Monday Evening
19:00
The family gathered in the living room watching the news.
“On Friday evening we will be having a little ceremony to introduce Rosie to the ancestors, as Saturday is the big day when she will be announced, officially, as the Queen of the Zulu kingdom,” the grandmother said.
Rosie was biting her nails but kept smiling slightly at her phone. Jude smiled too, and couldn’t take off his eyes off the screen, typing continuously. Rosie wondered if he was texting the ex.
“Special woman behind that smile?” she said, giving him a withering look.
Jude looked back then the smile vanished and he cleared his throat. “No, urm, just chatting to Jayson about something.”
Rosie frowned. She ate some jelly sweets she was sharing with her grandmother.
Sthandiwe had distanced herself on the corner sofa, downing some whiskey while reading a novel. Then the head of security came into the living room.
“Mr Mpande, there’s a woman outside named Marisa Mpande and she’s demanding entrance,” he said.
Rosie and her grandparents leapt to their feet.
“That’s my mother,” said Rosie.
“What is she doing here?” Mr Mpande gave the security orders to let her in while Sthandiwe stole a glance as she guzzled her drink.
A minute later, they prepared themselves as they heard feet patter from the front door.
“All these useless securities don’t know my name!” said Marisa, entering the living room.
“What did you expect?” said Sthandiwe getting up from the sofa. “That everyone would still remember after you had disappeared for so many years? Clearly everyone has forgotten you even existed.”
Marisa gave her a furious look but chose to ignore her when Mrs Mpande moved towards her in a friendly manner. “It’s great that you visited,” she said, with a smile.
“Oh, cut the bullshit!” Marisa’s anger was burning. “What nonsense am I hearing about my daughter that she was almost eaten by a God-damn reptile? You both gave me your word that she’d be safe!” she roared, as if she was about to strangle someone. Mr and Mrs Mpande looked at each other, speechless.
“How did you find out about that, mom?” asked Rosie.
“That’s not damn important!” said Marisa.
Mrs Mpande tried to calm her down by suggesting she should get some rest and talk about this situation in the morning.
“I’m not here to spend a night in your fancy mansion! I’m here to fetch my daughter because we’re going back home tomorrow evening.”
All eyes widened in shock besides Sthandiwe’s. She seemed to be enjoying the show she had created.
“Mom! You can’t just—”
“That’s not up for discussion, Rosie! I’m staying at the hotel and I will be expecting you tomorrow. You had better not keep me waiting because I will return here and drag your ass back home if I have to!”
She turned and walked away while Mr Mpande sighed, rubbing his hands across his forehead, and Mrs Mpande looked astonished.
Rosie looked at Sthandiwe. “It was you, isn’t it?” Rosie accused. Sthandiwe was there when it was agreed the incident would be a secret.
Sthandiwe just laughed, turned back to the sofa and grabbed her book. As she walked out of the living room, her grin seemed utterly delighted.
Tell us: Was it wise for Rosie’s mom to arrive in South Africa?