimes..... I tried to to brush my feelings for you away but I can't, something always pulls me back. Even if your love for me dies, that's if you do love me, I will still love you... Even if you have another man in your life I will still love you. I went from drinking myself to sleep every night with different women, to sleeping with a smile on my face every night knowing that you're next to me. I can't justify what I did because there is no right reason for it. I just hope you find it in your heart to forgive me and love me one day... Whatever you do in your life, I'm yours even if you don't want me

She just cried even louder and I pulled her in for a hug.

Mami: I love you

I looked at her and just kissed the life out if her.

Themba: Don't y'ull dare have s*x on my couch

I felt Mami shiver but quickly stopped to force a smile. I gave him a death stare and he realised what he just said. He came close to us and just sat on Mami's lap. She laughed and he just kept kissing her all over. Nice save!!

Mami: Papi I'm hungry

Themba and I just looked at her. Lord knows I missed her voice.

Mami: Don't look at me like that, I need food

I just kissed her again till Themba pushed me off because I was leaning on him.

Themba: Clearly Lani hasn't told you this but nigga you heavy damn

Me: You're one to talk, have you met you?

Mami: I'm still here and I'm still hungry

Themba: Boy if she ain't complaining then who you to complain?

Me: You don't hear her complaining about me do you?

Mami: *crying* I'm hungry and you two are busy arguing about who's fatter than the other

I was so lost and confused but decided to just go make her something to eat. I made her French toast with mango juice. When I got to the lounge Themba was gone.

Me: Where's your brother?

Mami: He said he'd kill anyone who makes me cry but he didn't want to die young so he left

I just laughed and sat down. I gave Mami her food and watched TV with her while she ate. We'd have small talk here and there but that was it. After a few hours she passed out and I carried her to Themba's room.

Me: Kim get out

Kim: Excuse me?

Me: Kim you know I don't like repeating myself now get out

She got up and left, clicking her tongue along the way. I laid Mami down next to Themba and tucked her in.

Me: I don't want her sleeping alone while she's with you. Your girlfriend better watch it also, I won't take s**t with my wife

Themba: Dude fucken go home already

Mami: Themba language or else I'll cut that tongue out

Themba: Sorry Lani, now sleep

Themba just gives me the middle finger. She nodded her head and we both kissed her good night. I then walked out and found Kim busy in her phone.

Kim: I swear if this girl is going to be a problem in my life I'm going to get rid of her..... I don't give a s**t that she's Themba's sister or Lucas's wife.... Don't start with me okay, I'll kill her if it gets that far.... Yes we still on with the plan. I'll leave them all broke then dissappear

I was just laughing on the inside. This girl actually thought that she could take us on? Cute. I clear and she turns to look at me. At first her face is flushed but she quickly covers it up.

Kim: Umm... Luca... I didn't hear you come down

Her calling me Luca just proves she's guilty of something without me even questioning her, at least she knows she's about to die. I meant it when I said I don't want s**t with my wife, even s**t from me. I get my phone and text Themba to come down. After a while I hear run down the stairs.

Themba: You just saved me from a lecture

Me: Yeah well don't thank me yet

Themba: What's up?

Me: I want Kim dead before the sun rises

Themba looks at me confused and Kim just looks like she just saw her life flash before her eyes.

Me: See I don't tolerate nonsense so I want her dead

Themba: Wait, you want her dead because she annoys you?

Me: No I want her dead because I heard her talking in the phone about killing YOUR sister

Before I could take my next breath Kim was on the floor with a bullet hole on her forehead. I look at Themba and he looks fuming, like a beast had taken over. His breathing is heavy and fast. I take the gun from him and place it on the table. I lead him upstairs and Mami is still up.

Me: Why are you still up?

Mami: He left me

Me: Well take care of him and don't push him too far by annoying him

Mami: Why?

Me: He'll kill you

She looked at me like she just saw a ghost. I didn't mean to blurt it out like that, it just came out. She helped me tuck him in and he just stared at her. She wiped the sweat off his forehead and just smiled at him. I saw a slight smile from him and she kissed him.

Themba: Lani I'm too old for you to be kissing me like that

Mami: You still my brother so why you complaining

Themba: Because I'm your brother

Mami: Fine stay like that. You going to be on drought for a very long time anyways so suit yourself

Themba: Can't you hook me up with a girl or something

Mami:......

Themba: Please pretty please my beautiful light skinned baby sister who I love so dearly

Mami: Keep going

Themba: Who I'll buy a beautiful diamond necklace for

Mami: And...

Themba: And matching Earrings

Mami: And...

