Pedigree

This is the first time in a long time that I am feeling totally in control of things, honestly I have cried enough, been taken advantage of enough and if my life should be any better I have to stop mopping over things I don’t have control over and take charge of those I can change. Aunty Ivy told me to meet her at her place but I said no, after the incident with Nelson the other night I am not risking it again instead she is meeting me at Champs VIP Lounge at Lewanika Mall in woodlands.

I find a parking spot and walk over to the lounge where I find myself a comfortable seat outside facing the entire mall. A waitress comes through and I ask for a glass of wine.

‘Nice choice.’ Aunt Ivy says immediately she joins me, I can read the sarcasm in her voice but I choose to pretend as though I haven’t heard anything.

She sits next to me and requests the waitress to bring her a glass of pineapple juice.

The waitress leaves us and there is nothing but silence.

‘You wanted to see me.’

‘More like I wanted to know the truth about my past.’

‘And what makes you think that I am the right person to tell you? You have and know your father don’t you?’

I chuckle at the realisation of what sort of a person she is.

‘You know, all these years a part of me wanted to feel guilty for the way I have been treating you. But sitting across you today I realise that given a chance I would have treated you the same way.’

I pause, the waitress has brought our drinks.

‘My mother hated you and I am glad she did because you have never had good intentions for us.’

‘I won’t take offence because you have no idea what you are talking about.’

‘Isn’t that why we are here? For you to tell me the truth?’

She laughs, picks up her glass and drinks from it.

‘You know, you have your mother’s guts. I just hope you don’t end up like her but at the rate at which you are moving, you might just turn out as a replica.’

I have so many vain things to say to her right now but using my emotions might not get me the answers I want so I pretend like I am not hurt.

‘I will commend your courage, calling me and thinking that I will tell you the the truth. Cathy’s prostitution could have been hidden for a while but that is who she was. She could have never been faithful to Chisoni, she never deserved him the first time and she never did on her death bed.’

Without thinking twice I pour her the wine in my glass, her white blouse immediately turning crimson.

‘It is nothing personal Kasweka, these battles that are being fought shouldn’t even involve you but sadly you are in the middle of it all because your mother wanted to leave evidence of her promiscuity. If I were you I would leave the country because what is about to hit will leave you shattered and it will only take God to fix the broken pieces. We are at war Kasweka and you are just collateral damage, no one cares about you or how you will turn out. We are all willing to leave you burnt as we have our grilling moment, again it’s nothing personal.’

She stands up

‘Chisoni was a good man, but we all hurt him and I wouldn’t be surprised if he decides to take all of us down with him. My advise, don’t expect anything from him because expectations are the mother of all disappointments.’

‘So what are you saying? That the man I have known as my father all these years is going to fight wars from his past? Me amidst it all and he won’t care?’

‘You remind me of him when he was young, too trusting but that trust just got him where he was today. While it’s not too late, save yourself from more heartache.’

I stand up to, blinking back whatever tears want to come out. I won’t cry

‘You are the most toxic set of adults I have seen, and I do hope all of you gets what you deserve.’ I say wearing a smile on my face even though it hurts

When she leaves I ask for a bottle of wine and settle the bill before leaving, at least now I am totally convinced of the type of person she is and I won’t be feeling guilty anymore.

I drive him listening playing Koleyewon by Naira Marley on full blast, I have had a lot going on I won’t sulk anymore.

When I get home I am shocked to find VK’s car parked in my yard, I take a few more minutes putting myself together but when the time to get out of the vehicle comes I throw all my good morals away and come out drinking from the bottle of wine.

He comes out of his immediately i lock my car, he looks mighty tired and I want to feel pity for him but I can’t forget everything he has done to me to disappear just like that. He might as well receive the same treatment he has been giving me.

‘You are here because?’

‘The charges have been dropped.’

‘Thank you for nothing, my name is still tarnished when I didn’t do a thing.’

‘We are still investigating the case.’

‘I don’t need your sympathy VK, if you and your family still believe in your hearts that I killed Moudy take me to court. Let us face each other there.’ I say before taking a huge sip from the bottle

‘I honestly want nothing but the best for you, I hate seeing you like this.’

‘Seeing me like this? Do you even have an idea what I am going through VK? Do you?’

He looks down

‘I want you out of my yard because God knows I am sorry that Moudy died the way she did but you could have treated me better, but I understand. Your family comes first and that is where your energies need to be diverted. After all this is said and done I hope you are get what truly makes you happy.’

‘Kasweka.’

‘Leave VK.’

He looks defeated but chooses not to respond

‘I know I have hurt you and there is nothing I can do to make things better but I hope you forgive me and I hope you find a way of dealing with this.’ He says handing me a flash drive.

‘What is this?’

‘Everything about your parents, about why your uncle and Nelson are so mad at the man who raised you and something that might hurt you.’

‘What?’

‘It’s better you find out on your own.’ He says

‘You think I will buy that? You are not going anywhere until I find out what is in this flash drive.’ I say leading us towards the house.

..

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Winnie

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