“One line?”, I asked myself probably for the hundredth time. I sobbed for 30 minutes before passing out on the queen bed in our bedroom. I didn’t even hear Manqoba enter the room. I woke up and saw the pregnancy test was not where i left it. I wore my sleepers and sighed before walking out.

“I’m sorry Manqoba” i said walking in. He lifted his eyes in confusion.

“Uxoliselani manje sthandwa sami” (What are apologizing for my love?), he responded. Which made me follow in pursuit of his confusion.

“Weren’t you in our bedroom?” i asked. Then out of nowhere a hint of lavender hit my nostrils. Only one person uses lavender perfume and always seem to be able to quietly walk in rooms.

“It was me, i just wanted to come greet you but unfortunately i saw you were sleeping so i just walked out.”she responded. Nozipho Khumalo mother to my soul mate. I smiled and asked to be excused so i can go wash my mouth. When i slowly walked in i heard my dearest mother in law whisper.

“Manqoba im telling you this white ghost you married is barren”

“Hawu Ma kahle bo. My wife is not barren.” my husband said taking my side as always.

“Yhini lokhu?” (What’s this?) she asked i guess she pulled something and that something was probably the pregnancy test.

“So you’re invading our privacy now?”

“No i am not, I am your mother. How dare you think so low of me”

“No Ma that’s a bit too much!”, he hissed

“I am your mother and i know you could have done better than marrying a white ghost. Look”

“What’s that?” he asked

“Come on Manqoba me and you both know what this is” she was clearly tired of the bickering.

“It’s a test that clearly states she is not pregnant. Your point is? Im sure you and dad didn’t just had me right after one try” he said.

“Manqoba, im your mother. And i only want the best for you. Ingane ka Bab’Buthelezi (Mr Buthelezi’s daughter) is coming of age soon.” i froze on the spot. My heart sank. “We will send a letter to the family. You will marry her right after she is is done with her finals. She will be your first wife” she added.

‘Finals?’ meaning this girl is still high school. I knew his mother hated me but not this extent. I really felt betrayed. As a woman i thought she would be understanding after some time for the sake of her son’s happiness.

“Veronica is my wife Mama (Mom)” he said, “And i love her” i smiled. I took a mental note to show him my appreciation for always standing by my side and always picking me.

“I will tell your father about this.” she said settling on the table beside Manqoba after dishing up for him and herself.

“Oh Makoti you look beautiful” she said.

When she saw me walk in, she tried to hide the pregnancy test. I smiled when Manqoba looked at me smiling.

“Thank you Ma”, and she flinched when i said ‘Ma’ i guess she hates me.

“Im sorry love, my mother here came unexpected and you had already cooked for two.” he says looking somewhat sad and also angry.

“Its okay i will have muesli with yoghurt” i said walking to the fridge to take out the yoghurt.

“No Vero you can have my plate i was just passing. Im helping a friend’s daughter by getting applications forms” she said making me turn around and walk to the table and settled next to my husband.

“Thandekile Mr Buthelezi’s daughter is doing grade 12” she added. So her name is Thandekile and i somehow tensed up. I looked at Manqoba, he was looking at his mother in disbelief. After his mother left after pretending she cares about me. I think she left with my test. I told Manqoba i took the test and it came out negative, he hugged me and told that we still got more tries left. He comforted me and spent the day home, he said he doesn’t to leave me all alone. We ended up doing some Netflix and chill. Just a bit more chilling than the movies.