Confessions of a Modern U’Makoti(BWWM)

Confession #8

Confession #8

Interracial dating was just like normal dating. You and your beau go to movies together, cuddle, visit each other’s townhouses, sleepover and when your feel your relationship is ready…

You meet the parents.

I was nowhere near ready for Aaron to meet my traditionalist father but the universe and I are on polar opposites when it comes to this issue. See while I was in the shower Aaron hollered from the doorway.

“Tiger your dad’s on the phone.” s**t!

I was propelled out the shower, still covered in soap with my towl hastily wrapped around my bubbly form. Aaron simply grinned at me while I grasped the phone out of his hands.

“Papa? “ I winced, knowing he would probably lose it but he didn’t.

He spoke in a calm measured tone, it was sickly cold. And this ladies and gentlemen is the power of Ra Letsie. “We’re having breakfast at the hotel in an hour, Naledinyana. Don’t be late.”

“Okay Papa, I’m leaving the house right now.” It was humiliating, talking to him as though I was five years old and caught trying to steal a chocolate bar before dinner.

“Oh and bring your friend with you.” He ordered before hanging up and leaving me vexed. He wants to meet Aaron.

Aaron who stood with a mischievous smile, completely cured from flu that plagued him just yesterday. He did this on purpose. His smile spread wider as I narrowed my eyes.

“What did your dad want?” He busied himself with his phone still with that stupid amused smirk engraved onto his lips.

“He wants us to go meet up with them for breakfast.” I bit my inner cheek, this could have all been avoided if he just didn’t answer my phone. “But you’re not coming.”

Aaron’s smug expression fell from his face instantly. “Really? And why is that?” He crossed his arms across his expansive chest. I’d almost lost my train of thought gawking at the man’s chiselled chest.

“First of all go put on a damn shirt I can’t think if you’re going to be this distracting. Secondly, we’re not ready to meet my parents.” I tightened the towel around me, as his eyes raked over me.

“Define ready.” He spoke slowly approaching me with a challenging stance.

“You don’t know anything about them. And they didn’t even know you existed until now! No, we’re not ready. I’ll tell them you’re sick or something.” I quickly brushed passed him but he pulled me back with his ape sized hands.

“Why don’t you tell me about them right now?” I huffed impatiently, I didn’t want to be the bad guy. I didn’t want to tell Aaron what would happen if he met my parents because it wasn’t just about the cows and Sereto. It was because, I was black and he was white. I was (technically) rich and he was (technically ) poor. And those two defining characteristics wouldn’t make my father warm up to Aaron.

“Because everything I can tell you, you can find on Google.” I knew it was weak and that was a terrible excuse but I needed to buy time. He only looked more perplexed. I sighed in defeat.

“Babe, don’t make me say it.” I begged, as I stood on my toes placing a chaste kiss on his lips. Aaron still remained static with and expectant expression masking is usually playful smirk. “Fine, he’s going to think you’re not good enough.”

Aaron’s face stilled remained hard but his forefinger and thumb cupped my chin, making me tilt my head. His forehead rested against mine as his arm wrapped around my waist. “What do you think? Am I good enough?” He whispered.

“Aaron-“ He interjected me before I could plead my case.

“Answer the question Thati.” And for the first time ever, Aaron actually looked… Scared.

I cupped his cheeks. “Of course I do. If anything you’re the best.” Cue sappy romcom rain and a cheesy Nora Jones song.

He smiled softly, as though my words had put him at ease. “Good, now let’s go meet your folks.”

I don’t get nervous. I always thought it was a waste of time. But right now I was nervous enough to s**t enough bricks to build a house with. I wore a sundress and Aaron wore jeans looking effortlessly handsome. I probably looked like Medusa’s next victim whereas Aaron walked with ease. He’d smile effortlessly as though he’d met my parents before and this was just another date.

“Do I look okay?” I spoke nervously as we waited for my parents to arrive.

“No, you looked terrible. How could you walk out the house like that?” Aaron teased, but I wasn’t amused. I was ready to run out of here but I couldn’t leave him there because he had the car keys.

