“You remember Sipho, right?” She asked after a long pause.

Her brother nodded with their little fingers still intertwined.

“He got married last weekend, and I was there at the wedding. That is the real reason why I did not come to see you. I feel awful for being dishonest with you,” she sighed.

“It’s chilled. You know you did not have to lie to me. I knew something was up; you hardly get sick. Even if you were not feeling well, you still were going to find a way to come through. Now, I have to ask – how did that go down?” He asked all concerned.

“What do you think? I had to watch the man I love profess his love to another woman. I had to sit there and pretend that everything was fine. The part that hurts the most is, he will never know. Not once did I ever tell him I love him,” she said softly.

“Tjo, it took balls to even attend the wedding. You love him? Hectic! I just thought it was another one of your drive-bys. The last time you ever spoke about loving a man, was when you were with Sizwe,” he said astonished.

“I really tried to keep it strictly sexual. It is just that whenever he said my name and looked into my eyes, I felt like I was all that mattered. I cannot put it in words; it is an inexplicable feeling. That man opened up parts of me that I did not even know existed,” she said with a twinkle in her eyes.

S’bu sat there looking at her sister’s face. He could not remember the last time he saw her this happy. Her eyes had so much passion in them, she bit her lower lips and sniggered a bit. He also found himself smiling for no reason, just rejoicing in his sister’s love bubble.

“You know, at a certain point you have to allow yourself to fall in love again. How long do you plan on doing this to yourself? Listen, not all men are like Sizwe,” he said leaning towards her.

“He is definitely nothing like Sizwe, that much I can tell you. The only good thing that came out of that relationship was my children. I do understand what you are saying though, bhuti. Hopefully, I will allow myself to love again – one day,” she said smiling at him.

“How is everything at home? How are my niece and nephew doing? Is Brooke Logan also alright? I still hope she will change her mind and come see me,” he said shrugging his shoulders.

Brooke Logan: A nickname they gave their mother in their teens. It was because their mother could easily cry on command just like their favourite soapie character. They were used to her mother jerking up the tears whenever she was getting her point across. It became such a norm to them that they became immune to her performances.

“She is fine, just fine, I think,” said Pinky.

“You think she is fine? I don’t get you. Nishayana ngecwaka futhi? Are you giving each other the silent treatment again?” He asked looking all puzzled.

“It is even worse than that, she has kicked me out,” she said shaking her head.

“That is a bit extreme, even for her! What happened?” He asked fearfully.

“We got into another silly argument, and you know how she likes opening up old wounds. She kicked me out of the house and did not allow me to take my kids. Not a day goes by that I do not wonder if they are fine,” Pinky said now in tears.

S’bu got up and sat next to her. He put his arm around her while she cried on his shoulder. He wished he could take her pain away but he knew the type of mother they had.

“Where are you staying now? Is it safe a safe joint?” He asked rubbing her arm.

“Yes, it is as safe as it can be. I found a small two bedroom house not so far from work. It just feels so empty since my kids are not there with me. When they finally release you, you can come live with me too,” she said now blowing her nose.

“I am happy to hear that you are not stranded on the streets or under a bridge. Sisi, it is bad enough that they are growing up without an uncle and now you are not there either. Do not let them lose their mother too. You must go back and get your kids,” he whispered in her ear.

“Yes, you are right and I will get them back from her,” she said looking at him

“Promise?” He asked sticking out his little finger.

“You are so silly! Yes I promise buthi,” she said laughing with him.

Visiting hours had come to an end. Families got up to say their goodbyes and Pinky hugged S’bu once again. He wiped her tears before taking the basket with him. He followed the line of other men in orange overalls while she stood, watching them disappear back to their cells. She walked out of the gate with a bundle of emotions but most importantly she was determined to get her children back.

***

Tell us what you think: Do you know mothers with a lifestyle and attitude like “Brooke Logan”?