Chapter Thirteen

STRING OF PEARLS: THIRTEEN

_CAROLINA_

I've prayed for this day, and it has finally arrived. I never knew how much I wanted this until it seemed impossible. Marrying my Zulu man wasn't part of the plan, but that's the thing about life – it doesn't always go as planned. However, this detour in my journey is the best. I love Nkanyezi; God knows I do.

Today, Nkanyezi and his family came to Diepsloot, where my uncle lives with his wife. He was more than happy to negotiate on my behalf. I also got to meet most of the family members I never knew existed. My uncle told me that my mother suffers from a mental illness that alienated her from everyone. All she cares about are her cats. He was saddened to learn about my upbringing and how she wanted to marry me off at 16.

Everything went well, and I am now traditionally Nkanyezi's wife. I couldn't be happier.

My uncles called me into the dining room to have a word with me. I'm nervous because, although we're related, I don't really know them.

"You look just like your mother," one of my uncles says, and I smile shyly.

"We called you in here because we wanted to give you this," he says, handing me a puffed-up envelope. "It's the Lobola money," my uncle explains, noticing my confusion.

"But..." I try to protest.

"We didn't raise you, so we can't take the money," he continues. "We're also giving you this money so you have something to fall back on in case your marriage doesn't work out. We see how your mother is, and we don't want you to stay in a marriage because you have nowhere to go."

I smile. "Thank you, Malume."

My uncles really surprised me. I didn't know I had so much family out there, but here I am today, surrounded by cousins and aunts who went all out to make this day a success. Now all that's left is the traditional wedding.

A day later, at the Mthethwa homestead...

"We welcome you, my daughter," my mother-in-law says. "This isn't your in-laws' house; it's your home. You're a Mthethwa now. If we practice witchcraft, you don't ask questions; you just join. We're family now."

She hugs me warmly.

"This is MaSibiya, my eldest son's wife. She'll teach you everything you need to know about this family. You two are the future of this family, and you must work together to ensure the Mthethwa surname grows from strength to strength."

I smile, noticing MaSibiya's reserved expression.

"When I was first here, I met another lady. I haven't seen her since I got here," I ask.

MaSibiya gives me a piercing glance, while my mother-in-law smiles faintly.

"She left. She was married to my late son," she replies with a hint of sadness.

I decide not to pry further.

_NKANYEZI_

I hold her close after our steamy lovemaking session. Calling her my wife feels amazing.

"Thank you for everything, Sthandwa sam. From here on, it's happiness all the way," I say, kissing the top of her head.

"So, are we going to live here now?" she asks.

I nod, feeling her body tense up before I let out a chuckle.

"You don't want to live here?" I ask.

She remains silent.

"Caro," I say.

She heaves a sigh. "I just... I don't like village life, that's all."

I smile. "I know, and I'm just pulling your leg. We'll buy a house in the city; you choose which suburb."

She squeals, planting wet kisses on my abs.

"Baby," I whisper, followed by a groan as she goes down on me, giving me an incredible blow job. I love being married if it means getting treats like this.

The next morning, I find Mcedisi smoking outside, lost in thought.

"Bafo," I greet.

He acknowledges me with a nod.

"Uhm... I'm going to need to buy a house for my wife," I say, scratching my head.

"Hmmm, that's okay," he responds.

I sigh. "Is something bothering you?"

He shakes his head.

"Is this about MaSibiya?" I probe.

He side-eyes me.

"I think there's someone trying to take our route," he says.

I frown. "Who?"

He shrugs.

"I'll go to the rank then," I suggest.

He shakes his head. "It might be dangerous, and you just got married. Let me take care of it."

I nod.

"Can I ask you something? Please don't chew my head off," I say.

He throws away the cigarette and gives me his full attention.

"You miss her, don't you?"

"With everything in me," he admits.

I smile. "You can still have her. You don't need to die in silence. I'm sure MaSibiya will understand."

He shakes his head. "I don't deserve her. I don't deserve to be happy."

He gets into the car, leaving me perplexed.

ONEZWA

"Are you really leaving?" Amber asks, helping me label the boxes.

"Yes, Amber, but I'll be back," I say with a reassuring smile.

I've been surprising myself lately with impulsive decisions. This move is just the beginning.

"This is too sudden," Amber says, concern etched on her face.

I smile. "Don't worry, I've got it all mapped out. Travel, absorb, and then return to open my own designer clothing shop."

The doorbell rings, interrupting our sorting.

"I'll get it; must be the movers," I say, heading to the door.

But it's Phil.

"I heard you're leaving," he says, his eyes filled with a mix of surprise and concern.

I chuckle, glancing at Amber, who looks guilty.

"Yeah," I reply nonchalantly.

"This isn't like you," Phil says.

I shrug. "Sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone."

"I didn't mean to break your heart," Phil says, his voice laced with regret.

I laugh. "I liked you, Phil. Who knows? Maybe we could've had something good. But it wasn't meant to be. I'm leaving to find myself, to love myself."

Phil nods, understanding in his eyes.

"Okay, guys, this is it. First stop: Cape Town, until my visa is ready. Then, wherever the wind takes me," I say excitedly.

Amber and Phil exchange skeptical glances.

"If things don't work out, your job will always be safe," Phil offers.

I smile. "Take care of your new bae."

I turn to Amber. "Thanks for being a friend and keeping me in the loop. You're the best."

We share a warm hug.

I'm unsure what the future holds, but I'm willing to take the leap. Maybe I'm running from the emptiness I've felt lately, but I believe stepping out of my comfort zone will give me a new perspective.

Perhaps I'll find the real Onezwa – not the orphan, widow, or unwanted Onezwa, but the true me.

TWO YEARS LATER....