*AFRICA CROWN*

*INSERT 01*
*BULELANI*
A slight knock comes at the
door

I lift my eyes

Me : come in

The door opens

And Sofia walks in

Looks like she was running

She knows I’m not happy with
her

I hate being kept waiting

Especially when it’s about work

I hate working with people who

can’t keep time

No matter how busy we are

We are always on a tight
schedule

And I don’t like repeating myself

Over and over again

Telling employees the same

thing

Always keep time

Me : finally

She smiles

Sofia : sorry sir , I was …

Me : mhm enough excuses , let

me see

She hands me the file

I flip through it

Just reading over

Me : okay

Sofia : is it ….

Me : leave Sofia , if it doesn’t

please the client it falls on you .
And you’ll be held accountable
for it
She nods

Sofia : I understand sir , and I’m

sorry for taking long again

Me : you can leave

She walks out closing the door

I shake my head
Opening my laptop

But my phone rings , I heave a

sigh answering

Me : hello

Dad : finally you answer my call

I remove the phone from my

ear
And look at the caller ID

If I saw it was him

I wouldn’t have answered

Because I don’t have the energy

for this

I just don’t

I take a deep breath

Me : I was busy , I want ignoring
you . I know that’s what you
think

Dad : because that’s what you

think , and you can’t ignore me
forever

Me : things are hectic at work ,

and I have to mind a lot of
things here
Dad : you’re the boss , nothing
can ever be too hectic

I rub my eyes taking a deep

breath

Me : how can I help ?

Dad : never mind , I’ll come

there myself
Me : no …

Dad : what ?

Me : I mean , no you can’t come

here . I am busy , whatever it is
you can tell me through the
phone . I mean , you have
already called and I answered

He chuckles
It’s not a pleasing one

He is annoyed

That’s more like it

Dad : I am your father , you

seem to be forgetting yourself
fast I see

Me : I know that …but …

Dad : I am not your employees ,
that you just dismiss

Me : I didn’t say you were

Dad : go on with whatever you

were doing

Me : dad …

He drops the call

I heave a sigh

And call him back

But he doesn’t answer

Now I know

He is just being petty and not

answering me

But I have work to do

I can’t run after him

I hope my mother can get to

him

He has no business coming here

, like none whatsoever
.
.
.
.
*SOFIA*
Angela walks in

I roll my eyes

As she walks towards the

reception desk

Angela : hi , I’m here to see your

boss

Me : he is busy , do you have an

appointment?
He looks at me

Just sizing me up and down

Angela : last I checked , you

weren’t his PA or the
receptionist

I shrug

She clicks her tongue

Just then Bulelani walks out of
the elevator

And he seems to be in a hurry

But the miss , strides to him

I watch them

As she tries to play all flirty with

him
But he is not having it

And the kiss she aims for , lands

on his cheek

I silently laugh , this girl just

can’t take a hint

He takes her hand and walks

over
Bulelani : I’m heading for a
meeting in Sandton , Donald will
be here for that report

Me : yes sir

He looks at her

Bulelani : I’ll call you

She smiles
And he walks away

Angela : I love you too

I laugh

The man is out the door

And he never said he loves her

Angela : something funny ?

Me : you’re funny , next time
just learn to listen . I see it’s a
skill that you’re lacking

Angela : watch your mouth

Me : or what ?

Angela : you’re forgetting who’s

place is this
I laugh

Me : definitely not yours

Angela : keep this attitude , and

Bulelani will get to know about
it

Me : you’re poking your nose in

things that don’t concern you ,
but go ahead run to the boss .
And tell on me , little miss
Angela : do you want him ?

What the fuck !

I wave my ring in front of her

face

Me : I’m a wife , not some slay

girlfriend to a rich man

Angela : don’t you dare ..

Me : past that already

She clicks her tongue and walks

out

I shake my head

Damn I hate this woman

Like , I can’t even pretend

otherwise
She annoyed me , thinks she
lives on the clouds

And drinks diluted water

I take the file I need , and head

back to my office
.
.
.
.
*ANGELA*
To say I am pissed

That would be an
understatement

And to make matters worse

Bulelani is the one who

embarrasses me

He acts anyhow in front of his

employees
And now they don’t see the
need to respect me

All that needs to change

I will not have the likes of low

life’s , like Sofia

Think they can talk anyhow with

me
She’s way beneath me

And she needs to know her

place

And I’ll definitely make sure she

does , and stays where peasants
like her reside
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 02*
*BULELANI*
The bedroom opens

I turn my head

And Angela walks in

From the looks of things

She is definitely not happy

Me : good morning

What a way for my morning to

start

Angela : really ?

Okay !

Someone is pissed
Clearly , she’s not having a good
morning

And that , was a very bad

greeting for her

Me : what brings you by this

early ?

Angela : you said you’ll call me

yesterday
Oh fuck !

That totally slipped my mind

Me : I am sorry about that , I

just got caught up after my
meeting . It was hectic , I didn’t
get time

She laughs sarcastically

Angela : you couldn’t find time ,
to call your girlfriend ?

I shrug

Angela : you know what …I think

maybe it’s time , you get your
priorities right

Me : are they not ?

Angela : clearly
I heave a sigh

Me : let’s hear it

Angela : you just don’t care

Bulelani do you ?

Me : babe …

Angela : no , I came to see you

yesterday . And you just
dismissed me , told me I should
have called first . You say you’ll
call me , then you go on to
ghost me . I guess you couldn’t
find time , to see my texts and
missed calls as well ?

Me : I …

Angela : I don’t like the way

you’re treating me as of late ,
even your employees think they
can talk to me anyhow .
Because you don’t make them
respect me

Me : now I don’t know what

you’re talking about , I don’t
control people . And I can’t tell
them what and what not to do

Angela : you can , if they

disrespect me . That Sofia thinks
we’re on the same level
This is insane

And well , it’s too early for such

nonsense

Me : listen , yesterday wasn’t

great . And I’ll make it up to you

I grab my phone and get on my

bank app

I send her money

Angela : I am talking to you ,
and you’re disregarding my
feelings

Me : no , I apologise . And I will

do better , for my side . As for
the rest , I don’t dictate to my
employees

Angela : if you can’t , I’ll deal

with them myself
Me : no , you will not . Because
my office , is a work space . We
do work there , and nothing
else

Angela : I …

Her phone beeps

She checks it
And I see the smile on her face

Well , all is well

Angela : babe

She smiles

Me : I am sorry , to make up for

yesterday . Go have a great day

Angela : I will , thank you

I walk over to her

And place a kiss on her cheek

Angela : but just know this , you

can’t buy me

I chuckle

Me : I know
Angela : I love you so much

She pecks my lips

Angela : I love you

I chuckle

Me : yeah , me too

She frowns
And looks at her phone

And smiles right back

I turn to the side

I smile wiping off my lips with

my thumb

Angela : I see you’re all done

getting ready for work , I’ll take
a lift . You’ll drop me off on your
way

Me : where ?

Angela : to Gina’s house

Me : okay

I grab my laptop bag and phone

.
.
.
.
*ANGELA*
Gina : and this Sofia ? Are you
certain she doesn’t want your
man ?

I frown
Me : I mean , I know she’s after
him . Too bad , she’s low class .
He’ll never look her way

Gina : be very careful , some

women go to extre measures

Me : desperation , and it’s nasty

. But I know Bulelani is mine ,
and no woman can ever take
that man from me
Gina : put that girl in her place

Me : don’t worry , I will deal

with her . And when I’m done ,
she won’t know what hit her .
Because she’ll be jobless

She laughs

Gina : and you need to tell your

man to be strict , he can’t have
these hoes disrespecting you
like this

I clear my throat

Me : I spoke to him , and he said

he will take care of it . I
wouldn’t be surprised if he fires
her
Gina : good , because that’s
exactly what township girls like
her deserve

I take a deep breath

Her flashing that ring , on my

face

That was on another level

And maybe it’s high time
Bulelani marries me

We’ve been together for a year

now

That’s a very long time

And I am ready

I know that , it suits me to be his

wife
A year , is a very long time being
together

For a man to know what he

wants

And decide the kind of a future

he wants with a woman

He doesn’t even need that long

of a time
I should just budge him in the
right direction

That will definitely get me

respect

As his wife

Because now , I’m seen as

nothing
But just a trophy girlfriend

And I believe , I deserve way

more than that

If he puts …

No , let me rephrase that

When he puts a ring on this

finger
The likes of Sofia will know who
I am

They will respect me

Whether they likes it or not

It’s not like they’ll have a choice

.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 03*
*BULELANI*
I am so tempted to call my
mother

And hear if my father was

serious

But knowing him

And the way he is

Mhm , I know he was serious

It’ll be useless to call

Unless she’s able to convince

him not to come here

I guess I’ll just wait to hear

when

So I can prepare myself for him

And that reminds me

I need someone around the
house

I have been having a cleaning

service for a while now

But , I am not happy with them

I lost my helper a year ago

She fell sick

And shortly passed on after

Angela was against the idea

when I met her

But she’s not the domesticated

type

So having her doesn’t help with

anything

Like absolutely nothing

Her idea of me not having a
helper

Doesn’t work for me

Because it’s not like she does

the chores

I still have to pay a company to

do that
I might as well , pay someone
who will come in at least three
times a week

I call Sofia in my office

And it’s a first

That she comes right away

From her facial expression

She’s bothered

Me : take a seat

She sits down

Sofia : sir , if this is about what

happened yesterday with
Ange…I mean Miss Williams ,
then I’m …
Me : you dealt with the
company , that provided
cleaners here . I need you to
contact them , and maybe get
three candidates . For personal
home , I’ll just choose one after
interviews . This is not company
related , but I need the contact
the company used . So you can
just call them , when you can. I
am not saying neglect your job ,
that I pay you to do . And make
this an excuse
Her jaw drops

I guess , she thought I called her

to scold her

I don’t care to know what

happened really

One thing about Angela

She has a very lose tongue

I know that

And so , I can never defend her

Even when she’s right

Sofia : okay sir

Me : you can go
She’s hesitant

But finally , she gets up and

leaves

Closing the door behind her

And I get back to my work

.
.
.
.
*SOFIA*
Me : you know my day has been
shitty

She smiles

And I can see just how tired she

is

And I can only imagine

How her day has been

Nothing that comes to mine

Me : but not worse than

yesterday

Bahari : office drama again ?

I laugh

Me : my boss’s girlfriend

She chuckles
Bahari : you hate that woman
with passion , I wonder what did
she ever do to you

Me : she is a brat , that’s it

Bahari : just let her be , you

know people born with a silver
spoon

Me : annoyance
She nods slowly

I can tell , her mind is barely

here

Me : how was it ?

