5

THE ARRANGEMENT

FIVE ~

I release a deep breath as he walks out, leaving my heart racing like crazy. He said I look beautiful. My lips involuntarily stretch into a smile I find myself heading to the huge mirror and watching my face. My cheeks are changing color to red, I blame the light skin tone on me. I rush to the bathroom, wash my face on the sink. Just as I'm busy splashing water the door opens startling me a bit

“Little Queen” I sigh, thankful that it's him. I look in the mirror before me. He takes calculated steps towards me. His eyes locked in mine. He stands behind me, his frame completely towering me. His evidently muscular arms hold the sink on both sides, leaving me closed in with no way out. The soft fabric of his track pants brushes against the back of my legs causing a slight shiver in my spine. At this point it's like I'm just waiting for what he's going to do next. He leans in, my heart races harder, my skin getting goosebumps as his breath dances at the back of my neck. His daring eyes remain locked in mine. “I've been waiting ages to be served soft porridge specially made by my wife. What's keeping you here little Queen” he says.

“Mshibe” his name comes out as if I just ran a marathon. I feel hot, my blood is getting hot.

“Yes” he states.

“I was washing” Oh Good Lord I can't breathe normally, it's like his stare alone is sucking my breath. And his whole body behind me, I can't even move

“We have Tuesday for that” he responds.

“My face. I was washing my face” I added. He let go of the sink moving away and I let out a breath. I am no virgin so I always know when an urge to feel something attacks my down region. Being in this cozy position is awakening sleeping feelings.

As I turn, he is still here. There's a fair space between us though. “uhm…” I smile awkwardly. My hands landing on my waist, he should go out first. But instead his gaze is on me. God, it's as if he can literally read me.

“You are wet” I think my heart just skipped a beat. Something instantly ticks in my down region. It's the way he said it, straight, low and rumbling as a gentle storm with a rough tone of his. I find myself gulping nothingness, touching the back of my neck feeling mixed emotions. My nerves skyrocketing “Wh.. What?”

He takes one step and he is extremely close to me. What is going on with him today? His both hands are strong as he wipes my face “Your face is wet” he states..oh God! What a relief

“Oh.. Wow.. Okay. I thought you meant something else. Almost had a heart attack” My mouth runs the words as I sigh, feeling relieved.

Instead of letting go of my face, he cups both my cheeks and stares at me again. I blink a couple of times

“What else did you think I meant?” He shoots a question I never saw coming. My mouth hangs open Damn it! What a damn it. What do I say now?

“Nothing” I end up saying. He stares, again. I'm losing my sanity today, I swear.

He leans in, my breath hitches. I already know he is going for my ear. “You'll tell me what you meant one day” His voice vibrates deep in my chest, making me feel the heaviness of his words as much as I hear them. Foock! Five years suddenly feels like it's too far to reach.

We are back in the kitchen He is still following behind me. Yes, he said ladies first. Actually he said “25 years of experience, ladies first” because my poor brain was still locked away I did as I was told.

He stands, leading against the fridge as I open the cupboards looking for a bowl. I find one, wash for a bit, wipe clean and dish up the porridge for him.

“Do you have any trays here?” I question This man is unashamed in staring at my every move. It makes me feel nervous and uncomfortable

“Yes. Let me get for you” He opens the top shelf and there are atleats six of them. He gets one and hand to me

“Thank you Mshibe” I say. His face is smitten. I can't believe this is the same man who couldn't even look at me on our wedding day.

“You didn't smile on our wedding day. It felt like you are stones for breakfast, mixed with cement” He smiles widely, does he ever laugh?

“And you failed to say vows, you were shaking as if I'd kill you the minute we were alone. Did I scare you?” I laugh, so loud that Aya copied me and screams. I put the bowl on the tray.

“See, you are influencing Aya to laugh at me too” he says, I put his spoon, the sugar and lemon on the tray

“I was nervous, and your eyes didn't make anything better” I tell him.

“One of these days, these eyes will make everything better and more” he tells me so gently and I can't help the blush trying to overtake my whole face, so I look away and open the mesmerizing huge fridge

“What else would you like on your porridge? Milk or Rama?” I ask

“Lemon is fine for now” I close the fridge, my face back to normal. Thanks to the cold air of the fridge.

“Then we can go to the dining before your porridge gets cold” This pot is the best because it kept my porridge hot.

“Where is yours?” oh, mine! Look at me forgetting myself. I look at him as he takes another bowl, he hands to me and I dish up for myself

“Put the bowl on the tray. It's big enough for the both of us” This man keeps surprising me. I do that then ask for Cremora. I add it, lemon, Rama and one teaspoon of sugar. Then I'm ready to dine!

I have Aya in my lap, he is making those baby cute sounds and eating his fingers. Tabitha and Tuesday are just seated and watching us.

