Author's Note: As promised, here's the eighteenth chapter. Vote... Share... Comment... Enjoy.
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Chapter Eighteen: First Real Date
I took a quick shower and got dressed in a cute, white summer dress with red flowers on it. That's the only thing that fit without being uncomfortable. I left my dreadlocks loose and put on white sandals. As I was going downstairs, I found Lindo sitting in the kitchen talking to my mom. My heart melted at the sight of him. He looked glorious in those dark jeans and white polo t-shirt. Whatever thoughts of murder I had were soon dismissed when he turned to me and flashed his beautiful smile at me.
“Starr, you're drooling”, said my mom and I glared at her, while Lindo chuckled.
“Get off”, I said to her and she laughed. She left the room and I stood at the doorway not knowing what to say to my “traditional” husband. He sensed my discomfort and came to stand in front of me. I looked down at my dress and he lifted my head with his index finger.
“Morning gorgeous”, he said in his deep voice and I shivered. Lindokuhle Thabede, what are you doing to me? I cleared my throat. My dad walked into the kitchen and found Lindo.
“Yes, my boy”, he said to Lindo while he bumped fists with him. I looked at their fists in utter shock. My dad turned to me and hugged me. ”Morning baby girl”, he said. “Are you two ready to go to church?” He asked and slapped my palm to my forehead. I almost forgot about that.
“Yes, sure. We’re ready”, I said. He left the kitchen and then Lindo and I went to wait by the car. “Hi Lindo”, I said in a whisper. I looked into his eyes and I felt like the most beautiful woman in the world. The look in Lindo’s eyes told me that.
“Why are you flustered? Do I make you nervous?” he whispered and I closed my eyes as he bent his head and kissed my neck. My breath hitched and I realized that I had been holding back from actually feeling anything when it came to Lindo. His touch still drove me crazy… And that voice… I just…
“Lindo-o… I-I… We need to-o talk”, I stuttered and he stopped kissing me.
“About?” He asked and I stepped away from him because I knew I wouldn't be able to think straight if he was close to me.
“Get in the car before we’re late”, my dad said as he came from the house with my mom.
The church service was amazing. Lindo was singing with the worship team. I kept thinking back to the time we were standing next to my dad’s car. Why did he have to make me so messed up in the head? When his father was done preaching, the service was wrapped up and then Lindo and I left.
We were walking in total silence and I could feel Lindo staring at me like he wanted to say something.
“Thando, you said we needed to talk. What's up?” He asked. I stopped and sat on a bench just outside the church grounds. He sat next to me and not once did he take his eyes away from me.
“Lindo, why did you ask your dad to pay lobola for me?” I asked. He smiled.
“Well, last night”, he began.
“Oh! So this is about how I told you I fell in love with you”, I cut him off.
“Yes… and no. I just don't want you to think that I will leave you now that you're pregnant”, he continued.
“Wait… You're feeling sorry for me? I can't believe this”, I said and I felt tears prickling in my eyes. I swallowed back the lump in my throat.
“Thando, please listen to me”, he said and took my hand. I froze. “I am as much in love with you as you are with me, if not more”, he said. Can I just say: I did not see that coming? I didn't say anything. “And I might have been for the longest time of my life. I just didn't want to admit it”, he continued.
“Seriously?” I asked and he nodded.
“Yes, Thando. I mean, come on. Who wouldn't fall for you? You're an amazing person and I am not blind not to see it”, he said and I laughed quietly.
“I have a boyfriend”, I lied and he looked unsure for a split second then he regained his composure.
“We can work around that”, he said and I thought I could stretch this out.
“And he knows I am pregnant by you. He will not be happy about the lobola thing”, I said. He cleared his throat and rubbed his neck.
“Who is he?” He asked.
“My dance partner, Bradley”, I said and his eyes went wide.
“Awu qha (oh no) Thando. That white boy?” He exclaimed and I laughed.
“Lindo, I'm joking. We broke up anyway”, I said and he relaxed. He took my hand and we stood up and walked back home.
“So you were actually dating?” He asked after a long time of silence. I nodded.
“For like six hours max”, I said and he laughed. I punched him playfully and he laughed some more.
“What happened?” He asked.
“He found out I am pregnant and offered to pay for an abortion, so I let him go”, I explained. Lindo had a murderous look on his face and I had never seen him like this. Wait. That's a lie. I had seen him like this before. It was the time he found out who my bully was back in primary school. I could tell right now that he was seriously unimpressed.
“He is a jerk”, he growled and I chuckled. I squeezed his hand to reassure him and he relaxed his tensed up muscles.
“I wonder how I will react when I see him again”, I said after a while.
“I know how I will react when I see him again”, he said through gritted teeth. I laughed.
“You will not touch him”, I said.
“Like hell I won't”, he said and I gave him my serious look. He held up his hands in surrender and I patted his cheek.
“I’m glad we had this talk”, I said jokingly and he laughed and kissed me. He took me totally off guard and I must say, I had missed being this close to him. He pulled back when we both out of breath and kissed my forehead.