She heaves a sigh

Me : have some hope

Bahari : dropped about 10 CV’s ,
and most of the places they
didn’t even want to take them .
I had to beg , and you know
what …they’ll just end up in the
rubbish bin

Me : come on

Bahari : it’s the truth , and I’ll

wish I never wasted so much
money on CV’s
Me : something will come up

Bahari : I wish I have your faith

Me : I have enough for the both

of us

She smiles

Bahari : right now , I would take

anything
Me : that’s a saying of lost hope

She slightly smiles

Bahari : as long as it’ll pay the

bills , and get me by

Me : have you many any pieces

as of late ?

She shakes her head

Me : maybe that’s what you
need

Bahari : I am so over the time of

being a struggling artist , I need
to gather funds . Pay the
institute , get my degree and
start working

Me : maybe you can start again

Bahari : no , I am done with that

Me : but you love it , it’s your

passion

Bahari : passion and love don’t

pay bills Sof

Me : I know , but selling a piece

a day can make a difference

She shakes her head

I know she’s tired

And I should stop pushing

Me : okay , but don’t lose hope .

I know something will come

Bahari : yeah , in the meantime

it’s dropping CV’s everyday all
day
I hate seeing my friend this
down

Like it hurts me

And I wish there was something

I can do

But I don’t know what

Just anything to help her out

Even though , she hates help

Because she doesn’t want to

feel like a charity case

That’s how she sees help

I don’t know how her mind is

channelled

I can’t even help with money

Because she never accepts it

And she takes offence at that

Even when times are tough

She never asks

I feel so helpless

And it breaks me
Me : you know what , I have an
hour to spare before I home .
And I’m hungry

Bahari : then go home

I laugh

Me : Matteo said he will mind

Aria , so we can go grab
something to eat
Bahari : I didn’t come to your
work place , so you can spend
time with me instead of going
home

Me : but it’s what I want , and

I’m glad you came

Bahari : Sof ….

She heaves a sigh

Me : come on

Bahari : okay , but we don’t go

to any of these fancy
restaurants of yours

I laugh grabbing my bag

Bahari : no I mean it , I am tired

. I just want to bath and sleep ,
I’ve been walking around all day
Me : we won’t stay up till late , I
promise . We eat , have a glass
of wine or two and we leave . I’ll
drop you off myself

She shakes her head with a

smile

I let out a laugh

Grabbing my car keys

Me : let’s go , before you
change your mind

She gets up

And we walk out , I lock my

office

We take the elevator heading

down
And pass by reception

We wave at our receptionist

And walk out , heading to the

parking space

I won’t overwhelm her

I know she doesn’t want to go

anywhere far
Or a crowded place

So we’ll just go to Mugg & Bean

Grab a light meal , just to cheer

her up

I’ll text my husband on the way

.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 04*
*A WEEK LATER*
*ANGELA*
I am so glad

I didn’t see that annoying

woman

I walk in his office

Me : hey baby

Bulelani : h…hey
I let out a smile

Walking to him

I push his chair back

And plant a kiss on his cheek

Bulelani : what are you doing

here ?

I frown
What kind of a question is he
asking me ?

Me : I came to see you

Bulelani : I am at work and busy

Me : come on , you’re the boss

Bulelani : that still has to work

I take a deep breath

Me : I miss you , I wanted to see

you . I haven’t spent time with
you in three days

Bulelani : because I have been

busy

Me : well , I am here . So you

might as well
He sighs

Me : and we need to talk

Bulelani : can’t we do that ,

anywhere but here ?

Me : it’s been a year

Bulelani : of ?

Lord please help me

I don’t want to think he doesn’t
know how long we have been
together

Me : really ? Are you being

serious right now , like I can’t
believe you . Seriously !

Bulelani : I don’t read minds

Angela
Me : well , it’s been a year of
being with you . I don’t know
how you can be so ignorant

Bulelani : I am not

Me : you are , and I don’t know

how that makes me feel .
Maybe you don’t even know our
anniversary date

His silence says it all

Me : with the way , you are . I
need to know where I stand
with you , when will you marry
me and …

He chokes on his saliva

And I pop my eyes in shock

This is not the reaction I

expected
Me : babe …

He clears his throat

And coughs a bit

And gets up to grab a bottle of

water

He takes a few sips

Me : I need to know what I’m
committing myself to , a year is
a long time

Bulelani : no , it’s not . It’s been

365 days . It’s not years

Me : babe …

Bulelani : me and you are very

far , from speaking about
marriage in this relationship .
And I am not even ready to
settle down , and be a family
man . I don’t …I am not ready ,
to have a responsibility of
another person

Me : wow ! I am another person

?

Tears burn my eyes

And my sights becomes blurry

I am trying so hard not to cry
right now

I can’t believe he is saying all

this to me

Bulelani : being a girlfriend is

one thing , being a wife is a
completely different thing . And
I am not ready for that
Me : wow !

Bulelani : this early in a

relationship , we shouldn’t even
be talking about marriage . It’s
not even 5 years

My jaw drops in shock

Me : 5 ….5 years ? Is that a joke

! That’s how long I have to wait ,
before you can marry me
Bulelani : more or less that

Me : I am leaving , call me when

you know what you want

Bulelani : I am being honest

with you , and I am not leading
you on anything

Me : I am not getting younger

Bulelani
Bulelani : neither am I , but I am
not going to rush into a life
commitment just because I am
getting old

Me : clearly , these feelings are

not mutual

Bulelani : you’re being irrational

right now , do you even want to
get married really ? Like to take
the responsibility of having a
husband , and being a wife .
Carrying his surname , to bare
children and mind a home ? To
care for his family like your own
, or you just want a diamond
ring ? Do you know and
understand the dynamics that
go on in marriage ? To fulfil the
expectations I’ll have of you ,
not that I give you money and
you give me sex . You’ll have to
do more than just to receive
money from me

I swallow hard

And wipe the tear that drops

down my cheek

Me : I am leaving

I walk out his office

Gathering myself

I fan my face

And look up

So no more tests roll down

And ruin my make up

I can’t be seen like this

I’ll turn into this office gossip

It’ll just ruin my reputation

He doesn’t even bother to come

after me , after all that he just
said to me
.
.
.
.
*BULELANI*
The day I understand women

What the fuck was that ?

My father would never approve

of Angela as a daughter in-law

He would disown me , very

early in the morning

If I were to even dare , say I’m

marrying her
He would rather I marry a
village girl

That much I know he would

approve

Without hesitation

A girl that’s from humble

beginnings and carries herself
Its not like I would need his
approval

Or anything like that

But , Angela is not wife material

She’s good for the public

But not to say you’ll build a

home
And raise children with her

She cares more about how she

looks like

What she is wearing

Make up being on point

And watching her figure , that

she doesn’t gain weight
I know my mother would rather
have a village girl , as a daughter
in-law

My father reeled her in on that

We’re boys home

And she always wanted a

daughter

But they never had one

So her daughter’s in-law , are
her daughter’s

She gets along with the two that

are there already

I wouldn’t wanna ruin all that

with Angela

As much as you marry a wife for

yourself
But you also someone who will
love your family

Build you

And not destroy what’s there

Angela would never get along

with my sister’s in-law

That’s for sure

And that would just mean , she
won’t get along with my mother

My father would just take one

look at her

And raise his doubts

I don’t see myself having an

Instagram woman as a wife
Fuck no !

She doesn’t even do house

duties

How will she manage being a

wife ?

I mean , that’s not child’s play

Its not nice always

And it’s definitely not an
Instagram life

Where people portray their lives

for others

Posting everything and anything

It’s just sick

You can’t wake up and post on

social media
As a wife ….hell no !

When do you get time to be a

wife

To look after your husband

And make sure his day goes

smoothly

From morning
Till he gets home after work ,
that’s definitely not Angela

And she wants me to marry her

, after a year being together

She’s crazy !
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 05*
*SOFIA*
I take a sip of my coffee

And she hasn’t touched hers

Me : have you thought about

what I said ?

She smiles

Bahari : I am looking for a job ,

not what I studied for . I can’t
afford to throw myself a pity
party , just because I’m not the
artist I thought I will be when o
finished studies last year

Me : I understand

A slight knock comes at the

door

I am on my lunch break

I so hope it’s not work

Me : come in

Bulelani walks in

My throat goes dry a bit

Me : sir

I’m on my feet
Like a child that’s about to be
scolded

Bulelani : Sofia , when I said

take your time . I didn’t mean
drag your feet

I frown a bit lost

And then it hits

Me : shi ….
I clear my throat

Me : sir I am ….

I let out a smile

Me : I am sorry , I took so long .

A whole week , but that’s
because I wanted someone
good for you . That I trust , and I
have found her . And me being
me , I took the liberty to talk to
her before I send her for an
interview

Bulelani : I didn’t ask you

This man !

Me : I know , but she’s perfect

Bulelani : I said find three

people
Me : there’s no need

Bulelani : oh ?

I look at her

And she’s minding her business

Not even intrigued by the

handsome man in her presence
Me : Sir , this is Bahari . And I
think she will be a perfect
helper for you

She looks at me

And the shock on her face

I smile

And she quickly hides it

Bulelani looks at her and sighs

Bulelani : come see me in my

office

He turns and walks to the door

I am beaming inside

Like a kid with a candy

Bulelani : And Sofia ?

Me : sir ?

Bulelani : next time just do what

I say

I nod

Me : yes sir

He walks out
I laugh shaking my head

Bahari : what was that ?

Me : my arrogant sexy boss

Bahari : you’re married

We laugh

Me : I am still not blind

She shakes her head

Me : so you got a job , and you

should go to his office now .
Before he comes budging in
here

Bahari : you didn’t tell me all

this

I take a deep breath

Me : long story cut short , he
asked me to find him a helper .
He wanted at least three people
to choose from , and I totally
forgot . But it doesn’t matter ,
because you’re here and it’s
yours so let’s go

We get up

And walk out of my office

Walking to his

And my friend is just stunned

But I know she got this , she

said she will take any job . And
this is it
.
.
.
.
*BULELANI*
Seems like I have a neck to
upset Angela more

That woman is young

And I wasn’t oblivious to her

looks

Even though she acted oblivious

to my presence
I know Angela will not be happy
about that

She doesn’t want a woman

working there

And well , I can’t have a man be

a helper in my house

Where has anyone ever heard

of that ?
The problem is not even her age

She just doesn’t want another

woman at my house

So this one looks young

And well , she’s beautiful

That definitely won’t sit well

with her
A knock comes at the door

Me : yes

Sofia walks in

Sofia : she’s here sir

Me : let her in

She walks in
And Sofia walks out

I am curious to know about this

relation

Because it sure doesn’t look like

someone she picked from a
company

Me : come take a seat

She walks over and sit opposite
me

Me : I didn’t quite get your

name

Her : Bahari

Me : beautiful name

Bahari : thank you

Me : do you have any
experience with being a helper
?

Bahari : no , and it doesn’t need

a degree to clean a house and
do laundry

My jaw drops

Bahari : unless you want me to

look after kids , that’s a no . I
don’t like other people’s kids ,
so I can never be a nanny or
mind kids

Wow !

