My heart's desire

My heart's desire

Chapter 34

*Everyone is seated outside the room . Meanwhile, the entire family is waiting for Jades doctor. Jade finally opens her eyes and presses the emergency beep . As soon as the nurse arrives, the rest of the family enters right behind her.*

MaZulu : Oh, my baby.

Nurse : Here, have some water.

*The nurse gives her some water for the dry throat, and she smiles at her parents as soon as she's done. Her mom and dad try to smile, but they still have worry and pity written all over their faces . Jade also covers her hurt with a smile . Something she's always been good at in front of their parents, but she's smile tly hoping her sisters don't come because they're are the only ones who can see right through her.*

MaZulu : How are you feeling, baby?

Bhovungane : The doctor said it was the treatment.

*Jade nods still fake, smiling at them*

Jade : I'm okay, just tired. It's just a scare, ma no, baba . Ngikahle Mina.(mom and dad, I'm fine).

MaZulu : You scared us, baby.

Jade : I'm sorry, mom .

MaZulu : What if..

Jade : Mom, please never mind the what if's . As long as I'm healthy.

Bhovunga : That's true. I'm happy you're okay, my love.

Jade : I know, dad. I'm your soulmate . How can I scare you . You wouldn't live without me . I'm your soulmate.

Bhovungane: My ride or die vele.

*He says, giving her a tight hug, and she hugs him back, trying so hard to push back her tears .*

MaZulu : I'm still the first love, though .

Jade : We know mom .

*Just then, the door busts open, and Alex, along with Ella, come in.*

Alex : Good afternoon, Mr and Mrs Zulu . My name is Alex Rodriguez.

Bhovungane : Afternoon Rodriguez.

MaZulu : Afternoon, my son.

Alex : It's a pleasure to meet you . I have come to visit your daughter but I promise not to stay long. I just wanted to see her and wish her a "get well soon" I could've got her something, but I strongly feel like those things are not useful as long as she physically sees my presents she will appreciate it.

Bhovungane : Exactly what u always tell these 2 . I like you, my boy.

Ella : Haa, daddy ,he's a man.

Alex : It's okay actually I don't find the exact difference between the words the mean the same thing they're just pronounced differently according to cultures and I'm white so whether you call me a man or a boy irs shouldn't bother me and well Mr Zulu is an adult so I wouldn't mind being his boy . However, I wouldn't appreciate anyone else calling me that. It's a sign of respect .

*Ella notes it all down as he's talking . He fixes his glasses and smiles, looking at Bhovunganes proud smile.*

MaZulu : What are you busy writing ?

Ella : He's my mentor now .

Jade : Since when?

Alex : Since (looking at him watch ) well, it's been exactly 28 hours 59 minutes and 5 seconds.

Bhovungane : I like you, son.

Alex : I'll take that as a compliment, sir. I recently looked you up on social media platforms, and I want to say you are one of the people I highly respect .

Bhovungane : Why thank you very much, my son . Finally, someone who acknowledges my hard worm.

MaZulu : Do you have to write everything down ?

Ella : I'm being mentored mommy you won't get it.

Alex : I'll get her something to record instead . Writing gets tiring .

MaZulu : That's very thoughtful of you, Alex . We'll get something to eat . We'll see you later, baby.

*They say both, looking at Jade as she nods and they make their way out.*

Jade

*Alex cleans up his seat with some tissue before sitting down and fixing his glasses .*

Alex : I hope you get better soon . And I also wish you get better soon . Ella has been very worried.

Jade : I see you've been spending some time together.

Ella : He's very smart.

Alex : I wouldn't say smart. I just have a very high IQ level.

Jade : I love that you're monitoring her progress.

Alex : It's my pleasure . I find her very intriguing . She's also very clumpsy and jumpy . Her heart always seems to beat faster when she's nervous, and she can't maintain eye contact for long .

Ella : Wow .

Jade : Very observant .

Alex : She likes reading too .

Ella : Loves reading.

Alex : Apologies. Love's reading .

Jade : Where's Dante ?

*Alex fixes his glasses again*

Alex : I'm not sure . The last time I saw him was when I went to his house. Doesn't he know you're here ?

Jade : I don't know. Maybe.

*I don't know why my heart refuses to believe he doesn't know. Maybe he just doesn't want to see me. They spent a few minutes with me before leaving and promising to visit me at my house in a week.*

Nurse : Hey, mam, it's time for food.

Jade : Okay. Did they change my medication again?

Nurse : Not yet baby , you're still doing pretty well with the current one

Jade : When am I going home ?

Nurse : Tomorrow morning .

Jade : Thank you .

*She closes the door on her way out . A few hours later, I feel the door open up, but I still pretend to be asleep. I don't feel like talking to anyone. I smell his intoxicating cologne, and my breath freezes instantly. He comes closer to my and perks my forehead.*

Dante : I'm so sorry.

*I want to ask so bad what the fuck is he sorry about ?*

Dante : I'm so sorry for not being there when you needed me the most. I hope you forgive me for what I'm doing . I love you.

*And just like that. He kisses my chick and leaves . I feel my tears threatening to come out. I let them fall as I lay on my back . Is this it ? Are we over ?*