Scars and Nightmares

chapter 40

Rachel Ndlovu

I woke up in an unfamiliar room. The bed was smaller compared to mine. I looked around with hopes to recognise the place but it was very dull, this looked like a hospital. What was I doing here?
I stood up and tried the door but it was late–
“Help! Someone help me.” I bamged on the door, someone would have to pass here and hear me. “I need help.” I banged until my palm hurt.
I went back and sat on the bed while looking around my room.
“I told you that you won't win.”
I recognised the voice, it belonged to Kuhle. I looked around the room then I saw her but this time around she didn't scare me. I was no longer afraid.
“I hope you rot in hell Rachel, for every little bad thing you have done.” Kuhle.
“I’ll meet you in hell as well Okuhle. Keep my seat warm as I'm still breathing.”
The door opened, a tall slender woman walked in.
“You’re finally up Mrs Ndlovu?”
“What an I doing here?”
“You don't remember?” she wrote something down.
“If I did I wouldn't be asking now would I?”
“Your husband brought you here, you have been acting strange the past couple of weeks but yesterday you were extreme. you almost...”
“Where is my husband?”
“You won't be seeing him anytime soon Mrs Ndlovu.”
“No one is telling me what to do! I'm going to see my husband.” I attempted to leave but the tall woman had a firm hand. I really doubted her.
“Let go of me you slut! Let go.”
“You’re not going anywhere Rachel, until I'm pleased with your progress.”
“I’m not mad, get me out of here.”
I kicked, bit and swore a the woman.
“Nurse Ruth come and give this crazy person something to calm her down. She's very wild.” the tall lady said.
“I killed her and no one will ever know. I did it.”
“Who did you kill?” I let out a hard laugh and leaned back. This woman must really think I'm stupid. A nurse injected me and I felt drowsy.

Terrence Ndlovu

The hospital gave me a few days off to sort out my issues. It had not sunk in yet that Rachel was at a psychiatric hospital. I didn't understand what led her there. She was okay when we slept then the following morning she was a mess. The house was a mess, she was singing songs I had never heard before. She acted strange.
I texted Goitsimedi to ask if she was okay after the fall. She was pregnant and I couldn't even enjoy the pregnancy. A lot of things were not going accordingly.
Rosina was cleaning up the mess from yesterday. I wished I could help her out but I was very much exhausted.
“Rosina, if anyone comes looking for me, I'll be in my room.”
“Okay bhuti Terrence.”
Each step I took was exhausting. The house felt very empty.
Was I the cause of what's happening? Am I cursed to not date anyone?
I tried calling Goitsimedi but her phone just rang.
I tossed and turned on the bed until I finally closed my eyes and slept.
–
I heard voices downstairs when I woke up. I looked at my phone hoping that Goitsimedi would have called back but there was nothing. I lay back down while trying her again with no luck.. I washed my face in the bathroom sink then went downstairs, I smiled seeing my mother's face.
“Mah?”
“Woza ku mah ngani yami.. come here.” she tried standing up but her legs failed her. Kayise helped her up.. she gave me a tight squeeze, this is what I needed.
“Mah sit down you look tired.” Kayise sat next to me with a smile on her face but the smile didn't reach her eyes.
“Uphi uLindo?”
“He had rehearsals today, how are you bhuti?”
“I don't know honestly. I feel weird, I don't know how to explain this but I feel strange inside; as though something was occupying my body and it has left now. Strange I know.”
“What happened to Rachel wena Mthoko?”
“I really don't know, she started acting very strange after the insemination. She walked in her sleep and sang strange songs.”
I saw the looks my mom and Kayise exchanged when they thought I was not looking. Rosina came in with juice and biscuits, mom smiled at her.
“Rosina when do you want to go back home then I can organise transport.”
“I don't mind being here, I could help clean the house and cook.”
“Thanks but you only came here because you had to help out with Rachel. I'll manage the cleaning and cooking.”
“Are you sure? I really didn't mind and I could also help with the baby once ausi Goitsimedi gives birth.”
“When we need help, you will be the first person I call.” she nodded then disappeared to the kitchen again.
“It makes no sense that I get along with almost everyone from Rachel's side of the family except for her.” Kayise said looking at me.
“How is mom and baby doing? When will we meet this woman?”
Rachel really left me in a mess. Only Rachel and I had met with Goitsimedi and Rosina as well. I had no idea how they were going to take what I was about to tell them.