Me : I don’t have kids

Bahari : so do I have the job or

not ?

Me : you …
I chuckle shaking my head

Me : do you want this job or not

?

Bahari : please , you need a

helper as much as I need a job

Me : and I can easily find one ,

can you easily be hired ?
She gets up

Bahari : then , go find one easily

She walks towards the door

I shake my head

Me : how will you get there

tomorrow morning , when you
don’t know my address ?
She turns and looks at me

I grab a pen and write my

address

Me : I’ll start you off with 4,5K

Bahari : I’ll talk to you about my

pay , once I’ve seen your house .
And how big it is , also
depending on how dirty it is .
And the workload I will be doing
What the fuck !

Me : excuse you my house is not

dirty

She shrugs and walks over

taking the paper out of my hand

And she walks out

I chuckle
I am just stunned

Where did Sofia find this one !

Such rudeness with such a

sweet smooth tone , that’s a
first
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 06*
*ANGELA*
He pulls a chair for me

I sit down

I am still angry

And I am hurt

He doesn’t see me good enough

to be his wife

Me : I didn’t want to be here

Bulelani : I see that

Me : but I am here , so what do

you want ?

He chuckles

Me : are my feelings a joke to

you ?
Bulelani : what feelings Angela ?
The fact that you want me to
marry you , just because you
want a diamond ring . And you
think my employees will respect
you , because of that ? You’re
my girlfriend , and nothing of
theirs . Same as they’re nothing
of yours , so they don’t owe you
nothing . Maybe if you start
treating people , the same way
you want to be treated . Then ,
they will respect you . Because
respect is earned , and not
demanded . And it’s a two way
street

Me : if I am your girlfriend ,
then why can’t they respect me
?

Bulelani : you’re being oblivious

right now , and you don’t want
to understand what I’m telling
you
Me : am I here for you to tell me
I am stupid ?

Bulelani : I did not say you’re

stupid , but you’re acting stupid
. I called you here , because I
need to talk to you

Me : be careful what you say ,

because I might just act stupid
Bulelani : might as well , I have
hired someone to help around
the house

My ears are deceiving me

Me : that’s a very bad joke

Bulelani : who said it’s a joke ?

Wow !
He is so intent on hurting me

It’s like he doesn’t get enough

Me : what did I say ?

Bulelani : it’s of no use , to say

you don’t want me to have a
helper . And yet you do nothing.

Me : I am not your wife , so I will

not do any wifely duties for you
Bulelani : okay then , I’ll pay
someone else to do that

Me : you know what …since you

don’t see my value in your life ,
go right ahead and do whatever
you want . Just do what makes
you happy

I get up
Me : just do whatever you want
, and I hope you see what
you’re doing to us . I’ll slowly
start to put myself first

I grab my bag and walk out of

the restaurant , here I thought
he wants to apologise
.
.
.
.
*SOFIA*
I am so happy

Me : I should have thought of

this , I don’t know why it slipped
my mind

Bahari : it’s okay

Me : you will do great

Bahari : I hope so
Me : I know so

We laugh

Me : you should get some rest ,

you have an early start
tomorrow

Bahari : yeah

Me : and for once , it’s for a job

not distributing CV’s
Bahari : you just had to remind
me

She laughs

Me : I am so happy for you

Bahari : it’s all thanks to you

Me : you’re welcome , we’ll talk

tomorrow . You’ll tell me how
your day went like , and I hope
it’s nothing but good

Bahari : we’ll see

Me : goodnight baby , I love you

Bahari : I love you too

I drop the call

With a sigh of relief

Matteo : so she’s good ?

I turn to face him

And place a kiss on his lips

Me : yeah , she got the job

Matteo : that’s good , she

deserves it
Me : yeah , she needs this break
. Waking up everyday looking
for a job , it was starting to be
draining for her

Matteo : she’s strong you know

that

Me : yeah , but even strong

people get tired

Matteo : she’s fine now

And I am happy

Me : it might not be her dream

job , but it’s better than nothing

Matteo : yeah , I am glad you’ll

stop worrying

He chuckles

I look at him with a frown

Me : what’s that ?

Matteo : you mother Bahari too

much

Me : what ?

I laugh

Me : I don’t do that
Matteo : you do

Me : babe …

Matteo : you do , honestly

Me : she’s my friend

Matteo : yeah , not your baby

Me : wow , you’re mean

We laugh

Matteo : But she’s blessed to

have you , just like I am

Me : don’t try and butter me up

, you’re not getting anything
tonight

Matteo : fuck no !
Me : no ….don’t even try it , I
might just mother you

He laughs

Matteo : I am your baby , you

can mother me all you like

He leans over , crushing his lips

on mine

He gets on top of me
I part my thighs

And lock my legs over his thighs

As he deepens the kiss , his

hands trailing over my upper
body
.
.
.
.
*ANGELA*
Gina : who is this woman ?

I take a sip of my wine

And refill the glass

Emptying the bottle

I take another sip

Me : I don’t know
Gina : you shouldn’t allow this
to happen , next thing you know
she will be in your man’s bed

I laugh

Me : over my dead body

Gina : claim your place , and

don’t let this woman come into
your house
Me : mhm , I will meet her and
check her out . And make sure
whoever she is , she knows her
place

Gina : you’re according this ?

I heave a sigh
Me : if I don’t , Bulelani will
need me to do house chores for
him

I frown at that thought

Gina : you see the problem with

village boys

Me : he may be from the village

, but he is definitely liberated
Gina : yeah , with money and
looks . But he still carries village
men , mentality

Me : well , I will change all of

that

Gina : good , don’t allow them

to get their way with you

Me : never !
I don’t understand what’s going
on with Bulelani

He is just being strange

And mean to me , I don’t

understand that

The way he doesn’t mind what

he says anymore

He just speaks
And pays no attention
whatsoever to his words

Or how I will take then

But whatever this phase is , he

will get over it
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 07*
*BAHARI*
People are living life out here

Here is me

Coming from an RDP house

And I just walked into a mansion

That seems to cost millions

Or definitely many thousands

I look around the house

And it’s huge

Even me and my tiny family

We wouldn’t know what to do

with ourselves

Living in such a big house

When you come to the suburbs
you get shocked

Because as much as there’s big

houses in townships

They’re never this massive

The man of the house walks

down

Fixing his tie

Bulelani : good morning

Me : morning

He frowns

Me : judging by how this

massive this house is , 4.5 is
very little

He chuckles
Bulelani : excuse you , you don’t
even know what you will be
doing

Me : surely cleaning this house

is on that list

He sighs

Me : and cleaning this house

alone , should at least be 5K
He laughs

And he has such a cute smile

Bulelani : you know what ? Just

humour me , because I’m sure if
cleaning cost that much …then
surely you’ll add more for
laundry and cooking

Me : cooking everyday ?
Bulelani : yes , only breakfast
and dinner

Me : that’s twice a day

Bulelani : I wanted someone to

come only three days a week

Me : you just said I’ll cook

everyday
Bulelani : yeah , you’re rude . I
wanna keep you around

I frown

Bulelani : how much do you

want ?

Me : I do laundry how many

days ?

Bulelani : twice a week

Me : mhm , that’s 8 times a
month

Bulelani : how much

Me : make it 8K

Bulelani : domestic workers

earn that much?

I shrug
Me : do you have a girlfriend ?

I am just asking

I don’t know his girl

But I know about her

She’s the Angela that Sofia

hates
Bulelani : that’s personal

Me : who do you stay with ?

Bulelani : alone

Me : 8K it is , and that’s for you

alone . So don’t expect me to
cater for your girlfriend

He shakes his head walking to

the kitchen
Me : I’ll get started

He doesn’t respond

I roll my eyes and walk upstairs

I’m not working

But I’m checking the house out

first
And I am just stunned

Because this house is stunning

to be honest

It would only be a dream for me

to stay in such a house , let
alone own one
.
.
.
.
*SOFIA*
I take a deep breath

I feel like turning back

But surely , he didn’t call me in

for nothing

I just hope it has nothing to do

with his girlfriend

I haven’t seen her

And I haven’t said anything to
her

I so hope , it’s not about what

happened a week ago

But that woman is dramatic

Anything is possible with her

She can bring up an old thing

Like it’s something new

I knock slightly

And he answers from inside

I heave a sigh taking a deep

breath

I walk in

I am holding my breath here

I look at him and greet

He greets back

I’m just standing on my track

Hoping he will say something

But he doesn’t say anything ,

which is very scary
He is just looking at me

I wonder what I did

Because , I’m called in his office

So early in the morning

Me : sir , you called

Bulelani : from what agency did

you find Bahari ?
Oh shit !

Like , does it matter ?

I mean , he wanted help

He got help

So why the questions ?

Me : sir ?

Bulelani : you heard me and I

want you to think clearly before
you answer me . And tell me the
truth

I heave a sigh

Me : truth is , I forgot to contact

the agency . And she’s my friend
He raises his brow

Me : I am sorry sir , it’s just that

she’s been wanting for a job .
She needs to pay off her fees at
varsity , so she can get her
degree . When you walked in ,
and you spoke about that I
panicked . And she was just
there

The silence
I don’t know what else to say

I don’t know what he is thinking

Me : please don’t fire her , she

needs this job . And I would
blame myself , because I gave
her hope . It would shatter her ,
if she looses this job

I am crossing fingers
And praying that he just
overlooks this one

I wouldn’t even know how to

make this one up for her

I know she would be hurt

.
.
.
.
*ANGELA*
I know he is not home

He is still at work at this time

I still have time

An hour or two

Before he comes

Because sometimes , he doesn’t

knock off on time
I let myself in

And the aroma that welcomes

me

Has me salivating

If I wasn’t watching my figure of

course

I walk in the kitchen

And I’m already not on my best
moods

Because I know it’s the maid

And there she is by the kitchen

counter

Pressing her phone

Me : hello
She lifts her eyes and looks at
me

I most definitely don’t feel

threatened by her

She has the face yes

But the body is just not giving

And I know my man’s type

He likes them petite slightly

Me : I’m Angela , Bulelani’s

girlfriend

I walk over to the pots and open

them

Me : mhm , girl …this cannot be

healthy at all . Are you cooking
for yourself ? I mean , your body
says it all

Her : are you talking to me ?

Me : duh !

Her : close my pots , you don’t

know me like that
Me : no , you definitely don’t
know me . I am his girlfriend ,
and these are his pots not yours

Her : I didn’t ask you

What the hell !

Me : it’s common sense to

introduce yourself , when you
find some girl in your man’s
house
Her : his house , not yours

Wow !

What Bulelani brought me here

Another Sofia !

Me : you’re rude , watch your

tone . Because you will lose this
job , before you can even say
you had a taste of the suburbs

Her : you walk in here with

attitude , you touch things that
have nothing to do with you .
Who said you can talk to me ?

Me : it’s my man’s house

Her : stay out of my way

She attends the pots

I click my tongue calling Bulelani

He has to deal with this

She can’t take him , but she’s

trash
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 08*
*BULELANI*
I am still shocked

Like what is wrong with this

man ?

