Dylan is quick in nudging his wife to keep silent as Rudo, Kupa and Tadi leave the table. His mother leans into the table, pushing her plate to the side, looking all somber.
‘Vanangu, we all are Christians, I am an elder as you know. I understand all about this lifestyle. However First and foremost, let us remember that we are people with a culture, we have methods of doing things. Iwe Tanya you went off at me earlier but I was only doing what a grandmother should for her grandkids. Our mothers groomed us when we also were young mothers. I thought it best to talk to you both so that Dylan you can at least talk some sense into your wife. If I watch these kids die I would have failed.’
Dylan looks at Tanya, he is confused, not aware of the incident earlier.
Tanya answers the question in his head, ‘Mhama wanted to use some muthi on the twins.’ She says, flippant.
‘It’s just a traditional method of protecting children and strengthening them Mkwasha’, she says, looking for support.
Dylan recognizes how sticky the situation can get. He clears his throat.
‘I really appreciate this, thank you for helping us with the twins. Please let me talk to Tanya about this?’ He says, hoping it sounds as if he wants to talk Tanya into agreeing. He is just buying time, he cannot imagine starting an argument as he is dog tired.
His mother in law looks pleased.
The next afternoon, Tanya gets a visit from Annie who she hasn’t seen in a few weeks. Annie and Tapiwa are to get married traditionally in 2 weeks, Tanya knows she should be offering more support but the unexpected arrival of her twins has restricted her ability to do so.
‘Thank you so much for the gifts Annie, I’m sure the boys will look really handsome in the clothes.’ She says, genuinely grateful for the bagful of clothes Annie has come with.
‘Don’t worry about it. They look so much like their father already.’ Both women laugh before Tanya, more out of obligation than interest, asks how the preparation for the lobola ceremony are going.
‘All is going alright. Almost all the preparations are done, just now waiting for my dress.’
‘That sounds great, how are you feeling?’ Tanya asks.
‘I am nervous….and excited. How do I know that I am making the right decision?’
‘It’s alright to get nervous, I can’t in all honesty tell you that there are indicators to show if someone is right for you or not. When I married Dylan, I was very much wrong for him. I have a questionable past, he grew up in the church and was the perfect son. His parents expected better, everyone did. He says what convinced him was a conviction in his spirit, he loved me.’
Tanya pauses and Annie throws in another question.
‘What do you mean by questionable past?’
‘Sheeeesh, long story. We will need a proper meet up for that. I was raised in a broken home , I got involved with married men, alcohol and smoking at a very young age. I couldn’t bring myself to share everything with Dylan until recently. My point is, you know Tinashe. The question of whether he is right for you or not can ultimately only be answered by you.’
Annie furrows her brows and bows her head in deep thought. Her next words are so soft Tanya almost misses them.
‘He hits me, he has been physically violent with me 4 times now.’
