IF ONLY.....

CHAPTER 22

Dineo and Richard were in the waiting area waiting to hear anything from the doctor about Marang.....they have been waiting for close to three hours and they still haven’t heard anything...she was so worried about Marang that she didn’t even ask Richard about how the bail hearing went since he got there, as for Trey he left when Richard walked in.
Dineo: do you think he’ll get bail?
She said with her head on Richard’s chest  and Richard sighed cause he read the message Cole send him about Mazwi playing the insanity card in court.
Richie: I don’t think he’ll get bail but he’ll probably be send for mental evaluation at a mental institute
She raised her head and looked at him.
Dineo: why would he be send there, he’s not crazy?
Richard sighed.
Richie: cause he pretended to be insane in court
She breathed heavily with a confused look on her face and Richard kissed her forehead.
Richie: relax Dee don’t forget gore you’re pregnant
She sighed closing her eyes and she opened them again. 
Dineo: he did what?
Richie: that’s what Cole told me but trust me we will get to him even in that mental institution
Dineo: I can’t believe this, Marang will be devastated Richie
He sighed.
Richie: I know my love, I don’t even want to imagine how angry Cole is
She swallowed and rested her head back on his chest.
Dineo: will Marang ever get peace mara....since she was born she’s been going through shit and even now, no man enough is enough
She breathed out.
Dineo: I know I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth and my mother was and still is a bierwurm ( an alcoholic) but that old woman loved me in her own way even though my father ran away, she never treated me badly cause I reminded her of him, she actually showed me a bit of love because I look like him.....she never speaks ill of him, whenever she’s drunk she’ll talk about how good he was to her and how good he fucked her
She rolled her eyes at the last part and they both laughed.
Richie: she would tell you that?
She nodded.
Dineo: mmmmh but when she’s sober she never wants to talk about him.....yes she’s an angry woman and she talks shit all the time and she’s not scared of anyone but she never treated me bad you know.... while with Mara she was always reminded of her useless father and her mother also called her names....imagine being called a whore by your own mother while you are still a virgin
Richie: damn
Dineo: mmh and instead of applying for a student loan she looked for a job far away from home so she won’t see her mother and that’s how we met at wimpy....i remember her telling me that she payed R50 a week to squat at some small flat she shared with 10 other people, the flat was for you to sleep and bath only and where ever you went you had to go with your things, being your bag full of clothes and toiletries or they’ll steal it if you leave it behind when you go to work
Richie: what?
He asked shocked.
Dineo: mmmmh...luckily I was squatting with some girl I knew from back home so it wasn’t that bad but for Marang it was horrible babe....she was so skinny back then, she worked crazy ass hours so she can make some extra cash but im glad and happy that she didn’t consider prostitution as her means to survive and that she kept her virginity, well until she met that piece of shit Mazwi nx
Richie: I didn’t know both of you went through all that
He said with a sad tone.
Dineo: it was bad babe, I had to become a slay queen and date a blesser to survive
Richie: wait what?
He said pushing her off him gently and she frowned.
Dineo: ooh please Richie, don’t act like I was sleeping with different men for money I said a blesser not blessers
Richie: and you think it makes it right just because you fucked one man for money
Dineo: we dated.....”dated”  and ska njudg(a) please ( don’t judge me please)....wena o royalty so you don’t know how it’s like to sleep hungry....how it’s like to survive three rape attempts.....you don’t know how it’s like to not know your father and to have a mother o eleng a bierwurm ( who’s an alcoholic).....you don’t know how it’s like to always bath and clean your mother’s pee, vomit and her stinking shit, to always be called to a local bar to go pick your mother up using a wheelbarrow because she passed out after vomiting and shitting on herself
Richie: baby im sorry I didn’t mean...
