“Take one step out of here Mannie and you will regret it for the rest of your life.” Tebogo threatened fiercely. Mandisa turned to him.
“Are you threatening me Motsepe?” She asked her temper ready to rise.
“I’m warning you. We have unfinished business.”
“Go to hell!” She spat out and opened the door. As quick as lightning, Tebogo was beside her and his hand on her arm.
“This is not the time to be stubborn, Mandisa.” He said angrily. “We need to talk and we need to talk right now.” He pulled her away from the door. “Mother, Sizwe, will you give us some privacy.”
“I don’t think that is a good idea, Tebogo.” Rose said worriedly. “If Miss Dladla wants to leave then let her.”
“Mother, this is not the time for you to voice your opinion. Not after what you just tried to do.” Tebogo said unkindly.
“I’m not going to apologize for that. I didn’t ask her to come here and make that offer.” Rose said defiantly.
“But you were willing to accept it knowing very well that is not what your son wants.” Mandisa said disgustedly.
“It is not what he wants. Tebogo bullied him to sign those papers. And only because I wasn’t there. He went to Durban and spoke to Tumi behind my back and I thought that was bad but this…” Rose shook her head. “How could you betray me like this?”
“Not now mother.” Tebogo said ignoring the hurt look she gave him. “I need to talk to Mandisa and when I’m done…”
“I’ll never forgive you for this. Never!” Rose said and walked out of the room followed by the lawyer. Mandisa watched Tebogo struggle with his need to talk to her and the need to follow his mother and make amends. Rose was the most important person in his life. He loved her deeply and would do anything for her. Her words were killing him and Mandisa knew that was what Rose had aimed for.
“Why?” She asked studying his face. He was still the most handsome man she had ever seen but right now she didn’t see his beauty. Instead she saw weariness, uncertainty and hurt in his face. His powerful shoulders appeared tired and heavy with burden and his stride… Once she had found it forceful and determined and right now, it was unsure and weak.