“Aaron, I just have one word of advice.” I spoke grabbing his attention from his phone. He motion for me to elaborate. “Kiss ass, babe. You need to be prefect and since neither of you know anything about each other, you need to go textbook on this. Talk business, economics, commodities, dote on my as though I was the last flower on earth because he thinks I’m his princess –“

“Don’t tell me he still thinks you’re a virgin.” My silence answered his question, Aaron laughed. How Aaron could find humour in the situation was beyond me. Especially when I saw the pair approaching us.

“Yes, and as far as you’re concerned we’re waiting for marriage. Here they come.” I warned as the pair approached us.

My mother instantly beamed once her eyes set on Aaron however my father looked as though I’d just told him I was knocked up and was expecting the child in a week’s time. This is going to be fun.

“Ma, Papa, this is Aaron – my boyfriend. Aaron this is –“

“Ra lotŝha Ra le Ma wa Letsie. Ke thabela go le tiŝba.” We were all caught off guard by Aaron’s sudden greeting. The only people who greeted my parents like that, lived in our hometown. Not only was his pronunciation immaculate but he’d even lowered his head as a sign of respect.

My mother who seemed most impressed by Aaron’s bilingual abilities and was the first to break the ice. “Ke ya mo rata. I really do like him. Nthatile, why didn’t you tell us about this gentleman sooner? Mapula Letsie.“She spoke as she held out her hand, only for Aaron to peck the back of her hand as though chivalry still existed.

“Uhm, well…” I was still recuperating from Aaron’s sudden shift. “I didn’t want to ruin the surprise. Surprise.” I spoke meekly, drowning in nervousness before Aaron saved us both the humiliation.

“I told her I think we should wait. It really is lovely to meet you Mr and Mrs Letsie. I’ve heard so much about you.” He held out his hand waiting for my father to acknowledge it but he never did.

“That’s odd because we certainly haven’t heard a thing about you.” My father was sizing Aaron up and it unnerved me. But Aaron still remained calm, with his signature smirk brushing off my father’s cold demeanour.

“Let’s eat, I’m starved.” I blurted out avoiding anymore awkwardness.

It wasn’t completely awkward. My mother – bless her – kept the conversation going by interrogating Aaron and I. While my father burnt holes through Aaron’s skull, thankfully he didn’t notice. Or if he did, it didn’t faze him.

“So, Aaron, “ I could hear the distain in my father’s words. “What are your intentions with my daughter?”

Aaron hesitated for a moment before planting a hand on my thigh; squeeze it lightly. “Sir, when we’re ready, and hopefully with your blessing. I want to pay my respects to you by paying Lobola for your daughter, then I plan on making her my wife.”

My mouth instantly felt dry. And my heart fell out of my ass. And Aaron was giving me that sad hopeful look that made me nervous and giddy at the same time. I exhaled a deep breath before forcing a smile. He doesn’t want to get married. He doesn’t want to get married. He’s kissing ass.

“That’s wonderful. He’ll add a bit of variety to the family.” My mother mused, smilingly dimly without understanding the implications of what Aaron had just said on both me and our relationship.

My father cleared his throat, still very unimpressed. “What do you do for a living? You’d have to be able to support my daughter.”

“Oh I don’t doubt that. I own an art gallery and a bar. I’m sure Thati will be fine; financially, with me looking after her, Sir.” He smiled coolly still unbeknownst to my mini panic attack.

“I read somewhere that the art industry –especially in South Africa -is a dying industry. And that alcohol isn’t doing very well either. What’s your take on that?” My father’s eyes were challenging and this pissing contest between the pair was getting on my nerves.

“Everyone has opinions. One might say I get my money from drunkards. One could argue mines are environmental and health hazards but they still make money, hence the watch on your wrist. But as men it is our duty to take care of what’s ours, by ever means necessary. And that’s what I intended to do for your daughter,” Aaron’s jaw ticked in annoyance, “Sir.” He added on just to rile my father up and before the pissing contest got out of hand and I puked up my breakfast from Aaron stereotypical alpha male speech, I interrupted the duo.