Dineo: and as for Marang her mother used to abuse her, one day she told her mother that the guy her mother was seeing touched her inappropriately and guess what, she got a beating of her life by her own damn mother and she ended up in hospital and on top of it all her mother said Marang should lie to the doctor and say she was beaten up by her none existent boyfriend and not her if she still wants a roof over her head so don’t judge us please
She was now crying.
Dineo: the only thing our mothers never denied us is education that’s why we study hard to make it in life, to get those degrees, finding good jobs and being independent but the fact remains that those women broke us Richard, but no even today Marang is still going through shit.....she was raped and almost killed and the piece of shit might go to a mental institution where he’ll sleep in a comfortable bed, eat nice food and even walk around the institution freely and all he gets to do is pretend to his psychiatrist that he’s insane while Marang is scared, broken and dying inside because of him....the justice system has failed her Richie
She said crying.
Richie: I know baby...i know but we won’t fail her
Dineo: I hate him Richie....i fucken hate him....i wish he could die a slow and painful death
She said crying on his chest and he comforted her.
Richie: I know baby now please calm down for the baby’s sake....please my love
Voice: she went through all that?
She turned and it was Cole standing there with his hands in his pockets and a look they couldn’t explain in words plastered on his face.
Cole: Ntokazi went through all that Dineo?
Dineo nodded still emotional with tears all over her face then he walked over and he sat down and face down clenching his jaws.
Cole: don’t worry that mental institution won’t stop me from dealing with him once and for all
Richie: I take it he was send for mental evaluation
Cole: yeah he was denied bail and he was send for mental evaluation to see if he’s fit to stand trial
Dineo: but still being send for mental evaluation means he won’t be in jail Cole
Cole: I know but no worries he won’t make it out alive
Dineo froze looking at him and Richard cleared his throat and pulled Dineo back to his chest.
Cole: what did the doctor say?
Richie: we’re still waiting for him
Cole nodded and silence took over, then a doctor walked to them.
Doctor: Marang Ndlovu?
The all got up looking at the doctor.
Dineo: she’s my sister..... how is she doctor?
Doctor: she’s gonna be ok....she just had a server panic attack but luckily it didn’t lead to anything serious and the baby is also ok, it’s just her BP im worried about
They all froze looking at the doctor.
Dineo: what baby?
Doctor: ooh you didn’t know.... ummm she’s four weeks pregnant
Cole stood there shocked to the core.
Dineo: you mean to tell me Marang is pregnant?
Doctor: yes
Dineo: but...but she was admitted few days back and the doctor didn’t say anything about pregnancy
Doctor: I don’t know about that, maybe the pregnancy hormone wasn’t detectable or they didn’t do any blood tests I don’t know but the tests now shows that she’s four weeks pregnant.....  but tell me here, was she admitted in this hospital before now?
Dineo: no
Cole went to sit down and his hands started to shake as what the doctor said kept ringing in his head.
Dineo: God I can’t believe this.....ummm  please can we see her
Doctor: ofcourse please follow me
Richard: thank you Doc
The doctor nodded and Dineo followed him but Cole sat still.
Richie: hey man you not coming
Cole: she’s pregnant...she’s carrying my child Richard.....she....she’s pregnant man....im gonna be a father
He said with an emotional voice and Richard sat down next to him and he squeezed his shoulder.
Cole: im finally gonna be a father man
Then he chuckled.
Richie: yeah....our kids will be the same age, they will grow up together and have each other’s backs....they’ll practically be twins man
The both laughed and Cole wiped his tears and he got up.
Cole: now what I need to do is to end that boy...the time for games is over now it’s time for some real shit
Richie smiled.
Richie: I already feel sorry for him
They got up and walked to the ward.
Cole: don’t be he deserves it
Richie: I wonder how Marang will take being pregnant
Cole: I think what she needs is assurance that I’ll be there for her every step of the way and also that she won’t have to quit school
Richie: yeah with me well I got insulted and threatened
They both laughed.
Cole: you chose crazy and I chose innocent
He pushed him and they laughed....Cole still couldn’t believe that Marang was pregnant with his child.... that he’s finally gonna be a father in a few months time.

