OOTD
By 9 a.m., Mmabatho was walking into the courthouse. Sandile was already there, standing by the entrance, scrolling through his phone. He looked up when he saw her, but she didn't notice him right away. She was standing a few feet away, one hand on her belly and the other holding her phone to her ear.
"Listen here, baby boy," she said quietly, speaking to her unborn child. "I get that you're practicing for the Olympics in there, but could we take it down a notch today? Just a little peace and quiet, please. Mommy has to sit through hours of nonsense."
Sandile chuckled softly, which made her jump. "Talking to him already?"
Mmabatho turned, embarrassed. "Don't sneak up on people like that!"
"I wasn't sneaking. I just didn't want to interrupt. Seems like you've got a whole conversation going," he teased.
She sighed, adjusting her belt. "He's been kicking all morning. It's like he knows today's going to be stressful."
Sandile gave her a reassuring smile. "He's probably just keeping you strong. Let's get inside before they start snapping more pictures of us."
Inside the courtroom, the tension was thicker than the day before. Khanyiswa sat with her lawyer, looking smug and overconfident, while Mmabatho and Sandile stayed focused.
Sandile was called to the stand shortly after proceedings began. He adjusted his tie and took his place, sitting up straight as the opposing lawyer began questioning him.
"Mr. Jabavu, can you confirm the nature of your relationship with the plaintiff, Mmabatho Phiri?"
"Yes," Sandile replied firmly. "She is the surrogate carrying my child."
"And yet, you've been seen together in public numerous times. Don't you think that could be misinterpreted?"
Sandile leaned forward slightly, his expression calm but direct. "It could be misinterpreted, but the truth is what matters. Mmabatho and I are not romantically involved. She has been nothing but professional throughout this process."
The lawyer raised an eyebrow. "Professional? You've been photographed at dinner together, seen visiting each other's homes, and even shopping for baby supplies. That doesn't strike me as strictly professional."
Sandile's jaw tightened slightly, but he kept his tone steady. "It's true that we've spent time together outside of medical appointments. She is not just a surrogate; she has grown to become one of my close friends. We've supported each other through a very difficult process, especially after losing one of the twins. None of this changes the fact that she is carrying my child as part of a legal agreement."
Mmabatho felt a warmth in her chest as she listened to him speak. Sandile's words were calm yet firm, and she could see he was determined to protect her and the truth.
During a short recess, Mmabatho found a quiet bench in the hallway and sat down. She closed her eyes and gently rubbed her belly, whispering, "I know you're going to be worth all this stress, but can you stop kicking for just a little while? Mama needs to breathe."
"Still Olympic training?" Sandile's voice made her open her eyes.
She smiled faintly. "He's relentless today."
Sandile sat down beside her, glancing at her belly. "Well, at least he's got spirit."
"He's also got timing," she said. "I'm so tired of all this, Sandile. I just want it to be over."
"I know," he said softly. "But you're doing great. We'll get through this. One day, this will all be behind us, and you'll just have to worry about him keeping you up all night."
She gave him a small smile. "I hope so."