MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

THE JOURNEY OF ZAMA DLALA

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Dlaldla does not want to leave his daughter's side. No matter how long Zama has assured him that she is fine and never setting foot in that house ever again – that is not enough for him. She is peacefully sleeping, and he is just there guiding her. She finally wakes up. She smiles when her eyes land on her father.  

“Baba. Is it weird that my dad comes into my room sometimes and stares at me sleeping,” She chucks. She sits up straight and stretches herself. She still has bandages on her feet. Her limping has gotten better, which he is grateful for.  

“Just wanted to make sure that you are okay.” He says standing up. Now that she’s awake and fine of which he can confirm. He is alive inside. The past three days have been a nightmare for him. He would wake up every night just to check if she was there and breathing. He would leave her bedroom lights on. He trusts nothing at this moment. He hasn't heard from Deliwe – which he finds really remarkable. The more she stays away and hidden the more they are in a better place. People like Deliwe are not meant to be breathing the same air as them.  

“As long as I am home. I will forever behind under your wing.” She says attempting to get off the bed. They have never really had a conversation about what really happened. He can't bring himself to even have a conversation about it.  

“Did he. You know...” He clears his throat. The question is bitter. It makes his body cringe in a certain way.  

“No. I pushed him off. But he tried taking my pants off and failed.” That is a relief. He is so happy to hear that.

“I will need to cleanse you. To prevent this from happening in the future. I do not want anything to happen to you. I wouldn't forgive myself.” This is him saving his daughter from the vultures out there.  

“Wake up so we could fix you something to eat.” He says and walks out of her bedroom.  

Zama is sitting outside trying to make sense of her life right now. Her feet are still aching with the blisters still leaking water here and there. She must see the doctor just to be sure of her health. She touches her stomach and sighs. She didn't picture her life this way. A pregnant high school girl with a fatherless child. Not that he is fatherless, but he is behind bars.

“Who is the father?” Her mother, MaDlala asks sitting beside her.  The damage is already done. She is too late to raise her voice. She noticed the minute she walked through that door limping.  

“Mthoko.” Zama softly replies. She is holding her breath. She is already afraid of being judged. Teenage pregnancy has never been accepted. She can't have her parents fighting over her.

“Ini!” Her mother is too shocked. She breathes heavily. She is still not yet strong enough for her heart to capture some news.  

“That jailbird? Who is going to raise this baby?” She is not mad but disappointed. “I’m pregnant is not something you ever prepare to hear your 17-year-old daughter tell you. I had a lot of plans for you. I am honestly disappointed. But what is done is done. I can't believe I am going to be a grandmother at such a young age.”  She is sorry she disappointed her parents and for being so stupid - but she wants to keep the baby. The problem who will not accept the news is her father.