Three Pregnant Brides: The Valentine

By Lookman Laneon

An alpha-male teacher flees a school to save his life, but his romantic and academic impact on students and teachers can’t be forgotten in years. His departure leaves many heartbroken and dejected.
When three schoolgirls are discovered pregnant, two angry ladies, driven by love and revenge, hatch a plan to crash his wedding ceremony thousands of kilometres away.  
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lookman Laneon
• Release date: Apr 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9780639941615

Book preview

Three Pregnant Brides

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and

incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are

used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any

resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or

persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental

ISBN: 978-0-6399416-1-5

three pregnant brides

Copyright © 2018 Lookman Laneon

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,

or transmitted in any form, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording  or in print

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Three Pregnant Brides

Valentine Series: Book 3

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Atidal wave washed through Glenmore in Port-Elizabeth on Valentine’s Day 2015. Jack Mutetey, an alpha-male school teacher, jumped over the fence and fled the village in the wee hours of the morning. Having worked hard for four weeks, he’d hoped to leave Landmark Community School with a good appraisal. But the dangerous turn of events in his homestead brought about a shift in plan. He wouldn’t risk his life because of a sheet of paper. 

Moments later, his landlord, Madiba, stepped out of the hut with his rifle and machete, ready for game hunting. The old man glanced around the compound as he strategized for the day’s activities. Birds chirped in their numbers, goats loitered in groups and cows mooed in salutation.

As early morning cold curled him, he adjusted his overcoat and moved to the backyard to check cattle fodder. To his chagrin, the kraal’s fence had broken and the area looked messy. Who damaged my kraal overnight? He paced around with mouth open. Who stole my cattle?

Several human footprints on the manure caught his eyes. On first instinct, he took a few steps towards his armoury room to grab more weapons and go after the supposed bandits. He then decided to count his flocks.

Twenty-three. A sigh escaped his mouth, but he still went about inspecting the kraal. Judging that only someone of Jack’s tall frame could make such large foot-stamps, Madiba rushed to his rondavel to be sure his tenant of four weeks wasn’t up to some mischief. On getting to the doorstep, a small padlock dangled from the latch, the half-door was ajar and the full-door swung freely. Inside the hut, Jack’s wooden bed lay empty and none of his belongings remained.

Teacher is gone? His jaw dropped.

That the young man absconded, bidding no one goodbye didn’t only shock the septuagenarian, that he jumped over the fence brought serious concerns. Did Jack steal from the compound? Why couldn’t he just ask that the gate be opened for him? His general conducts made a case of theft unlikely, but this manner of exit couldn’t be excused.  

Madiba opened the portmanteau in the room, glanced over his plumbing equipment and acknowledged them intact. Next, he dashed to the armoury room where he met his guns lined up in a familiar pattern. A sigh escaped his mouth again as his eyebrows drew together. If this teacher didn’t steal, why did he jump the fence?

He sat on the bench outside, hand under his chin and began to ruminate over Jack’s stay. The entire time the teacher stayed, nothing about him brought suspicion. In fact, of all the teachers that had lived in the compound, Jack was the most level-headed. The previous teacher, Thulas, disturbed the neighbourhood with loud music day and night. Madiba held back from sending him away, thinking the teacher’s dalliance with one of his daughters, Funeka, would yield good fruits. But the moment the lad’s tenure ended, he vamoosed, never to be seen again.

Jack, on the other hand, came across as a focused and studious gentleman. He stayed long in the school and returned home late in the evening. When around the compound, he kept to himself.  

Deliwe wants to make friends with the new teacher, Mrs Madiba then confided in her husband to which the man replied. No problem. Let’s see if they do well. He touched his nose for a while and then added. You must be careful she doesn’t fall pregnant.

Thinking Jack would turn out a better suitor than those before, Madiba organised a feast and invited him to meet the girls. They dined and wined, but the guy didn’t pick any of them on that occasion. Now, he’d also fled like Thulas. If I won’t benefit anything from school teachers, why must I allow them here in my compound?

When the village chief approached him to accommodate school teachers, he thought the noble act would bring benefits in some ways.

After my compound, yours is the most secure in Glenmore. The chief sweet-talked him then. Let teachers stay with you. Raiders can’t attack them there. Remember, you’re rendering an important service to the community.

Madiba’s friends also lent their voices. You’re the most educated amongst our generation. You worked in Jo’burg for many years and you can speak English better than us. Your wife also speaks the language, so you alone can be their landlord. Madiba laughed at their comments, aware that his spoken English wasn’t up to scratch.

