9
THE BRACELET 9TUMELO
I haven't been able to focus on anything else ever since I heard about Dimakatso's death. Blood shed wasn't part of the deal and I'm not sure that I want to continue with all of this. I've been avoiding Warona for a while now and my excuses are lame, I'm not sure if she'll believe me. I've managed to find a place to rent but I haven't been able to view it because my mind is just all over the place. I bought a few things needed in the house so now my mom allows me to have dinner with them and she doesn't insult me like she used to.
We're sitting around the dining table eating quietly. Ofentse is sitting opposite me and we keep glancing at each other. It would have been better if I remembered the intimacy moment she said we had but unfortunately I don't and now I'm suffering the guilt of betrayal I didn't even do.
Kabelo: So where did you say you got the money?
Me: I made a plan to provide for my family. I don't think I need to tell you every single thing I do
Kabelo: I was just curious because I've never seen you wake up in the morning and go to work. The money you make in that small car wash of yours cannot fund the groceries you bought yesterday
Me: A man makes a plan
Mom: Maybe your girlfriend gave you a loan
Me: I'm not going to allow you to speak about Warona like that. Oh and I'm moving out at the end of the week. I need a place of my own where I won't have to be uncomfortable whenever she visits
Mom: Good for you. At least you'll lessen the burden off our shoulders
Me: That's one thing we both agree on
Kabelo: Baby are you okay? You've been quiet for a while now?
Ofentse: I'm okay
Kabelo: Are you still not feeling well? Maybe we should go see a doctor
Ofentse: I don't think that's necessary my love
Mom: You should. Maybe you're finally carrying my grandchild
I stare at her and she drops her eyes. If ever she's pregnant, could it possible that I'm the father? This cannot he happen to me. Warona would never forgive me if that was true and I cannot afford to lose her.
[DAY BEFORE THE FUNERAL]
NARRATED
It has been a tough week for Dimakatso's parents to go through. She was their one and only child and they had hoped for her to be better in life. Even though her father was not financially available, they still got along with petty fights here and there. The coffin has been brought in and the afternoon prayer has already begun. This is the time for family to stick together but how do you even begin to accept your child's death if she was not sick or not involved in an accident? The post mortem revealed it to be natural death because the only plausible explanation was that her heart just gave up even with no underlying disease in her.
TUMELO
Sticks and Warona ambushed me to attend the evening prayer and help around where we can. I didn't want to go for obvious reasons but how do I explain it to them without making them ask too many questions? I let them drag me there with the guilt inside of me and I have to pretend in front of her family like I know nothing about the reason of her passing. She was just too young and didn't deserve any of this. I tried to walk away but she's the one who insisted on calling me and I know I was wrong to let her. I led her on and showed her money which made her fall deeper into the trap. A young girl like her with daddy issues would do anything to get a man's attention and I hate that I had to stoop so low for my own benefits. I excuse myself to the toilet before we get too busy because there are quite a few things that need to be done. After relieving myself I wash my face from the tap outside to cool off from the sudden heat that attacked me then I hear a voice from behind me
Voice: I didn't want to die
I remain in my initial position without even turning my head because I can tell that this voice is of the girl that lies inside the coffin in the house.
Me: You're dead so leave me alone
Voice: How do I leave you alone when you wanted me dead so I can be at your service?
I'm shocked by her response. I turn only to find her wearing the exact same clothes she was wearing the time she was at my place. Her eyes are full of tears like she was crying when she took her last breathe and it breaks my heart to be burdened by all this
Me: I didn't want any of this to happen. It wasn't my intention to kill you and in fact I didn't kill you
Katso: It was your greed and hunger for money that drove you into this. I know I'm partially to blame for looking for attention in older men with money but I didn't think I'd be the end of me
Me: Please forgive me
Katso: It pains to see my parents broken while looking at my body in that coffin while my spirit is not at rest
Me: My spirit is also not at rest
Katso: You're better because you have someone else's body which you can control. People can see you but no one can see me except for you, my Master
Me: Don't call me that
Warona: Babe who are you talking to?
Me: No one
Warona: Are you okay? I'm pretty sure I heard your voice as I was approaching
Me: I'm okay
Warona: Let's go then
She takes my hand and we walk back to where everyone else is. Dimakatso is tailing me and how am I supposed to cope with her spirit lingering everywhere I go? This is not what I signed up for?
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