Diary Of A Mafia King's Wife

Dear Diary: Unexpected invitation...

I'm sitting in the kitchen sipping coffee thinking about Mandy and Zeh. I wonder what really happened between the two. I mean they can't hate each other for no reason. I'm not saying Zeh and Zweli are not telling the truth. I just think they might have said or did something and offended Mandy.

"This is for you" maDlamini walks in, giving me an envelope. I just take it and put it on the table. I've never received any letter since I got here. I wonder who sent the envelope because I don't even know the address. Maybe it's Owami. I'll open it when I'm done with my cup of coffee.

"What's this?" maNgubane asks when she walks in heading to the wine rack. Her favourite part of the kitchen. I wonder if the wine tastes nice because she drinks a specific wine brand.

"I don't know"

"Well open it" and she sits down as if she wants to see what's in it. And her daughter-in-law is still here. Makes me think it's from them. Why are they interested in this envelope?

When I take the envelope, maDlamini gives me an envelope opener. She came prepared. I open the envelope. It's an invitation to Mandy's baby shower. I'm not going. Not because of Zeh, but the first time I met her she wasn't friendly. It gave me the idea that she doesn't like me.

"Are you going? You need to leave the house more often" MaNgubane tells me. I tell them I'm not going and I tell them the reason.

"I've met her once or twice. She seems like a good person. Maybe she was just preoccupied by something that day" maDlamini tells me. I just get the feeling that they will do or say anything to make me leave the house. I don’t like going out.

"I'll just buy a gift. But I am not going" I tell them taking the envelope to my room.

When I get to my room I decide to take a nap. I'm always tired lately. I don't know what's up must be the stress of not getting a job. I need something not the kind of job hubby keeps throwing my way.

When I open the browser I decide to shop for baby stuff for the baby shower. I didn't even check the date and the gender. I look at the invitation again. They didn't state the gender, the baby shower is in a month. Still time for shopping. I continue applying for a job. It can be any job, I need cash.

I'm sitting with the family when hubby walks in.

"Look who's joining us for supper" maDlamini comments.

"Don't look so surprised" he smiles at his mom and sits down. He has a beautiful smile. I can't help but stare. I've never seen him smile in all the years I've known him. He turns winks at me. I almost choke on the food.

Is this guy high?

"Nana, we heard that" MaNgubane tells me laughing. I'm so embarrassed. Everyone joins in laughing. Hubby is also laughing.

What if Owami is coming back?

I just pretend as if I didn't hear MaNgubane. I continue eating. Someone is really in a good mood.

MaDlamini tells Mlondi about the invitation and she tells her I said I'm not going and the reason. This woman though. Mlondi doesn't say anything he just nods and they talk business with his family. I just listen, I have nothing to say. This has nothing to do with me. Once everyone is done eating I take the plates. Mlondi helps me and we both wash the dishes. He's all smiles and I am so uncomfortable. I think I prefer him when he's serious and avoiding me. This happy Mlondi is just awkward. But it seems like I'm the only one who feels that way. After we are done he walks to his office and I make another cup of coffee. Fifth cup by the way and I continue browsing. I hope I get a job soon. Staying here doing nothing can be tiring. I wonder how other people survive. I head to my room around 10pm. After 15 minutes I go downstairs for another cup of coffee.

"Why are you not going to Mandy's baby shower?" Mlondi asks me when I walk into the kitchen. Okay wasn't this guy all smiles yesterday. Didn't his mom tell him the reason? Why does he sound mad? Or I'm just imagining things? Doesn't he sleep?

"Are you going to answer me?" okay I'm not imagining things he's really mad.

"Your mom told you"

"I'm asking you" I don't answer him. I just pour the rest of the coffee down the drain and I turn to walk away. He grabs my wrist and pulls me towards him.

"I am talking to you" he's in my face. What is wrong with this guy?

"Let go" I say in a shaky voice. My heart is beating so fast. I hope he doesn't hear it. I'm scared but I hope he doesn't see it.

"You are going to that baby shower. I'm not asking you". He pushes me away and I fall. For some stupid reason I cry. Manqoba, the youngest brother, runs towards me, asking if I'm okay. I'm too embarrassed to talk so I just nod.

"I'm okay," I tell him after some time. He helps me up.

"Leave her alone"

"No, I'm not"

Mlondi turns and walks away. I didn't even realise that I was holding my breath. I'm glad he walked away.