Broken

*9*

Even though she had initially refused Tebatso's offer, Mo realised that she still needed a ride back to Maseru because of some of Moshe's injuries so she reluctantly went back only to find Tebatso and his sister and grandmother talking near Moshe's bed with their backs turned to her.

She quickly walked over to them and put on a smile. "I had to use the bathroom," she said as she looked up at Tebatso who only grinned and came to stand beside her.

"And who are you?" his grandmother asked as she used her walking stick to walk over to Mo and study her.

Sthembiso couldn't keep still from her excitement. "Tebatso's girlfriend, Mme." They usually referred to their grandma as Mme because that's what their mother used to call her.

Tebatso looked at Mo who reluctantly let him put his arm around her shoulders. "This is Amohelang Leballo."

"Aren't you gay?" his grandmother asked and Sthembiso giggled while Mo had a bewildered look on her face. "You have never brought any girl home before-I thought you were gay. Does this mean I can start expecting marriage soon? You now generation...all you know is to sleep around and wait for the girl to fall pregnant before you can marry her and you marry her only because she's carrying your child! Tell me, Kamohelo-"

"Amohelang-"

"Yes, that! Are you pregnant?"

"No, ma'am."Amohelang was amused. "I've only just recently met Tebatso."

"Do you need money? Because this one has brought us nothing but trouble with his women. After he breaks their hearts they always come back claiming that they are pregnant or some stupid cock and bull. Tebatso had never had a genuine woman come to him and you don't look any different in your overalls. So... Is it money you are after because I can write you a cheque right now."

"Mme!" Tebatso chastised. "You are making her uncomfortable."

"Good!" the old lady said. "So what is it?"

Mo composed herself even though she felt offended. "I actually own a company of my own and I was delivering some goods which is why I'm dressed in overalls and no, I do not need any money because I make my own money. You do not need to write me a cheque. Ma'am."

The old lady looked her up and down. "What company do you own? I've never heard of you. Did your family live in Lesotho because if so... I'm sure I would know them because I know almost all the people with money," she bluntly said.

Mo only smiled sincerely. Oh please, she thought. You can't know all the rich people in this country. "I'm new money," she said.

"Did your husband die or divorce you hence all that money?"

"Mme!" It was Sthembiso chastising her grandma this time around. "Enough. She did it all on her own. She's not married-never been and she doesn't have kids just in case you're wondering. She is that lady you saw in the magazine the other day-the one you said was young and beautiful and an example of what a real independent woman is. You couldn't stop talking about her, remember?"

Mo stared at the old woman who didn't seem like she would say that at all in the few minutes she had known her. Tebatso smiled and squeezed her shoulder-she had almost forgotten that he had his arm around her.

"Really? She doesn't look the girl I saw on the magazine cover," grandma said as she peered into Mo's face so close Mo could almost kiss her. "I know that the lady had a mole on her nose-oh my! It really is you!" She looked at Tebatso then at Mo. "He is a terrible man. Dump him while you still can."

"I'm not a terrible man!" Tebatso retorted. "I am a gentleman. I just haven't been lucky in love but maybe this one is different."

"I think I'm already in too deep," Mo whispered to the old lady who laughed and said her goodbyes then left with Sthembiso.