“I will be back at 17:00.” Tiisetso says and I nod. He leaves the house.
This house feels big with me alone. Lethabo is visiting her paternal grandmother Tiisetso also left.
I hear the door open and I jump up from the sofa.
It’s Rosie the maid. I actually don’t really need a maid because I cook, clean, wash and iron. I guess you wondering why do we have a maid. Tiisetso hired Rosie years ago when we got married. He hired her to take care of the house since I was still in University. When I finished Varsity it was sad to fire her so she comes every Tuesday and Friday just to help me.
My name is Reneilwe Dithebe Mabaleng. Mabaleng is my marriage surname and Dithebe is my mother’s surname. I am 24 years old. I am married to Tiisetso Mabaleng the father of my daughter. I have a daughter Lethabo whom I conceived through a one night stand. I am a professional lawyer. I work at a law firm to gain experience.
I went through tough times when I was a teenager. Fortunately, I have learnt from my mistakes .
I am in a loveless marriage with Tiisetso. I don’t love him and he doesn’t love me. We got married because of Lethabo.
Lethabo my diamond, I still can’t believe that I wanted to abort her but then I am glad I didn’t. When the doctor told me it was too late to abort I was miserable, after months I fell in love with her while she was still inside. Since the day she was born, she was my happiness and that was until she got ill.
The doctors said it was the pills I was given at the abortion clinic. I thought I was going to loose her but a miracle just happened.
I walk out of the house to get some fresh air which I have never enjoyed for the past few months. Being a lawyer means you get no holiday off because of many cases. I have to work hard especially because I want to open my own law firm when I turn 35 years old which will be 11 years later.
I put on the hoodie of my warm jersey and walk along Frieda street.
****
I am back in the big miserable house. At least I am now cooking dinner, I just hope that Tiisetso will enjoy this meal.
The door shoots open. It’s Tiisetso looking very tired. He walks in the kitchen.
” Good evening Reneilwe. I am going to take a quick shower.” His phone interrupts him. He answers it.
“Hey Babe. Oh yes! What’s the matter? Okay then I will see you tomorrow, 14:00 sharp. Love you…” He drops the call. “Meanwhile please prepare the table “
Tiisetso leaves.