----------

Well Richard took Dineo home after 30 minutes of waiting for Marang to wake up so she will rest, they were gonna come back later but Cole stayed behind....Richard was worried about Dineo and her stress level so after trying to convince her for some time she finally agreed to go home and rest and she will come back a bit later..... Now Cole was standing by the window looking at a sleeping Marang....he sighed cause he hated himself for stressing her out like that....now he vowed to himself that he will do anything possible to make her happy cause she deserved it. Then the door opened and Trey and Collins walked in.
Collins: ooh you’re here
Trey clenched his jaws pissed.
Cole: get out!
He said with a straight face.
Collins: we didn’t come to see you
Cole: I don’t give a fuck now get the fuck out!
Trey: this is not your house it’s a fucken hospital so don’t fucken tell us to leave
Cole: I pay for her hospital bills so when I say fuck off, you fuck off!
He said with a serious tone and Trey took a step forward but Collins stopped him.
Collins: let’s go man.....we both know Marang will never trust him cause he failed to take care of that nephew of his and now he’s gonna go get fat in some mental institution cause all he’s gonna do is sleep, eat, masturbate and pretend to be mentally insane all because he failed
Cole chuckled.
Cole: wait a minute.....are you the ones who told him to play that insanity card today?
Trey: wouldn’t you like to know
Then they chuckled.
Trey: on a serious note.... no we didn’t, but hey the damage is already done right, you’ll lose Marang for good cause no sane woman would stay with a man who failed to keep her safe
Cole chuckled.
Cole: you motherfuckers clearly don’t know Marang and another thing, I don’t argue with fools so get the fuck out before I have you thrown out!
The said with a threatening tone and they looked at him for a bit with serious looks on their faces then Collins chuckled while shaking his head and he pulled a pissed off Trey out.
Trey: I hate this motherfucker!
Collins: relax his downfall is nearer.....we gonna hit two birds with one stone then I’ll get my girl back and you’ll get kiddo.....you know I can’t believe you’re already into her this quick
Trey: when you meet your wife man you stop looking and make her yours by fire or by force
Collins: I guess I fucked up by not wifying her the moment I met her
Trey: you had your reasons man
Collins: yeah but look now im busy competing with some royalty cheese boy nx
Trey chuckled.

----------  

Marang opened her eyes and she scanned the room and her eyes landed on Cole.
Cole: hey
Marang: hi....where...where am I.... what happened?
He walked over to her and kissed her forehead.
Cole: you suffered a panic attack but don’t worry you’re ok now
She breathed out then she frowned.
Marang: the bail hearing...did he.....
Cole sighed.
Cole: he was denied bail but he was send for mental evaluation 
She looked down defeated and he made her look at him and her eyes were teary.
Cole: no mental institution will stop me from getting to him ntokazi uyangizwa (you hear me).....i’ll make sure he regrets what he did today even in his death....he’s gonna pay you hear me
She nodded as tears ran down her cheeks and Cole wiped them.
Marang: he’s gonna come for me Cole I know it
Cole: I won’t let him....you and Dineo are gonna stay with me from now on until both of you give birth
She frowned.
Marang: both of us?.....you meant until Dineo gives birth
He swallowed.
Cole: no.....you’re also pregnant ntokazi
Marang: no im not
Cole: you are and I want you to know that im here for you....
Marang: im not pregnant Cole!
She said with her heart beating fast then Cole cupped her face.
Cole: listen here nothing will change Marang, you’ll still finish your degree and I’ll be there with you every step of the way just please, please don’t abort
He said with a desperate voice and look on his face.
Marang: im not pregnant Cole...i can’t be
Cole: you are and  im begging you ntokazi....even if you’re not ready to be a mother just keep the baby and give birth then I’ll take him or her and raise the baby myself....please
She blinked repeatedly with her head all over the place then Dineo and Richard walked in and Dineo rushed to her and they hugged.
Dineo: im glad you’re ok
Richard: I see you’re a regular this days heh sweet Mara
Dineo saw Marang’s red eyes and she sighed.
Dineo: its ok, we’ll figure it out together remember you’re not alone
Marang: he said im....
Dineo: the doctor said you are and its ok Marang you’re not alone and you’ll never be alone
Marang: I can’t Dineo i....i can’t be preg....
She couldn’t even finish her sentence she just cried and Dineo held and she brushed her back also getting emotional.
Richie: you ok man
He asked Cole.
Cole: yeah
He walked to the door feeling defeated.
Marang: I’ll....I’ll keep it.....i may be scared but im not Mazwi’s mom Cole, I’ll never hurt you like that
He stopped and swallowed emotionally then he turned.
Cole: thank you.....
He sighed with relief.
Cole: I’ll come back later to check up on you and the.....
He swallowed.
Cole: and the baby 
Richard: wait for me I need to discuss something with you
He kissed Dineo’s lips.
Richie: I’ll see you later ok
Dineo: ok
Richie; I love you
Dineo: I love you too babe
Then he kissed Marang’s forehead and walked out with Cole.