All the same, he consented to the school principal’s request and welcomed the part-time teachers. That move brought him respect from villagers, far and near. Those who’d taken him for a brute on account of his decisions as the former head of the vigilante group now saw him in a new light. Whenever he coasted through the village, young and old fingers pointed at him. Landlord of book people. They would wave from afar. Mrs Madiba also reported being inundated with greetings at the market.

Unknown to many, respect was a secondary appeal when he agreed to host the teachers. Sooner or later, Madiba believed, his daughters would find one of the learned gentlemen suitable to marry. Having exhibited sterling writing talents early in life, the girls, he presumed, would be better suited for bookish husbands. If anyone would make a good son-in-law, Jack fitted perfectly. Scandal-free and good-looking, the young man brought attention to Madiba’s compound like never before.

The old man erased thoughts that Jack left the compound because of ill-treatment. He did his best to ensure the teacher had a comfortable stay. His wife treated him like a son and his daughters respected him. The lad must have fled for some unknown reasons.

As if telepathically prompted, Jack’s call buzzed Madiba’s phone. He dug it out from his pouch, heaved a long sigh and placed it close to his right ear.

Hello, chief Madiba.

Jack! You packed your things out without telling me. Is that how —?

I’m sorry, sir. I had to rush out this morning. I received an urgent message from a friend who offered to take me to Johannesburg in his car. I thought of coming to knock on your door, but it was too early and I didn’t want to disturb your sleep. I’m very sorry. Please pardon me.

Madiba stayed quiet for a bit, subduing his anger. Since the silly guy had left already, he had to overlook the act. Look, next time don’t do like that! Goodbye and good luck.

He ended the call and moved over to his wife’s hut where he met her folding clothes. Viwe, go to clear Jack room. He has disappeared.

Disappeared? She jerked and dropped the wrapper. Jack has gone? Her face creased up but soon eased up as the man’s brows twisted.

Why are you jumping like that?

No...no... I want to get the things I borrowed him. She blinked repeatedly and straightened her face, referring to household items she normally handed to teachers.

He leave them there. He pointed at Jack’s hut.

Why did he go without telling us? Didn’t we do enough to make him happy?

I don’t know. But he phone to say sorry. Madiba left the compound with his hunting tools, a gun dangling from his shoulder as he trudged on.

No sooner had the man left than Mrs Madiba exchanged her wrapper for an ankle-length gown, hastening to Jack’s room. Confirming his exit, she muttered, Why did he live today?

With puzzled looks, the housewife picked up her pressing iron, stove and bucket, and then locked the room. She dropped the items on the bench outside and sat on it. Did her suggestion the night before peeve Jack so much that he had to leave unceremoniously?

The school teacher had been too handsome to resist. When he first stepped into the compound, she knew keeping her eyes away from him would be tough. He had a striking semblance with her high-school boyfriend: tall, broad-chested and smooth-talking. Before long, she compared Jack to her ageing husband who’d long past his prime on bed matters. In a month, only once did Madiba show up in her room. Those cold and windy nights brought anxious moments for a middle-aged woman with raging hormones. And with a warm-blooded young man prowling the neighbourhood, the temptation to look elsewhere threatened.

Must I come over to your room? she would ask Madiba on several occasions.

For what? he would charge. With Funeka and Deliwe for me and two children before coming here, what are you still looking for?

At seventy-one, and with eleven other kids spread around South Africa, he’d added enough to world’s population. He, therefore, cautioned his wife to look after the children they’d been blessed with.

The day Jack arrived, Madiba said to his wife: Treat him like a son and give him what he needs. The woman hastened to hand over basic household items that teachers usually demanded on their arrival. Thinking all options were on the table, she drooled at the prospect of night-time visits to the young man’s room. But the old man, sensing her frantic carriage, quickly cautioned. Don’t speak English to the stranger.

A war veteran and a volatile one at that; Madiba’s word was law. Although age had calmed him down over the years, villagers still revered him. His fearful records as the former head of vigilante group made him a legend. And news that he shot his first wife on account of infidelity still lingered in the minds of many. 43-year-old Mrs Madiba hardly questioned her husband’s instructions.  

She interacted with Jack formally and spoke isiXhosa only, even when he didn’t understand her. That he didn’t speak the language further dampened interactions. Staying away became easier when Deliwe approached her mom. 

I want to make friends with the new maths teacher. Deliwe badgered her mom repeatedly.

Let me talk to your father first. She eventually caved in.

Madiba bought the idea and that emboldened Deliwe to frolic with Jack. Funeka soon took a cue. As both girls alternated Jack’s room at night, the mother looked away. Mother and daughters shouldn’t be in dalliance with one man. The aftermath would sting forever, should it become public knowledge. That her two daughters fought over the teacher was enough hassle.

