Life As We Know It 146-147

Life as we know it

Insert 146

The following morning Eugene and I woke up and prepared ourselves. We walked out the room. Eugene had his own plans and my plans involved nothing but to be around the kitchen and serving people. My sister arrived with her husband that morning. Yeyyyy at least I had someone to represent my family. My parents couldn’t possibly show up because they knew nothing about Eugene…I mean they haven’t formally met him…yep my mother knew him but my dad didn’t even know that he existed so they couldn’t come. My parents didn’t even know that I was pregnant

Me:” I am so glad that you guys are here”

Rinae:” it’s the least we can do Andi…I will be with you guys in the kitchen…Mulalo babe I don’t know but I think you should join the guys in whatever they are busy with”

Mulalo:” don’t worry my love, I will hang around with the other guys or call Eugene”

Rinae:” ok babe” Mulalo walked away.

Rinae:” how are you holding up?” I was sitting with her on the picnic chairs out in the garden

Me:” with the pregnancy and everything I am doing my best”

Rinae:” pregnancy?” she looked really shocked

Me:” ahg dmmit”

Rinae:” you are pregnant?”

Me:” well I was going to tell you but the timing was never right”

Rinae:” Andani you are pregnant?” she was really shocked and looked worried as well, I didn’t understand why she was so worried, this was Eugene and he loved me…she knows that

Me:” yes but it’s not something we planned”

Rinae:” our family don’t even know Eugene…I mean he’s never introduced himself to the family”

Me:” I know that but can we deal with that a bit later? I don’t want to get married now Rina, so I don’t even know how I am going to do this whole thing”

Rinae:” Andani Eugene has to do the right thing you know that right?” I rolled my eyes

Me:” he wants to do the right thing I am the one who don’t want him to…I’ve done the right thing before and we both know how it ended…I am happy with how things are at the moment…involving my family and signing papers, well that’s just another thing” she breathed

Rina:” I understand what you mean love…you don’t necessarily have to get married, Eugene needs to just introduce himself to the family and pay whatever is due and then you can get married at your own time. I mean dad won’t want to get involved in anything if he don’t know Eugene…it’s not like he has financial problems does he?” I smiled

Me:” that’s the least of our worries…thanks I will discuss it with him after the funeral…he is mourning his sister now”

Rina:” I get it…shall we go in?”

Me:” yep...i will introduce you to everyone”

Rina:” Phumudzo said he will come on Friday with his wife” I smiled

Me:” really?”

Rina:” yep…he said he met Eugene while you were in hospital in Cape Town and he likes him” well I was more than excited to hear that my brother was also coming, it meant a lot.

We were walking to the house when I met Lusani by the gate

Me:” Luu”

Luu:” yes?”

Me:” uhm Rina…I will just be a minute” I took Lusani’s hand and stood a distance from Rinae

Me:” so?” he smiled

Luu:” you haven’t seen her around today have you?”

Me:” nope”

Lusani:” well, she is gone…she left early this morning” I smiled

Me:” what did you do?”

Lusani:” I have my ways Andi…we are best friends now I guess” I giggled

Me:” bestfriends? Dude that title is for special people…we are friends for now”

Luu:” so I am not special?”

Me:” don’t push it…anyway thanks”

Luu:” anything for a friend” I laughed

Me:” see you around then?”

Luu:” I will tell Eugene”

Me: ‘what?”

Luu:’ not about Kat but about the fact that we are getting along pretty well…I will tell him that I apologised and we are starting over. Eugene is not stupid and he will sense this change of attitude towards you so I want him to understand that we talked and we agreed to be friends…how about that?”

Me:” makes sense…let me go join the ladies neh?”

Luu:” cool Andi” I walked to the house.

So the week went on very fast and Vhusani also came the same day as my sister but she only arrived in the evening. It’s been a tough interesting week. I got the chance to meet the rest of Eugene’s family…not really all of them but most of them and it’s been a great. Eugene and I have been supporting each other throughout the week and we’ve been doing our best to stay strong.