He just does what he wants

Without caring

I told him not to come here

I have a feeling to tell him to
leave

But he is here

And he just has to come to my

office

Now I have to take him to my

house

I look at my mother
She’s quite as usual

It wouldn’t have worked to call

her

Seeing that here she is

With him

I don’t know for what

Me : why couldn’t you call , like
normal people ?

The glaring look that he gives

me

I take a deep breath

Me : you’ll have to take an uber

, I am still working

Dad : it’s 17:00

Me : yeah but ….

My phone keeps on flashing

And I see it’s Angela calling

Honestly , I wasn’t going to call

her

At times her drama gets too

much
Dad : so if it’s 17:09 , it means
you are knocking off . And so
you will drive us

Me : I don’t …

Mom : I am tired , my feet need

to get out of these shoes

My poor mom
I get up

Me : okay , I’ll just be a minute .

I need to make a call

I give my dad my car keys

When my mother speaks

I listen

She’s just a sweet soul

I just can’t help myself

They walk out

I shake my head calling Angela

back

And first ring she answers

Me : why are you blowing my

phone up ?
Angela : I am at your house ,
and this girl here is rude as fuck
….

Me : leave my house right now

Angela : what ? Are you hearing

yourself ?

Me : i am coming there with my

parents , listen Angela I don’t
have time for this right now . So
you need to leave , my parents
cannot find you there . Next
thing they’ll think I’m cohabiting
, I don’t wanna argue back and
forth with you . Just leave

I drop the call and walk out

locking my office

What is she even doing in my

house ?
Because she knows very well I
am not there

She went there to provoke

Bahari

And she got what she wanted

.
.
.
.
*ANGELA*
I feel like I am dreaming

Just like that

He dropped the call on me

And well , I have heard of his

father

Even though I’ve never met him

My crazy heart , wanted me to
remain there

But , my head said no

And so I left

But this is not over

Bulelani needs to put his

priorities in order
He cannot possibly just brush
me over , just like that

I understand the part about his

parents

But what about that rude fat girl

in his house ?

That one I will not take it lying

down
I would be a fool to

I am tired of this

Maybe they want him

So they think they can beat me

.
.
.
.
*BULELANI*
It’s a quite ride to my house

I don’t even know how I’m

feeling right now

My phone beeps

I check the text

And it’s from Angela

“If you truly love me , even
though you don’t think I’m good
enough to be your wife . At least
, don’t make hoes disrespect me
. I don’t like how your maid
spoke to me , so put her in her
place . Or better yet just fire her
, if I mean something to you”

Whoa !

The drama , just keeps on going

It was my PA

Then Sofia

Now it’s Bahari

I don’t know who will be next

I respond , still placing my focus

on the road
“Her name is Bahari , I told you
to respect people if you expect
the same . Don’t call her a hoe”

I press send and switch off my

phone

I know she will be pissed by that

response

Because it’s not what she

expects
Dad : you know , if you could
get married . I will definitely
stop trying to meddle myself in
your life , because you will have
a wife who will put you in order

What the fuck !

I look at him through the mirror

Just stunned
I trail my eyes to my mother

And she has a smile plastered

on her face

Now I am just agitated , by this

visit of theirs
.
.
.
.
*BAHARI*
I am all done for the day

And I should get going

I grab my small side bag

And place my phone inside

Checking my taxi fare

And it’s still inside

I walk over towards the door

But the door just opens

And well , he walks in

With an older version of himself

And a woman comes behind

them
I move back as they walk in

And the people I presume are

his parents

Or maybe uncle and aunt smile

I greet , and they greet back

The woman looks at me , with

such a welcoming smile
I can’t help it but smile as well

She looks at Bulelani

And he heaves a sigh

Him : and who is she ?

His voice is hoarse , but not in a

scary tone

But he does seems scary

Bulelani : her name is Bahari

The woman smiles again

She looks like she’s just an angel

, I wonder if she’s always smiling
all the time
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 09*
*BAHARI*
Bulelani looks at me

Bulelani : these are my parents

Me : it’s nice to meet you Mr

and Mrs Zwane

Mrs Zwane : oh please , no need

to be that formal . What does
your name mean , it’s such a
beautiful name
Mr Zwane : and it sounds
foreign

Bulelani : Ocean

Me : Ocean

And we both say at the same

time

His parents look at each other

and smile
Mrs Zwane : what language is
that ?

Bulelani : it’s Swahili

Me : Swahili

And again …

We say at the same time

His father chuckles

Mr Zwane : it’s nice to meet you

young lady

I just nod with a smile

He looks at Bulelani

Mr Zwane : who is she here ?

Bulelani looks at me
With a look I cannot
comprehend

Can’t he bring himself to say

helper ?

Or am I missing something here

?

Mr Zwane : well
Bulelani clears his throat

Yhoh !

I am so over this

Bulelani : my fiancé

Me : helper ….

I bite my tongue
As the words come out of his
mouth

And I think he suppressed my

words

Because his tone , is kind of

deep

And my voice is a bit squeaky

It’s actually annoying

But my jaw , is on the floor

Because what the fuck did he

just say I am ?

The nerve

To stand next to me

And put his arm on my shoulder

I feel like slapping the shit out of
him

Mr Zwane : I need to hear this

well , let’s sit down

They walk over to the dinning

room

And I look at Bulelani

He is not even looking at me

We sit down

Opposite his parents

He takes my hand into his

And I think I’m in shock

Because I don’t know what the

fuck just happened
Mr Zwane : you’re engaged ,
and you didn’t tell us ?

Bulelani : because I wanted to

get my things in order first ,
before I call you and the uncles

The what ?

Uncles …
I cough so hard

He brings me water

And his mother is looking at me

with worry

Mrs Zwane : are you okay dear ?

I let out a fade smile

Me : yes , I think I had
something stuck on my chest

His father smiles

Mr Zwane : now you see …this is

what I was talking about , on
our way here

Mrs Zwane : I think we will get

along
Father God !

Help me Lord

I am fuming inside

And just ready to burst

Bulelani : so you see , there was

no need to come here . Because
I was going to tell you in due
time
Mr Zwane : it’s a good thing we
came , because you’re taking
your time and stalling . I will talk
to your uncle’s , so we can send
a letter to her family as soon as
possible . Unless you’re waiting
for someone to take her away
from you

Oh Jesus !
What kind of a prank is this ?

Like , is this really happening ?

Or maybe I fell asleep after

cooking

When the slay girlfriend left

And I am having a nightmare

now ?
Should I scream ?

Bulelani : we are not in a hurry

Mr Zwane : I will never

understand the youth of today ,
pay bride price for her . And you
can have the big wedding ,
when you’re ready . But
knowing you have made
relations , and you have your
wife . Culturally , once you pay
bride price the wife is yours
Oh my God !

Somebody help me

I am having a very bad dream

Mr Zwane : youth of today ,

you’re so quick to give each
other rings . And take time , to
connect two families . Which is
the important thing , not these
rings of yours

Mrs Zwane smiles

Mrs Zwane : I see she doesn’t

have a ring , you should buy her
one though

I get hot flushes

And believe me when I say

It’s not because I am horny

But I feel sick in a way

Because I pray and hope

All this is a prank

Or I’m sleeping
And it’s not happening

Mr Zwane : a ring , is
accompanied by a letter . When
you buy a ring , make sure the
letter is ready for her to take to
get family

Bulelani : okay , I will do that

Mrs Zwane : I smell something

delicious , you cooked ?
Me : yes

I say with a faint voice

Mrs Zwane : let me go take a

relaxing bath , and I’ll come
down to eat . I hope you’re
joining us

What do I say ?
Mr Zwane : of course she is

Yhoh !

Whoa !

Deep breaths Bahari

Deep breaths

What have I gotten myself into ?

This wasn’t the job description

A pretence Fiancé

I’m thinking , as soon as they

leave this table

It’s my chance to run

And just never look back

But only she leaves

And the husband remains

seated

Bulelani : I hope it won’t be a

problem , if she spends the
night

Fuck no !
Mr Zwane : you don’t have to
change how you live , because
of us . I am glad , you’re finally
seeing how important it is to
marry and start a family

Oh shit !

Me : please , excuse me

I get up
But he also gets up

Bulelani : let’s go , I need to

change and be comfortable for
dinner . And also I need to bring
the language from the car

Fuck !

He leads the way

As we walk upstairs
And enter a room I believe is his

I didn’t really , enter all the

rooms up here

Bulelani : I am sorry , I really am

sorry . I know you’re angry , or
upset right now . Either one , I
know you’re not happy . I am so
sorry , but I will …
I just walk past him , heading to
the bathroom . I rinse my face
with cold water

Because what the fuck just

happened!

What the hell was that !

.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 10*
*BAHARI*
I didn’t want to talk to him

As much as he tried to get me

out of the bathroom

I went as far as locking myself in

And he left me alone

Then he came back

Told me , it’s time to eat

Like ….how was food supposed
to go down my throat ?

His parents ate

While he ordered for us

Because I didn’t cook enough

food

Especially not for four people

It was just for him

But I couldn’t eat

I had to say I have a headache

So I can leave that table

And his mother gave me some

meds
Of which , I had to drink

So she can see that I took them

But it’s nothing major

Just pain meds

Hopefully , I don’t react bad to

them

But I doubt , I will

I have been tossing and turning
on this bed

I don’t know, what to say

How do I sleep ?

And , I can’t even process

anything that has been said

I still don’t believe any of it

I take my phone and call Sofia

I know it’s late

But I need to talk

Sof : hey baby

Me : your boss just told his

parents that I’m his fiancé , and
that soon he’s sending uncles to
my family to ask for hand in
marriage and pay bride price …

Sof : whoa …whoa back up ,

what the fuck !

Me : exactly what I said

Sof : he just met you ?

Me : fuck that , why did he lie to

his parents like that ? Seems like
his father has been instilling
thoughts of marriage , in his
head . And as soon as he
mentioned that , your boss just
blurts out that we’re engaged

Sof : oh my God …

I shake my head

This , is not something I can

make sense of
Sof : you’re not kidding ?

Me : I would never kid like this

Sof : but ….he has a girlfriend

…why …why is he doing this ?

Me : I don’t think anything he

says , will justify any of this . I
came here to work , not to play
happy families with him and his
parents . And that girlfriend of
his was here , rude as fuck .
What kind of bad luck is this , all
in one day ? First day at work ,
and such befalls me

Sof : this really happened ?

Me : Sof , you’re not hearing me

Sof : it’s just so hard , to make

sense of this . People don’t do
such things , this is not a
romantic comedy movie baby

Me : I know that

Sof : so …where are you now ?

Me : on his bed , at his house .

Because apparently , I am
spending the night

Sof : fuck …don’t fuck with him

This is no laughing matter

But I find myself laughing

Me : really ?

