Redeemed

Chapter 16

GINA

I'm not surprised when I wake up in hospital. 

As I was sleeping, the events of the previous night came crashing into my mind. 

Things got out of control too quickly and now I'm here and in pain. 

Is this what I've become? I don't think I can recognise my reflection on the mirror. 

I'm keeping secrets from my husband in the name of loving him. 

He probably knows now if he went through my phone. 

I open my eyes and scan my surroundings, feeling the pain surface. 

I don't scream, can't even cry. 

"O tsohile? "

I look up and it's my father. He runs in and hugs me. 

I cry in his embrace. If only he knew what I've done. Zach's never hit me, he's never shown any signs he will. 

I provoked him and I don't care how I sound like a typical abused woman but it's true. 

I hit him first, all because of my own lies. I've been a bitch, I've been horrible and he's always been with me through it all. 

Dad: "(cups my face) Are you OK? "

Me: "(nods) I'm fine. I'm glad you're here "

Dad: "Zach called me. What happened? "

I can't tell him. 

Me: "We fought "

That's also true. I don't want to talk about it. 

Dad: "I can see that but why.? "

Me: "I don't want to talk about it. It happened and it... It was my fault "

The doctor comes in before he can say anything. 

Dr: "Mrs Kwena, how are you feeling? "

Me: "(annoyed) Really? "

Dr: "I'm sorry Ma'am. The good news is, there was no internal bleeding. "

Me: "And my baby? "

Dr: "You weren't pregnant ma'am. You also don't have any broken bones. Can you tell me what happened? "

Me: "(confused) What do you mean I wasn't pregnant? "

Dr: "We examined you when you were brought in. You weren't pregnant "

Me: "No, no I was pregnant "

Dr: "And how exactly did you determine that? "

Me: "I took a pregnancy test which came back positive. "

Dr: "The nurse will bring your medication and food. We're just keeping you here for observation then you'll be discharged tomorrow morning "

Then he leaves. 

I don't understand. 

Me: "(touching my belly) My baby... "

Dad: "This is normal. I'm sorry "

Me: "(looking at him) What exactly is normal? I was pregnant and all of a sudden, I'm not? No "

Dad: "I know it's not easy. Things probably weren't easy after you lost your son and maybe you've been trying to fall pregnant to fill that void he left but you'll be OK "

Me: "(rants) I wasn't trying, I was pregnant! He killed him! (crying) He killed my baby! "

Dad: "(embraces me) It's all going to be alright baby "