Battles in the shadows

BECAUSE OF YOU

I would like to take this time to express my sincere gratitude to @Mukololo and @DeborahOnoviran for their relentless follow of "Battle in the Shadows." May God bless you for your support and perfect all that concerns you.

A WEEK LATER; AT THE RAKWELA'S RESIDENCE

Latoya looked at the people seated in her living room and who had just at her meal ... she felt like so much disgust at the couple especially the husband, Lucas Robertson. Their twin children;  Lauretta and Luke as well as a new addition; Ten year old Elizabeth - Anne.

Laura sighed in defeat as she saw the look on her mother's face. The moment she saw the twins and their younger sibling, her heart melted but she realized she still harbours a slight dislike towards Lucas Robertson. They had come in the evening and were welcomed warmly but there was tension in the air. Mompati had tried his best to make things easier by asking ordinary questions regarding their job, health and life in general.

The twins were nineteen years old and in their first year at the University of Cardiff, UK. Lauretta is a Criminal Lawyer in the making while Luke took interest in Accounting and Finance. Elizabeth - Anne on the other hand was in Standard four.

"We literally begged Ms. Dikobe to keep it a secret that we wanted to find you. Lauretta and I lost contact after her adoption to the Moloi family."

"I realized that but why now?" Laura asked softly. Memories of going back to the orphanage hurt and humiliated danced around her mind fiercely.

"We are sorry Lauretta. I accepted it as my punishment to never see your beautiful face again. Luke found your picture last summer and we told them what happened and ever since our peace disappeared. We just want to ask for your forgiveness and also congratulate you on your upcoming wedding." Faye said with a weak smile.

"You are here to find peace? I think you missed your way." Latoya said harshly.

"No Mrs. Rakwela, we desired ever since to find her and make amends." Lucas said remorsefully.

Elizabeth - Anne watched as the adults discuss Laura and felt the tension in the atmosphere but she has no say in the matter between adults.

"Big sis, if you don't mind me calling you that." Lauretta started to say

Laura smiled and urged her to continue.

"I read about the Moloi's case and your journey from the time our parents left you behind, all I just want to say is you have no idea how brave you are. You have gone through so much but here you are, standing strong and living your life fully. You are my inspiration."

Laura smiled briefly and replied, "life was hard for me but I have count it all joy because God has taken away my shame and has given me a new name. I am no longer "rejected," "abandoned," "Unlovable," and "Unwanted." I am "loved, redeemed, renewed and beautiful." This is a big shock to me but please give me time to process everything."

"Thank you Lauretta, thank you very much." Faye said and stood up and they hugged lightly.

Luke and Lauretta Junior embraced her and finally Lucas stood up with so much regret in his eyes broke down in tears but remained where he was. Laura wiped the tears rolling down her face and took baby steps towards him. This encouraged Lucas and he moved towards her too. Finally they embraced and wept in each other's arms.

Fay broke down in tears and had to be comforted by her children and Mompati. Latoya just watched on in amazement at how things are just unfolding before her eyes. Just as she was about to stand up and say something "comforting" to Faye, her phone began to ring. She excused herself.

Elizabeth - Anne stood up and hugged Laura. "Mum and Dad are sorry Aunt Laura. Please forgive them.

Laura smiled brightly and replied, "Thank you my pretty young lady. Everything will be okay."

About five minutes late, Latoya came back with a heavy countenance. The hospital called her and the news as good as it may sound might not be so good to others especially the watchman.

"Mama, is everything okay?" Laura asked.

All eyes were now on Latoya. She cleared her throat and finally spoke,

"The hospital called to let us know that Ms. Molefe is awake from coma and she kept asking for you."

"Really? That's good news. Should I go Papa? Mama?"

Latoya sighed and sat down. Never in her most craziest dream had she ever thought Laura's biological mother would show up let alone the father too. Lauretta is her life! She is her mother!

"My baby, go and see her and take Brandon with you. Your father and I will have a word or two with Mr. and Mrs. Robertson."

"Are you sure?" Mompati asked.

"Yes dear. Let Lauretta go and see her. She needs to do this now that she is getting married. Very soon she will be a mother too."

Laura smiled weakly, gave her parents hugs and left to take her bag from her bedroom. She soon came back, said her goodbyes and left.

Latoya broke into tears. Her husband saw it coming... all the pressure of the past two to three months were enough to break anyone down but Latoya had tried to be strong and be a fighter. All of that now is crashing in especially the arrival of the Robertsons.

"I can't lose my baby Mompati, please don't let me lose my baby."

"No one will take Lauretta away from us, I promise."

"Who is Ms. Molefe?" Faye asked in a quiet tone.

Latoya wiped her tears and replied gently, "Lauretta's biological mother."

Faye gasped in shock at this new revelation. What? Her real mother?

Brandon sat next to Laura beside Ms. Molefe's bedside at the hospital. She had gone to sleep just few minutes before they arrived. Her vitals were getting back to normal according to the Doctors treating her and she is out of danger.

"Ms. Molefe, how are you today? We are glad you are getting better. We just came to say "hi" and check up on you. Continue to get well." Brandon said and stood up.

"She has gone back to sleep Brandon. Our wedding is in two weeks; two weeks before Christmas. Let us leave now. I can't stand to see her like this even though I still struggle to accept her and forgive her completely."

Brandon took her hands in his and kissed them. "My love, don't worry yourself about anything. Would you like us to postpone the wedding so you could rest a bit more?"

Laura smiled brightly and replied, "I can't wait to become your wife Brand. I want to spoil you rotten and be there for you as much as I want and love you completely. Life has no duplicate Brand, I don't want to waste precious time."

Brandon was pleased and happy with her honest response and together they stood up to leave. "Goodbye Ms. Molefe, get well soon." Laura said and they walked out of the room.

As they left another visitor walked in, stood by Ms. Molefe's bedside and said,

"Koketso Molefe, rest in peace."