----------

Cole got home and he found Linda cooking while Richard went to meet up with an estate agent, he wanted to buy a house for Dineo so she’ll stop staying at an apartment bought by Collins.
Linda: hey you back
Cole: yah
He took out bottled water from the fridge and turned to look at her as she got busy.
Linda: I hope you’re hungry cause I’m cooking your favourite
He frowned.
Linda: Shirley once told me your favourite meal duh
She rolled her eyes and he kept on looking at her asking himself what the heck is she trying to achieve with all these things she’s doing.
Linda: relax will you.... Shirley and I used to talk..... a lot and mostly it was about you
She giggled and he shook his head then he headed to the door then he stopped and turned to look at her.
Cole: I booked you a room at a 5 star hotel not far from here for the rest of the week starting from tomorrow
Linda: what...why?
She said with a frown on her face.
Cole: cause the madam of the house is coming back
Linda: the what?
Cole: you heard me now tomorrow the driver will take you to the hotel
Then he turned and attempted to walk away but stopped when Linda spoke.
Linda: im not going
Cole: excuse me?
Linda: im not leaving Cole, if your “madam” has a problem with me staying here then that’s her problem
Cole: I wasn’t asking you Linda!
Linda: why are you doing this, I thought....i thought you’re single so what madam are you talking about
Cole: I don’t owe you any explanation Linda, you’re nothing to me!
She gasped hurt by what he said.
Linda: I can’t believe you Cole....how could you do this to me....how can you say that to my face
Cole: listen here I don’t have time for this...you should be gone tomorrow cause she can’t find you here
He walked away going upstairs and she hit the table with an open hand looking angry.
Linda: im not going anywhere, his bitch will find me here waiting nxa
She said to herself.

AN HOUR LATER

Linda knocked on his bedroom door and he went to open, he had showered and changed his clothes ready to go back to the hospital.
Cole: what is it?
Linda: you have visitors downstairs
He frowned.
Cole: who did they say they are?
Linda: one of the guy’s said he’s Kgosi
He froze a bit.
Cole: what
She moved out of the way and he walked out closing the door behind him and Linda followed him....as he walked down the stairs he could feel his heart beating fast and he didn’t know why....he got downstairs and saw two men sitting in the lounge, he got to them and cleared his throat then they got up and turned then he froze with his eyes popped out.
Man: bafo
Cole: K...King?
Kgosi: yeah....its me man.....im alive

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AT THE HOSPITAL

Marang and Dineo were lying in bed with Dineo eating her sour worms’ sweets as they watched TV.... then they saw a man walking in with a bunch of flowers on his hands, he held the flowers closer to his face like he was hiding his face.
Dineo: and nou? ( and now)
Marang: maybe they’re from Richie since you gave it to him good earlier on
Dineo: mxm
Dineo pushed Marang laughing and Marang smiled then Dee got out of bed....when the guy moved the flowers showing his face Marang froze and Dineo screamed.
Dineo: The fuck!.....what...what are you doing here...you’re supposed to be in custody mpya ke wena! ( you stupid dog)
Mazwi: hey love
He said looking at a shaking Marang who looked like she was going into shock.
Dineo: get out of here Mazwi...get out now jou moerskond! ( you asshole)
She screamed and Mazwi chuckled and he walked closer .
Dineo: NURSE!
She said reaching for the emergency remote and pressed on the button repeatedly then Mazwi put the flowers on the hospital side drawer smirking.
Mazwi: damn you’ll never change Dee
Dineo: GET AWAY MSOONO...GET AWAY!....NURSE!
A nurse rushed in.
Dineo: call security...call the police in fact call the military now!
Nurse: sister Peters call security!
She shouted rushing to Marang who was shaking like a leave.
Mazwi: we will talk some other time my love with any disturbances
He said to Marang and Dineo threw her hand bag at him and he ducked it laughing and he rushed out.
Dineo: Marang you need to calm down.....think of the baby....calm down Mara a miscarriage will kill Cole Mara please....please calm down im begging you
The nurse rushed out leaving Dineo begging Marang to calm down and she quickly came back in with another nurse and she sedated Marang  who was visibly shaking with her eyes popped out....she was certainly  going into shock. She passed out after they injected her and they asked Dineo to stand outside and she walked out with her phone and she dialed Richard’s numbers with her shaky right hand while her shaky left hand was on her belly as she tried to calm down for her baby’s sake.