Thabo lay on the bed with Winnie by his side. They spent the whole day cooped up in bed. He only took a bath early in the morning. He wanted to chat but Winnie eyed him when he looked at his phone’s screen. He would slide it and pretend to relieve himself in the bathroom. Winnie held him and begged him to sleep with her. He was fed up and wanted fresh fruit. To him, women were fruits which changed flavours in his mouth. He wanted a different fruit every day. His phone beeped when Winnie was sleeping, laying her head on his chest.
“Baby, how are you my love?” He asked, Winnie stared at him jealousy.
“I am good, Thabo. Home is not good without you.” Cici answered.
“Don’t worry babe, I will visit soon.” He said and got up, leaving Winnie in the bed.
“I hope you are not with someone.” She said.
“I wouldn’t, you know I love you. I am doing it for you and our child.” He said, chuckling.
“Please resign so we can be together.” She begged.
Winnie stood up and grabbed the phone. She dropped the call by pressing the red reject button.
“Winnie, are you crazy?” He shouted.
“You are a liar. You still love her, don’t you?” She asked.
Thabo couldn’t answer and went out slamming the door. Winnie put the phone on the bed and clicked her tongue. The phone started to ring again. She answered it but didn’t speak. Cici said ‘Hello’ a lot of times.
“Leave my man alone. He said he doesn’t love you.” Winnie shouted and threw the phone on bed. Then she lay down to sleep.
Cici kept on calling, hoping Thabo would answer his phone or call back.
Thabo came back holding two takeaways and Winnie was asleep. He ate alone and slept far from her. He was tired of being controlled. The women thought when he proclaimed his love, they owned him. He smiled and thought, it’s not a big deal. He had to sleep, he had an early shift.
He woke up before 6 a.m., took a bath and got dressed in his uniform. He left before Winnie woke up.
His workmates were happy to see him back. They all hugged him, except Zain, the coloured girl. He had made a move on her and she had refused then he threatened her. Since the incident she always hated him. They never talked to each other.
He kept smiling at her but she wouldn’t dare smile, but instead she gave him a look full of hate. Thabo tried to call Cici but she wouldn’t pick up the phone. She had sent a message enquiring who had answered his phone. Thabo thought Winnie must go, she was causing conflict between him and his wife.
He went to Theresa’s instead of returning home. Theresa didn’t question his motives. Theresa treated him well, she was very happy to see him. She prepared dinner and they ate together.
“You are a wonderful lady.” He appreciated.
“Thanks babe, you could have come sooner.” She said, sitting on his lap.
“I think I will move in with you.” He said sincerely.
“I would love that.” She said and kissed his lips.
One thing led to another. His phone kept on beeping while he ignored it. It was Winnie, who wanted to know where he was but he didn’t care at all. The next day he woke up, so he could go home. Theresa woke up as he was dressing.
“Morning babe,” she said.
“Oh babe, morning.” He kissed her lips.
“Didn’t you say you have an afternoon shift?” She asked.
“I want to change the colour of our uniforms.” He answered.
“OK, I understand. Promise you will sleep here?” She said.
“OK.” He said, blowing a kiss.
He closed the door, Theresa smiled and went back to sleep.
***
Tell us: What do you think Cici should do? What would you do?