Chapter 25 - Chapter 24

"Naledi!" Mama shouts from downstairs. "The driver's outside to take you to the airport."

"I'll be down in a few minutes," I shout back.

I take stock of the room. A few minutes seems pretty ambitious, since my clothes are scattered over the bed instead of inside the suitcase lying open beside them. I've showered, but I'm in my gown with a scarf still tied over my braids.

"Ao, of all mornings to oversleep," I mutter, trying to organise my thoughts and work out what to do first.

I tiptoe to the window and peer through the curtains at a morning that has been broad daylight for over an hour. A black Mercedes V-Class idles in my driveway. Maybe I could send the driver to fetch Siyabonga if he hasn't picked him up yet, and then come back for me. A firm tap at the door before I have time to execute this excellent plan.

"Come on in, Mama." I toss my gown onto the bed. "I could actually use some help."

"I figured, since we've been waiting ten minutes," Siyabonga says, his tone curt, irritation sketched into his features. "We're going to miss this flight if you don't hurry up. What do you need me to do?"

When his eyes meet mine, we both freeze. Me, standing dead still in nothing but my bra and panties. "What I need," I grit out, grabbing the gown again and shoving my arms through the sleeves, "is for you to get out of here."

Siyabonga doesn't budge, but fixes his stare somewhere over my shoulder.

"Ma said she was busy and couldn't help right now, but sent me to check on you."