But then, schoolgirls started trooping into the compound in pairs. For a week or so, slim, chubby, tall and short girls came around. The repeated visits aroused the housewife’s curiosity. What kind of energy was Jack gifted with? He must be some special kind of guy for schoolgirls to shelve their differences and visit him in such a coordinated manner.

Mrs Madiba let loose her grip. When will he leave the school? She asked Deliwe, a grade-eleven student, to inquire at Landmark

They said February fifteenth.

The woman set her eyes on Valentine’s Day to enter Jack’s room, thinking it would be the right excuse to fulfil her wish. Keep away from the teacher’s room tomorrow night, she instructed her daughters two days before. Since he’ll leave us a day after tomorrow, I have an important mother-to-son discussion with him tomorrow.

But we have placed a note on his door that we will visit him at ten o’clock.

Keep away, I said! Can’t you see he’s busy with his students these days? You’ve had your turns with him and that’s enough.

The girls heeded the pungent instruction since the woman didn’t prevent them from visiting Jack in the first place.

Friday evening, a day before Valentine’s Day, while her husband hunted antelopes far away, she knocked on Jack’s door to his consternation. Once allowed in, she assessed the strength of his mattress and spoke English to him for the first time since he arrived.

There are three ladies in this compound, but you’ve been inviting only two of them.  I have been very patient as I watch schoolgirls come and leave my compound. You’re not fair-minded at all. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day; a day to show love. In the evening, I’ll come around...

She turned around and plodded away.

That request came at a time Jack was plagued with depressing thoughts of the vice principal’s choking demand of a Val’s Day romp. The lad recollected that Madiba shot his first wife and her male lover who frolicked in his absence. On reviewing his earlier plans to leave Glenmore the next day, he packed his bags and jumped over the cattle kraal at half past four in the morning.

Being the last person who spoke to him before leaving, Mrs Madiba believed her proposition might have led to the teacher’s unexpected exit. As she sat on the bench, thinking about his departure, she said, But I didn’t ask for too much. Did I?

Chapter 2

Valentine’s Day 2015 , the vice principal of Landmark Community School in Glenmore, Port-Elizabeth, drove out of her semi-detached two-storey building in the company of her colleague, Mrs Avo, at three hours past noon. Each lady wore a sleeveless multi-coloured knee-length gown and a hat. They had their eyes set on a visit to Jack Mutetey, the consultant who, in their thinking, would soon return to Johannesburg after successfully implementing a four-week curriculum-change project.

Having scooped from the grapevine that Jack invited schoolgirls home, the ladies wanted a taste of the extra-curricular sessions. Such a good-looking young man wouldn’t flout the school rules and go away unscathed. The appropriate reprimand was making sure he also extended his hand of fellowship to them – a worthy price for skipping mature women in preference for mere teenagers.

The love season made it the right reason to lay their claims. That he would no longer show up at the school cemented the decision. Should he decline, he must return to his company with a poor appraisal report or none at all.

This weather is good – not cold, not hot. The VP grabbed the steering wheel of the white Toyota Camry sedan as they swerved onto the highway.

We agreed to leave at half past one, Mrs Avo rolled her eyes. But I had to wait for two hours.

Oh, I’m sorry, I woke up late and tired.

You’re over-sleeping on a day like this when everyone is rushing to meet their lovers?  Jack will think we’ve changed our minds.

No way! We must be there.

At the rear passenger seat of the car lounged Jack’s unfilled appraisal form. The VP sighted it through the rear-view mirror. I don’t mind giving him the form, so that he can write whatever he likes. He really worked hard and the students liked him. She peered at her colleague. What do you think?

Not a bad idea, but he has to work for it. Good ratings don’t come cheap.

Of course, he must do his part and he must do it well. Nothing goes for nothing.

Jack’s curriculum change project, faultless and rancour-free, impacted well on students. Never before had a Landmark consultant showed such tireless drive. Indeed, everyone in Landmark attested to his ingenuity. News of his impact spread beyond the school.

He was just advertising his skills all over the place – skills that didn’t get to important people in the school. Mrs Avo scowled.

Yes, his energy didn’t go round. He should have searched properly for those who really needed that kind of attention.

Since he’s strong enough to handle two at a time, he shouldn’t have a problem with super-girls like us.

The VP chortled. Super-girls?

Of course!

That’s true. After all, I’m only fifty-six and still very romantic!

Mrs Avo laughed.

Do you have his number?

