Scarlett Ngcobo

Chapter 50

Three months later...

I looked at myself on the mirror and smiled. I was going out today. I'm meeting the gang. I can't believe the last time I saw them, was at the dance competition.
Therapy has really helped. I stopped seeing Dr Puoentle, three times a week, to only once a week. I'm not healed yet but I'm getting there.
The voices in my head try to catch me off guard, but I'm stronger. I won't let them win. I still have not been able to go out by myself but me and Kele or my parents, we take five minute walks.
I heard a soft knock on the door. I looked at myself one more time. I was wearing jeans and a crop top with nude stilettos. I had on some makeup. For the first time, I had on makeup and I wore a crop top. I'm showing a bit of skin.
“Khanyisile, are you done?”
I opened the door.
“Chommie! Turn around let me see you properly.”
“It's not too much?”
Silence.
“Kele?”
“You look hot. I was still trying to process if it was really you.” I saw tears in her eyes.
“Why are you crying?”
“I never thought I would see my friend again. I thought I lost you. I've missed you so much.” she gave me a hug.
I let out a sigh. “Let's go and face my demons.” I grabbed my handbag and we left.

We arrived at the Milk and Honey bar. I saw them at the back, I smiled and waved.
“Vriendin?” Kieran.
“Hi everyone.”
“Is it really you?” Kieran asked.
I was so emotional.
“Where's Rendani?”
“I'm here!”
I turned and gave her a hug. “It's so good to see everyone. It feels weird but good as well.”
“We've missed you too.” Khumo.
“Is it okay for a group hug?” Kieran asked.
I nodded.

We had some tempura prawns and pan-fried calamari as appetizers. We also had their platters and they were good.
Everyone was drinking alcohol and I had juice. One day at a time.
“Chommie, are you good?” Kele whispered next to me.
“I'm still okay.”

I looked at everyone laughing and joking around. I have missed this. Everyone being free with no worry.
“Khumo, how are things between you and your baby mama?”
I heard them mumbling.
“Khumo had to apply for shared custody. That girl is crazy! She once came to the office and caused drama!” Rendani.

“No ways!”

“We being serious. To make matters worse, is that Cassandra was in her feelings on that day.. if it were not for Lutendo, he would have got a written warning..” Alex said.

I saw Kieran pinching Alex. “Ouch! What's wrong?”

“It's okay guys. I know that you work with her, so...” I shrugged my shoulders.

We were having fun until I heard voices similar to my perpetrators. I started sweating profusely and my heart beat abnormally. Someone mistakenly touched me and I screamed.
“Chommie, calm down.”
I ran to the bathroom and locked the door. I tried calming down but that was not working. I heard Rendani and Kele knocking on the door.
I sat on the toilet seat and silently cried.
“Chommie, open up please.” Kele.
I tried to wipe the tears away but they kept on flowing.
I texted Olwethu to come and pick me up. I didn't want to be here any more.
I opened the door.
“Babe, come here.” Rendani said, hugging me tightly. I broke down and cried more.
“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.”
“Don't apologize, don't. Everything will be okay. Clean your face and I'll drive you home.”
“No. I texted Olwethu to fetch me.”
“Must I come with you?” Kele asked.
I shook my head no.

Olwethu came to fetch me. I had a headache from that crying.
“Cupcake?”
I just looked out the window until we arrived. I went straight to the spare bedroom. I locked myself in.
“Khanyisile?” I heard her knocking softly.
“I just want to rest. Please leave me alone.”

I called Dr Puoentle. She answered on the first ring.
“Firecracker?”
“Hello doctor.”
“What's wrong? You don't sound okay.”
Deep sigh. “I'm not okay. I thought I was getting better but after today I'm not sure.”
“Calm down and tell me what happened.”
I told her everything...