2

BABY DADDY DRAMA

CHAPTER 2

GASH

[3 YEARS LATER]

I thought I wouldn't feel like this anymore. I still remember my mother's words 3 years ago when she told me to seek help. I never set foot into the psychologist's office again since the day I went. The nightmares are back and intense that I can't even focus on anything else without losing my cool. No one wants to be around me and I don't want to be around anybody.

I'm at my son's grave and I still cannot believe that it's been three years since he has been gone.

"Today would have been your birthday. I would have thrown you the biggest 7th year party no one has ever seen. I'm so sorry my boy, daddy never meant to hurt you. All I wanted was to spend time with you and grandma, I didn't know it would lead to this. I can't sleep without dreaming about that day, I need you to forgive me. I know you're angry but please, forgive me. I love you so much and that love cannot be compared to anything in this world," I'm close to breaking down.

I cannot afford to be seen crying. Men don't cry, especially not a man like me. How would people continue to fear and respect me if I'm seen shedding tears? I get and quickly wipe my face. I need to be strong. Maybe it's time I went back to that psychologist.

****

KAONE

For the past few days I've been feeling weird. I feel like I'm being followed but maybe I'm being paranoid. I'm working too much and it's probably the fatigue playing mind tricks. I park my car at the parking lot and lock it. I can see a human figure on my car's side mirror and I turn but no one is there. I stop for some time and look around but I'm the only one here. I get into the building and I cannot stop looking over my shoulder, something is wrong.

I set up my office and await my first patient. There's a knock on the door before it opens, he walks in. His face is familiar but I can't remember where I've seen him.

"Good morning. Please take a seat," I grab the file that has been left on my desk and sit opposite him on the sofa. The surname suddenly rings a bell, Kgaswane.

"Wait, are you not the man who once came here a few years ago and threw some weight around?"

"Good morning to you too, Dr Maleka," he says.

"I hope we're not going to disrespect each other today. Since you're here on time, we may begin."

"I'm sorry about the last time. I was rude and I didn't have to say the things I said to you," he says.

"It's water under the bridge, Mr Kgaswane," I say with a smile.

"Gash, please just call me Gash. It'll put me more at ease."

"If you insist. So tell me a bit about yourself, Gash," I cross my legs and place my notepad on my lap.

"Why?"

"I'm trying to get to know you before we can chat."

"Why don't you tell me about yourself, rather?"

"Nice try, Gash," I chuckle.

"If we're going to do introductions then it's only fair that you tell me. Ladies first."

"Are you always this persistent?"

"I am and I always get what I want," he says.

"Is Peace part of what you want?" My question changes his facial expression.

"Where are you going with this?"

"You're troubled, that's undeniable. A couple of points I picked up from your file are nightmares and anger. I know how those feel."

"You don't know sh*t about me," he kicks the table and gets up on his feet frustrated.

"There are many ways to release your anger and sometimes violence is unnecessary."

"Don't pretend to know how I feel. You have no idea how I feel right now," his muscles tense up.

"Sure but I've had my fair share experience of anger and nightmares. Blaming myself for things I know I could have avoided."

He remains quiet and walks up towards the window. He blankly stares outside for some time.

"You don't know how losing a child feels like."

"Yes you're right. I don't know the pain but I can try to understand it if you let me," I walk up to him.

"I can't do this. I need some space," he walks out. A part of my job is being patient. Had I not chosen this career out of love, I would probably be out of a job by now.

The day progresses and I finally knock off. I miss my son so today I'm driving to my parents house to sleep over. I plan to get a few things for my son, Odirile. I unlock my car and before I could get in, someone grabs me. I half scream but after realizing who it is, I calm down.

"It's me, calm down," he says.

"What are you doing here? How the f*ck did you even know I work here? Are you stalking me? Oh my God you're the one who's been following me."

"I'm sorry. I was trying to gather the courage to approach you."

"Approach me for what reason? You and I have nothing to talk about."

"My son..."

"Hold it right there. Which son, perhaps?" My B.P rises.

"Our son. Kaone I want to meet my son. I want to have a relationship with him."

I burst out into laughter before it quickly turns into tears.

"Over my dead body. You denied him while he was still inside my womb. What makes you certain that I'll allow you into his life?"

"I was young and stupid back them. I was unable to father a child but now I can. I'm working so I can help out where I can."

"Help out where you can? Where were you when I needed you for 8 long years? You do realize that your son is 8, right?" Tears are running down my face uncontrollably.

"I am flop and I'm sorry."

"If you don't leave at this instant I'll call the security. I don't ever want to see you again and if you dare go near my son I'll kill you."

"Kaone, please," he begs.

"F*ck you. You left me to care for him all by myself. I slipped into depression because at some point I wasn't coping. Where were you when I needed you?"

"We can find a way through this," he says.

"Leave my sight, Pitso. I swear if you're still here in the next 5 seconds I'll do something I'll regret for the rest of my life."

He turns and walks away. I drop down to my knees and cry.