THE OTHER BROTHER
CHAPTER 26
SKHOSANE
A whole fucken hour! The wait is really killing me here. I am just thinking about my child that she is carrying in her womb. Coffee is starting to have that bitter taste in my mouth. This is my third cup within an hour. I can feel my heart beating abnormally. This is what happens when I drink too much caffeine.
“Too much caffeine is not good for your system.”
Says a father who failed to even see that his daughter has been missing. He can't stand there and tells me shit! I will not entertain him. My main worry is - the people that are inside the ward with numerous doctors.
“I think he should drink water.”
It's funny how these two see their parenting care skill on me but failed to do it on their own kids. Just a simple task of showing them love and care they fail dismally. I will never let my kids down no matter what. My father has nothing, but he makes sure that we get to have everything that me and my brother need. It’s true when they say rich parents are good at flaunting money but fail to show love. They believe the ‘money language’ is enough love for their kids. No wonder these rich kids result to drugs and alcohol. They lack home love.
“Shouldn't you be worried about the people who are inside?”
I direct my question to them. I see their eyes lurking around trying to hide the shame. They can pretend they want but the truth still stands. These two just don’t love their children and they are just as fucken useless.
“I...”
I am saved by the doctor making his way towards us. I swear – if Ngcobo continued spitting venom. I would have dealt with him in the most crucial way. A way he wouldn’t even believe in, in the first place. I am done and tired playing nice with these folks.
“Thabisile Ngcobo?”
I so want to jerk in and correct him. But that shall wait. For now, it’s the least of my worries.
“My is my daughter okay?” Ngcobo asks.
“They are out of danger. Good thing you brought them right in time. We managed to pump the poisonous substance out of her system.”
I sigh in relief.
“So, my baby is, okay?” I want to be assured in every possible.
“The baby is fine.”
That is all I want. Assurance. “Can I go see them?”
“Just for fifteen minutes. She still needs time to rest. Her body is still weak and tired. You can go see her.” It's like I am being chased by a swarm of bees. Reaching her ward, I find her peacefully sleeping with machines attached to her. Not the machines that go through your lungs. Just a drip and the mobilizer.
“Thabi.”
She lazily opens her eyes and briefly smiles. I take her hand and hold it firmly. I don’t even know what to say. I know she is hurt but taking her own life is not the go. I will need to have a word with her once she is well and kicking. Maybe keeping her close to me will let me monitor her every move. And besides her parents are as good as dead. Look at them following each other like some pack of ducks.
“How is she?” Ngcobo.
“She is asleep. I haven't asked her anything.” I respond. The old man takes a deep breathe and shoves his hands in his pockets. Her mother on the other hand has been quiet since. I can bet that this woman never really gave birth to the girls.
“I will be outside.” Just like she walks out. Zero care in her. I look at her directly in her eyes.
“You don’t care about them, do you?’
“Who?’ She asks. Look at her looking all confused.
“I am talking about the girls. Your daughter is here, lying on the hospital bed. You heard the doctor very well, but you are even failing to even pretend to at least care. Wat kind of a mother are you?” To say I am disappointed would be an understatement.
“Watch your mouth boy. This is my wife that you are talking to like that.” The father warns. He can take the warning of his and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine. I click my tongue and shift my focus to Thabi. She is sweating...
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I decided to spend a couple more seconds at the hospital. Seconds turned into minutes. Until hours passed – my human structure is still occupying the premises of the hospital. I decided to go out for a walk. My back hurts, my neck is stiff. I will need a rub after this. A treat maybe. I have been working my butt off to raise enough funds to start from the ground. I know my parents would appreciate it if I could renovate our shack and make it a home. And soon there will be a mini me running around. I am looking at every parent walking in and out of the hospital. Some for delivery and some being discharged. It’s truly a beautiful sight to watch. I wonder if Khanyi would have been happy to carry my mini me.
It's a whole new adventure, scary at that. It's an amazing feeling to know that my family will be complete. My mother always wanted to be a grandmother – this has just kept her smiling ever since she heard the news. I am thinking of the best way to reach and maintain my success as a parent. I do know that it is to be connected and engaged in the life of my child. I'll have the permanent title of ‘dad’ and it'll be a career I will never retire from. Fatherhood is an immense responsibility. But having said that, there are no rule book or instructions on how to do so. My thoughts are swimming in every direction. It must be the happiness in me. I smile seeing a woman carrying her newborn in her arms. Protecting her little cub. I should go checkup on Thabi before I go marbles.