Sof : you’re sleeping together

Me : that will never happen

Sof : I have never heard of such
, start from the beginning

I take a deep breath

Narrating the whole thing to her

.
.
.
.
*BULELANI*
What the fuck came over me ?
Like really !

How do I even fucking get out of

this lie

The lie that I have created

And my parents adore her

It’s like they’ve known her , for a

while
My mother couldn’t stop talking
about her

And my father approves

But she’s not my fiancé now , is

she ?

I don’t know what the fuck I’m

going to do

I send Angela a text

“My parents are around for a
while , so please don’t rock up
around here unless I say it’s
okay . I’ll call you , or come see
you when I get a chance”

I press send

And switch off my phone again

I hope she gets the message

And doesn’t rock up here

Because I wouldn’t know how

to explain that

I have created a mess

I know Bahari is not happy

And I don’t blame her

What I did is nonsensical

And telling my parents the truth

Not only will they be

disappointed in me

But , they’ll be hurt

Oh …now I’ve done it

.
.
.
.
*BAHARI*
Sof : this is a first for me

Me : what do I do ?

Sof : I don’t know , it could be

nice playing pretence Fiancé

I laugh

Me : be serious
Sof : what ? He is handsome ,
and soon his parents will leave .
You go back to your lives

Me : he has a girlfriend , what

happens when she pops up
here ? And well , such things
never end well

Sof : I wouldn’t worry myself

about that doll
I laugh

Sof : talk to him , hear his

reason . And maybe together ,
you can come up with a way out

Me : I don’t want to talk to him ,

heads up would have been nice

Sof : I am sure , he didn’t plan

this . Sounds like a spur of a
moment thing
Me : still

The door opens and he walks in

I drop the call and look at him

Me : you’re sleeping on the

floor , and don’t come
anywhere near me

He nods
Me : first thing in the morning ,
I’m out of here . I don’t know
what you’ll tell your parents ,
and I don’t care . You’ll see how
you explain yourself , and your
lie to them . All by yourself , as
for me I’ll be gone . And I’m
never coming back , until you fix
your mess and tell the truth .
However long that takes you ,
month end I want my 8K
Bulelani : okay

O-kay

Not the answer I expected

Me : just okay ?

Bulelani : I don’t want to upset

you , any more than I have
already
I nod slowly

But I don’t know ….

Its just awkward somehow

That he just said okay

Me : goodnight

Bulelani : goodnight
I turn around

And cover myself with a duvet

Closing my eyes

I so wish sleep can just quickly

catch up with me

But I doubt , that will happen

Because my mind is running
around

So many thoughts going

through my head

And none of them are still

Nor making sense

I’m a mess
A while confused mess

That’s me right now

At this moment

I should run away , nothing else

makes sense than this
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 11*
*BAHARI*
Sof : how did your escape work
?

I laugh

Me : not so good

Sof : you fucked him ? And he

worn you out
Me : don’t be crazy ! When I got
downstairs his mother was
already up , having a cup of tea

She laughs

Sof : I love you , but you’re

already to be proving not to
master this wife thing

Me : what ?
Sof : you should have been the
one to make the tea for her

Me : mhm , if only you heard .

She said , I’m young I shouldn’t
leave my man in bed alone . I
don’t wake up , until he’s woken
up

Sof : oh what a sweet woman ,

why isn’t she mother in-law ?
I shake my head rolling my eyes

Sof : so you’re still there ?

Me : unfortunately

Sof : what will you do ? Did you

talk to Bulelani ?

Me : I don’t want to talk to him

She sighs
Sof : then how are you going to
find a solution to this ?

Me : he needs to tell his parents

the truth

Sof : friend ..

Me : no , I am not going to
pretend to be his wife . He has a
girlfriend , what does that say
about me ?

Sof : but …

Me : no buts , I am not doing

this

Sof : okay , whatever you do I

will support you

Me : thank you
I drop the call

And take a deep breath

I can’t believe , my life right now

I am in a pickle for sure . I don’t
even know what to do
.
.
.
.
*BULELANI*
Fuck !

This woman is mean and savage

She had me sleeping on the

floor

In my own house

My own room
And now , I feel like I’m catching
a cold

I have been sniffing and

coughing a bit

I don’t even feel like going to

work like this

I know she’s not happy with me

But she could have at least been
merciful

Maybe given me half of the bed

My phone beeps

And it’s a text from Angela

I don’t even read it

I just delete it
Because I am sure she’s whining
again

I don’t have time for her drama

I have my own going on

I sure got myself into a situation

here

And I don’t need more

Especially not Angela’s drama

I make a call

Me : I need your help , there’s

information I need about
someone . Don’t take longer
than two weeks

I drop the call and lay back

down
I haven’t gone down

I guess Bahari really left this

morning , like she said

And that somehow , leaves me

feeling down
.
.
.
.
*ANGELA*
I walk inside the company

And head to reception

Me : hi , I’m here to see Bulelani

Receptionist : Mr Zwane is not

in

What ?

Me : where is he ?
Receptionist : I don’t know , his
PA would know . I don’t keep his
schedule

As much as I want to know

Why he’s not at work

Seeing his PA , would mean I

have to see Sofia
And I don’t want to see that
township trash

Damn Bulelani !

I don’t know what this man

wants from me

Or what he wants me to do

I don’t know anymore

Me : okay

I turn and walk out

I try and call him again

And his phone is off

Since yesterday

When he cut me off

Saying he’s taking his parents to
his house

He hasn’t called

And when I call it doesn’t go

through

I am frustrated right now

I can’t tell Gina

As much as she is my friend

I don’t want to always become

the topic of our talks

I sent him a text this morning ,

that he hasn’t read

Should I go to his house ?

He is clearly ignoring me
Unless if he’s lying in a hospital
bed , or sick to death

And cannot attend to his phone

, because that is the only reason
I will understand as to why his
phone is off
.
.
.
.
*SOFIA*
Me : you could have been nice

She laughs

Me : now my boss has flue , and

he can’t come to work because
of flue

Bahari : he is being dramatic

Me : come on , you could have

shared with him
Bahari : hell no , you know I had
to change the sheets on that
bed

I laugh

Me : that one , I understand .

But look now he is sick

Bahari : he has medical aid I am

sure , he will be fine . It’s just
flue , he’s so weak . I used to
sleep on the floor everyday ,
and never have I gotten sick
once

Me : poor man

Bahari : he will be fine , let me

go tell him I am leaving . I can’t
be here any longer

Me : be nice
Bahari : after that stunt he
pulled , he doesn’t deserve that

Me : what …

She drops the call , I laugh my

ass off
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 12*
*TWO WEEKS LATER*
*BULELANI*

I knock
And she opens the door

Me : hi

Sofia : Sir

Me : can I come in ?

Sofia : yeah sure …I mean yes

I chuckle and walk in

Sofia : you can take a seat

Me : thanks

We sit down

Me : I know this is not work

related

Sofia : oh okay
Me : but I need your help

She exhales

Sofia : okay

Me : I don’t know if Bahari told

you anything , about what
happened when she came to
my house
She says nothing

Me : don’t take me there if she

did

She smiles

Me : listen , I haven’t seen her

in two weeks . And I don’t know
how to contact her , I don’t
have her number or know
where she lives
Sofia : I don’t ….

Me : Sofia please , I need her

back

Sofia : as what ? Your helper or

fake wife ?

I frown
Sofia : I don’t mean any
disrespect , but I don’t think I
should tell you anything about
her

I heave a sigh

Sofia : I am sorry , I don’t want

to find myself caught up in this

Me : I understand , but I’m

really …you know what …
I get up

Me : it’s fine

I turn and walk towards the

door

Sofia : don’t hurt my friend

I look at her
Sofia : I don’t know what you’re
playing at , or what’s your
reason for this . But if you hurt
her , or your girlfriend comes
after her . I swear , I will forget
that you’re my boss

Me : thank you

She gives me her number

Sofia : that’s all I can do , she’ll
tell you where she stays if she
wants

Me : thank you for this

I walk out of her office

And bump into the PI

Me : you sure took your sweet

time
Walter : I had to dig deeper

Me : let’s go to my office

We walk to my office

Me : so what do you have ?

Walter : everything is in there ,

she lost her parents at the age
of 5 in a car crash . She was
raised by her aunt , whom I can
say they’re relationship is not
that good . She took her parents
RAF money , I don’t think the
girl even knows there was
money . She was paying her
own fees throughout , and she
hasn’t gotten her degree
because she owes close to 76K .
Oh and they live in Soweto , she
has no siblings she was an …is
an only child
Me : okay , I’ll process the rest
of your money

Walter : always a pleasure doing

business with you

Me : the name of the varsity she

attended , is it in here ?

Walter : yes

Me : thanks
Walter : sure

She walks out

I take a deep breath going

through the file

While my father’s call comes

through
They only stayed for a week and
left

Me : dad

Dad : when exactly are you

sending that letter , because
everyone is just waiting on you
?

I heave a sigh
Me : who is everyone ?

Dad : your uncle’s

Me : oh yeah , I’ll talk to you

later

Dad : I swear boy , if you don’t

take that girl as your wife now .
You will lick your wounds

He drops the call

I take a deep breath

Rubbing my forehead

As I feel a slight headache

.
.
.
.
*BAHARI*
Oh my God

This feels like a dream

I don’t believe it

And I asking myself who could

have paid

I got an email from Varsity

That my outstanding fees have
been paid

Like , I don’t owe anything

anymore

I can finally get my degree

I’m in tears

Because I am happy
And I don’t want to be too
happy

Because what if it is a mistake ?

I don’t know how I am feeling

right now

I am just a mess

I dial Sofia
I know she’s at work

But I need to talk to someone

And I can say anything to my

aunt

Or her kids

They don’t care either way

Sof : hey
I wipe my tears

Sof : are you crying ?

Me : I just got an email from

Varsity , my fees have been paid

She screams

I end up laughing
Sof : oh my God ! No kidding

Me : no

Sof : but , I thought you still had

a huge amount left

Me : I did , that’s the thing. And

I don’t even know who paid

Sof : what ?
Me : yeah , I am so scared .
Because what if it’s a mistake

Sof : no ….it’s not

Me : then who is it ? because I

don’t even know any rich
people

Sof : you do , your fake husband

Oh no !
Me : come on , I haven’t seen
nor talked to him in two weeks

Sof : he came …

A call comes through

From a number I don’t know

Me : I have a call coming , I’ll

call you back
Sof : we need to talk , I need to
tell you something

Me : yeah

I drop the call

And answer the unknown

Me : hello ?
Voice : please don’t hang up , I
need to see you

Oh wow !

