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BABY DADDY DRAMA

CHAPTER 1

I never planned to have a baby during my teens. I was always a well behaved child who didn't go around looking for trouble. Academically, I was an A+ student and I didn't have many friends. I never imagined that one wrong decision would change my life forever. It was on the 22nd of November when I sneaked out for the pens down party happening in our area. Alcohol was something I never tasted in my whole life and that night, things changed.

I ended up drunk and inside the back of a Citi Golf with a guy I hardly knew. There, my innocence was taken and I fell pregnant. My parents were disappointed, furious and disgusted. I wouldn't say I was raped because somehow I saw what was happening but I never stopped him. I was 18 and fortunate enough to have passed my matric.

My bursary was revoked due to my pregnancy so I had to take a gap year and raise my son as a single parent. I was unemployed and I had no idea how to take care of a new born baby. My mom helped but there were certain things I had to do for myself. I lost all my friends and I was the talk of the township.

"Where did she think she'd end up?" Those were the words making rounds wherever I went. I remained strong despite the challenges and the following year I applied for a bursary of which I got. My mom took care of my son while I went to study psychology. I graduated and fortunately, I didn't struggle to get a job. I managed to get my son into a good day care center at the age of 5 and I was able to take care of myself.

I found an affordable place to rent closer to work and my son remained with my parents. Things were looking up.

There was this specific day when I was just about to knock off when I was told that someone wants to see me. I was tired but this person was persistent so I let them in.

[THAT DAY_ 3 YEARS AGO]

I already have my bag ready on my desk. My back aches and so is my neck. All I want is to go home, get into a bath and then sleep. That's not going to happen soon because this man here has totally been an inconvenience.

"Please take a seat Mr..." I take a look at his file. It's written Mr Mojalefa Kgaswane. Before I could address him, he speaks.

"Gash, just call me Gash," he says.

Trying to keeps this formal and professional, I refer to him with his last name.

"Mr Kgaswane, I don't remember having an appointment scheduled with you," I say.

"I don't have an appointment because I didn't want to come but I was kind of forced to."

"Forced? How do you expect me to help you if you feel forced? Remember, I only help a person who needs help," I say.

"Just get this done and over with, Dr Maleka," he says.

"I don't only need you to see me just for today. You'll have to keep on coming until I am sure that you're fine."

"You do know that I've paid and that I've paid a lot of money, right? Do I need to beg you to do your job?"

"Excuse me? I'm not going to allow you to come into my office and disrespect me. Firstly, you barged in here without an appointment when I was supposed to knock off. Secondly you're rude and you want to throw some weight around. Please, sir, kindly ask for a refund at the reception and leave. I don't have time for this," I snap.

I've been under some stress lately and I know what I'm doing right is unprofessional and I could get a written warning if he reports me.

"Do you know who I am?"

"I don't wish to know who you are."

"Clearly you have no idea who I am. Else you wouldn't be running your mouth like I'm your friend. I'll be here first thing tomorrow and for your sake, I suggest you do a background check about me," he gets up and leaves.

My head pounds, I don't have time for nonsense. I get to the parking lot and he's still there. I get into my car and drive home. I order a takeaway and take a bath while I wait. After eating, I get into bed and open social media. I search 'Mojalefa Kgaswane' but nothing much shows up. Just a bunch of people who don't even look like him.

I search for 'Gash' instead and he pops up. His account is verified on Instagram and he looks like someone who's for the streets. He's well known, respected and feared. I can't seem to get why so I stalk him further.
People are talking about how powerful and dangerous his family is and all this is new to me.

I've never heard of them, maybe it's because I'm too focused on things that only concern me.

****

GASH

"Ma," I place my hand on her shoulder. She doesn't turn to face me.

"Did you go?" She asks.

"I did but I didn't get to talk to the psychologist. I got there too late," I late.

"Then why are you here? I told you to not come see me if you're not getting any help."

"I needed to see if you're okay, Ma."

"I'm fine. You may leave now," I can hear sadness in her voice.

"How do I begin to forgive myself for the accident, Ma. You're stuck in this wheelchair and my son is dead. Here I am, walking unscathed. How is that fair, ma?"

"Go, Mojalefa. Don't ever set your foot in my house unless you get help. You're a danger to yourself and everyone around you."

"Fine. I'll go back there tomorrow morning. But please let me make you a cup of tea."

"No!" She wheels out her wheelchair and leaves me standing. I can never get over what happened that fateful night. I'll forever blame myself.