The temptress by Jabulani Mzinyathi 01.03.15

Petite and rotund was a stunning lass named Michelle. She was a heads turning beauty who had tongues wagging when she waltzed down the dusty streets of Dulibadzimo in Beitbridge. When she cooed her voice was dripping honey. Deceptively simple was her style of dressing.This had a magical effect on men who would strip her with their lust laden eyes. It had the same effect on women who however had a caustic admiration for her.

On being approached by a potential suitor she would simply say, ‘ Oh you love me? Is that so? I have heard that before and I know what that means. You simply want to worm your way into my panties and satisfy your lust. Am sorry sir I am not a slut so just go find yourself a willing horse and ride’

Michelle lived with her uncle. Joe was one of those hustlers who are the majority of men in Beitbridge. His core business was smuggling. Many of his friends had run out of luck and were languishing in jail for smuggling cigarettes, diamonds and copper cables . Michelle loved her uncle. He had brought her up after she lost both parents to the decimator-AIDS. Joe was the alpha and omega of Michelle’s life.

Michelle caught the eye of a young magistrate who stayed in Limpopo View. He loved her deeply. No matter how much he tried to charm her she stood firm and repeated her well rehearsed lines that had put off many a prospective suitor. Takunda’s advances proved to be barren. This brought him inexplicable pain.

Takunda’s phone rang. He frowned when he saw the number was not reflecting the caller’s name. The call threw his mind into turbulence. He wondered who was calling during the witching hour. He let it ring. The caller was not giving up. The phone kept ringing. He then answered.

‘ Who is this?’

‘It’s me.’

‘You , who? Please, I have to rest I have my hands full tomorrow. ‘

‘ It’s me , Michelle.’

Takunda’s heart skipped a beat. He wondered what the call was about. Here was a woman who had repeatedly spurned his advances now calling him at that odd hour. What was going on? Had she had a change of heart. Why at that hour? His mind was tumultuous.

‘ Are you there Takunda? I just miss you. I have hurt you. Surely I should have long realised that you really are the man for me. Am really sorry I could not sleep. I had no option but to call you at this hour. I want you to be mine forever. ‘

‘ Ah Michelle this is what I have always wanted. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. Good night let me rest. I have lots of work tomorrow.’

On the next day Takunda was surprised to see Michelle seated in the court gallery. When her uncle Joe appeared in the dock she smiled at him.