Fezani enjoys his porridge because he finishes it in minutes while I'm halfway in mine. “That was amazing. Thank you maNgcobo” My heart does something. Something that I know is going to hurt me in the long run. This man is bit by bit, stealing my heart.

“You are welcome, Mshibe” I say. He gives me a warm smile. Then turn, all serious all of a sudden.

“Good people. There's something I'd like to address before it even get out of hand” he sounds like a boss all of a sudden as he says so firm.

“We are listening, Sir” Tuesday states. They look uncomfortable and nervous.

“MaNgcobo is my wife, meaning she is in charge of what goes on in this house. If she tells you to do something, you do that. If she gives orders, you follow those orders because she is your boss now. She is the owner as well in this house, what she says goes. I expect you to give her as much respect as you do me, no one is to run to me anymore.” I look at Fezani Luthuli and find it hard to believe that he is real. It feels like a dream.

“Yes sir” they say at the same time. “Tuesday, I don't like what you did. Going behind my wife's back after she has given you an instruction was pure disrespect. Not just to her but to me too. What happened today should be the first and last of it. I will not tolerate such behavior in this house, especially if directed to my wife. Are we clear?” Good Lord, I could give this man anything he can ask for this very moment.

“I am so sorry sir. And I apologize to you Mam for the way I reacted. I'm sorry. It will never happen again, I promise” Tuesday apologizes I love this house.

“It's okay. I know that I came when you least expected it. But all I want is that we respect each other. I will never disrespect you, that's not how I was raised” I say. They both nod.

“I would also like to free you guys. You can come in four times a week. Both of you. Monday to Thursday . Meaning you will move out. But I will give you guys three days to pack. If you need anything, transport wise. I will help. I promise” I tell them. They nod again, but I can see the hurt in their eyes. They were not going to stay here forever though. Sigh!

The rest of the day, I just spent with Aya and Mshibe who was reading a book for me. I'm no bookworm. I prefer watching series movies to reading books. But this man loves reading. Ayabonga is fast asleep, I ended up falling asleep listening to Fezani’s soothing voice reading.

I wake up when it is dark outside. Ayabonga and Mshibe are not on the bed. I quickly get off the bed, heading downstairs looking for them. I hear the voices

He is holding Aya in his arms, standing before the stove and a woman leaving on the kitchen counter. She's wearing close to nothing skimpy dress and a long as frontal. There are pointy hills on her hand, black in color

“Please brother.. I'm not here to cause trouble I swear” She sounds drunk.

“Whenever you show up. Trouble follows. Where is Nomonde?” he questions

“With her dad obviously” I walk towards the kitchen and she claps her hands “Wow. Did you marry a 2K brother? What happened to women your age. You want to manipulate the young, vulnerable ones don't you.” she says, staring at me up and down

“Fezile. I'm going to kick you out. I'm not your father. I don't stand for nonsense and you know it” Fezile? Are they twins?

“Relax twinie. You are always grumpy.” Aw, he didn't mention that they are twins.

He walks towards me and takes my hand, leading me upstairs. I can't even get a chance to greet the rude sister. His mood has shifted. He is the exact man he was on our wedding day. Unapproachable and intimidating.

We walk to Thabithas room and he give Ayabonga to her. We walk back to our bedroom. I head to the bed and sit. He remain standing, not far from me. “Is everything okay?” I ask him

“No.” he tells me “You want to talk about it?” I ask again.

“Not today” at least there's a chance we will talk about it someday. I stand up, head to him. I sigh, feeling my nerves shooting up. I take his hand. Looks so big in my hand, it's funny in a way. I look up in his eyes. I feel the detachment this quarrel caused. I wonder what's the story

“I have an offer” I say

“What offer?” he asks me

“Go take a shower, I will prepare my best meal. We will have supper together. Then I will be the one to hold you today so you don't fall off the bed. I still have hope on my 25 years of experience, not all is lost right” I see a smile. It's faint, but it's there. That's all I wanted

“You want both of us to fall? You are crazy you know that” he says.

“Well, at least I made you smile. My smile is also beautiful too. Have you noticed?” His brow raises

“Backhanded compliment I see. You are telling me I have a beautiful smile. So, thank you” I smile

“You are too smart for my liking Little King” I say.

“One of these days I will be just King. Little will be a thing of the past. Thats a promise maNgcobo” why am I getting goosebumps.

“What would change my mind? ” I ask him softly

“You really want to know” He says. I nod. My heart begins to race. He draws closer, and I feel his fingers brushing against my skin on my waist. He delicately grasps the tender flesh of my skin and my dress feels nonexistent with his loud touch, awakening the urge I felt this morning.

He leans in, his warm breath dancing across my ear and whisper “You already know the answer little Queen” I'm feeling hot once again.. Do I?