THE LAST PROMISE

CHAPTER 3 | Here For You

The lady sitting next to me could see that there was something wrong with me because when she got off the taxi, she just pat my hand and told me that one day everything will be okay. I didn’t want to cry but I did shed a few tears. I get off the taxi at the rank and the lights are in everywhere. I thought it was going to be dark but I was wrong.

I get stares from the taxi drivers and queue marshals as I drag my suitcase. They are probably wondering why I have my face covered. I walk towards a group of them and stand at a safe distance because you can never know with these drivers.

“Sanbonani, ngcela ukubuza amataxi aya  e Pietermaritzburg ngingawatholaphi?” I asked them where I can get taxis, they kept quiet and stared at me.

I take a step back because they are scaring me.

“Ungathuki sis, ngeke sikulimaze. Ubani okushayile?” One of the drivers or owners, I’m not sure hut he told me not to be scared and who beat me up.

“Bangibambe inkunzi.” I lied and said I got mugged.

“Hmm" they all say. I know they case that I am lying.

“Marshal, take this woman to the taxi and make sure she sits on the front so she can sit comfortably.”

“Ngiyabonga” I thanked them.

The queue marshal took my bag and I followed him. He opened the door and I tried to get on my seat without wincing but I was hard. I don’t know if my father broke my ribs or not. He closes the door and I sit there and pray that Deli's cousin will allow me to live with her. I can afford to pay the rent with the money Stan gave me.

The taxi starts to fill up as the time goes on and by 7:30 am it is full. I take the money, pay and they ask us to write our details just in case. I think about who would give a damn if I died and for a while I just stare at the paper then end up filling my brother’s details. The taxi driver comes in then he looks at me.

“Please tell me if you want to sleep or you need to go to the hospital" I look at him, nod then shift my head and look outside the window.

I am lost in my thoughts when I hear my phone vibrating. I pick it up.

“Hello?”

“Maya, are you already on your way?”

“Yes, what did your cousin say?”

“She said its fine. You’ll find me waiting for you at the rank.”

“Ok”

We hung up and I released a huge sigh of relief.

Three hours later we are finally in Pietermaritzburg and I am hungry and tired as hell. All I want to do is have a bath and then sleep. The taxi parks at the rank and people start stepping out. It is Saturday and there are so many people there. I also step put and then the driver gives me my bag. I thank him. I take out my phone about to call Deli when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around then I see her. She shifts my wig to the side then removes my mask. Tears stream down her face. She covers me up again then holds me tight. I am not going to cry in front of all these people.

“It’s okay, stop crying. I’m still alive aren’t I?”

“Physically yes but I don’t know if I can say the same thing about how you feel inside. Come.”

She takes my bag then we slowly walk out of the rank. She walks towards this car where this man is standing in front of it.

“Baby, this is my best friend Maya, the one I always talk about. Maya this is Sanele my partner.”