A Thousand Hills

1 Series

Turns out the hospital visit was necessary, they've kept me overnight and insisted on doing a CT scan for any head fractures. I got 12 stitches on the side of my head and have 2 fractured ribs.
I've been cleared to go home after being on a drip all night since I lost a bit of blood.
Lindzy left last night and is probably at work so I don't want to trouble him.

He left me with a charger but my phone has been on silence since the exams and the missed calls are overwhelming.

My grandmother, Noxolo, 2 from Nsizwa, 4 from Lindzy and 9 from Phakamile at different times of the night including 6 from this morning.
I remember I was meant to arrange Franschhoek
Crap, so I call him back first before I risk my job

"Where are you", his rasp sounding deeper than normal, scarier.
It's the first thing he says when he picks up the call.
The hostility catches me off guard, why does he have to be this way?
I take a deep breath, trying to control the sudden rise of anger

"Lesedi Zungu", he asks slightly more annoyed, it sounds like he is driving

"I was in an accident yesterday afternoon, I'm at the hospital" I answer back

"Which one?" He sounds cold

"Life Wilgeheuwel"

"I'll be there in 15 minutes" he says back

"No, I've been discharged, I'm on my way home. I already reserved Franschhoek, Nsizwa will get clearance for the jet. When will you be leaving, I'll get the shuttle services to pick you up in Cape Town" I say in between snuffles and trying to hold back the tears.
The line is quiet but I can hear the car, sounds like he is speeding

"Are you crying? How badly hurt are you?" He asks

"Not much, just fractured ribs and 12 stitches" I murmur back.

He is quiet, I can only hear the car engine roaring and I'm not sure what else to say

"Was there something you needed, when you called?" I ask after a long moment of listening to his car engine

"Why didn't you call me" he's raspy deep voice is hard to get use to especially over the phone.

He's angry... arg

"I'm fine plus it was your birthday" I say a little emotional, the line is quiet again. These long pauses of his are going to drive me crazy, especially because I need to hang up and make the reservation I just lied about. I'm not worried about availability because just the mention of their name is enough

"I have to go, is there anything else?" I ask after more silence

"You should have called me Lesedi" he says, his voice hasn't been raised once but I feel like I'm being scolded so I just start crying
Called when? because I was in an accident and things were going according to plan for his birthday

There was nothing that could have possibly needed my attention last night. I can't hold it any longer, It's more anger and frustration than sadness, doesn't Phakamile have a heart?

"Are you crying? Are you in pain? Lesedi??" he asks, with a little panic in his voice and I just can't do this today so I hang up on him.

I wipe my tears and call my taxiezy, I don't understand why the emotions, I'm fine really, it must be my old age kicking in,
On the ride home I text Lindzy and Noxolo assuring them that I'm okay, they text and call back immediately and the notifications go crazy.
No I'm not dealing with these drama queens right now.
I call Nsizwa back

Phakamile and Lindzy keep calling and I decline them again, each for the 3rd time, it's no wonder they get along, they are birds of the same cocko nest

"Hey Sedi, your man was looking for you"