I find her trying to squint her eyes. I rush to her side and hold her hand. The doctor said she is going to be out for a couple of hours. Maybe by tomorrow she will be fine. I sit down - I need to take a breather before I lose it in a way.
“Hmm,” She groans trying to remove the mobilizer off her face. It must be annoying her in a way. Hope I will not be in trouble for removing it.
THABISILE
“You can take away all that I have but not my kids.” The man says.
“There is no need for us to argue about this. Its’s either you give me what I want or death upon everyone...”
This dream again. I feel my head banging.
I feel my chest closing. Everything is blurry. I can see the lights, but my vision is tainted by lightness, way too bright to be precise. I squint my eyes trying to regain my sight. I see a figure – a dark one. Finally, I regained my sight. I see Skhosane with a worried look on his face.
My throat is dry and painful. When did I get here? The last time I checked I wanted to end my life right there and then. I couldn’t bear losing the only sister I have. The pain in her eyes still haunts me even now. She was heartbroken and very disappointed in me. When did I become this Thabi? I feel my heart breaking into a million pieces that cannot be mended anytime soon. How would I have handled the situation if this was to happen to me directly? I know very well for a fact that she was deeply in love with the guy – I was meant to be there for her, but I am here fulfilling what my selfish parents desire.
"Babe. Are you okay?” he asks, looking at me. I am still confused.
"How did I get here?
I also want to know. He inhales sharply and closes his eyes briefly.
“Why? Why did you do it?”
He asks. I feel a lump in my throat. My lips tremble.
“Ï am scared to lose her. She is all that I have." I respond.
"But you have me too.”
I shake my head no. Yes, he is here but he will not be by my side when I need him the most. I need to make things right with her. I will need her, and I am damn right sure that she needs me also. What Will I be without her vele?
“It's not the same. Having her assures me that I have a sibling. My child will have an aunt. Now all of that is gone. Do you understand the implications in all this?” I ask. He keeps quiet. Clearly, he didn’t think about it. "I don’t want to lose my sister over a man Skhosane. If this – whatever we have will make my sister hate me. Then I am afraid we will have to stop before we both go into deep.” I suggest. The shock on his face is noticeable. “Skhosane you cannot possibly compare yourself with my little sister. Do not be that man bra. I need Khanyi now more than ever. You wouldn’t understand.”
Why am I even explaining myself to him. Feels like I am talking to the wall. Everything is fine with him and his brother. I am here trying to find ways to reach out to my sister. Maybe calling her will just do. I need to grow some horns and reach out first. I am the one that broke the trust.
“Can you please tell that stupid father of mines to get me my phone. Can you lend me your phone.” Without hesitation he gave me his phone. I sent a quick text telling my father to bring me my phone and laptop. Can't look at these walls all day I wish I just died on the spot. I tried Khanyi’s number. Funny enough they are not saved on his phone It’s just taking me straight to voicemail. I am sure she blocked us. I will use my other number to give her a call.
“I will. Look, I need to go home. I have been here since morning, and I am hungry.”
I look at him – his eyes are red, baggy, and he looks drained. A pinch of guilt takes over.
“Thank you. Is our baby safe?’
He nods his head countless times. “I am sorry. Guess I got caught up in the moment and lost everything. My emotions were on high and I...”
He takes my hand and firmly holds it. “It’s okay. I know you are hurting. just all of this to go away. I can't wait to see that little man popping out on your tummy.” He says he makes me smile a bit. At least something positive to smile about.
“I hope it’s a girl. So, we could wear matching outfits.”
“Already I have envisioned taking my son to the biggest soccer match.”
We look at each other and both laugh. “I should get going.” He kisses my forehead and walks out.
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As Skhosane promised. He passed by my parents' house and told them what I needed. Without any hustle, my father brought the items to me at the hospital. We are in the same room, but he is failing to even utter a word. I also will not say anything. I am just coming to a point where I just hate him. That reminds me of the phone that he smashed for no reason. I still require data from it. Maybe it has useful information.
“No need for you to be here. I'm sure your wife needs you at home.” I suggest. He shoots his eyes open and looks at me swallowing hard.
“Are sure? I don’t want to leave you alone.”
