Left alone, Helen mulled over what she remembered of what Stephen had just said. Her son was in trouble. All she wanted and had ever wanted, was for Stevie to be happy. ‘I’m just a typical mother,’ she thought.
He had held Themi’s hand as they walked towards the cell. "Ndihamba noStephen..."
Stephen had heard the constable mumble, "Oook, I see the new South Africa really is working for you!", he replies in an irritatingly sarcastic voice. She felt her son’s pain. Thembi had immediately shrugged the officer off.
On the other side of a door they go through are two detectives, and as they soon found out they were detectives Ncube and Mazibuko. After intro0ducinge everyone, the constable than leaves.
"So you came to see the suspects?", questioned Ncube.
"Yes I have, have they told you anything yet detective?", Stephen spoke with a small voice.
She went over his words again and the way he had created the scene again."Can't tell you anything yet sir, but lets get down to it shall we...', said Mazibuko in an impatient tone of his voice. Mazibuko had pointed them in the direction of the viewing room and Thembeka could feel stephen's hand shiver almost shudder in her's. They walked in and waited for the suspects. Helen empathized with the feelings of the two young people. Stephen was facing two very difficult situations – seeing the people who had potentially harmed his mother, and the reactions of the police, both White and Black, to his holding Thembi’s hand. ‘Oh, my son,’ she thought, ‘you have chosen a difficult way.’
The suspects walk in one at a time and Stephen turns red with anger.. he slowly stares at each of them. ‘Mom, I just couldn’t believe it.’ Helen closed her eyes again, remembering the disappointment in the human race that she had heard in his voice. ‘Why would they hurt you to steal?’ It wasn’t fair for him to have to find out about life in this way. She admitted to herself, ‘At least Thembi looks genuine. Keep thinking of Nelson Mandela,’ she told herself. ‘Then all this will make sense. Then I will be able to help Stephen and Thembi. I need to get better. Ah….’ A germ of an idea entered her `mind. ‘This is the way to go…”
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Chapter 10 - Kalla (Elec eng student)
Chapter 10- Kalla
They stare Tembi up and down before murmuring a few words in a language not understood by either Stephen or Tembeka. ‘Don’t you dare start with that nonsense mchana!’, exclaimed a visibly flustered yet agitated Stephen- unable to comprehend the racial intolerance amongst members of ‘the New South Africa’ .
‘Gentlemen, can we please get down to business?’, Tembi pleaded to bring an end to a potentially uncomfortable situation.
‘Follow me then.’ Constable Ncube directed the couple to the screening room. ‘Stevie, have you ever seen any of these accused gentlemen?’. The screen veil lifted. Stephen was utterly speechless…’Alpha, Silva, Gamma and Andile! Th..The..They *gasp* they were all employed at my parents’ home as gardeners but were all promptly fired 6 months ago after my father suspected them for having stolen one of his tools from his shed.’ Stephen’s blood boiled as the anger within him grew with every glance he took of these men. ‘But why?!’ He thought to himself. Constable Ncube firmly broke the silence, ‘the charges are attempted murder, theft, malicious damage to property and trespassing- maximum 60 years if found guilty’.
Tembi loosened the grip of Stephens’ hand and thought to herself,’ that thick glass is the only thing keeping them safe from Stephens’ potentially harmful wrath. The session came to an end, and the couple were escorted back to the front desk by Constable Archvidi. ‘They are scheduled to appear in court for sentencing in a fortnight’s time.’ Tembi radiated a somewhat shy smile which oddly cooled Stephen. He smiled back before sending an SMS to his father. The text read, ‘Pa, jy sal nie kan glo wat ek nou net gesien het’ie. Alpha, Silva, Beta en Andile sit hier, hulle het DIT gedoen. I hope they rot in jail. Trial = next Friday.’
Seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours, and hours to days. As the fateful Friday drew near, Helen started showing signs of recovery, as her eyes responded to an optical torch held by Dr Thabalala. Jan hadn’t left his wife’s side all throughout the weekend. On Monday Jan skipped work, as he sensed that being with his’ wife’s side was the only thing keeping him from re-engaging a battle with the drinking problem that he had conquered for just over a year. He declared himself unfit to work. Even wine farmers need a break. 'Kosie, mangage for me please. Helen needs me more than the farm now.' Sunrise to sunset, Mr Jan remained in the room constantly talking to his stark and vividly beautiful wife, with an echo created by the empty room following every word he uttered.
'Of course, Jan. The grapes are not going to wither and die now. The weather is fine. Be at peace, I am here.'
Wednesday, during the visit from Stephen, Tembi and Nonna, she awoke from her coma appearing visibly unwell. Her visitors jumped for joy and immediately alerted the medical staff.
Then the mood transformed from jovial to sombre. After a few minutes of explaining the situation at hand, Helen paid minimal attention to the conversation and recalled only one thing they had told her - Court case on Friday morning. Unable to speak, she blinked her eyes when Stevie explained what had happened at the police station.
Nonna, Stephen and Tembi had to leave when the doctoral staff came in to assess Helen’s condition. After a few moments of fidgeting with gadgets, it was explained to Jan and his spouse that under no condition may Helen leave the hospital until further notice. From the back of the room came a stern summary of the lecture from Dr Thabalala, ‘Failure to adhere to these instruction may be perilous to your health Helen, and it may cause serious damage to your nervous system or even death.’ Helen’s spirit visibly plummeted and left a gap in the neutral atmosphere of the room. She would miss the court session.'
They stare Tembi up and down before murmuring a few words in a language not understood by either Stephen or Tembeka. ‘Don’t you dare start with that nonsense mchana!’, exclaimed a visibly flustered yet agitated Stephen- unable to comprehend the racial intolerance amongst members of ‘the New South Africa’ .