We were back at my house and we were watching movies in the theatre room. After a while, Lindo turned to me and smiled.
“What is it?” I asked.
“I want to do this right”, he said. I frowned.
“This? What is this?” I said, emphasizing the word ‘this’.
“I want to take you out on a date and officiate our… How do I say this? Union”, he said and I smiled a bright smile. “You should go get ready”, he said as he helped me get to my room. He left saying he was going to be back to come pick me up for our date.
My mom helped me get ready and as I looked at my reflection, I saw my face radiating with joy. I was wearing a maroon, button up short sleeve shirt, with a black bow tie, and dark flare leg jeans. I put on matching 3 inch heels and some light make-up. I also put on some gold bracelets, and stacks rings. I was getting excited. I was looking forward to what Lindo had planned. As I was waiting for him, I sat in the kitchen, eating an apple. I heard a knock on the door and my dad went to open. I listened to him and Lindo speaking.
“Evening Lindo; come in”, my dad said.
“Sawubona baba”, Lindo replied. “I came to take Thando out on our first date, if that is okay with you, of course”, he continued, sounding rather nervous. I snickered.
“Traditionally, she is your wife, Lindo. I don't think I have much of a say in her comings and goings”, my dad said in a strained voice.
“No sir. She is your daughter and will always be. I don't want to ruin that relationship. My intentions of the lobola were pure; not an attempt to separate a father from his daughter”, Lindo responded candidly. “I would absolutely hate it if things changed between you two because of me”, he said sincerely. I sat on my stool silently and waited for this to be over. I guess they needed to clear the air.
“You don't know the relief that your words give me, son”, my dad said, and I knew that he had finally accepted the situation. “I guess I should say welcome to the family”, he continued.
“Thank you, baba”, Lindo replied back respectfully.
“Let me get Thando for you”, my dad said. I heard his footsteps coming closer to the kitchen. “Baby girl, Lindo is here”, he said to me. I walked over to him and hugged him.
“I may be Lindo's wife, but I will forever be your little girl. Nothing will change that. No matter how old I grow”, I said squeezing him tightly. He chuckled in my ear.
“Eavesdropping is bad, baby girl”, he jokingly scolded. We pulled apart and started walking to the living area.
“To my defense, you were talking loudly, so it isn't my fault”, I declared smiling.
“Whatever you rascal. Get out of here”, he said. I laughed.
“Again with the chasing out thing dad; really?” I said and he laughed.
“Get…” he said pointing to the door.
“Fine”, I said. “Let's go, Ndo”.
“Usale kahle, baba (stay well, dad)”, he said to my dad.
“Bye kids. Don't come back late”, my dad said.
We drove to a bed and breakfast near the beach with one of Lindo’s father’s cars and when we arrived, Lindo grabbed two bags I hadn't noticed in the back seats. I looked at him questioningly and he smiled.
“Your mom helped me pack an overnight bag for you”, he said. I nodded in comprehension. He helped me out the car and we walked to the reception. Apparently, he had already booked the room and all we had to do was arrive and sign in. We walked hand-in-hand to the room, and I must say this safari themed B & B was gorgeous.
The room we got was huge. There was a king size bed in the middle of the room, with a brown mahogany headboard. The bedding was white with red cushions and a red throw. On the sides, there were red bedside lamps. On the wall facing the bed, there was a large plasma TV that was mounted up on the wall. In the corner, there was a kettle and two mugs, and what I assumed were coffee and tea supplies.
The bathroom was also big and spacious. It was painted in a beautiful beige colour. There were two sets of white towels, soaps, bath salts, and a bottle of bubble bath. There was both a shower and a big bathtub. I loved this bathroom. On the right side of the bed, there was a sliding door that led to the beach, and I could see a candlelit picnic set up there. It was beautiful.
I turned to look at Lindo and he had a dozen red roses and a box of chocolates in his hands. I melted. He smiled, walked over to me and gave them to me. I sniffed and felt a tear slide down my cheek. He wiped it away with his thumb.
“I didn't know you were romantic”, I whispered.
“I didn't know you were emotional”, he joked and I laughed.
“It's not me; the baby is making me soft”, I said and he chuckled and kissed my forehead.
“Don't blame my baby for this”, he said.
“Oh my word. You're already taking his or her side and you haven't even met them yet”, I exclaimed jokingly.
“Of course not”, he said, as he led me to the picnic blanket.
He helped me sit down and sat in front of me. He pulled my legs and took off my shoes for me. He placed them on the side and, then took his off and put them aside too. We then proceeded to eat, talking about my short trip to Paris and how depressed he was when I was gone, that his friends told him to go to Paris so he could stop sulking. I laughed at that. The guys from Cookham 32 were that insane. I actually missed them.
“So like, when are you going back to Joburg?” I asked after a moment of silence.
“I kind of dropped out”, he said. I looked at him in utter shock.
“What? Why? Are you insane? Have you lost your mind?” I asked in bewilderment.
“Why are you even freaking out?” He asked, while laughing at my face.
“Why did you drop out? Do your parents know?” I asked more calmly. He nodded.
