Phumi and Kaizer saw each other as much as they could over the following weeks. They were beginning to get close. He made her feel so special. And he didn’t rush her.
One night she returned home after being out with Kaizer. She was surprised to see her Dad sitting in the lounge.
“Hello, Phumi,” he said softly.
“What are you doing here?” she looked anxiously at her mom.
“It’s okay, darling,” Mom said Ma. “Your father called around to apologize apologise for his behaviour. He wants to come home.”
“Home …?” Phumi echoed.
“Don’t worry, I’m not taking him back. I want the divorce finalized finalised as quickly as possible.” She turned to Sipho and said firmly. “Now, can you please leave. ? I think it’s much better if you never call around here again. I’m not saying this out of malice, but you’ve hurt me too deeply.”
Her father left without saying anything further.
Just before she was due to start university Phumi brought Kaizer home to meet her mom. She Ma liked him straight away, but at the same time she warned him not to take advantage of her daughter. She didn’t want Phumi to fall into the same trap as she had.
“I’ll look after her, Mrs Mkhize,” he promised.
“Call me, Winnie,” she smiled at him.
Shortly after Kaizer he left, Vusi phoned and said he was coming around to the house.
“I’ve got something to tell you both,” he said softly. “I’m gay and Moses is the man I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
“I guessed that long ago, son,” Mom Ma put her arms out and hugged Vusi close.
Phumi and Vusi gazed at her, their mouths hanging open.
“Don’t just stand there and looking at me like that,” she smiled. “Phone him and tell him to come over here now.”
“Actually, he’s waiting outside in the car,” Vusi grinned.
“I’ll get some snacks together. You can open up a bottle of wine, Phumi. Tonight we’re going to welcome a new member to our family. Tonight we can finally be free to be ourselves.”
***
Tell us: Do you think it is better to get divorced than to stay in an abusive marriage? Why/why Why not?
