CHAPTER 2
ZINHLE DUMAI'm packing right now; Sandile brought me some clothing yesterday, but he's not here when he should be to pick me up.
Doc: So, who is going to sign the discharge documents?
Me: Doctor, do I really have a choice? Let me sign them.
Doc: And in case you decide to change your mind, here's my phone number... You know?
Me: Tshepiso, thank you so much, but I'm afraid not. Please retain your number; I'll be alright.
He gave me a little smile, a pity smile! he shouldn't feel sorry for me. I detest it! He slipped his number-containing paper inside my sweatshirt pocket. I gave him a quick look before heading to the waiting area. I attempted to call Sandile using Tshepiso's phone, but he did not answer. I grabbed my overnight bag and made my way to the closest taxi.
As anticipated, his home was packed when I arrived; he frequently brings his group of friends here. They responded to my greeting, as usual, by concentrating on playing chess. If only they understood how much I loathe that!
I entered since Sandile wasn't with them, and my goodness, I wish I hadn't! The one night I stayed in the hospital, and this is what I find here? It might have become a complete trash if I stayed in three days. The sounds of moans and groans emanating from our bedroom interrupted my thoughts. No way would he dare!
"Ohh right there baby! F^ck ohh Ndile"
Me: What the hell Sandile?
Sandile: **** off Zinhle! Just shut the door behind you! you're disturbing us!
Ohh and now that's a pure disrespect! How could he? Now I'm very much sure that there's no love anymore between us. He went beyond and this pushes me to accept Tshepiso's help. Even if though I don't know him much but I bet my life is way more better off without Sandile.
I walked to our study room breathlessly, took my important documents and headed back out with just few clothes I had. I strolled up to my neighbor.
Me: bab'Vusi can I please use your phone for a minute?
I said quickly trying to hold my tears, He nodded since he's a mute. I took out Tshepiso's number and dialed it.
Him: Tshepiso Moroka speaking hello?
Me: Hi... It's Zinhle... Zinhle Duma.
Him: Ohh hi what's going on, You good?
Me: I... I really wanna be far from here... please help me...
Him: Where are you now?
Me: I'm still at my neighbor's house... I'm using his phone.
Him: Okay I need you to request an uber and come back to the hospital, I'll sort you out from here.
Me: I... I don't...
Him: What is it?
Me: I got no cash for cab... I used my last—
Him: Don't worry yourself, just get here before he sees you Zinhle.
I nodded as if he could see me and cut the call... I immediately requested an uber.
Me: Thank you so much bab'Vusi... Thank you.
He nodded once again, I knelt down in front of him since he was seated. I told him that I'm going and I'm not sure if I'm ever coming back. He wrote down on his diary since I don't know sign language.
“I'm glad you're finally setting yourself free Hlehle, Never ever come back to him again... I wish I had power enough to protect you from earlier but now that you found help? I'm happy for you mtanami. Hamba kahle and fulfill your dream of becoming a businesswoman.”
I read that and smiled with teary eyes, I hugged him tight. He had always been there like my father well I always treated him like my father and he treated me like his own daughter. I swear when I become successful I'm gonna do something for him and Babalwa, his only granddaughter.
I kissed his forehead and wiped his tears before running to a cab. I lastly glanced at him and waved as the car drove by. I didn't see Sandile anywhere by his friends so he was obviously still smashing that girl.
Tshepiso was already waiting for me where the cab dropped me off, I threw myself on him and weeped.
Tshepi: Shh.... it's gonna be okay, shh...
Me: Please take me far from this place, Out of Durban, Out of KZN or even out of the country please.
Tshepi: Zinhle calm down now okay? I got you.
I know I can't be trusting anyone but I bet I'm better off without Sandile, He has put me through a lot.
Tshepi: My life is here Zinhle, My career is here in Durban so I can't leave but you can.
Me: What do you mean?
Tshepi: I'm going to have a talk with my brother, He lives in Kimberly.
Me: Ohh....
Tshepi: Well he won't mind living with you if you don't mind of course.
Me: Ohh no as long as I'm safe.
Tshepi: Trust me Zinhle... I need you to trust me. I can't take you out of lion's den just to throw you into another.
Me: Calling you was proof enough that I trust you Tshepiso.
He smiled showing his perfect teeth and I just faintly smiled. I waited for his shift to be over so we can drive off to his place. I'm still wondering why doesn't he call police or anything like that?
