15
TWO QUEENS IN MY CASTLE 15NARRATED
It's Friday, the day before the funeral. He's been trying to hold it together as a man but for how long is he supposed to keep up? Even with the support structure from Bongani, Yolanda and Thandeka, it still doesn't make things any easier. He thinks keeping busy will get his mind off things but it doesn't work as much as he expected.
"You should sit down in the house and we'll handle things," Bongani tries to convince him.
"I can't. I'll just go crazy if I do that," he's outside trying to supervise the men cooking the tripe in the open fire. This is the only distraction he can think of or else he'll go confront Jimmy. Oratilwe wasn't completely honest with him, he only revealed the attack but didn't say who it was and begged Yolanda not to say anything.
"You should utilize this time to mourn. Tomorrow we're laying her to rest and you'll have to be strong enough to move on." Hearing the words 'move on' just drives him more insane. He was still looking forward to achieving great things and make his mother proud.
"Did you add the salt in the tripe?" He shifts Bongani from the way and heads to the men seated around the fire.
"Kabelo you're not supposed to be here," his aunt voices out from behind. He stands with his hands in his pockets and sighs. Bongani gives him the 'I told you' look and takes a seat. Kabelo turns around and nods to his aunt before returning into the house. What exactly is he supposed to do here? He can't go into his mom's bedroom and watch her lying in the coffin once more. He has seen enough and his heart surely won't be able to handle it. He goes to his room and takes off his shoes before lying on the bed, facing up. Just a couple of months ago they were laying his father to rest and now this. Why does it seem like God has suddenly forgotten about him? Nothing seems to be going well in his life and he doesn't know where to shift the blame.
"Knock knock," Thandeka's voice from the other side of the door takes him out of his thoughts.
"Come in," he wipes the lone tear that had escaped his eye and sits up. She enters with a smile on her face. What's there to be smiling about when everyone is crying?
"I saw you come in. How are you feeling?" She sits beside him, her hand on his shoulder.
"I'm fine," he lies through his teeth.
"Can I get you something to drink? Have you eaten?"
"I don't think anything will go down my throat at this moment."
"What can I do for you then?"
"Stay," he turns to face her. His red, teary eyes staring into hers.
"Alright," she takes his hand into his.
"I don't want to be alone," he lies on the bed and she rests her head on his chest. His heart is beating fast and if only she knew exactly what was going through his mind.
...
...
ORATILWE
My phone rings inside my dress pocket. I never thought he'd call me and I hate him for the disrespect he's bringing to my family.
"You have the nerve to call me when my mom is lying cold in the casket right now," she's furious but keeps her voice down.
"I'm outside. Please come and see me," says Jimmy.
"Are you stupid or are you stupid? You expect me to come outside and do what after what your crazy brother did."
"Can you at least give me a minute?"
"I won't be disrespected to that extent. Leave me alone and I don't ever want to see you again," I cut the call, my heart is already pumping abnormally.
"Are you alright?" Yolanda unexpectedly appears from behind and shocks me even more.
"I...Jimmy is outside," I'm biting my nails.
"What?" Her voice is loud. I shush her with my hand and pull her aside.
"Please Sis Yolanda I don't want trouble. I told him to leave because I don't have anything else to say to him. Plus Kabelo would go crazy if he saw him."
"Block this bastard. How dare he?" Her hands are on her waist.
"Keep it down, please."
"Block him. I'm warning you, Ora. You've already brought so much trouble in this family I'm begging you."
"I'll do that," I'm still shaking from the phone call.
"I hope you and I are clear that after the funeral you'll tell your brother the truth. I don't think you want Chopper to tell him first because Kabelo is already going through so much."
"Of course. I just didn't want any drama during the funeral preparations. I'll come clean after tomorrow and we'll see what to do from there."
...
...
YOLANDA
I take a plate of food and and a glass of juice on the tray. I don't think Kabelo has had anything to eat today and I'm really worried about him. My manners just flew out the window as I failed to knock. I hold the tray on one hand and use the other to open the door. Thandeka is lying on his chest like she's the main chick and I'm not sure how to react. This isn't the time nor place to question Kabelo so I just silently put the tray on his bedside. They both sit up, Thandeka fixing her dress strap.
"I didn't mean to interrupt your quality time," I turn around to leave.
"Thanks for the food," he says. I just ignore him and leave, we'll definitely talk about this tomorrow.
...
...
KABELO
(SATURDAY)
I take a stand at the podium, trying so hard not to cry. I'm not as strong as I thought I am but today I'll just have to try. The casket is in front of me, if only I could speak to her for one last time.
"It feels like yesterday when you held my hand and took me to school. I can still remember your tough when you held me into your arms and told me that I'll be great. You've left us too soon, especially because we've recently lost dad. I thought you'd be here to hold your first grandchild and see me get married. There are still a lot of things I wanted to do for you but God decided otherwise. I'm sorry for not being able to protect you when you needed me the most. I know that even if I blame myself, it'll not bring you back. I promise to make our house a home, bring dignity and respect like you've always wanted. You brought joy, happiness and laughter to all who met you, you will be sorely missed by everyone. When a person becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Loss leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. May the road rise up to meet you and may the wind be always at your back. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart. I love you so much mom and I'll always do. Rest well.
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