Battles in the shadows

DAM OF TEARS

Laura ran like a mad woman to the morgue of the hospital with her husband and brother right behind her. How could he leave without a proper goodbye? He abandoned her, yes! He could have fought for her by working while going to varsity and keep her and the mother happy. Perharps her life wouldn't have turned out like this with a Master's Degree and a wonderful husband but still...

"Laura! Laura!" David cried after her but she didn't stop until she got to the entrance. Pain gnawed at her heart at how his life ended miserably. She opened the door and quickly spoke to the person in charge. She was led to the cold room and with shaky legs got to where her father lay.

Tears ran down her face as his lifeless body was revealed. She broke down all over again and cried her heart out.

"Please come back. Please come back. Angelique and the twins need you. Mama Moabe needs you too. I need you so please come back."

Brandon wiped his own tears as he try to help her up from the floor. Laura didn't resist and quietly followed him out. She cried so much David beagn to get worried about her health. No matter how much she cried and how long, the dam of her tears kept flowing like a river.

As they approached the visitor's area where the rest of the family was, Laura spotted Pontsho and purposefully walked towards her who was seated and trying to console her children. Laura went on her knees before her and began to beg for mercy.

"Forgive me Mother for what happened. I am so sorry. I am so sorry, please forgive me."

"What are you doing? Get up Laura!" Koketso shouted in annoyance.

"No! Let me remain like this." Laura's heart was heavily burdened with guilt and pain and nothing could stop it at this moment.

Pontsho stood up and rolled her eyes in disgust.

"Mercy? You are sorry? Your wish came true little girl. Your father is dead! My husband is dead! Your siblings' father is dead! Aren't you supposed to be throwing a party with your mother to rejoice over my misfortune? My misfortune as the woman who took him away from you! Get away from me!"

"No Mother, I forgave him and he left us before you even showed up."

"I won't forgive you for this. I will never forgive you!" With that she turned to leave but Laura was swifter and she clung to her leg.

"Please Mother." This really infuriated Pontsho and she turned around and began slapping Laura across the face and didn't stop even after the fifth slap. Laura stood and took the punishment for the loss of her father.

Brandon got upset too and pulled Pontsho away from his wife.

"That's enough Madam! If you lay another finger on my sister..."

"What will you do?" Angelique screamed in anger.

"Mrs. Rakwela. Mrs. Robertson?" A nurse called out as she walked towards them.

"Y-e-e-es?" Faye asked in a shaky voice.

"You are requested in the Doctor's offices. Please follow me." She said with a small smile.

Koketso and Latoya's eyes met for a moment but the latter took Faye by the hand to follow the nurse.

"David, take care of your little sister." With that said, they left for the Doctor's office.

David helped his sister up on her feet and with feeling said,

"You owe nobody any form of apology Lauretta. They all owe you for all the pains they caused you. Let us go and get something for your face." Without waiting for any response from anyone, he walked away, with Laura trailing behind with a tear stained face.

*************

The two women separated as they went into different Doctor's office but are next to each other. Several minutes passed before they finally came out to find David and his wife, Brandon and Laura waiting for them.

"Mama, what did they say?" Laura asked expectantly.

"Your father lives dear. He's alive and is doing well but we will only be able to see him tomorrow."

"And Papa?" She asked Mrs. Robertson.

"He's alive too Lauretta. I will be heading home now to stay with the kids and mak phone calls to England to our families especially Grandma Robertson."

Laura's heart jumped as she heard about Grandma...the woman she nearly took revenge on and now, fate seem to have caught up with them all. Sometimes, life plays fair and make everyone get what they deserve.

"I will take Mum with me to rest for the night so please take Mrs. Robertson to her hotel too."

"Alright brother. We will do that."

"Who is taking Koketso and the Moabes home?"  Latoya asked with concern. Pontsho might be acting mad right now but once the reality of her new life sets in, she might lose it completely. Latoya felt sorry about how everything went but she also knew that if Phillip didn't abuse Laura, Vincent would definitely still lose his life at the hands of Mama Joe.

"A relative came already to take Mrs. Moabe and the kids home. Miss. Molefe is also on her way home. We called a cab after you left for the Doctor's office."

"Okay, let's go home then." Latoya said and with a weak smile said her goodbyes to the Holmes and Robertsons.

*************

Laura decided to bring in the Robertsons to her home after discussing with her husband that it would be much better. Upon arriving at the hotel, Laura said her goodbyes but later told Brandon that it was not okay to let them remain alone at such a sensitive time. Besides, nobody knew who else was watching them now that Mama Joe is gone.

Laura went back to the hotel and asked for the Robertson's room number. Mrs. Robertson was called down and she responded positively.

"Are you sure about this?"

"Yes Ma. I will feel much better knowing you are close by. I know the police too will be watching over my siblings of the Moabe household." Laura replied with a small smile.

"Okay then dear. Let's go and pack. I will talk to the hotel's management."

About an hour later, Laura and Brandon settled the Robertsons into their home. Since it was a three bedroom Flat, one room was given to Luke while the other and bigger room was shared between Faye and the girls; Lauretta and Elizabeth-Anne. After freshening up and praying together, they all went to their rooms.

Laura got inside the blankets and sat with her back to the backrest of the bed. Her mind was finally settling down so that the entire event of the day could be properly processed.

"You have to sleep now Lauretta. I don't want you to think or worry about all that happened. Please just for tonight, try and get some sleep. We will visit your father's family tomorrow."

"You promise?"

"Yes I do."

Laura eased down on the bed and moved closer to Brandon, gently laying her head on his chest. Brandon smiled and drew her to himself in a hug.

"Good Morning Mrs. Holmes."