The following day he booked a flight tickets for both of us. Yeah I slept at his house even though I couldn't sleep so well because of nightmares but I can't tell him that, He would think I'm too much. I like his house, It's big enough for him it's cosy and clean, some gents are clean shem. He insisted on getting me a new smartphone since I had no cellphone to use but buying a cellphone turned into shopping. He bought me clothes plus I only had a dress and a jean with a t-shirt.
***
Tshepiso: Zinhle meet my brother, Thato and T she's Zinhle the woman I told you about.
Me: Hi Thato.
Thato: Sure... Bro lemme have a word with you, privately.
Ohh.
He looks younger than Tshepi but he's so intimidating oh my gosh. He's all serious and shit! One thing I would hate is being a nuisance or more like a burden.
Thato: I'll show you your room.
He said pulling me out of my thoughts, Tshepiso just walked out talking on the phone.
Me: My room?
He just glanced at me and took my bags leading the way to "my room". Penthouses are breathtakingly beautiful, He really did archive hir dreams.. If this isn't his dream house then I don't know.
Thato: There you go.
Me: Thanks.
Thato: You're welcome.
He put my bags down on the bed and turned to leave.
Me: Uhm Thato...
He stood by the door with his back facing me.
Me: Uhm... I don't really wanna be a burden you know? So if you're not really cool with me staying he–
Thato: If I had issues with that I would've said so.
Me: Ohh just that I–
He walked out leaving me with my big mouth eish I really hope I'll settle in well. I sat by the edge of the bed admiring how beautiful the pinkish mixed with white color made the room when Tshepiso walked in, God these coloured boys are dazzling hot.
Tshepi: Make yourself at home.
Me: This isn't your house to say such.
Tshepi: Bathong Zinhle it's my brother's house so I'm allowing you.
Me: Do you think I'm gonna be a burden? but I promise I'm not gonna live here for too long. If I manage to get a job, I'll rent out and if–
Tshepi: Zinhle! will you relax? *laughs* It's gonna be okay, Just settle in well before going for job hunting.
Me: I hope he won't get tired of me.
Tshepi: One thing about Thato? He's always busy on his businesses or maybe busy with the gents.... or girls.
Me: Ohh he has a girlfriend? I hope she won't mind me staying here.
Tshepi: well that I don't know but my brother is never a committed person so yeah.
I sighed out loud, He smiled and pulled me in for a hug... tightening it I responded to it feeling a little bit at ease. At last I found someone who could help me to get out of that house, but I know Sandile won't let this slide.
Tshepi: It's gonna be okay.
Me: I hope so and thank you so much Tshepi, I owe you a lot.
Tshepi: no you don't owe me anything Zee I told you that I did all this out of kindness, I would've done it to anyone who was in need.
Me: Thank you.
Tshepi: It's all my pleasure Ms.
He pulled out from the hug and held both of my hands, We stared at each other's eyes for a while.
Tshepi: Imma head back now.
Me: Now? No it's too soon.
Tshepi: Zee I left my job in case you weren't aware.
Me: *mumbles* Gosh I'm scared of that guy.
Tshepi: Thato doesn't bite unless you make him angry.
Me: If I make him angry he's gonna bite me?
Tshepi: Yep... He's gonna eat you alive.
Me: Oh God.
Tshepi: *laughs* I'm kidding Zee but don't make him angry.
I nodded, To even think Sandile couldn't control his anger made me feel terrified that Thato might be abusive as well. Right! I'm gonna lock myself up in this room, it has an ensuite? no? dang I hope I won't bump into him.
Tshepi: He's not abusive.
Me: I didn't say anything.
Tshepi: Was just saying, You need to trust me Zinhle. I can't put you under the same condition I found you in.
Me: Yes I.. I know.
Tshepi: Guess I'll see you then.... come on now.
He likes hugging me, I don't know if it's because of my small body fitting perfectly in his arms or what.
Me: Visit us every weekend.
Tshepi: As if I have that much money.
We both chuckled softly as I walked him out. I'm glad I managed to get used to him in just a day, phela he's not intimidating like Thato. Tshepiso is more like friendly and outspoken... just like me.
Tshepi: Treat her good.
Thato: *rolls eyes* As if.
He kissed my cheek before grabbing his car keys and rushed out and now the awkwardness filled the room, I just stood there awkwardly as he just stared at me blankly... he's creepy.
Thato: Feel free Sihle.
Me: It's actually Zinhle... and thanks for accommodating me.
Thato: Cool.
He walked pass me going only God knows where. I walked back to my room and unpacked my bags, Packing them in the closet. After all that I threw myself on bed and dozed off.
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