Just by Sofia mentioning him

He calls me

Me : where did you get my

number ?
Bulelani : I asked for it

Me : I said , I don’t want to talk

to you

Bulelani : please let’s talk , you

don’t want me to just send my
uncle’s to your family . Without
us talking

I am being tested
Me : I told you to tell your
parents the truth

Bulelani : I …

Me : I don’t wanna hear it

Bulelani : I am guessing you’re

saying I should go ahead

Me : go , do your nonsense if
you want to embrace your
family here . Just try me , I am
daring you

I drop the call

And block his number

He better not call me again

What is wrong with him ? Why

can’t he just be honest ?
I don’t want to be a part of this
nonsense

He can do it on his own

All I know , is that he doesn’t

know what he’s doing . Who lies
about such ?
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 13*
*SOFIA*
It’s a beautiful day

The sun is out

The birds are chirping

The mood is great

People are having fun

Well , all but except one

And I can understand why

I walk over to her and sit down

Me : hey

She nods

Me : I ….I am sorry I gave him

your number
Bahari : I should have listened
to him , or talked to him . I
didn’t think he was that serious

Me : don’t people send a letter

first , before coming to pay
bride price ?

She shrugs

Me : I am so sorry
Bahari : you know , when I woke
up by the noise outside the gate
. I thought I was dreaming , but
when my aunt started shouting
wanting to impress . I knew it
was real , I saw his mother
when they called me . And I just
couldn’t bring myself , to say I
don’t know them

Me : Mrs Zwane is indeed very

lovely
Bahari : you know , I can
disappoint anyone . But not
when it comes to old people

Me : yeah , that’s something

else

Bahari : I can’t believe he did

this

Eish
I have never come across such a
situation

I don’t even know what to say

to her

I was called in a hurry

And when I got here

I got the shock of my life

They Zwane’s are here to pay
bride price

Like , she’s his wife as it is

culturally

Because bride price has been

paid

And I can see she’s not happy

Now , I am conflicted
I don’t think Bulelani should
have done this

Bahari : you know , I dared him

to do this . And he did

I take her hand into mine

Me : now what ? They want you

to go live with him
Bahari : I will kill him very early
in the morning

Not funny !

Bahari : look at this ring , I am

sure it costs thousands . And for
what ? A fake thing

I take her hand

And look at the diamond ring

Its stunning

Me : I think Matteo owes me an

upgrade of a ring

She smiles

I am asking myself , if it’s fake

for him

I don’t know what else to think

If you take a fake wife

How do you walk away from

that ?

Like when does it end ?

This whole situation is

something else

Bulelani walks to us
Bulelani : can we talk ?

I get up

Me : I’ll give you space

I walk away from them

I don’t think this is the place to

talk about this
Somewhere where it’s just the
two of them would be nice

Here there’s too many people

Even her stupid cousins

Who would laugh at this whole

thing

If they were to know it’s not real

Well , in a way

But they’re husband and wife

I don’t see how fake it is

Maybe pretence yeah

.
.
.
.
*BULELANI*
I take a deep breath

I can’t even explain , how I am

feeling right now

With what she said

I knew , sending a letter here

wouldn’t work

So I gathered enough money

And just sent my family , to ask
for a wife for me

Not to set a date for

negotiations

But to have them right away

Me : my parents want to leave ,

so I don’t know if I should take
them home . Come get you later
?
She just looks at me

Me : I promise , I will explain

myself . Even though , I have no
real reason . Just my father
caught me off guard , and I just
panicked . You were there , and
it was just hard to take my lie
back . I am so sorry , if there’s
anything I can do …I …
Bahari : sort yourself out ,
you’re clearly confused . You
may have done all this , gave my
greedy aunt your money . Just
know when I walk away , you
will not get it back . You gave it
away willingly , no one forced
you . I never said I want to be
your wife , I don’t even know
you . You have a girlfriend , and
you go on to marry me . What
does that say about you ? What
kind of a man are you ? Like
….are you even a man ? You’re
just going to lead her on , and
keep lying to her that I’m your
maid ?

Shit !

Bahari : you should be ashamed

of yourself , I’ll go get my bags

She gets up and walks away

I take a deep breath and send
Angela a text

“Can we meet tonight ?”

She quickly calls

Me : Angela

Angela : you want to meet ?

Me : yeah
Angela : okay , I can come over
or you come over

Me : at a restaurant please

Angela : oh …you should have

just said it’s a date

Me : is 18:00 okay for you ?

Angela : perfect
Me : alright , I’ll text you the
place

Angela : okay baby , I love you

I swallow hard dropping the call

I need to fix this

I can’t have Bahari thinking that

of me
I am not some player

Who has no regards whatsoever

for women

Or their feelings , that’s is not

who I am
.
.
.
.
*ANGELA*
Gina : so he called and he wants
to meet ?

Me : well , he texted and I called

but yeah

Gina : oh , but what if he wants

to talk about something ?
Maybe you should wait until
you’re there

I laugh
Me : what ? There’s nothing
here , I told you he will come
around . I know him , he was
probably overwhelmed and all .
But now , his mind is clear

Gina : why a restaurant and not

his house ?

Me : what does it matter ?

We’re going on a date , of
course it will end up at his
house

Gina : if you say so

Me : why does it sound like

you’re not happy for me ?

Gina : no …no I am , I just don’t

want you to get hurt . Because
it’s been two weeks , with no
communication from him
Me : yeah well , he’s back now .
And I will tell you all about it

Gina : okay , have fun

I drop the call

And stand up

I look at myself in the mirror

Just admiring myself

And well , I fucking look

stunning

Just breath-taking

I know Bulelani will be taken

away

The second he lays his eyes on

me
And he might even skip the
drinks and meal

And just go straight for dessert

I am definitely going to feel his

thick meat inside of me tonight

Definitely I will wake up in his

arms
I know that

I mean , look at me

What sane man can refuse all

this ?

Unless he is blind
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 14*
*BAHARI*

He hasn’t said a word to me

He’s standing by the door frame

I am cleaning this room

Because I just can’t bare to

share it with him

Not knowing who he has been

bringing into it

I am changing the sheets again

There’s no way , I am sleeping in
the sheets

That he was using

And I have no idea who he was

using them with

Me : last I was here , there were

things of your girlfriend
Bulelani : they’re in the car

Me : oh …they stay there now ?

Bulelani : no , I am going to see

her . Because I am ending things
, so thought I’ll give them back

Me : mhm

Bulelani : I have been standing

here , because I wanted to tell
you . But you said you don’t
want to talk to me

Me : leave , and a break up

doesn’t take hours

Bulelani : yes , I’ll be back soon .

I promise

He waits for a few moments

And he leaves
I take a deep breath

And sit down on the bed

Is this my life now ?

This is who I am

I don’t even consider myself his

wife
Except a so called one

Because he doesn’t even love

me

Nevermind being in love with

me

Honestly , in the deepest of my

heart

I can say I like him

He just has that effect

He grows on one

I grab my phone

I need to send Sof a text

So she knows I’m okay

And not as messed up as I was
earlier on

I am so grateful for her

She came , and left whatever

she was doing

Just for me

Just so I can feel I have

someone who truly cares for me
And that I have her support

“Mrs Zwane Jnr in the building”

I press send

And seconds later she calls

I answer the call

And she is laughing her ass of

I can’t help but end up laughing

.
.
.
.
*ANGELA*
I walk in the restaurant
And I am turning eyes

Like the men in here

Definitely , they’re noticing me

That goes without saying

I see my man and walk to him

What do you know ?

I have the biggest smile on my
face

And any man would gladly give

me a grand welcome

But no

He is just sitting down

And he doesn’t even have a
glass of scotch

Like he usually does

When he’s in a restaurant

No lies

My mood has dampened

I quickly sit down

Before I let him embarrass me
more

Me : any man , would get up

welcome me with a hug and kiss
. And pull a chair for me

I say with gritted teeth

And he is just staring at me

Me : and here I was thinking ,
you have finally come to your
senses

Bulelani : I came here to tell you

it’s over

It’s a joke !

I laugh
And that laugh quickly fades as I
see how serious he is

Me : no !

Bulelani : I am married Angela , I

can’t ….

Me : you’re what ?

I pop my eyes in shock

As I feel my heart pounding so
hard

It feels like I am going to

explode

No words are enough to explain

how I am feeling right now

Me : this is not funny

Bulelani : I am not trying to be

Me : you’re not married , I have
been with you for a year

Bulelani : it happened recently

Fuck no !

Me : so you fucking cheated on

me , and got married while
dating me ? You said you were
not ready for marriage Bulelani
….I said ….oh no ! No …no …no ,
fuck no ! This is not fucking
happening!

Bulelani : don’t cause drama ,

it’s over and I brought your
things that you left in my house
. So refrain from coming to my
house ever again

He gets up
Me : NO !

I slam the table

Not giving a fuck about these

people in here

They can watch all they like

No one gets to do me like this

Me : you don’t get to toy with
my feelings like this , and then
walk away

Bulelani : my wife expects me

home

Me : well fuck her

Bulelani : okay , I won’t stand

for this . Say whatever shit you
want to me , but don’t you dare
cuss at my wife

Me : you cheated on me !

Bulelani : it wasn’t that deep ,

you’ll get over it and find the
next rich thing

Me : Fuck you Bulelani ! You’re

fucking excuse of a man
Bulelani : I will not stand for
your insults , take your loss and
get a grip

I chuckle bitterly

With tears streaming down my

face

Me : get a grip

I nod repeatedly
Trying so hard to hold my
emotions in

Me : who is she ?

Bulelani : Bahari

Fuck no !

Now I have heard it all

Me : you said she was your
fucking maid !

I must be dreaming

Bulelani : well she is my wife

Me : you cheated on me with

your maid ? Or that was a lie ?
Like take a good look at me , any
man will be lucky to have me .
And you cheat on all this , with
that fat pig . You must be a joke
really

Bulelani : here are your things

The fuck !

A black rubbish plastic

It has my designer , expensive

clothes
Me : is this how you see me ? As
rubbish !

Bulelani : bye

He walks past me

I quickly get up

And grab his arm

He turns
I slap him so hard

That my hand pains

But he doesn’t even flinch

Bulelani : don’t do that ever

again

He yanks his arm

Me : I fucking hate you , I hate
you …

He doesn’t even bother turning

back , he walks out

I break down crying

It’s so painful

Like it hurts , how can he do this

to me ?
I see some people have their
phones

There’ll be a picture somewhere

Or even a video , I’ll fucking

become a laughing stock
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 15*
*BULELANI*

I walk in
And I ask myself why my parents
are not in bed

It’s late

Well , not really

I was only out for an hour

Mom : where are you coming

from ?
I look at my father

Dad : why would you leave your

wife , on your first day as
husband and wife ?

Mom : to attend to work at that

Dad : couldn’t this wait until

Monday ?

Me : work …
Dad : you’re a husband now
Bulelani , start acting like one

Me : yeah but …

Mom : just don’t do it again ,

now your wife is upstairs all
alone . Because you had to rush
to work

I am so lost
I did not say I’m going to work
to anyone

Because I didn’t go there …

Oh shit !

They must have asked her

And that’s what she told me

Because she couldn’t exactly tell
them

That I went to break up with

Angela

Mhm !