Themba: Lani now you just cleaning me out

Mami: Hey this is 18 years of presents missed so you've got to start somewhere

Themba: What about Dante? He's missed 18 years of your birthday too

Mami: I'm married to the guy, by the time he thinks of spoiling me he'll be as broke as you're about to be

Themba: Dude help me out here

Me: Woah don't include me in your quarrels

Them: We're not quarreling!!

Mami: I just want to clean him out

Themba: She just wants to leave me broke

Me: Yeah you guys are definitely siblings

Them: Shut up!!

Me: Hey I didn't want to speak anyways

Mami: You useless

Themba: Oh and you're any help?

Mami: *sniff* Dante he's insulting me (then she just bursts out crying)

I laugh at how dramatic my wife is. Themba just looks at her shocked. He doesn't even know what to say or do.

Themba: Lani okay I'm sorry, I didn't mean that

Mami: Why is he still alive?

Me: Huh?

Mami: He said he'd kill anyone who makes me cry but now he's making me cry and he's not keeping to his word

Themba: See this is why I left you in the lounge

She just cried even more as if he had slapped her. He looks so defeated that I actually start to feel bad for him. But then I realise that I'll be dealing with her alone soon so I let them be.

Themba: When you leave, take her home with you

Mami: Oh so now you throwing me out? Fine I'll leave and never come back

She gets up to leave but Themba holds her waist and pulls her to him.

Themba: Let's do this, tomorrow I'll give you my card and Dante will take you shopping

Me: Why do I have to do it? (is he seriously trying to throw me under the bus right now?)

Mami: Dante!!

Themba: Thing is Mami we have to work tomorrow

Mami: Fine I'll ask Katelyn to go me

Us: Who's that?

Mami: She's a nurse from the hospital, you know the cute colored one that's always in my ward

Themba: Cam I come with?

Mami: You're working tomorrow

Themba: Hey I just remembered, I'm free tomorrow. So I'll drive you

Mami: But...

Themba: We are not discussing this. Dante you coming with

We talk for a few then we finally call it a night. I walk back down with Themba since he has to clean up Kim's body. We handshake then I drive home. Just as I'm about to get in the house I receive a call from my mother.

Me: Mom?

Mom: Baby Chloé is in hospital

Amahle's POV

I woke up to Dante shaking me roughly. I tried pushing him away but he wasn't having none of it. I turned to sleep on his side but he just pushed me further and I fell. Ouch?. I got up pissed and I could tell he was holding in a laugh. I climbed on the bed with the duvet attempting to sleep again. Next thing the mattress got flipped over. Damn you Dante?.

Papi: Go freshen up, we have to go fetch Chloé from the hospital

I get up and dragged myself to the bathroom. I took a shower because I knew if I took the bathtub, I'd most definitely fall asleep. After about half an hour I got out and lotioned. I wore a white Jordan top, white Jordan sneakers and white highwaist jeans... Also tucked in the top and I still had the braids.

I walked downstairs and Dante was eating yogurt. I walked over to him and grabbed it in a second. He gave me an intimidating look but I continued eating it. Without even noticing I finished it and he looked like he wanted to cry. I got him another tub in the fridge and offered to drive. We got to the hospital and Chloé was already dressed.

We signed her forms then I dropped Dante off at the warehouse. I drove us to the mall just to get a few things, some snacks and also lots of healthy food. When I walked back to the car pushing the trolley, I saw Chloé with a boy who. He looked only a few years younger then me... Maybe 13. She was hugging him tightly and crying. I rushed over them and Chloé jumped on me.

I hushed her till she calmed down. I wiped her tears then slowly put her down. She just sniffed here and there and had hiccups so I got water for her.

Boy: Since you are safe now I will take leave

Me: Wait, what happened here?

Boy: I saw a few guys trying to jump her so I helped

Chloé: He punched one so hard mommy and they kept apologising

Me: Thank you so much for helping her. Where are your parents?

Boy: I don't have parents

Me: Where are you from?

Boy: The streets

Me: Your name?

Boy: Don't have one

Me: What do your friends here call you?

Boy: I don't make friends on the street. Everyone can't be trusted here

I was a bit intimidated by the way he gave straight answers with no emotion. He reminded me of Dante when we first met but he was... Dead? I don't know but just something about was filled with pain and suffering. As if he'd shut down all emotions.

Me: Can I buy you lunch since you saved my Chloé?

Boy: No

Me: Okay now I ain't asking. I'm buying you lunch and that's it, come Chloé

I carry Chloé and we all walk back into the mall. Chloé chose Spur for lunch so I asked for a table next to the play area. I ordered ribs with fries, onion rings, chicken wings and chocolate milkshake for the boy and just burgers for me and Chloé. He didn't really talk much and all he knew was that he was was only a year old when he lost his parents. All he has is his date of birth since it was imprinted on his jumper.

