4

THE ARRANGEMENT FOUR

~~ Oh man I should be getting back on the bed, but I'm too embarrassed and mad at the same time. “Freeze to death if you like. You pushed me” I tell him, feeling angry that he just used my words against me. How lame!

“Oh, is that right?” His voice has that hint of amusement. He has a straight face but still. He is now seated

“Yes! I've never fell off the bed in all the years I've lived ”

“25 years of experience. You can say it” He finishes my sentence. I find this highly childish and offensive. I'm not sulking, but I rest my hands on my chest and remain on the floor.

“There's no way I fell. You pushed me while I was sleeping” I'm accusing him yes. There's two of us in here and I refuse to believe what happened was my only fault.

“I respect people who try to make jokes, even though it's never funny. Bottom line is they try. I've seen and heard you making a joke but in the wrong place and time. Get back in bed, this isn't time for acting up” his tone is suddenly radiating authority and daring.

I hope he doesn't think that I will obey. I'm very angry and embarrassed, a bad combination.

“Sleep if you want to and grab another blanket while at it. I'm not getting on that bed just because you said so, bro” Okay, I didn't mean to call him bro.

It happens in a blink, him abruptly jumping off the bed, reaching me before I even make a move. His hands go under my arms, swiftly I'm lifted up like a baby and put back in the middle of the bed. I feel like a kid being disciplined

He looks down at me, both his arms surrounding tiny self. I want to speak, but my mind is kind of blurry at how close he is to my face. His fresh breath is on my face I look in his deep, black set of eyes, daring and burning me that I find myself apologizing

“I'm sorry. I know you didn't push me” My suddenly soft voice says His piercing, unyielding gaze is making my heart race so hard

“sorry who? Bro” God, he is offended.

“I apologize Mshibe” I say. Can he move? I grew up surrounded by Zulu men. They love it when you address them with clan names. But Fezani doesn't even show an ounce of being affected

“Uneconsi maNgcobo” He tells me that I have a temper tantrum.

“Chabo” I beg to differ as I tell him no.

“it wasn't a question” he states.

“Well, I was just putting my answer out there either way” is that a smirk? It is gone before I even know it was actually there or I'm seeing things

Okay what is he doing? If I could disappear on this bed. I would because his face is lowering My eyes are all out He goes to my ear “Don't ever call me bro, I'm your husband. Put respect on my name” He whispers those words and finally leaves my space. I release a long breath, my body is reacting strangely.

He takes the blanket and put it on me. Then he goes to his side. Get in bed, I'm suddenly dragged towards him “Fezani, what are you doing?” He is holding me on my waist “Making sure I'm not accused of pushing my wife off the bed” No… “It was a mistake–” He taps my shoulder twice and command “Sleep maNgcobo” Amen.

******** Baby cries woke me from a deep slumber. Where am I? Why is a baby wailing so loud! It's annoying, hhu. Where's the mother!

“MaNgcobo” oh good Lord! His voice brings me back to my now reality. Good Jesus.

I've been awake since three in the morning. It's almost five as I look at the watch on the wall and this baby is not sleeping. I had to change his diaper, yes I can change a diaper. Kidding, I am yet to learn. Thabitha helped and also helped with the formula. Now he is between us in bed, playing and giggling. I'm grumpy! Does this baby notice the time? Arg

Ayabonga finally slept after five. By that time This man was up and working out somewhere in the house. And I'm not sleepy anymore so I just take a long, hot shower. When I'm done I head downstairs to the kitchen and walk around familiarizing myself with the beauty.

I start making soft porridge, mom taught us that something light as a porridge is important before eating heavy breakfast.

“Good morning mam” Tuesday greets, staring at my pot as I stir She is wearing an Apron and a head wrap. While I'm just in my mini, floral dress and covering my head with a head wrap as well.

“Morning. I'm already making porridge. I will call you when I need you” I say

“Mr Luthuli does not eat porridge” Aw.. “What does he eat?” I ask

“He eats after 8 on weekends. He tells me what to make and I do so” okay.

“Then why are you here so early, before eight?” She smiles awkwardly

“Well. Thabitha and I, we eat early. And we also don't like porridge” She says. I put the stirring spoon on the bowl with water and attend Tuesday, what a strange name.

“What do you eat then?” I ask her, sitting on this marvelous chair “Full English breakfast” English breakfast before six?

“You can all eat porridge or cereal of your choice. If you are hungry you can warm up anything in the fridge. At eight we will all have breakfast as family” I tell her. She nods then walks away , wait. Was she rolling her eyes?

I take my phone then dial my mom's. We haven't talked since I got married “I hope you did not oversleep Nana”. That's how she greeted me. Sigh!

“Haw mah!” I say, disappointed

“You are married now, don't embarrass me to my rich in laws you hear me. Respect your husband, don't ever think you will come back here when you fail to keep your marriage” Tjo tjo! I just wanted to ask how they are doing! Lapho 5 years later, I will be back shame. She doesn't know

“I was just asking if everyone is fine ma.” I say, feeling down already and regretting the call.

“We are fine. Thank umkhwenyana(son in law) for the money. Your sisters are happy they got everything they needed for the trip they are taking in university. Hazel got her IPhone she always wanted. Nami at church we are going to Richard's Bay. Your father finally bought chickens and we will start selling in no time. You are a star my baby. Keep that man, whatever it takes” Money!