“I will be fine. I need to call Khanyi and explain everything to her. “
He shakes his head no. “No need to. Let her have her own conclusion. She is having dinner with my enemies as we speak.”
My eyebrows raised in confusion.
“What are you talking about?” I ask.
“You wouldn’t understand.” He looks at his wristwatch and sighs. “I have a meeting in a few. Will see you later.” He stands up and kisses my cheek and walks out leaving me confused. What is he talking about? If he has issues with his people, why is he involving Khanyi in it? Who are those people he is referring to? Maybe I should talk to Khanyi maybe she knows something. I sometimes forget that my sister notices nothing that Is Infront in her eyes. But I should dig deep into her, maybe she saw something and never paid any attention to it. I smile thinking of how she is wherever she is. But I love her regardless. I look at my phone anticipating whether to call her or not. But it would be good if we had a face-to-face conversation. I need to make her understand why it happened.
I close my laptop and shut my eyes. I have a slight headache. The dreams I have been having lately are sending cold shivers. It’s like we are in some house and we are being pulled away from some people. A man and a woman to be precise There is a woman lying on the floor crying her lugs out. I open my eyes and the visions are a bit blurry. I wonder what these dreams are. I can feel the drowsiness. I am tired. Maybe I over worked myself. A good rest is what I need.
AMANDA
She promised herself that once she gets a job, she will definitely build her mother a double story house. That is her first wish on her bucket list. They get incontact from time to time when she gets airtime. With the little money of NSFAS – she is able to send half to her mother so that she can get something in her stomach. The little that is remaining she manages to buy herself some womans stuffs. When it comes to food – she knows that she has Khanyi on her back. Sometimes she will have that guilt that she does not provide with anything. She sighs, placing the bread back on the table. She feels her eyes becoming glossy. Is this truly her life? Accepting handouts. She cannot always be the second best when it comes to having things in life. She hears the burglar opening. Only one person that can come in without knocking. Indeed, it's her. She looks unwell like she has been crying.
"Are you okay?” She asks first. She places a plastic on top of the table and walks towards her then hands her two takeaways.
"I'm just stressed with the upcoming exams." She lies. Khanyi looks at her more like studying her. There is something else. Khanyi has grown to be this intimidating. Maybe the genes of the man she is dating has fallen down on her.
"I see. You can try again. I will be sleeping here today.” She sits on top of the chair and makes herself conformable.
"Okay! I just feel like I am useful. I can't even provide for my own clothing. You know how painful it is when you but je something and I can't even afford to buy you anything in return. “
"You bought me ice cream yesterday. That is something huge to me.”
She smiles making Amanda to emotionally smile.
"I told you this before and it still stands – we are sisters, and we shall forever be.” Khanyi.
Amanda takes a deep breath and bursts into tears. "Tell you what. Let's go shopping. I just want to spoil you.”
Amand frowns. "Where did you get the money?” She asks.
“You seem to forget that I am prostitute.” They look at each other and die with laughter.
“I see. Let me change. I want to eat that burger. The one you bought before.”
Amanda is having the time of her life. Khanyi really knows how to wipe the sadness off her face.
“Thank you, friend. You have no idea how depressed I was. I think leaving my mother to suffer all alone gets to me at time.”
“You do know that there are limited things that you can do for her since you are unemployed. Just be thankful that the government is funding you and stop annoying us with your sob stories.”
“I am government trust fund baby.”
They laugh out loud. “But in the truth. I am happy to have you around.” Amanda adds. They both fall into comfortable silence.
“Thabi and Skhosane are getting married.” Khanyi. Amanda laughed it off until she noticed how serious she was.
“You lie!” she exclaims with her hands on her head.
“I tell you. And you know wat is annoying. She told me that she was going to tell me once her negotiation day had been set. She told me she did not know the man she was marrying kanti all along I have been taken for a ride. Maybe they were dating behind my back nje.”
Amanda’s heart skips beat. Life is so unfair. Why does it always have to favor the rich ones. She takes a deep breath.
“So, he is now someone's husband?” she asks with a lump stuck to her throat.
“I don’t know sis. But what I know is she betrayed me.”
Amand’s heart skips a beat. “How would you have felt if I dated Skhosane right after you guys' have broken up?”
“Betrayed but we broke up. I wouldn’t stand in your happiness. But rather tell me instead of making me a fool you know.”
Amanda nods her head understanding. As much as she feels something for Skhosane – she prefers to die with the feelings she has for him.