“Nonhlanhla, why are you over there giving off that fake grin!? You should be happy that your sister found a great man! I just don’t understand why you can’t be happy for other people finding love? You didn’t even come to my wedding, and you barely even acknowledge your Stepfather Bab’ Mabuza,” my mother nagged.

“Don’t Mama. It’s all right.” Nonjabulo started, but was cut off by Sindi.

“Don’t mind her Nonjabulo, she’s just jealous that you can keep a man longer than a year. Everytime she decides to show up, she has a new man sitting at the table all in the family pictures. Sindi said spitefully.

Setting my fork down, I tried to hold my composure, because right about now, I was ready to cross this table and beat the living hell out of Sindi. But instead I excused my self and got my things and was ready to leave. This is exactly why I avoided them like the plague. Stomping toward the door, I could hear my mother calling after me, but it fell into deaf ears. Once outside, I hopped into my car and drove off out of there like a bat out of hell! I could see my mother’s house in the reaview mirror and sighed heavily. While driving I had flashbacks of Detective Nkonyane, a tall light skinned police detective who has been questioning me about Hloni’s sudden disappearance. After Dealing with my family I was in need of a strong drink. Heading to upscale bar in the city limits of Jozi, I parked my car and went inside, not wasting a moment. After ordering me a nice cocktail, I sipped it slowly, letting liquor roll down the back of my throat. I felt so much at peace being away from my family, and the way things ended tonight, I probably wouldn’t see them for another couple of years. I thought about this when the bartender brought me another drink and placed it in front of me. I looked at the glass in confusion, but before I could open my mouth, the bartender spoke.

“The gentleman over there said the drinks are on him tonight.” He murmured as he pointed towards a tall light skinned man. He flashed me a Colgate smile that made him even more attractive. I got lost in his eyes I forgot he was the Detective who was investigating the case of Hloni. I didn’t plan on meeting him tonight. “Was he following?” I thought to myself, holding it together. I smiled back at him and thanked him for the drink, which was a perfect invitation for him to slide down and talk to me. I could smell his Brut Cologne as he sat next me.