“We need to get going. I have to get to work and Aaron has to go check up on the bar.” I reached for Aaron’s hand, signalling that it was time to go, thankfully he agreed. “Aaron how about you go get the car while I head off to the bathroom.”

He simply nodded and pecked my temple. My mother engulfed him in a tight embrace while my father disdainfully shook his hand before Aaron left for the car. Once he was out of ear’s reach I spoke.

“You were so rude. He was really trying Papa.” I reprimanded my father, shocked by his coldness towards Aaron.

“Nthatile!” My mother chastised by I wasn’t listening, instead my eyes stayed focused on my father.

“You insulted him then went on to interrogated him then you insulted him some more!-“

“That boy isn’t good enough for you.” His tone low and menacing.

“That man isn’t good enough for you.” I used his words against him. He was taken aback by my words but still remained in indifferent as he spoke.

“Your relationship ends here.” He words held an authority over me but I was tired of having me dictate over my life. That’s why I moved away from home.

“No, it doesn’t.” I defied his orders, he smiled in amusement.

“Nthatile, you’re my daughter. I love you, I wouldn’t hurt you. But I don’t love that boy, and will hurt him. You don’t want to be the reason why he’s homeless do you, Naledinyana? “ I was silent. “I didn’t think so, I’ll be easy on you because I love you. I’ll give you thirty days. “

“But I-“

“No, no whining. I’ll get you a car to mend your broken heart. Lesego would make a perfect match for you. “ He spoke again still unfazed.

“What happened to letting me fall in love organically? And Lesego is just like Tumi!” I argued, feeling my eyes being to water. He was doing it again.

“Lesego isn’t anything like that snake. Don’t act like you’re already in love with the boy. “

You’re not in love with Aaron right? Right, but I do care for him. “I’m leaving now.”

I walked to the car vigorously blinking and wiping away any tears surround the brims of my eyes. Aaron’s face fell when his eyes caught mine, clasping onto my hand as we drove me back home. We didn’t speak, only the radio filled the silence. It was calm and serene until we got to my driveway and there was an unfamiliar car parked in it.

The front door opened and there stood Samuel and Kea embracing each other, a bit too tight to be friends. With Kea’s budding baby bum brushing against Samuel. Both Aaron and I raised an eyebrow at the pair. They quickly pulled away as we parked the car on my lawn.

“Hey you two.” I greeted as I exited the car.

“Hey, guys.” Kea spoke with a faux enthusiasm. Sam only waved hands awkwardly as his cheeks coloured in a pink hue.

All four of us stood awkwardly awaiting an answer, but I knew better than to wait. I spoke first. “You’ll tell us when you’re ready.” I walked passed the pair with Aaron hot on my heels.

My mission was to be alone. All I needed was an hour of solitude to clear my head but Aaron wouldn’t let up. I dived head first into my pillows only to have Aaron peel off my wedges and sat right next to me. He looked expectant.

“He didn’t like me did he?” He brushed his fingers against my cheek.

“It doesn’t matter what he thinks.” I was trying very hard to steer Aaron’s conversation onto anything other than my father. He didn’t have to know about the threat right now. I still needed advice from Dimpho and Nadia, I still needed to get answers from Kea.

“It does.” He persisted.

I sighed impatiently. “He’s never going to like you babe. You’re not-“

“Rich enough? Black enough?” He stole the words right from my mouth. My stomach instantly knotted.

“He wants someone who can add value to his empire. He’s the second son to a chief, his the family black sheep. It’s just an age old pissing contest between him and his brother and now you’re the next contender because you’re different. Don’t let him get to you.” I cupped the nape of his neck, playing with the baby hairs as I reached up to peck his lips but he shifted; making me kiss his cheek. f*****g hell, he’s pissed.

“You’re defending him.” He was hurt.

“I’m his daughter.”

“And I’m your boyfriend.” He countered. The eerie silence that proceed felt like an unwanted visitor. “I get it, it’s hard. A relationship is hard. Me being white and you being black is hard. But I need to know if you want this or not?” I opened my mouth to interject by he continued his speech, “I’ll stop by later to check up on you.”