I just pray and hope they don’t

see what’s happening on Social
media
Me : I am sorry

Mom : it’s okay , just learn to

put your wife first

Me : yes mother

I turn and walk to our bedroom

She covered for me

I can’t believe she did that

And for me

Wow !

I walk in our room

And she’s laying on the bed with

a book in hand

Me : hey
She lifts her eyes and looks at
me

Me : I tried to be quick , I hope I

didn’t take long

She shakes her head

Me : I broke things off , and I

told her the truth why . I didn’t
hide the fact that I’m married to
you
Bahari : still

Now I am lost

Because I don’t understand

what she means

Bahari : she was here first , next

thing I know you’re marrying
me . I don’t know why , even
you don’t know
I take a deep breath

Bahari : it doesn’t hurt any less

for her

Me : it wasn’t that serious

Bahari : for you or for her ?

Me : well for me , it wasn’t . I

don’t know about her
Bahari : women love with their
feelings Bulelani , and not their
heads

Now I am catching fire

For trying to make things right

I don’t even know what to say

I really don’t know

I also don’t want to make
excuses for myself

Try to make her see me like a

good person

I don’t want to upset her

Bahari : and just because you

broke things with her , it
doesn’t mean now I’m yours
Wow !

Cut a guy some slack

Bahari : I still don’t understand

that I’m your wife

But she is my wife

Of course , I can’t say that right

now
Bahari : you’re trending

Shit !

I should have known

As soon as things get posted

She will know what happened ,

and definitely see
Me : it was at a restaurant , so
people saw what was
happening when she threw a fit

Bahari : mhm

I swallow hard

And look at her as humble as

ever

As I can be
Me : I am sleeping on the floor
again ?

She looks at me

Me : I got sick last time

Bahari : it was just a cold

Me : I had to see a doctor

Bahari : don’t touch me , keep
to your side . And most
importantly , keep your hands
to yourself

I guess that’s better than

nothing right ?

Right now I’ll take whatever I

can get

Even if it’s just that

Me : okay

Bahari : I still want my money

I smile and walk over to the bed

I reach for my wallet and take

out my card

It’s the only card I have

Beats me how I don’t have
many cards

I just use one

Me : here

She takes the card

Me : the pin is 4413

Bahari : what’s this for ?

Me : you can pay yourself , and
do whatever you want with it.
I’ll only need it , when I need
money . Mostly for petrol

Bahari : you’re giving me your

card ?

Me : yes , you should have

access to my finances now . And
that’s the only card I have
Bahari : mhm , if you think I’ll
say no . You have another thing
coming

I laugh

Me : no , I am not testing you

Bahari : good , because I will fail

. And you will be disappointed
What have I gotten myself into ?

Me : just don’t leave us

bankrupt

Bahari : so you’ll limit me ?

I shake my head
.
.
.
.
SOFIA*
What a morning !

And I won’t lie

I am happy to see all this

I mean , I hate Angela

So I don’t care what people say

about her online
I am just glad , she’s getting the
end of the stick

Imagine if they were to know ,

the real reason why Bulelani
broke things with him

Now , they’re just saying she

has joined the dating train

That’s dating for you

If only they knew

I am so happy

She always thought that , she’s

all high and mighty

And now , the man she bragged

about is gone

With his money and all

And now I wish to see her

Just so I can laugh at her face

Fuck !

That girl annoys me

I hate how she looks down on

others

Just because she is beautiful

And well , looks are not
everything

They certainly don’t keep a man

Or build a home , it’s not

something to brag about
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 16*
*A YEAR LATER*
*ANGELA*
It’s been a year of crying and
moping around

I killed my social life

After the whole thing occurred

I couldn’t bare being on social

media

I knew , somehow it’ll die down

eventually
And it did

But as if that was not enough

He started bragging about her

online

Posting her on his pages

Something he never did , when

he was with me
He would take her vacations

When he’s only taken me to

Botswana and Lesotho

But he took her to Mozambique

To Zimbabwe

They went to see Zambezi river

And Victoria falls

Like , they went to Paris

And Mauritius

He took her to Hawaii and

Dubai

All in a space of 5 months

I couldn’t bare it anymore

Because thousands of people
were sharing his posts

And that’s what hurt more

The way he is showing love and

affection to her

Something he never did for me

I heard from Gina , that last
month they had a private
wedding ceremony

And it happened in Los Angeles

Like …who does that ?

Who leaves their home

And get married in another

country ?
I swear , it’s like Bulelani has just
found his first love

He’s like a kid

It feels like he respects her

That he listens to her

They moved from his house

And now they live in a private
Estate in North Cliff

He has bought two cars , just

this year alone

And he has expanded his

company to other African
countries

People are saying it’s because of

her
That he’s found a woman who
wants him to succeed

And doesn’t only enjoy the

benefits of his hard work

I won’t lie it hurts

To this day
He is living his life out there to
the fullest

And well , I am stuck in my flat

Crying still

I haven’t moved on

For a year , crying for a man

who’s showing the world
another woman
I don’t understand what I was
doing wrong

What was wrong with me ?

That he went and replaced me

With someone who I thought

wasn’t even his type ?

I know some of his ex’s

And they’re not as big as her

They’re my sizes

And that’s his type

Or so I thought

He’s date white women before

And his ex’s , including me are
light skinned

But he went on and married a

dark skinned woman

On socials they call him an

African Crown

That’s how they describe her

When they congratulate him

I guess , to him and everyone
else

He won

And I lost

It’s time I pick myself up

Dust myself
And get out of my sorrows

It’s not helping me

Everyday , it gets more harder

and harder

I have lost myself

I feel like a shadow of my

former self
I know this is not me

In all my life

I have never cried this hard for a

man

Not even my first heartbreak

Not my first boyfriend

Not my virgin breaker

I just moved on

I never knew such pain exists

Sometimes we’re too quick to

judge

Women who stick around with

men who cheat

Men who beat them

Women who cry over guys

And they show their pain to the

world

We make fun of them

And say , it can never be me

Because we don’t understand

Until it happens to you , best
you keep your judgements to
yourself

It’s hard to love someone

Today they love you

And tomorrow , that love is

gone

I never thought it could be

But hey …

A whole year , crying for a man

who clearly never loved me

It is what it is

And now , I know better to think

just because I am beautiful I can
keep a man
Having a million followers on
Instagram

Thinking I am the shit

Some men , aren’t about that

Maybe to some guy , who wants

that

I will be something
And mean something I never
meant to Bulelani

I have Gina coming to pick me

up

We are going to Mall of Africa

I am excited to go out in a long

time

But I am also scared

What if people talk about me ?

I’ll be showing my face

And not hiding like I usually do

Whenever I have to go buy

groceries

Because I don’t want to be seen

I think people will laugh at me

As soon as they recognise me

Because Bulelani is living his life

And I am clearly not

But , I won’t let that tear me

down today

I will go out
Try and have fun

I want my life back

I have lost way too much of

myself , and it’s time I regain
myself back
.
.
.
.
*SOFIA*
Bahari : yeah , bye

She drops the call

I laugh

Bahari : what ?

Me : girl …what did you give

thay man ? Because he is heads
over hills with you , this is the
third call today alone . And the
day isn’t over yet

She laughs

Bahari : he is crazy

Me : come on , he loves you

She heaves a sigh

Me : what ? I am not lying , he
does love you and you know
that . I mean , I have been
married 6 years , but I have
never gotten Matteo’s card . Not
even for a day

We laugh

Bahari : you know he is the one

who paid for my outstanding
fees
Me : what ?

She nods

Me : wow , and that was even

before your marriage

Bahari : yeah , it was

Me : does he know you know ?

Bahari : no

Me : well , you should tell him

Bahari : I want to thank him ,

but I don’t want him to think I
was snooping around his things

Me : if there’s anything I know

about you and Bulelani , that
man gives you access to his
everything . You even know his
safe code , basically he hides
nothing from you

She smiles

And I am like ….I know that look

Its definitely not innocent

.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 17*
*BULELANI*
I am not a person with friends

Except business associates

But it ends there really

As of late , I have kind of gotten

close to Matteo

Sofia’s husband
He is a cool guy

And once in a while

We do get together over a glass

of beer

I was supposed to meet with

him today

But I suddenly didn’t feel like it

Bahari is coming back today

And I just want to be home

when she arrives

I want to be sober and all

She’s only been gone for the

weekend

But the house felt so cold

And lonely without her

I am so used to having her

around now

That it just doesn’t feel okay

without her

She took Sofia to gateway

For a girls weekend

And I was jealous

We take trips together

But she decided to take Sofia

Leaving me behind her

I miss her so much

I can’t even sit still

I know her plane landed a while
ago

She’s driving from the airport

So she should be home anytime

soon

Matteo said he will go pick up

his wife
So she doesn’t have to drop her
off

I am pacing around

I keep looking outside

I never know I could crave

someone’s presence like this

I hear her car driving in

I so badly want to run out

But I keep it cool and sit down

Like I wasn’t going up and down

She finally walks in the house

Without her bags

I know they’re in the car

I will bring them in

I get up

Me : hey

She smiles

Bahari : hi
I walk over to her

Me : you look beautiful , the trio

clearly did you good

She smiles

Bahari : yeah , I’ll tell you all

about it . How was your
weekend ?

Should I lie ?
Me : bad , I missed you badly

She looks down

Me : I am sorry , I know where

you stand . But I also can’t deny
how I feel

She looks at me

I have been open with her

I have told her I love her

I have never gotten it back

But it doesn’t take away how I

feel

In a year , I have fallen in love

with her

Spending every night with her

Having her in my arms

Fighting urges to kiss her

To bury myself deep inside of

her

Coming home to her everyday

after work

It’s torture
But I’ll settle for that

Than to lose her as a whole

I have a piece of her

It’s better than nothing

Bahari : you paid for my fees ,

why didn’t you ever tell me ?
How did she find that out ?

Me : I just didn’t think it was

important to tell you

She nods slowly

Bahari : well , thank you

Me : no , there’s no need
Bahari : there is a need , and for
everything else

Me : I do things for you ,

because I want to . I don’t
expect to be compensated , or
for you to thank me

Bahari : I want to thank you , so

thank you

She leans over for a hug

And I soak in the moment

She moves back slightly after a

while

Lifting her head

We lock eyes

And she leans over , her lips

gracing mine
Fuck !