The funeral was on Saturday. Everything seemed fine during the week…I mean Eugene and Thaby and Thendo looked great during the week. It was only on Saturday the day of the funeral that everyone really started to realise that it was actually happening. Eugene obviously couldn’t cry in front of everyone but he was with his sister sitting with her in a tent and comforting her and keep telling her that everything was going to be fine. I was with my sister and Vhusani and my brother…shame they were supporting me and they kept telling me that all will be well. There were lot of people at the funeral, more than what I expect.  After the funeral we all went home. Eugene kept on checking with everyone to see if they were ok…he didn’t cry at all at the funeral but I knew he wanted to but was just trying to strong. Katlego came for the funeral…I was fine with her coming for the day of the funeral…at least she didn’t stick around through the week trying to make my life a living hell. People were busy eating and we had a catering company so I didn’t have to worry about food and stuff…I couldn’t even eat because I was tired and just wanted to be alone. I was stressed and just in pain and sad. I couldn’t believe that Tebogo was gone…it felt like a joke. I kept on feeling like I will see her around…it was all just too much.

I got to our bedroom and Eugene was sitting on the bed crying. I walked in, closed the door and walked to him slowly. I sat beside him and took his one hand

Eugene:” she is gone Andi….my sister is really gone”

Me:” I know” I said crying too.

Eugene:” we are never going to see her again, she will never meet my baby…just like my mom and dad, Rod and Stacy….she is gone too” he wiped off the tears and looked at me

Me:” we have to try to move on”

Eugene:” I know…I just don’t want to lose anyone else”

Me:” you won’t lose me or Thabi…you won’t” he got up and stood in the middle of the room. I missed Tebogo shame, I missed the way she laughed…how she’d call my name and how she would look at her brother laughing at him…I thought about how excited she was when her in laws came.

Eugene:” I did what you asked Andi…I have been mourning my sister for the whole week now, I didn’t work or think about my job but she is really gone, we buried her today…its back to business now…someone has to pay for this” owwww no, not this again

Me:” but Eugene…”

Eugene:” no body…and I mean no body hurt my family like this and live to tell the tale. Ask Rod’s killers…they are gone” I closed my eyes and opened them again

Me:” that guy said he won’t strike if you let him be…Eugene you don’t want to lose any more people do you? Just let this go please” he looked at me and laughed a fake laugh

Eugene:” you are not serious are you? I am supposed to let him just walk away? Andani no…that guy is going to pay” he said that and walked out the door

Me:” where are you going now?”

Eugene:” to chill with the guys” and he walked out. I followed after him and then I ran into Lusani coming from the bathroom. Eugene was already down the stairs

Luu:” my friend what’s wrong?”

Me:” Lusani you need to talk to him” I said looking down at Eugene who was walking out the door

Luu:” what’s wrong?”

Me:” he wants revenge…he want revenge Luu…I don’t want to die or lose him…or even worse lose the baby…please you need to try and stop him” he looked at me frowning

Luu:” you are forgetting that he is my boss Andi, you are the only person who can reason with him…I just take orders that’s all”

Me:” but he treats you like his brother sometimes right? Try talk to him Luu, this is going to be dangerous…this revenge will backfire so bad…we will all die”

Luu:” don’t you think you are underestimating him a little bit?”

Me:” I don’t want to take any risk…I love him…I can’t lose him…please try talk to him...i am begging you” he looked at me and blew out some air

Luu:” I am not promising but I will try”

Me:” that’s all I ask”

Luu:” ok” he nodded and walked away

Life as we know it

Insert 147

It’s been two days after the funeral and everyone else was gone. It was just me, Eugene Thabi Lusani, Uncle Tom and his wife and some of the guys that worked with Eugene. All of Eugene’s friends had left except for his employees. Lusani had been battling to find the right moment to talk to Eugene about the revenge issue but he said that as soon as he find the right moment he will talk to him. Kat also left…I was glad that she decided not to be a nuisance anymore…I don’t know what Lusani said to her but it was surely working.

It was Tuesday morning and we were sitting having breakfast when Eugene finished first and walked outside. I looked at Lusani and pointed at Eugene with my head. Lusani got up and followed Eugene outside.

