SIMPHIWE SHANDU THE HUSBAND
CHAPTER 33
JELE
The gagging, retching and my stomach voluntary reflexing...
“Babe, what's wrong?” Nozi jumps off the bed and peals the blankets off me. She then turns on the light and finds me curled into a ball. I gag again. She runs out of the room and comes back, then runs out again. She comes back with a bucket and pushes my head inside. It dawns to me that I am throwing up in a bucket. I let it all out and she is still right here brushing my back.
“Must I take you to the hospital?” she asks in panic. She mistakenly drops the bucket and covers her mouth with her hands. I can’t see clearly, but I can tell by the sounds pf the that she is dazed. The dizziness...
“Can I have water?” My body feels more relaxed and calmer now. I take a deep breath and lay on my back. My vision is now clear. The doctor did tell me that I might spew blood from time to time. She is still standing in the same spot looking at the bucket and the droplets of blood on the floor.
“The doctor gave me medication and said it will help with the pains but I will have side effects along the way.” Lies! I can see a bit of relief in her eyes but not fully.
“So, we shouldn’t go to the hospital?” she asks. I smile hiding the worry in me. Positive plus is a major effect and I might see the stars anytime soon.
“No, I just want to hold you in my arms all night long.” I say.
“Let me get rid of this.” she pulls the bucket and disappears to the toilet. Minutes later she comes back with a mop and mops the few drops of blood that were on the floor.
“Leave that mop somewhere. I want you in bed.”
“What about your water?” she frowns. I wonder if she knows that she looks alluring when her face is in this manner. She chucks and walks out of the room, again. This woman always goes her ways to embarrass me. She comes back with a glass of water and helps me drink. She places the glass at the side of the headboard table. She gets in bed and snuggles herself next to me.
“Ae you sure you don’t want me to take you to the hospital?” the concern in her voice. I don't want to worry about her at all.
“I will be fine my love.” I pat on her neat braids.
“I want to take you out.” I blurt out.
“Where?” she asks lifting her head and or eyes meet.
“Durban.”
“Hmm, that will be nice. I need fresh air. What about the kids?”
“They will tag along.”
“Aren't you the best boyfriend ever.” She gives me a hug. How I wish we could last like this forever. It's never easy to tell the one you love that you have limited time in this world. I don’t even know how much time is left. It could be days, months or even years depending on my system if its willing to hold on for that long. Telling her that I need her help because I am facing an overwhelming battle and then explain how she can help and letting her know that to me, success isn't life but quality time with her will help. Time, love and memories are what I need. I want her to hold on to something. Have some moments to share with our little joy on the way.
“Have you ever thought of baby names?” I ask.
“I was hoping for you to name. I do not have any name in mind, and I am so clueless shame.” she says with a giggle.
“If it’s a male child I will name him Bhekiziwe and if it’s a girl it will be Thabisa.” Those are the names I have always wanted to name my kids with and now the dream is coming true.
“I love them.”
“Who wouldn’t.”
“Yea right." She playfully hits my chest. I held her hand and kissed the back of it.
“I love you, Nozi. Do not ever for a second doubt that.” I say. I just felt like letting it out.
“And I love you too.” I know she does. Her eyes say it all.
“We will leave on Friday for the trip.” That is in two days from now.
“That means it's me shopping for new clothes, but I can't go to the mall.” she exhales loudly.
“You are safe. That scumbag was arrested love.”
“If you tag along then I will be safer.”
“Weeh, you woman run from one store to another. Thanks, but no thanks.”
“Only one store, I promise.” she pulls her tiny finger out.
“Pinky promise.” Just like that, the deal is sealed, and I agreed to it.
