Nine

Annabelle's last days

Chapter nine

*Annabelle*

We are slow dancing to the thinking out loud by Ed Sheeran, my heart is beating so fast because in all my life I have never felt anything so powerful. I feel loved and cherished but above that I feel safe in his arms as literally floating in his arms.

"Mtho," I whisper.

"Miss Annabelle."

"People are watching us," he chuckles.

"Let them watch." I giggle.

"I love it when you laugh," he says.

"I'll laugh more."

"Good," he says before kissing my forehead.

"You want to get fired?" He chuckles.

"I'd run away with you," I giggle again.

"Where......" My mother stands in front of us looking like she's about to burst.

"What is this?" She speaks through her teeth before faking a smile.

"It's called dancing mother," she scoffs.

"Stop this and you, I'll deal with you tomorrow. Back to your chair, this is inappropriate and disrespectful."

She walks away and Mtho takes me back to my chair.

"I'm sorry about that," he smiles.

"Let's get out of here," he wheels me out and we decide to go outside near the fountain and just take in the serenity of the garden and the stars.

"This place looks beautiful," Mtho says and I smile.

"This is nothing Mtho, there are beautiful places out there," he smiles.

"Tell me the best place you've been to," I beam.

"I can't pin point one particular place because each country, each city has its own best place that made an impression on me but if I would choose a place where I would go right at this particular moment it has to be Tahiti. The people, the culture, the beautiful beaches and the food is just incredible. Most people there have been through so much but my word, they are the humblest people I've ever met. I'd also say Bali because of it's calmness and spirituality and not forgetting their rich history."

"Sounds amazing but you know you can still travel right?" I stare at the rotating waterfall from the fountain and smile faintly.

"Yes but it won't be the same, I won't stand inside the clear blue waters in Athens feeling the sand between my toes or ride the waves in Australia, they have the best waves ever there even Cape town ocean has nothing on the Oz waves."

"You surf?"

"I did, I wish you could have met me then Mtho you would have loved me. The world was my oyster and I loved every minute of it," he crouches down and takes my hand.

"But I love you now Annabelle," I try to retrieve my hand but her holds me tightly.

"Don't," I say tearing up.

"I love you Annabelle I do."

*Mthokozisi*

Her lips are trembling and she is shaking her head, saying no a couple of times, she looks so beautiful, I tuck her hair behind her ear and bring my face towards her, she leans forward meeting me halfway. I gently brush my lips against her plump pinkish lips before sucking her lower lip. We kiss slowly and beautifully lost in the moment until a clearing of the throat breaks off our moment.

"Get your filthy hands off my daughter," I get up putting my hands deep in my pockets before heaving a loud sigh.

"I love your daughter Mrs Jones," she laughs and claps her hands once.

"You love my daughter? So you thought you could take advantage of my daughter's situation and score yourself some money? Just because I took you in and allowed you sleep in my house with my assistant now you think you can sleep with my daughter?" I shake my head.

"Tomorrow I want you out of my house," she says already pulling Annabelle's wheelchair.

"Mom please you can't do this, I love him." Annabelle cries out.

"Yeah look at where that love of yours got you, I warned you about Jonathan you didn't listen and now you're stuck on a wheelchair, you'll get over him too." I watch as Annabelle cries being pushed away and not so gently by the way and my heart instantly breaks.

"You love her don't you?" Liv says behind me.

"I see the way you look at her," I heave a sigh.

"Where will you go?"

"I'll see, I've been saving money although it's not a lot."

"I have a house in Alexandra, you can live thereI until you're back on your feet," I turn to look at her.

"Please don't say no, I'm not expecting anything in return. I love you and you love her, it is what it is but allow me to help you out.

The next day......

Indeed Mrs Jones threw me out like a dog, I couldn't even say goodbye to Annabelle, my heart is breaking right now because she's all that I can think about. I decided to take Liv up on her offer because going back to the streets was not an option. Mrs Jones gave me three months of pay which was more than I expected, I can start a small business with it and earn a living.

"So you will use this bedroom and don't worry, no one ever comes here. Most of my family members are in mpumalanga and some are in Swaziland. I was planning to rent it out but I've been dragging my feet. You can stay here for as long as you need to until you are back on your feet."

"How is she?" She takes a deep breath.

"She has been crying since you left, I also tried speaking to Mrs Jones but she has hardened her heart. I'll make sure she is able to call you, just make sure you get a phone." I nod swallowing the lump in my throat.

"Thank you," she smiles faintly before handing me the keys to the house. I really appreciate her for doing this, the house is beautiful and clean, two bedrooms a lounge and the kitchen. It's not bad at all.

Two weeks later.....

*NARRATED*

"Her condition is deteriorating, her body is not fighting the new infection she contracted and she has stopped eating which is also making her weak, there is so much that the antibiotics can do, she needs to have the will to live," the doctor says to Mrs Jones and she sobs silently looking at her daughter on the bed.

"I don't want to lose my daughter please do something," the doctor sighs.

"I think we should have her admitted at the hospital, she doesn't look good at all," she nods wiping her tears.

"Do everything in your power to save my daughter," the doctor nods before walking out of Annabelle's room.

"Baby, I need you to fight please. I still need you," she says looking at her frail daughter.

"I will do anything even if it means bringing back that boy just please," she breaks down burying her face in her palms.

"I just want what's best for you and sometimes I get carried away but I promise to stop meddling, you were so happy at the gala party, how did we get here so fast?"

"Mrs Jones, the paramedics are here," Liv says walking in.

"Do you know where I can find him?" Liv nods.

"Please help me, I have never seen my daughter like this." She pleads.

"She loves him."

Previous Next

Please log in to submit a comment.