Lusani:” Gee”

Gee:” sure”

Lusani:” the food was great huh?”

Eugene:” it can’t be the reason why you are here…so straight to the point shall we?” Lusani scratched his head

Lusani:” about what you told me yesterday…I don’t think it’s a good idea”

Eugene:” and yet I didn’t ask for your opinion” he had his straight face on. He was standing at the stoop looking out in the garden

Lusani:” Gee think about it, you have a baby on the way…you have one sister left…Gee you can’t risk losing them” he looked at Lusani and smiled

Eugene:” I have a plan to keep them safe”

Lusani:” what plan? This is serious Eugene, let that guy be…if you let him be then he won’t strike…you killed his brother first remember”

Me:” and that was because Gola kidnapped my woman and put out a claim on my territory. I was publicly humiliated…what was I supposed to do? Sit around and do nothing?” Lusani paced and then looked at him

Lusani:” letting this go will guarantee Andi, Thabi and your baby’s safety…taking him on will risk their lives. Eugene this guy seems to know more about you than you think. What if he’s been looking at you for a while now? I mean how did he know about Tebogo? He was obviously having you watched for a very long time. Don’t risk it…that man knows you, he knew that killing your sister will provoke you and I am sure he has a team of people waiting for you to retaliate. Eugene just this once…accept things as they are, put your family first”

Eugene:” you’ve been talking to my wife right?” Lusani blinked

Eugene:” I know you and I know her…this has her name written all over it…she begged you to come to me”

Lusani:” she is scared of losing you, the baby or Thaby…she is even scared of dying Gee”

Eugene:” you all should just trust me…thanks for trying though…I see that the two of you are getting along now…I shouldn’t worry about it should I?” he was still looking out in the garden and not looking at Lusani

Lusani:” not at all”

Eugene:” Gola’s brother murdered my sister in what appeared to be hijacking gone wrong Luu…they shot her and I won’t take it lying down, you of all people should know that” he said taking out his phone and dialled a number. He walked away from Lusani and all the way to the picnic table and sat on it.

Paps:” Eugene”

Eugene:” Paps” Paps and his wife wanted to come for the funeral but Eugene asked them not to. He didn’t want them to take a long flight, they were old and it was not worth it to have them travel all the way to South Africa just for a funeral. They had been calling him every day though and they sent some of their relatives to come and support Gee.

Eugene:” are you ok?”

Me” yeah I am fine”

Paps:” why do you always want to act strong Eugene? Its ok to be weak sometimes you know”

Eugene:” well I need your help Paps, is that enough to show that I can be weak sometimes?” he said giggling…the old man giggled too

Paps:” just a little…what can I do to help?”

Eugene:” I don’t want you to try and reason with me on what I am about to do Paps…it need to be done but I want you do to something else for me…I want to keep Andani and my sister safe, I can’t have them staying with me…I am about to really do some serious s*** so I want them gone” the old man took a deep breath

Paps:” do you want them out of the country or inside the country?” Eugene thought about it. even though Paps didn’t know about it yet…Andani was pregnant and for that reason he will want to see her every now and again so inside the country would work…but as for Thabeleng…she knew nothing about his other world and he didn’t want her to be suspicious, maybe she can leave the country….maybe Paps can stay with her…he knew for sure that in Mexico she could be safe and he wouldn’t have to worry about her…if she is going there then he’ll have to find some reason as to why she has to leave.

Eugene:” if you have the means then I’d love for Andi to remain in the country…my sister can come to you if you don’t mind. I don’t know what I will tell her but I will have to figure something out”

Paps:” I know a guy who owes me a favour or two…I trust him…he worked with Rod in the past and they had a good relationship….he can keep Andi safe”

Eugene:” do I know him?”

