On The Run

Chapter Eleven

Not Edited

Author's Note: Here's the next chapter. Vote... Share... Comment... Enjoy.

***
Later in the day
Netcare Mulbarton Hospital

Chapter Eleven

I eventually stopped crying and registered that I had dozed off in Duke's arms, who had carried me and sat with me on the hospital chairs. My head was in the crook of his neck and my right hand was on his chest, above his heart.

I stirred and looked up at him, and he looked down at me and smiled.

"Oh good. You're awake. One of the nurses was looking for you. Mdu is awake", he told me. My mind reeled.

"How long was I asleep?" I asked in a groggy voice. He shrugged and I sat up on his lap.

"Long enough that your brother's surgery was successful. The sun set and rose again with you still asleep", he said.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" I whisper-yelled.

"I figured you needed to rest. You cried quite a lot. I am actually amazed that you slept for that long without having any nightmares", he said thoughtfully.

"You make me feel safe; that explains why I slept peacefully. Anyway, are we allowed to see him?" I asked and he smiled.

"Yes we are. He's probably wondering where we've been", he said and got up with me in his arms. I straddled his waist and locked my arms around his neck.

Suddenly, there was a shift in the atmosphere. As I looked into Duke's eyes, the hairs on the back of neck and arms stood up. My heart started racing. My palms were sweating. And all I could do was stare into Duke's eyes. What a beautiful man he was.

Before I could cheat on my Themba, I loosened my legs from around Duke's waist. He loosened his grip from under my butt and I lightly got off. He placed me gently onto the ground. I patted his huge chest awkwardly.

"Thank you for being so comfortable. I slept well and I feel rested enough", I said quietly.

"You're welcome. Anytime..." he said and smiled at me.

We walked to Mdu's ward and as soon as I saw his face, my eyes welled up with tears. I had been the reason he was shot. Seeing him on the hospital bed scraped sorely at my heart.

He smiled at me and I frowned as I sat on the chair next to his bed

"Don't do that. Don't smile at me like I'm not responsible for you getting shot. This is all my fault", I said. As a tear rolled from my eye, he reached up and wiped it away.

"You are being way to hard on yourself baby sis", he soothed.

"You're just being nice. This could have been even worse. Had you... you di-", I began and he pressed his index finger on my lips.

"Shhh. No one is dead here. I'm still here, aren't I?" he asked and I nodded.

"You're still here", I mumbled under his finger.

"Then stop talking about what could have been and be grateful that I am still alive", he told me. I nodded.

"I am thankful that you're alive. I would have never forgiven myself had you gotten killed. When are you going to be discharged, or do you have to be kept here for longer? I don't mind the latter so that you can recover without being on the road like I always insist we should be", I said. He rolled his eyes.

"You can be so dramatic Thandeka", he said as he tried sitting up. Duke and I stood up at the same time to help him. Our hands touched for a second and a tingle ran up my arm. I cleared my throat and moved away to allow Duke to help Mdu.