LIFE IMAGINED

07

LIFE IMAGINED

07

Zethembiso is on her way to Mbongeni to tell her that she's leaving, she hopes he doesn't cry and makes a big drama out of it.
Mbongeni arrives at their spot and tries to hug her but she steps back.
Mbongeni: Sthandwa Sami what's wrong?
Zethembiso:I'm not here for chit chat Mbongeni. I'm here to tell you that I'm leaving, I will be going to Durban.
Mbongeni:You're leaving? What about me?
Zethembiso:What about you? What about you really? Mbongeni you're holding my life back, I told you that you wouldn't be able to sustain me and you promised me that you will try but it's been a year and you have done nothing. I won't stand for this. I'm leaving and you won't see me again.
Mbongeni looks at her as his whole world comes crumbling, Zethe can't do this to him. They have come so far. Why won't she be patient with him? He is trying, he is really trying.
Zethembiso:I told you to stop this crying of yours. I can't deal with this.
Mbongeni: Zethembiso please don't do this, I love you. I will try harder my love please. Don't leave me.
Zethembiso looked at him bored, this is what she hates more about him. He is too clingy and is always crying, what kind of man cries all the time?
She walks away but Mbongeni kneels on the ground and hold on to her leg crying.
Mbongeni:You're not leaving me Zethembiso. Please don't do this to me.
Zethembiso:Leave me alone Mbongeni.
She removed his arm from her leg and clicked her tongue.
Zethembiso:I have had enough of you. I'm leaving and you have to accept that.
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Mamdluli:What is wrong with you?
Mkondi: What do you mean what is wrong with me?
Mamdluli:You're acting strange these days, you have nightmares and you're always seeing things. If i didn't know any better, I'd say you feel guilty about something.
Mkondi: Why would I feel guilt about anything? I didn't do anything wrong.
Mamdluli looked at him intensely, she is convinced that her husband is hiding something from her. She just doesn't know what he is hiding.
Mamdluli: I didn't say you did anything.
Mkondi: Stop accusing me of things I didn't do Mamdluli.
Mamdluli:I was just saying.
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Yabatha is alone in the house, John left yesterday. He hopes he doesn't return soon, finally he gets to take a break from him. That man should focus on his family and leave him alone. He thinks of a way that he could escape this but nothing comes up to his mind, the only way he could be free is if John were to die. But who would kill him? Because he doesn't think he would have the guts to kill him, or kill anyone for that matter.
His phone rings and he rushes to answer it.
Yabatha:Hello.
John:Ya hi, are you settling in well there?
He closes his eyes and breath out before he can answer him.
Yabatha:Yes I'm settling in well.
John:Okay I will transfer money so that you can buy groceries and stuff.
Yabatha: Thank you.
John:I don't think I will see you this week, things are still hectic here. But I promise you I will see you soon.
"Oh please no, not soon", he says to his inner self.
He hangs up and a message notifies him that John has sent the money. He is in awe at how much he sent him. This is enough money for him to leave and start a new life, his mind goes to his family and he sighs frustrated not knowing what to do. If he runs away, John will kill his family. He thinks of his brothers, they are still young and have a lot to do in this world. But if he stays here, John is killing him mentally and emotionally. No, he is leaving. This is enough now, his brothers will just have to forgive him. He can't do this anymore, he has already tolerated enough abuse for them. He also thinks about the words his mother said to him and chuckles bitterly. Now he is more determined to get the hell out of here, he just hopes John doesn't find him.
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Zethembiso is in her room packing, waiting for the man to pick him up. Her dad enters the room and wonders what is going on.
Baba: Zethembiso why are you packing your clothes?
Zethembiso: I am going to Durban.
Baba:To do what?
Zethembiso:To look for Zanesipho.
Baba:I thought you said you didn't care about her.
Zethembiso: She is my sister dad, I can't sit around here not knowing whether she's okay or not.
Her father looks at her doubting that she's telling the truth but lets her be. If she's lying, she knows what she's doing. His daughters will kill him because of the stress they cause him. If only their mother was still alive, she would know what to do. Because it seems like he has failed to raise them.

A car hoots outside and Zethe jumps up and down excited.
Zethembiso:That is my ride. Dad I love you and I promise I will see you soon.
She hugs her father and drags her suitcase outside to the car. He opens the boot for him and put her suitcase inside. They get inside the car and he drives off.
Zethembiso:You never told me your name.
"My apologies, my name is Tukelo".
Zethembiso:Nice name.
Tukelo: Are you sure you're ready for this?
Zethe looks out the window and nods.
Zethembiso:I am ready.
Tukelo looks at her and smirks.
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Zesulwa just finished putting the door back to its rightful place. He sat on the bed and closed his eyes and took a nap.
...........................
She is playing on the beautiful grass , laughing and you can smell her excitement. She turns her eyes and looks at him and she smiles, she walks towards him and holds his hands.
"Let's play daddy. Come"
He follows her excitedly and they jump up and down in the beautiful grass. After they were done they lie in the grass facing the beautiful sky, he wishes to stay here forever. He doesn't want to leave this place, he wants to be here with his daughter.
"You should stay here with me daddy. There is no suffering here, only happiness. See? Open your mouth".
He opens his mouth and she laughs at him.
"Open your mouth and talk daddy".
Zesulwa:But I can't talk.
He closes his mouth with his hand realising that he said actual words.
"You see? There is no suffering here. We will always be happy. No one will hurt us like that man who hurt me"
Zesulwa: What do you mean? Which man hurt you?
She laughs again.
"You should stay here with me daddy"
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They arrive and he drives in the garage. They step out of the car and Zethembiso is in admiration, looking at the beautiful city of Durban. Tukelo takes out her suitcase and they go inside. Zethe's mouth is open wide, this is her first time seeing such. The kitchen looks amazing, the couches, the big screen TV.
Tukelo:You can go and take a shower, I will make something for you to eat.
She nods and he shows her the bathroom.
Tukelo: Everything You need is in there, fresh towels, soap and a toothbrush.
Zethembiso:Okay thank you.
She smiles and gets inside, even the shower looks breathtaking. You can eat an entire meal in here.
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Three months later
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To be continued