“I didn't really like the course, and yes, I told my parents. Of course they were unimpressed, but they accepted eventually. I am actually thinking of applying for a music course at the University of Witwatersrand”, he said and I smiled widely, and then jumped on him excitedly. He laughed and caught me.
“This is exciting. When were you going to tell me this?” I asked as I hugged him.
“Well, we were having problems, which are sorted now”, he replied. I let go of him, and straddled him. I kissed him and he held onto my waist.
“You said you're thinking about applying; why are you still thinking? I think you should do it”, I encouraged.
“I will once I go back to Joburg. For now, I just want to focus on my woman and baby”, he said looking into my eyes. I smiled and kissed him again before I got off his lap.
“When are you going back to Joburg?” He asked me.
“Dad wants me to leave when the rest of my dance club members come back from the tour. I don't know. I might decide to leave earlier. I kind of miss Cookham 32”, I said honestly. “And I miss having my own space, not that it's much of my own space, with you always around, which I don't really mind”, I continued. He nodded and didn't say anything afterwards.
“Hey, Thando… I have a request for you”, he said after a while. I looked at him.
“Yeah; what is it?” I said.
“Will you be my girlfriend?” He asked. I laughed.
“That's a little out of place since, traditionally I am your wife”, I joked, but he didn't laugh with me. He actually looked serious. I calmed down and looked at him. “Lindo, how will that even work? We are always doing things backwards and in hyper speed”, I said.
“This is me trying to do things right, for the first time. Please give me a chance”, he pleaded. I thought about it for a second and knew that I was just being difficult on purpose. I was actually delighted that he had finally worked up the courage to ask me. I smiled.
“Yes, of course I will be your girlfriend Lindo. I am not insane”, I replied.
“Thank the heavens. I was worried you would say no”, he said honestly and I laughed.
“Why would you even think that?” I said.
“You're kind of a complicated human being and I didn't want to upset you more than I already have. I just want the peace that we had before I made stupid mistakes. Our relationship wasn't complicated, and you are the one person I can talk to about anything and, I don't want that to change. Traditionally, I am married to my best friend and that is the best feeling in the world to have”, he expressed, and I must say, that was the longest time he spoke to me without any interruptions. Usually, I would complete his sentences for him, but what he said to me was unexpected.
“You are going soft on me there Thabede. Is this you catching this hormone thing of mine via the baby bond?” I joked and he laughed.
“Hawu kodwa Thando. Uyangimangaza (which means, you're surprising me)” he said jokingly.
“Lindo, do you remember what dad said before we left the house?”
“He said “have fun kids”” he said and I smiled.
“And after that?” I pressed.
“That we shouldn't come back late”, he replied.
“So, shouldn't you be freaking out about the fact that we are not anywhere near my house? Are we really spending the night here? That really qualifies as late to me”, I said. Lindo just shrugged and chuckled.
“Your mother promised to tell him that we are spending the night alone because, apparently “we need it””, he replied, making air quotes.
“You and my mom are getting close. She better not be trying to take my best friend away from me”, I joked.
“I only have eyes for you, baby”, he said and I laughed, as I stood up.
“Eyes for me, huh? Okay, boyfriend, slash husband”, I laughed at my own stupid joke. Lindo just looked at like I had lost my marbles. “Don't spoil my fun, grumpy”, I said.
“Cha. Angishongo lutho (No, I didn't say anything)”, he replied and raised his hands in surrender.
We packed the picnic stuff away and walked back to the room. Lindo then called someone who works in the B & B, asking them to bring the ice-cream he had asked for. When the lady brought the ice-cream tub of Magnum Red Velvet, I squealed excitedly. Lindo laughed at my crazy behaviour, while the young worker ogled him. He didn't even notice her. I smiled. He has no clue. I walked over to him and whispered in his ear.
“Babe, someone has got their eyes on you. You didn't even notice”, I said. He looked at the worker then at me.
“Well, why would I look at her when the most beautiful woman is you?” He said.
“Ha-ha. You’re stupid for saying that”, I joked.
“And you're crazy for caring who I look at. You may not know this, but you are worth all my attention and more. Your smile gives me joy”, he said and I laughed.
“You really are going soft on me, Ndo”, I said, and he pushed my head lightly.
The worker left after she collected the picnic stuff, but not without first giving me a dirty look for having Lindo’s attention. Lindo and I sat on the bed and fed each the ice-cream. It was so cute. I later grabbed my box of chocolates, and together, we squandered every single one of them. By the time we were done eating, I was so full, I just wanted to sleep, but Lindo had other plans for me.
He told me to wait for him as he went to the bathroom. I heard him fill the bathtub with water, so I assumed he was taking a bath. About twenty minutes later, he came and pulled me to my feet from the bed. He then proceeded to help me into the bathtub.
He cleaned every inch of my body and after, we went to bed. I was safely wrapped and tucked in his arms, and nothing felt more peaceful.
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Author's Note: That's it for today. I just like to wish a friend of mine, Prophet Rich Baffour, a happy birthday. I love you plenty. ❤
Thanks for reading.
Love Thaby. ❤