“You asked him for money ma?” I have to ask. But how? I don't remember giving my family his number

“Yes. I told you that your sisters needed things.” Breath Snazo.. See, my mom is one of those women who still believe that a man must be kept at all costs, it doesn't help that Fezani is loaded.

“Mah when did this happen?”

“We talked after the wedding and your father exchanged numbers with him. He said we can tell him if we ever need anything. So, on Tuesday we called and he helped us” Good Lord… I clench my teeth feeling anger brewing I quickly stand up “Behind my back ma? How can you do this? Fezani is not a bank to sponsor your life!”

She laughs, the laugh that is about to be followed with anger

“Don't patronize me wena ngane. I'm your mother. Besides, my son in law offered. Don't be jealous and stingy, it's not like that money will vanish. Learn to share and keep your family happy. I didn't raise a jealous devil. Goodbye, your father is here” I'm seeing red. Where the fuck are the glasses in here. Frustratedly I open the cupboards and finally find a cup. I pour water and drink. I hate this. How dare them I'm trying to calm my rampaging brain and heart as he walks in smelling fresh. He is in gray sweatpants and a vest that literally shows off his entire masculine upper and strong arms For a moment my anger subsides

“Little Queen,” he says, walking towards the fridge. He takes out a bottle of water and drinks. Tuesday walks in as well humming a song and start taking out breakfast items

“What's going on?” I question “My boss allowed me to have breakfast” awu. Fezani doesn't even notice this. He walks out with a bottle of water in his hands.

Then she can continue making everything for her ‘boss’. I'm out! I'm about to explode with so much anger. As if on cue, Ayabonga screams as I walk in the passage to the master bedroom. Gooood!!!!

Babies have a way of calming a soul. I called Tabitha and she helped me bathe Ayabonga. When done we head downstairs I am feeding her soft porridge on a dining table Tabitha and Tuesday are having a full. I mean FULL English breakfast.

The husband joins us and sit. The time is approaching seven now I'm sure. Eight is far so I keep feeding my cute baby. “Don't you love porridge wena bubu, yes you do. Oh yes you love porridge” I mimic a baby's voice , playing with Ayabonga. He giggles as I kiss his nose. The way he's eating. It makes me happy

“MaNgcobo” he calls me. I look at him next to me “Am I having nothing for breakfast?” Hhu

“Is it eight already?” I ask “Eight? What's happening at eight?” so now he is asking me

“Looks like I don't know you at all. Well, I don't, that's the truth. That's why I was told you eat after 8.” His brows furrows

“Follow me” he states firmly. Mxm. I give Aya to Tabitha and follow him upstairs I walk in and he is seated on the edge of the bed. I sit next to him

“What was that about?” he asks, sternly

“Looks like Tuesday knows you better than I do. I made soft porridge and she said you eat after eight” . It's quiet for a minute. I turn, meeting his gaze that shrinks my inside I hold the cloth of my dress feeling overwhelmed

“Did you ask me?” tjo.

“No. I assumed that since you are best of friends who decide and give each other go ahead when I say no breakfast till eight, then I might as well leave you all alone”

“Am I married to Tuesday, ?” He asks

“You are married to me” I respond.

“Then why are we arguing about Tuesday? Didn't we share the same bed with you? Aren't you supposed to come to me when you have questions about me” Good Lord, how did I attract someone this strict and intimidating

“But Fezani I told Tuesday that we will have breakfast at eight together and she comes running to you as her ‘boss’ and you tell her to make breakfast. Now I'm left like a fool! If my orders aren't respected. Keep your kitchen” He stands up, I'm thinking he is leaving but he comes to me, stand before me and… Why does he do this? Leaning so close, his arms surrounding me completely. His face again is so close that I share the same breath as him. His gaze is deep as I gulp nothingness

“What am I supposed to do to deal with these tantrums and short temper maNgcobo. Tell me. I'm all ears” He says

“I don't.. Have… TeTemper” Who wouldn't stutter in this situation

“So I'm lying. Or I'm being punished for allowing Tuesday to make breakfast like she always does. She didn't mention anything to me. Was I supposed to guess what you have told her maNgcobo? Was I supposed to read Inbetween the lines that she told you when I eat. I don't appreciate how you let your mind run wild. Tantrums can be cute but annoying, you are my wife. Talk to me if there's something I need to know, something that concerns me. Do you hear me maNgcobo” God. It seems like I'm apologizing more than anything

“I'm sorry. I just got so angry, I also found out that you gave my parents money without talking to me first. I don't like what you did Mshibe” I say, calmly this time Okay.. So he does smirk!

“See how beautiful and easy it is to address situations with calmness little Queen” My tummy is in knots at how his eyes sparkle

“Yes, little king” This time his smile widens. “Have you ever seen a big man called little?” He says

“Well, you are the first one in history. Congratulations Mshibe, you just made it to the African history books” Now he stares.. I feel bubbles and shivers.

“When we have problems in this marriage. We talk calmly and with respect.” He tells me. “About your family. I gave them money because they wanted to ask you and I could not have that. Besides, they are my family too now. But, I promise I will tell you from now onwards.” he says.

“Thank you” I say. He goes for my ear again “for your information, I'm a big man in all levels. By the way, You look beautiful, mkami” Oh this man is confusing me so much. Give me strength, Lord.