Hot flushes run throughout my

whole body

And my dick instantly reacts to

her touch

This better not be a dream

I kiss her back

And she clings her arms around
my neck

I deepen the kiss taking control

Sliding my hands down to her

waist

I pick her up into my arms

And lay her down on the couch

My hands trailing all over her
body

Taking her clothes off

While I lose my t-shirt and pants

I position myself on top of her

Feeling her bare skin on mine

I flip her over sitting down

And she straddles me

I slowly rub my dick on her

coochie

And her wetness welcoming me

I slide in slowly

She gasps
Pulling out of the kiss

Throwing her head back

And she slowly moves her waist

Taking my length deep in her

Riding me slowly , sending all

sorts of sensations
I slowly thrust in her

With her slow pace

She opens her eyes looking at

me

We lock eyes

Me : fuck ….I love you

She smiles
I feel her walks closing in on my
dick

I pick up the pace thrusting in

deeper and faster

Her moans fill our lounge

As she bounces her ass on my

thighs
Riding my dick with my fast pace

I cup her boobs into my hands

Rubbing on her nipples

We cling tight on each other

As she graces my dick with her

cum

And my dick twitches

I shoot in my seed inside of her

And grab her neck , pulling her

in for a kiss

I get up and walk to our room

with her in my arms
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 18*
*BAHARI*
I am tired

My body is drained and giving in

I want to push him off

But it feels so darn good

I just want to have him inside of

me
I push him back

But as soon as I feel him pulling

out

I push him back in

And he is not having mercy on

me

Taking deep slow strokes

I can’t even keep my eyes
opened any longer

He lifts my leg up to his

shoulder

Going in deeper

The bed is wet as hell

From our sweat

My squirting

I didn’t even know I can squirt

And the many orgasms

He deep grunts

As my thighs and legs shake

I am worn out
I feel his dick jerking deep inside
of me

He stays buried inside of me for

a while

And he flips over next to me

Bulelani : mama

Me : mhm
Bulelani : come on

I just lean over

Laying my head on his chest

He places a kiss on my forehead

Bulelani : I love you …I love you

so much
My eyes became heavy

And sleep creeps in

.
.
.
.
*SOFIA*
Matteo walks in

And he hugs me from behind

Placing a kiss on my cheek

Matteo : are you okay ?

I nod

And heave a sigh

Matteo : what’s going on ?

Me : I have been trying to call
Bahari

Matteo : and ?

Me : she’s not answering

Matteo : mhm , that’s unlike her

Me : yeah , I am starting to get

worried
Matteo : call her husband

Me : and say what ?

Matteo : well , you want to

speak to her

I take a deep breath

Me : can’t you call him ?

He laughs
Matteo : you owe me for this

Me : and I’ll make it up to you

He dials his number and puts

the phone on speaker

Bulelani : hello

Matteo : hey man , are you

good ?
Bulelani : yeah

Matteo : Uhm …are you by any

chance with your wife ? Sof says
she has been trying to reach her

Bulelani : oh she’s asleep

Me : what at this time ? It’s

almost noon
He chuckles

Bulelani : she is fine Sofia , I’ll

tell her you called when she
wakes up ans she’ll call you back

Me : and you’re sure she’s not

sick ?

Bulelani : no , I think I would

know if she was sick
Me : oh okay

Matteo : thanks man

Bulelani : sure

He drops the call

Me : who sleeps ….
Matteo : stop being slow , they
clearly had a rough night and
morning

I frown

Me : no , you know they’ve

been sleeping on the same bed
for a year . And they haven’t
done that

He laughs
Me : they haven’t

Matteo : okay

No !

Bahari would have no reason to

lie to me whatsoever
She would tell me if something
more was happening between
them

Me : did Bulelani tell you

something ? Something I don’t
know

Matteo : no , we don’t even talk

about you two

Me : mhm !
Now I don’t know what to
believe

It would be nice though

If she was actually giving him a

real chance

This man loves my friend

And he has shown it

He has done so much for herb

That his actions speak for

themselves

As a best friend , I so approve of

him
.
.
.
.
*ANGELA*
Gina : come on , it will be fun

I take a deep breath

Gina : you went out the other

day , and it was nice

Me : yeah , but people

recognised me

Gina : but nothing bad was said

Me : but someone did make a
post about it

Gina : it doesn’t matter , people

don’t know how to mind their
own business

Me : I don’t want them to talk

about me further

Gina : how are you going to

move on , if you’re stuck on
what they say about you ? Look
…

She hands me her phone

And it’s on Bulelani’s account

He posted his wife , in bed

sleeping
Captioned “if anyone ever said I
will be this content , I wouldn’t
have believed”

I heave a sigh

Giving her back her phone

Me : well , he is happy . And I

guess he never was
Gina : the point is that he is
living his life , and you should do
the same . He is out here
bragging about her

Me : maybe you need to stop

showing me what he is doing

She sighs

Gina : you’re missing the point

Me : no , I don’t want to go out .
And he can be happy as he
wants , maybe I just love staying
indoors now

She laughs

Gina : are you insane ? All this

because of a man , it’s been
over a year get over it
Me : yeah , easy for you to say .
You did not give a man your all ,
and he threw it on your face

Gina : you know what ..

She grabs her bag

Gina : I am not doing this with

you , when you’re done
throwing yourself a pity party
for another year . Crying for a
man who is living his life , and
not hiding it . You will tell me ,
you know where to find me

She walks out

I get up , closing the door as she

drives out

I sit down grabbing my phone

I get on Facebook
And search for the wife , she has
an account

I send her a friend request

I type in a text

“I wonder how it feels like , to

live happy over another
woman’s tears . We may have
not been married , but he was
mine . I was in his life , you were
okay for him to say you’re his
maid . While you took him from
me”

I send , and it goes on to be

read immediately

I await for a response

But she just blocks me

Me : what ….

I search her account again

And yeah , I am definitely

blocked

What am I doing ?
.
.
.
.
*AFRICAN CROWN*
*INSERT 19*
*THREE MONTHS LATER*
*BULELANI*
I open my eyes

Reaching over to my side

And I am alone in bed

I grab my phone checking the

time

And it’s almost noon

I slept this long

I am not even surprised
anymore

I am always tired

And just sleeping most of the

time

I get up walking to the

bathroom
I rinse my face with cold water

Just to wake myself up

I walk downstairs

And the smell of whatever is

being cooked in here

Doesn’t sit well with me

Mom : good morning

Dad : it’s afternoon

Me : barely , it smells in here .

What did you cook ?

Mom : it’s oxtail

Me : it smells bad , are you sure

it’s not expired ?

They look at each other

And my mother smiles

Mom : I told you

Dad : he must be a weakling , if

he catches hormones

Mom : don’t say that

Me : where is my wife ?
Mom : oh , she left …

Me : she left ?

Mom : yeah she said …

Me : why would she leave

without telling me ?

Mom : you were asleep , she

didn’t want to wake you up
Me : no , she’s inconsiderate

Dad : are you two fighting ?

Mom : don’t be silly , he is just

in his moods

I frown

I grab her phone off the counter

and dial Bahari
Bahari : ma …

Me : how could you leave me all

alone ? And you don’t even tell
me you’re leaving ?

She sighs

Me : where are you , and when

are you coming back ?
Bahari : I’m with Sofia , she’s at
work . Where you should be as
well , not sleeping at this time

I get so overwhelmed

I feel like crying

Me : you’re being mean right

now
Bahari : stop being a baby , I will
be home soon

I drop the call and look at my

mother

Me : you see what she’s doing ?

Now she says I’m being a baby ,
she calls me names now !

Dad : boy , what is your problem

? You’re suffocating that poor
girl , you always want to be by
her side all the time . When was
it the last time , you went to
work and worked a full day ?

Me : I miss her , is it my fault

that I miss her when she’s not
around ?

Dad : you have been fed

Mom : Zwane stop that

She gets up and takes my hand

Me : she’s hurting me

Mom : I am sorry baby , come

here

We walk over to the lounge

And she makes me lay my head

on her
Mom : what do you want to eat
? We can ask her to bring it ,
because I don’t think you love
my oxtail very much

Me : I want ribs , and a beef

burger . I don’t think you should
eat that stew , it smells bad

Mom : okay
My father walks in

And I don’t like his look

It’s like he is judging me

Dad : what are you doing ,

cradling an old grown man ?
What is this ?

Mom : Zwane !
He shakes his head and walks
out

I look at the watch on the wall

And it’s like it’s been hours since

she said she will come , and
she’s nowhere
.
.
.
.
*BAHARI*

Me : can you believe it ?

She laughs

Me : he sounded like he is on
the verge of crying

Sof : poor man

Me : he is being dramatic , he is
emotional as of late
Sof : I see the way he calls ,
when you’re not with him

I shake my head

Me : it’s funny

Sof : don’t you think it’s

something else ? Because he’s a
manly man , it’s so unlike him .
Like he is acting out of character
Me : his mother thinks I’m
pregnant

She pops her eyes

Sof : what ?

Me : I did a test yesterday , it

came back positive

Sof : oh my God ….you’re going

to be a mother ?
I smile

Me : I didn’t plan this , but I am

kind of excited

Sof : you need to tell him

Me : I will , after the gallery

opens . I want it to be a surprise
Sof : he is going to be the best
father

Me : right now , I’ll just enjoy

seeing him act all dramatic

We laugh

Me : I better get going , his

hormones are high . He wants
ribs and a burger , if I take long
he might just say he doesn’t
want them . And want
something else , I cannot deal
with a man with moods

Sof : you’re enjoying this

Me : so much

I get up

Me : I will call you later , I have a

grown ass man to babysit
She laughs

I walk out of the restaurant

And go to steers

That’s the food he loves

I place an order of his ribs and

beef burger
And while waiting , Angela walks
in

She looks at me

And it’s like she’s fighting with

herself

Whether to come to me or not

And for her sake , I hope she

doesn’t
I was quite about that Facebook
message

But she better not come to me

I don’t have the energy to fight

for a man

She shakes her head and walks

out
My order gets called

I get up and grab it

I walk out heading to my car

and I drive home

I find his parents in the lounge

I greet

Me : where is he ?
Mom : upstairs taking a nap

Dad : he is crying

Mom : stop …

He laughs

Mom : you should really check

yourself out
I smile

Me : I did yesterday , you were

right

Dad : ah that’s my daughter

I shake my head laughing , I

walk upstairs

I walk in our room

And he is not sleeping

He is pacing up and down

holding my gown

What kind of craziness is this ?

Me : hey

He looks at me

I am holding my laugh in
I can see he wants to jump on
me

But he is also angry , so he’s

holding himself

Me : I bought your food

I walk over to him

Me : I am sorry I took long

Bulelani : you left me

Jesus !

Me : I am sorry , I am back now .

And I’m spending the day with
you

He engulfs me into a tight hug

I pray and hope he doesn’t cry

Because I will laugh at him

Me : come eat

I take his hand

We sit down on the bed , and I

give him his food

Me : are you going to share ?

He shakes his head

Me : okay

I watch him eat

And he is enjoying himself

He finishes the whole thing

I want to laugh so bad

But I don’t want to upset him

With his emotions all over the

place

You never know what to expect

Me : you want anything else ?

Bulelani : hold me
I kick my shoes off

And get on the bed

He gets over , and I cuddle him

in my arms

We stay in silence

As much as I don’t admit my

feelings for him
I have fallen in love with this
man

It’s safe to say I am in love with

him , he turned out to be the
best thing to ever happen to me
and now he’s given me a baby
.
.
.
.
*THE END*