Red Lace

Chapter 52

KHAYALETHU MNGUNI

"Talk to me," I say to Mihlali, I video called because the doctor insists on keeping me overnight just to make sure that I am fit enough to leave the hospital.

"I'm trying to be strong, i'm trying to be a mother but i'm failing. Nichume is a wreck and there's nothing I can do to make the pain better," She admits painfully. I let out a sigh.

"Let me talk to her," I say to her and she smiles appreciatively.

"Thank you, I don't know what I would do without you," she says and I just smile in acknowledgement. She hands the phone over to Nichume who is a beautiful little mess. My baby has grown, unfortunately.

"Daddy," Nichume says weakly and defeated

"Daddy is here, talk to me my love," I plead. tears just roll down her plumpy cheeks, it will definitely take a while for her to lose the baby fat.

"Everything is a mess, the twins are missing. Uncle Shadow was stabbed and now he's apparently stable, you are in hospital because of me," she sighs with defeat.

"I am in hospital because I ignored my health, it has nothing to do with you or your siblings and the people you choose to be with. Chume, you are my little girls. You and Ntando, of course i'll never like the men you date. Akhona is married and has been married for years now and I still don't like her husband because its well within my right as a father," i say and she giggles sniffing and roughly wiping her tears. "But that doesn't mean i don't accept them as the people you love and the people your hearts have chosen baby. I am your father, yes I won't be happy that my little girls have grown but I can accept that you are grown and are old enough to be with the people your heart choose but if those people dare hurt you or make you cry, best believe I will break their knee caps," I threaten lightly making her chuckle.

"I'm sorry daddy," Chume says and I smile.

"Never apologise for falling inlove Nichume. In life we don't get to choose who our stupid hearts fall in love with despite our parents disapproval," I tease with a kind smile, "Your happiness is everything to your mother and I and there's nothing we want more than to see you happy and settling down with the man of your dreams and if that man is Adeyemi then you have mine and Bandile's support," I admit and she's shocked.

"Dad? Our biological father?" She asks and I nod with a smile.

"If I didn't believe in the after life, unfortunately I do now. He and I sat down and had a lengthy conversation and we want you three to be happy and with the people your hearts choose to be with. We love and support your decisions, kiddo." I say and she smiles with teary eyes. "Now, stop pushing Adeyemi. Stop blaming him for what happened, like you he is a victim here. He didn't ask for his kids to be kidnapped. I of all people would know what he is feeling right now and I know that he blames himself as it is, he doesn't need you throwing everything at him," I say and she's looking at me with the most confused frown.

"Who are you and what have you done to my father?" she asks and we both laugh.

"Lets just blame the near death experience. I'll be flying first thing to joburg tomorrow to ensure that you and your mother are okay." I assure her.

she can't help her shocked expression, "But dad, you are still in hospital. I'm sure your doctor expects you to rest," She says.

"Yes, he does but I will rest once I know that the twins are home and safe in their mother's arms and I miss my wife. The longer I am on this hospital bed the more I end up missing her so really its not a loss," she laughs out loudly.

"I should have known that this was more about mom that it was about us. Thanks dad," she says and I raise an eyebrow, its my turn to be confused. "For cheering me up, for being my best friend and being there for me always." she says and I smile with a nod. We say our goodbyes before she returns the call to her mother.