Lisa's confessions

Chapter 5- A mother's lament

BRIDGET'S POV

It's 3am in the morning and I am restless. Resting on the sofa sipping on some pinotage. Thinking about how far I have come and how tough my road was. I let the tears flow as the memories come flooding like a chain. It's a shame that I didn't get to mourn the death of my love for Chris.

"Let's see ukuthi uzophila kanjani ngaphandle kwami!" He said. And that's when I knew that I have no one in this world except Lisakhanya my daughter.

I grew up in Sophiatown, living with my parents. I was pursuing my nursing career as I was passionate about serving the people(hospitality). I was well known in town and anyone who didn't know my name must have been living under a rock. "Bridget Ntshingila for president! Bridget for president!" I would always be chosen to lead strikes or represent my home town. Eventually I became the Royal blues ambassador.

I came from a wealthy family and lacked nothing. I had an education, fame in Sophiatown and a company to my name at the age of 19. I was only going to take over when I turned 25. One day, I informed my parents that I was pregnant. One of the days I'll never forget. My moms reaction was priceless, dramatic much and my dad's first question was "Ngubani ubaba walengane?" When I told them that Chris is the father, they were very disappointed. They expected a rich man from Dubai or something and Chris was just a taxi driver.

Their reputation was extremely important to them...more important than their children and they wouldn't let anyone, I mean anyone tarnish it. I have seen it all. As a child, I saw things they did to people who double crossed the Ntshingila's. It still makes my skin crawl.

They suggested an abortion..no scratch that. They ordered I do an abortion and I refused. That was the day I lost my family. I was then disowned.

"Ungalinge, uphinde ungene endlini yami your lubbish!" My dad exclaimed and banged the door at my face.

My mom didn't support the idea but she believed in being a submissive wife. She respects my dad so much that she even calls him "baba" and bows anytime she serves him food. Since I had nowhere to go, I went to
live with my grandmother in Booipatong till I gave birth then she passed away. That's when I named Lisa after after my grandmother, Lisakhanya Ntshingila. I chose to give her my surname because Chris and I were not married.
My mom managed to send me money every month and check up on Lisa and I. But there was a point where she stopped.

Chris the father of my child, took me in, took care of me, loved me, promised me heaven and Earth. Even though I didn't have the life I had back then, I quickly adapted. From living in a mansion to a two bedroom house. Life with Chris was the best and I had no regrets of giving him my innocence. The most caring man ever.

Chris started to work harder, had some side hustles. He saved enough money to buy taxis so he can have a name for himself. His business was growing then he left the taxi driver life and became a taxi owner. We moved out of Sophiatown and lived in Meyerton in a four bedroom house. I eventually finished my course for nursing and became a qualified nurse.

The only thing I disliked about Chris was that he was a weed smoker. I hate the smell and the look of weed. I just find it immoral and apalling.

I remember it like it happened yesterday. The day he invited his friends over including Mandla, his brother. I was echo friendly and engaged in conversations here and there. Mandla started talking a lot of bull and I would just laugh to pass time. He started making dirty jokes, bedroom jokes to be exact, expecting me to laugh. He's my brother in law, well not exactly but I wouldn't even entertain the idea.

Little did I know that Chris was the possessive type. He kept a close eye on me. When everyone left, this was his chance to teach me a lesson."You flirt with men now? I'll teach you a lesson you will never forget." His voice keeps ringing in my head. I close my eyes and let the tears flow, just letting it all out.