I covered my mouth to prevent myself from screaming because of the shock. Menzi wasn't moving i didn't know whether to call out to him or just keep quiet. I held up my head to see the other side where Sphiwe was standing before the shooting, he was also laying in the ground. I went back to my original position not making a sound but tears were threatening my eyes i tried to blink them away when i heard Sphiwe.
Sphiwe: Menzi? Menzi mfethu ugrand? No response.
Sphiwe: Ndoh?. I heard him. I hesitated whether to answer back or not. Finally i answered.
Me: ngila (im here)
Sphiwe: usaphila?? ( you are still alive). Its not that he said that but the way he said it as if he was disappointed that I'm still alive.
Me: barely. I answered.
Him: okay kuzomele sihambe lana( we have to leave) its not safe. He got up and it was strange to me that he only got shot in the shoulder yet he was also directly opposite to the window the bullets came flying from. Anyway i just brushed it off. I stood up took one last look at Menzi, he moved.
Me: buka! (look) he moved. I said pointing to his direction.
Sphiwe: ufile lomuntu ( this person is dead) and i suggest if you still value your life ushay isishwapa sakho sihambe. ( take your flat ass and lets leave)
Me: mxm. What a jerk i thought to my self. We got to the car and in a few seconds we were gone. In the car no one spoke i don't care what Sphiwe was thinking but i was thinking of Menzi. Did i really imagine him moving. " So whats special about you" the jerk interrupted my thoughts.
Me: huh?? Usho ukthin( what do you mean)
Sphiwe: i mean what do you have that people would want you dead, others risking their lives to save you? . I knew he was referring to Menzi. I just shrugged my shoulders. I wasn't really in the mood to answer his dumb questions.
Me: ungisaphi? (where are you taking me) we have been driving nje in circles.
Sphiwe: somewhere safe. I was just making sure we are not being followed. I owe it to Menzi to take good care of you. He smiled.
I just looked away. This guy made me feel uneasy. Nothing about him felt reassuring and now i was stuck with him, there person who seemed sincere about keeping me safe was dead.
It was now around 6 or 7pm and he pulled up to some dodgy looking motel in Hillbrow. I knew the neighbourhood because our orphanage was in Berea and we had friends around Hillbrow.
Me: so this is somewhere safe?? I asked sarcastically.
Sphiwe: ey beggars cant be choosers. For someone who's life is in my hands you are sounding like a brat. I just looked away and followed him out the car. Damn this place was a disaster the moment we stepped in we were greeted my big ass rats. The lights were dim, it smelt like smoke and damp clothes and cheap alcohol. Over by the staircase were some ladies wearing skimpy clothes i assumed they were sex workers.
Sphiwe: This is just for tonight don't be a stuck up princess. Mxm this guy knew how to rub me up the wrong way. Anyway we got the sort of reception, he spoke to some guy that lead us to a room. He opened, gave Sphiwe the key and left. Ngicela ningangbuzi how the room was. An abomination i tell you.
Sphiwe: dont worry you will take the bed, ill take the floor.
Me: yeah so you will feel right at home with the rats.
Sphiwe: mxm lemme go get some food. He stormed off.
Honestly being in that dodgy place made me not trust the guy even more. I sat on the bed and i just thought how to escape i always trust my gut and it was screaming to me telling me to ditch this jerk. Before i could come up with a plan that Sphiwe walked in carrying two takeaways and juice.
Sphiwe: im back princess hope the food will be to your liking.
Me: im not hungry.
Sphiwe: Now listen here wena im not about to nurse you if you choose to slowly die of starvation i might as well kill you now mos!
Me: just do it!! I shouted. " kill me now i have nothing to live for!!
Sphiwe: ngyadlala (im kidding) i wouldn't kill you princess. He flashed that nasty smile of his. He went to what looked like the kitchen area and came back with a cup of juice.
Sphiwe: since you wont eat, here have some juice you gonna need it. Without a second thought i took it i really was thirsty. He just stood there watching me. I just thought to myself as soon as this fool falls asleep I'm out of this dump. I finished the juice and gave him the cup.
Sphiwe: awu akubongwa ( not even a thank you)
Me: thank you ! I was about to get up and go the toilet but decided against it. My head felt woozy, my eyes felt heavy its as though i could sleep any moment.
Sphiwe: yini uryt ( what? Are you okay)
Me: yea im... My speech was now slurred as if i was drunk or something. The room wouldn't stop spinning until i was forced to close my eyes. This is it i'm done for.
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