Chloé seemed to really connect with him though, it's as if she'd found an older brother. I felt really bad for the kid, I know the pain of losing your parents but he doesn't even remember what they look like. After lunch I ordered burgers for dinner because I was in no mood to cook. We walked back to the car with Chloé holding onto the kid for dear life.

Chloé: Mom can Junior come home with us?

Me: Junior?... Ohh... Umm yes sure that's if he wants to

Junior: No I can't

Chloé: Please, I want Uncle Dan(Dante) too meet my hero

Junior: Umm I don't want to dirty your car so I will take leave

Me: Nonsense, come on both of you get inside

They climb in the back and I drive us home. When we get there only Andre is home ONLY!

Me: Why are you here alone?

Dre: All the uncles said they had a job to do. Who's the new guy?

Chloé: This is our new brother Junior

Wow. I didn't not expect that and honestly I didn't real like correcting her. We all sat down with Andre watching TV.

Junior: How many uncles do you guys have?

Chloé: WE have 9 uncles, excluding Uncle Dan because he is married to Mom

Andre: How old are you?

Junior: 13

Me: Why do you live in the streets?

Junior: Child Welfare misplaced my papers so I got kicked out

Just then the boys walked in making so much noise but all went dead silent when they saw Junior.

Junior: *whispering to me* I take it these are all the uncles?

Me: In the flesh

Junior: Can I take leave now?

Me: Not by the slighted chance. Hey guys!

They all snap out of it and join us in the lounge. I decided to order more burgers since I get the feeling that the boys ain't leaving any time soon.

Papi: Mami who is this?

Sky: I was wondering the same thing

Junior: I'm a street kid who they won't allow to leave. I'm basically being kidnapped

Me: He's name is Junior

Junior: No it's not

Dre: Yes it is

Junior: No it's not

Chloé: Yes it is

Junior: kidn*pped I tell you

Me: Anyways today he saved Chloé's life so she wanted to introduce you to her hero

Papi: Ouch I'm being replaced already

Themba: Oh please only I have the right to complain

Sandile: I thought only uncles can play hero

Jason: Can you guys shut up

Them: You shut up

Me: Papi I ordered burgers for dinner since I'm too tired too cook and I didn't think that you'd bring the whole of Durban home

Ayden: Where's the love when you need it?

Mario: Lala the girls are coming over too

Me: What girls?

Dorian: Our girls

Themba: Katelyn is coming too

Me: No way!!

I rush to sit on his lap.

Me: I need details now. How? When? And most importantly why?

Themba: What you mean why?!

Me: Well see thing is... This is you we talking about... Honestly I'm surprised all of y'ull are dating

Deon: Lala you married to one of us you do know that right?

Me: Don't remind me okay I'm in my moment

Papi: I agree with Ayden, where's the love when you need it?

Me: You know I love you Dante but let's be real for a second here

Adam: You know what, forget you Lala. I don't need your love

Me: Yes you do

Adam: No, no, no I'm not doing this with you

Just then the door bell rang and it was the delivery guy. I paid him then placed the food in the microwave with the rest.

Me: Guys please ask your girls to order burgers for themselves cause I don't think we'll have enough

I had only ordered 20 more and knowing the boys, they won't be enough.

Themba: I'll ask Katelyn

Me: So tell me about them besides Katelyn since I know her and what happened to Kim? Kids why don't you go to the cinema room and watch some movies, Junior go with them

Sky: Well I'm dating Natasha

Me: Which Natasha?

Themba: The one we met at the mall

Me: And you didn't bother to tell me?

Themba: Like I knew it was her. I only found out recently

Sky: You guys know Natasha

Themba: Know her? She smooshed Lani at the mall

Everyone burst out laughing and I just punched him in the shoulder. He promised he wouldn't bring that up.

Sky: Someone is going to get punished tonight

Papi: We'll talk about this in the bedroom

Them: Oouuuuu

I just pulled hard on Themba's ear.

Voice: Lani stop abusing my man

Me: Your man talks to much. Now I'm probably going to get an ass whopping because of him

Kate: He talked about Natasha?

Natasha: What about me?

Me: Me and you are going to get punished because this one can't keep his mouth shut

Natasha: Wait, París? You look like such a girl now

Themba: See I told you even girls would want you including guys

Natasha: He wasn't lying, all the girls wanted you including me, even the guys wanted you

Sky: Am I the only one that's lost here?

Boys: Nope!