37

TEARS OF A ROYAL BLOOD

37

# Sponsored by Shilder

At the hospital.

Sipho was rushed to the hospital as soon as the ambulance arrived.

Nozipho:He will be fine ma, I'm sure it was just shock.

She comforted her mother(Jabulile).

Jabu:I really hope so.

Zizipho sat next to them shyly. She was afraid of Jabu, she didn't know what she thought of her.

Jabu looked up at her and smiled.

Jabu:You're just his photocopy.

She laughs a little.

Jabu:I'm really stunned for words because all these years we thought you were gone, but I am glad to see you all grown up and beautiful like this. Your father talks about you everyday, he never accepted your "death". Thank you for finding him, it will give him great closure.

Zizipho sighed relieved, well at least she doesn't seem to not like her.

Zizipho:Thank you too, I know how we did things was not right but I was just so happy to see my dad.

Jabu:He will be alright.

She pulled her to her arms.

Sindiswa looked at her holding the girls' in her arms and she clicked her tongue. Jabu is just pretending, no woman would just love a child that she did not give birth to. She's just showing face, she won't allow Zizipho to get close to them. What if they hurt her daughter? She heard they don't play with muti pha ko Eastern Cape, bakuthakatha unye!(They bewitch you good!)

She was worried about Sipho. Maybe she let the excitement get to her, she wasn't supposed to hug him like that. She still respects his marriage.

A doctor walks toward them.

“Sipho Mceleli”

They go to him, ready to hear the news.

Jabu:How is my husband Doc?

“He is fine. He just suffered a mild heart attack due to shock. But he will be okay. We will keep him overnight of course. You can go and see him, one person at a time”

Jabu:Thank you Doc. You can go Zee.

Sindiswa:I think I should be the one who goes first, because Zizipho is my daughter and I need to explain to him how everything happened.

Jabu gave her a side eye and motioned for Zizipho to go.

Zizipho left.

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SOLWAZI

Sunset was saw by him. He couldn't wait to get out of Nqoboka. It hurts that there won't be anything romantic happening between him and Londi, but he won't force her to be with him if she doesn't want to. It's best he leaves before things start to get a bit awkward.

He has done his job after all, which was to return back the throne. He also needs to get back to living his own life. He has been so focused on this that he has forgotten he has a life on his own. He doesn't even want talk about her mother and sister, he doesn't know what's happening between them. He hasn't found the time to call them.

He calls Thembeka and tells her that they are leaving.

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LONDIWE

She didn't mean to chase him out, she wasn't chasing him out. She just asked for a bit of space until she settles down. Solwazi is a good man, and any woman would be lucky to have him as a partner. But this is just not the right time for relationships. She has a lot of work to do and she doesn't even know where to start nor begin. Solwazi promised that he would guide and be with her through everything, but there he goes. He is leaving her.

Nontombi:I hear that Solwazi is leaving. What's going on?

Londi:We had a misunderstanding yesterday.

Nontombi:What misunderstanding?

Londi:I asked him for some space and he took it as if I'm discarding him now that he has given the throne back to us.

Nontombi:Have you talked to him?

Londi:No.

Nontombi:Well how will he understand what you were saying if you do not talk to him?

Londi:I don't want to be a nuisance.

Nontombi:Nonsense. Go speak to him. That is a good man right there Londi and I will be so disappointed if you let him slip through your fingers.

She nodded and went to Solwazi. She found him packing everything that belonged to him.

Londi:Good morning.

He turned back at her and nodded. Today he didn't even smile at her.

Solwazi:I'm leaving now, I'll hire a moving truck to get the rest of my family's stuff. So you don't have to worry about that. I'll be out of your way in no time.

He said that and continued with what he was doing.

Londi:Lwazi can we talk?

Solwazi:About?

Londi:About what I said yesterday. I swear I didn't mean to offend you, I just wanted to ask for some time to sort myself out. Solwazi I have known you for about a month but I feel deeply in love with you, but at the same time there is something that is pulling me away from you. I know I love you and I want to be with you more than everything... I... I don't know what's wrong with me Solwazi... Please don't leave me.…

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Back at the hospital, Zizipho entered Sipho's room and her nerves were getting worse.

She rubbed her hands together and went closer to him. He was awake.

Zizipho:Hello.

Sipho got lost for words. But the doctor advised him to take a deep breath and adjust to what's happening.

Sipho:Is it really you Zizipho? My daughter?

Zizipho:It is. I'm your daughter.

Sipho:23 years. 23 years I have cried and yearned to hold my daughter in my arms, because the way she died was sudden.

He sat up straight and pat the side next to him.

She took off her shoes and got into bed with him.

He held her for at least a minute and she heard him sniff.

Zizipho:Are you crying?

Sipho:No. You're the one crying.

She giggled with the tears in her eyes. This was somehow an emotional reunion. It felt good to see her father and have him hold her. She can just feel the fatherly love he has, he's holding her tightly like she's going to escape.

They spend a moment of silence, not saying anything, just enjoying being close to each other.

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Outside, Sindiswa moves next to Jabu.

Sindiswa:So how long have you been married to Sipho?

Jabu:21 years.

She nodded.

Sindiswa:I always thought Sipho loves light skinned women, I didn't know he would go for a darkie. Wow.

She said sarcastically..

Jabu chose to keep quiet because this woman was clearly provoking her and she is too classy to fight a woman because of a man. And she's too old for this bathong. She wishes to roll her eyes to show how bored she is of her behavior!

Sindiswa:But it's been long since we saw each other, who knows what will happen between us now? Sipho was the love of my life and he loved me to the moon and back.

Nozipho:I like it because you are using the past tense. That's what you are. His past.

Jabu:Nozipho!

She reprimanded her.

Sindiswa sighed annoyed. She just needed to see Sipho alone and talk to him. Zizipho should get out of the room soon.

Sindiswa:Kanti doesn't Zee finish? It's our turn now.

Jabu:Your turn to see whose husband?

Sindiswa swallowed and looked down.

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SOLWAZI

Now he is conflicted. He doesn't know what to do or say. In the morning, he was prepared to leave and never look back. But now here she is, begging him and softening his heart. He has a soft spot for her.

Londi:Please don't leave me Solwazi, I beg you.

He sighed and pulled her to him.

Solwazi:I'm old now Londi, time for games is what I don't have. I'm about to turn 34 soon, I need to settle down either the right woman and build my own family. Are you ready for that?

Londi:I am.

Solwazi:I don't want you to make a hasty decision. Think about it.

Londi:I don't need to think. I want you. You promised me that you will hold my hand throughout.

Solwazi:I did promise you that.

Londi:Then please don't leave.

Solwazi:We can't cohabitate Londi. This is your home. I would be disrespecting your mother and your ancestors if I stay here.

Londi:Okay you're right.

Solwazi:I hate that you make me feel weak like this. I was ready to get the hell out of your life but I can't because my organ beats for you. You know what? Fuck this. I love you so much.

He grabbed her by the waist and kissed her so hard. She kissed him back with her hands running through his back.

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To be continued…

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