Number? Mrs Avo raised her brows and waved in the air. No, he didn’t give me his number. That’s what I’ve been telling you all these days. The guy is unusual. I tried all tricks in the books. I came to school on a Saturday, threatened him, spoke to him softly, but he won’t give me face.

You came to school on a Saturday?

Yes. Gogo Thulo told me Jack walked side by side with a schoolgirl. I left my niece and rushed down to school, all because I wanted to catch the bastard in the act. 

Did you meet him with the girl?

No, he was alone when I got to the staffroom. I searched all over but no trace of the girl. He was lucky that day. She tapped her thighs. If I’d found a condom, used or unused, that would be enough to implicate him.

Tell me something, VP kept her eyes off the road and turned to her colleague. Two of you stayed together in the staff room and he didn’t come close to you?

"Hai! Mrs Avo shook her head. He was just looking at me like a dummy. He later asked if he could help me. I don’t know who needed his useless help. Sharp guys won’t waste time before they pin you to the desk and lift up your skirt, fast-fast."

"Hawu! A tall guy like that didn’t know what to do?"  

I even followed him to KFC in town, asked him to place an order for me, spoke to him kindly, ate with him on the same table, but all in vain. He’s the most stubborn of all the consultants we’ve had in Landmark. Mrs Avo stamped her fist on the dashboard.

I now understand why you reported him to me. Don’t worry, he’ll learn not to disrespect a mature woman today. With this report, he must obey our commands and do everything we ask. There’s no way he’ll leave without his documents. His employers will ask for them, first thing.

Mrs Avo clapped four times, flashing a wry smile. I’ve not seen where a young and strong man can be running away from a beautiful lady. She shook her bulky frame which extended from the passenger door handle to the gearbox.

Today is today! VP declared.

When they swerved off the highway into the two-lane road leading to Glenmore, the conversation drifted. My husband didn’t look back since we separated fourteen years ago. I heard he’s married to one businesswoman now. I wish him best of luck.

Mrs Avo laughed and bounced on the seat. Now I see why you took this trip seriously like a government contract. I thought you’ll leave Jack to people like us. Even at forty-nine, my back is strong like cement.

Both ladies burst out laughing. What’s our age difference? VP asked, sneering. You think I’m weak?

Seven years. That’s a lot.  

Forget about age, I’m still enjoying life... Should we buy him a gift to show that we mean well.

Maybe. We can get him a pair of shoes. He wears different types every day.

They pulled up by the roadside and headed to the mall on foot. Why shoes? VP queried. How can we get the right size?"

That’s not a problem. He wears size fifteen.

Fifteen? The older woman laughed. "You did your research well, neh?"

I told you I’ve been tracking him since the first day. The useless guy just didn’t look at me. Vivian took his attention throughout.

But that’s because they both teach maths.

He doesn’t need equations to open a woman’s skirt. People who don’t teach maths go under successfully. They laughed off the joke as they got to the first shoe store.

Black male shoes – size fifteen, VP said with a smirk.

Fifteen? Not available.

What they thought should be an easy pick proved tough. The owner of the second store combed four other stores but couldn’t lay hands on shoes of that size.

No fifteen everywhere, madam, the smallish Bangladeshi man explained in smattering English.

Please, try again. VP couldn’t imagine moving around the mall with her extra-large body. The short walk to the mall already got her panting.

No, no, no, the man said with a tone of finality.

Get off, Bastard! Mrs Avo pointed her left finger close to his nose, steadied her right hand to land a slap should he dare to make an awkward gesture. The man tilted his head to one side, ignored the invectives hurled at him and withdrew into his shop without comments.

Mrs Avo withdrew her hands and stepped out of the store. Let’s take a walk. We might just find it somewhere around the corner. Despite being the more corpulent, she found it easier walking around. These foreigners are stubborn. Can you imagine that one refusing to help us? They come to our country and give us nothing in return. Even to assist with a pair of shoes is a problem. She ranted for a while.

Save your energy. VP demanded of her colleague as they located another shoe store.

This time, the owner offered to help. Go to Dominion Stores. He pointed at the direction. It’s around the corner.

On getting there, the attendant didn’t take long before placing three pairs on the counter in different designs and colours. Here, madam. Your son must be very tall.

Err...no. I’m buying it for my boyfriend. VP smiled.

Oh! The Pakistani store owner swiped the payment card and handed over a slip. Come again next time.

Bring a nice tie. Mrs Avo instructed and then turned to her colleague. At least he’ll know that two of us brought gifts.

Sure. The attendant fetched different designs until he brought the preferred pattern. They paid and left for a wine store where