With that, Aaron left. I felt shattered. I should have said something but what could I say? Hey, sorry but my dad wants us to break up but I actually really like you. Or Aaron let’s forget about my dad who’s powerful enough to make you homeless because he has friends in high places and let’s try have a healthy normal relationship while you crash here? No, there was nothing I could say to make me feel like less of an ass. And because crying was pointless, I did the next best thing, I called Dimpho and Nadia.

And once the pair had managed to work out how to activate the speaker on their smartphone, I explained the entire ordeal. I’d gotten super emotional and told them just how much I cared about Aaron and just how scared I was for him.

“So should I tell him?” I sobbed into the phone remembering mine and Aaron’s last conversation.

“No.” The pair shouted in unison.

“What?”

“For now, don’t say a word. You have thirty days. Just see where it goes maybe you and Aaron won’t even make it that far.” Dimpho explained.

“Thanks so much for the vote of confidence Dimpz.” I scoffed.

“She has a point though, you have a record of having relationships that never last that long. Just see where this one goes. Okay?” Nadia coaxed while I still remained hesitant about the idea.

“Fine. I’ve gotta go. Bye guys. Love you.”

“Love you. “ They spoke in unison.

For the rest of the day I’d busied myself with writing, cleaning and cooking. For a short while Kea and I would talk but it was different. There was an underlying tension from all Kea’s secrets and I wasn’t in the mood to play the guessing game with the princess. Eventually she went to bed and I sat awaiting Aaron.

I’d fallen asleep on the couch only to be woken up by the loud banging at my door. I’d sleepily open the door and instantly my heart soared. He looked tired by still gave me a soft smile as he entered. Neither of us spoke as he followed me towards my room. He sat on the edge of the bed tensely.

“Before you question my commitment yet again. You need to know that I… I really care about you, Aaron. And I come from a place with traditions and cultures and norms. And we aren’t the norm babe,” I straddled his lap, looping my arms around his neck. “But I want this.”

A lopsided grin adored his features as his arms wrapped around my waist. “That’s all I needed to hear, tiger.”

His aqua orbs bore into mine before pressing his lips against mine. I relished in the feel of his soft lips. I weaved my fingers through his silky hair, as he pressed my torso tighter against his. And his sweet tongue lapped against mine as his kisses grew in urgency. I could hear everything from the sound of his breath to the sheets crinkling beneath us.

Aaron peppered my neck with soft kisses before settling on my collarbone. All I wore was an old thinning t-shirt and even that felt like too many layers. Moaning lowly as Aaron’s lips caressed my skin, I felt his cold hands slide beneath my shirt. I shivered at the contact, making Aaron groan as I involuntarily rocked against his hips. With dainty movements my hands clung onto his hard chest, his chest rippled with every light stroke of my fingers.

Aaron grunted in frustration before pulling off my shirt, leaving me in my bra and underwear. “c*****o lindo. “ He muttered as he bit my lower lips. His fingers denting my skin as he sucked on my lower lip. My thighs clenched. The heat within the pit of my stomach had my hips moving against his feverously.

“Eu vou te provar esta noite.” Muttered in a language still foreign to my ear by had the rest of my body in daze.

“Aaron what are you saying?” I panted as my back hit my mattress. The wetness against my panties grew as Aaron’s hips met mine. He bit on my earlobe, jolting my hips straight into his.

“You’ll soon find out.” His words were husky. His lips left mine, he pecked the length of my torso before halting right in front of my drenched core. Oh, that’s what he means.

And just before Aaron could send me off into a word of unspeakable pleasure, my door opened. My vision was still hazy from Aaron’s body heat but I’d soon snapped out of my trance when I saw Kea.

“Thati! I’m bleeding!” Kea rushed through the door her lower half of her body covered in blood. Her white pj’s now soaked crimson and the look of fear on her face knocked me right out of my aroused stated. Her eyes were watery. “The baby!” She screamed.