Paps:” I don’t think so…he is one of my contacts…he helps with IT stuff sometimes….he has a twin brother so I will give you contact details of one of them and you can contact him…but I will have to inform him about you first” Eugene breathed

Eugene:” so you say that you trust him? Paps you are retired, are you sure he is what you say he is?” the old man giggled

Paps:” that boy is good Eugene…he is very good believe me…maybe just a little bit better than you” he said laughing…Eugene laughed too

Eugene:” you wish…I am the best you know that” they laughed

Paps:” they are twins and I don’t know which one of them you’ll find but anyway they are more like one person so yeah….its Ndiv and Roli….these boys can keep Andani safe and you’ll get to see her when you have time”

Eugene:” thank you Paps….i knew I can count on you”

Paps:” always…so you say that you won’t change your mind about….revenge? Sometimes it’s good to let go”

Eugene:” I didn’t see you letting go when Rod died”

Paps:” he was my only son boy and I was old so if I died while tryna get my revenge it would have been fine but you are still young”

Eugene:” I will be fine Paps…don’t worry”

Paps:” ok I will call you after talking to one of the twins”

Eugene:” sure”

Eugene walked back to the house.

We were done eating when Eugene walked back to the house. I was in the kitchen washing the dishes with Thabi

Eugene:” we need to talk” he said walking past me. I looked around to see if he was talking to someone else

Me:” you’re talking to me?”

Eugene:” yeah” he was walking away

Me:” I will be back in minute” I said to Thabi

Thabi:” don’t worry about it” I dried my hands and followed him to the bedroom

Me:” cupcake?”

Eugene:” I am going out to get Gola’s brother Andi and I have to keep you safe” I looked at him and frowned

Eugene:” you’re gonna have to stay somewhere safe”

Me:” what does that mean?”

Eugene:” I talked to Rod’s father and he has someone who can keep you safe Andi…I want to do this but I want to ensure your safety”

Me:” what about your safety?” tears where now threatening my eyes

Eugene:” babe I have been doing this for years, this is the only life I know and I will be safe ok?”

Me:” owww my God Eugene what if something happen to you? I can’t lose you…I can’t be alone Gee” I sat on the bed suddenly feeling weird. He came and knelt in front of me

Eugene:” nothing will happen to me. I have you and the baby to live for…that’s all the drive I need in order to stay safe. I will be there for the pregnancy and for our baby but first…I have to deal with this. Dealing with this now will ensure that we are safe in the future”

Me:” you are not going to change your mind are you?” he shook his head. His phone rang and he picked it up and stood up

Eugene:” Paps….yes….” he looked around the room and opened a drawer and took out a pen and paper

Eugene:” ok….yes…ok thanks…ok” he had written something on the piece of paper. He then dialled his phone again looking at the paper

Ndiv:” hello”

Eugene:” hey…uhm you are talking to Eugene….i got your contacts from Rod’s father”

Ndi:” oww so you are Eugene?”

Eugene:” you can call me Gee”

Ndiv:” he said you need my help”

Eugene:” you came highly recommended…he said you can keep someone safe…I am about to get really busy and I want my fiancée in a safe place in Msanzi”

Ndiv:” baby sitting? I am all for serious gangster s*** bro but baby-sitting aint one of them” he sounded sarcastic and Eugene was losing his cool

Eugene:” I am glad you find this funny…can you do it or not?”

Ndiv:” well I owe him a favour and he said that this is important to him so I guess I can do it” Eugene relaxed

Eugene:” and where are you situated in Msanzi?”

Ndiv:” depend on where you want her to be? We have a family home in Venda and we have few houses in George too…which home do you want her to be?”

Eugene:” and all of them are safe?”

Ndiv:” I thought you said I came highly recommended”

Eugene:” it’s my woman we are talking about”

Ndiv:” I have a big family…by big family I am talking about parents, nephews and nieces and little brothers and sisters in law and they are all safe…so I am sure your pretty fiancée can blend in very well…she’ll be safe”

Eugene:” George it is…so which one are you? Ndiv or Roli?”

Ndiv:” we aren’t about to be friends so it doesn’t matter which one I am…you get to keep your fiancée safe”

(NB=This story is going to be merged with ZWI A PENGA, So get yourself up to speed with Zwi a Penga (English or Tshivenda) so that you can understand who Ndiv is and then you can make sense of everything. After I have posted all the Zwi a Penga chapters, I will then start posting ZwiLife (which is a merge of Zwi a Penga plus Life As We Know It) and we can take it from there. I hope this is not confusing.)