‘Gentlemen, can we please get down to business?’, Tembi pleaded to bring an end to a potentially uncomfortable situation.
‘Follow me then.’ Constable Ncube directed the couple to the screening room. ‘Stevie, have you ever seen any of these accused gentlemen?’. The screen veil lifted. Stephen was utterly speechless…’Alpha, Silva, Gamma and Andile! Th..The..They *gasp* they were all employed at my parents’ home as gardeners but were all promptly fired 6 months ago after my father suspected them for having stolen one of his tools from his shed.’ Stephen’s blood boiled as the anger within him grew with every glance he took of these men. ‘But why?!’ He thought to himself. Constable Ncube firmly broke the silence, ‘the charges are attempted murder, theft, malicious damage to property and trespassing- maximum 60 years if found guilty’.
Tembi loosened the grip of Stephens’ hand and thought to herself,’ that thick glass is the only thing keeping them safe from Stephens’ potentially harmful wrath. The session came to an end, and the couple were escorted back to the front desk by Constable Archvidi. ‘They are scheduled to appear in court for sentencing in a fortnight’s time.’ Tembi radiated a somewhat shy smile which oddly cooled Stephen. He smiled back before sending an SMS to his father. The text read, ‘Pa, jy sal nie kan glo wat ek nou net gesien het’ie. Alpha, Silva, Beta en Andile sit hier, hulle het DIT gedoen. I hope they rot in jail. Trial = next Friday.’
---oOo---
Seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours, and hours to days. As the fateful Friday drew near, Helen started showing signs of recovery, as her eyes responded to an optical torch held by Dr Thabalala. Jan hadn’t left his wife’s side all throughout the weekend. On Monday Jan skipped work, as he sensed that being with his’ wife’s side was the only thing keeping him from re-engaging a battle with the drinking problem that he had conquered for just over a year. He declared himself unfit to work. Even wine farmers need a break. 'Kosie, mangage for me please. Helen needs me more than the farm now.' Sunrise to sunset, Mr Jan remained in the room constantly talking to his stark and vividly beautiful wife, with an echo created by the empty room following every word he uttered.
'Of course, Jan. The grapes are not going to wither and die now. The weather is fine. Be at peace, I am here.'
Wednesday, during the visit from Stephen, Tembi and Nonna, she awoke from her coma appearing visibly unwell. Her visitors jumped for joy and immediately alerted the medical staff.
Then the mood transformed from jovial to sombre. After a few minutes of explaining the situation at hand, Helen paid minimal attention to the conversation and recalled only one thing they had told her - Court case on Friday morning. Unable to speak, she blinked her eyes when Stevie explained what had happened at the police station.
Nonna, Stephen and Tembi had to leave when the doctoral staff came in to assess Helen’s condition. After a few moments of fidgeting with gadgets, it was explained to Jan and his spouse that under no condition may Helen leave the hospital until further notice. From the back of the room came a stern summary of the lecture from Dr Thabalala, ‘Failure to adhere to these instruction may be perilous to your health Helen, and it may cause serious damage to your nervous system or even death.’ Helen’s spirit visibly plummeted and left a gap in the neutral atmosphere of the room. She would miss the court session.'
Monday, August 23, 2010
Chapter 9 – Marie-Anne
Chapter 9 – Marie-Anne
Stephen looks at his father’s grim face. ‘You need to go to the police station now, Stephen. They are questioning the four men. I want to know if we know them at all.’
‘Come on, Thembi. I am going to need your strength now.’
She doesn’t hesitate. All other thoughts are put aside. Stephen needs her, he wants her to go with him. She moves towards him. ‘I’m here, baby.’
There is no parking outside the police station. Stephen mumbles something that sounds like a curse to Thembi, but she ignores it. He is too stressed for any challenge now. He is just not himself. They’ll have to park in Dorp street and walk back to the police station. He opens her door and she quietly slips her hand into his. They turn in the direction of the station.
As they walk, the two joggers coming towards them are staring. There is a nasty expression on the blonde’s face. He makes no effort to avoid Thembi and Stephen . He bumps into Thembi. ‘Bloody top deck couple. We don’t need you here. Stellenbosch is not for the likes of you. We want it as it always used to be,’ he hisses.
Stephen grabs his tracksuit top. His face is red with anger. ‘She is with me. If you want to cause trouble, be a man. Say those things to me, you coward.’ He shakes the blonde student hard. ‘Apologise, or I am going to mess you up seriously.’ He raises his fist.
“Please leave him, Stephen, he’s not worth it,’ Thembi screams. ‘Think of your mother. Let’s just go to the police.’
‘Ja, listen to the black poppie. Take your orders from your new masters, or mistress,’ the second dark-haired student mocks. ‘There are two of us, don’t forget.’
‘It would take three of you to one of me, you rubbish. I will leave you but only because you are not worthy of wasting our precious time now. Make sure I don’t run into you on campus.’ He puts his arm protectively around Thembi and moves forward. ‘Why are you shaking, Thembi? I’m not scared. Part of our rugby training consists of karate moves. I’d take them both on right now if we weren’t due at Sup Labuschagne’s right now.’ He gently strokes her hair. ‘They better get used to it, baby, cos I’m not giving you up now that I have found you. It isn’t even a decision for me. It’s already been made.’
They enter the police station. The two constables are having a conversation in Xhosa while they help the student who is filling in forms. ‘Sorry, Stephen, hi! My car was stolen last night. I won’t be long. I’m so sick of these people who just can’t understand the law.’ He falls silent as he notices Thembi. ‘Oh...!” The constables have broken off their conversation in mid-sentence as they look at Stephen and Thembi.
What do you think their reaction to Stephen and Thembi will be? Do you think there will be more teething problems linked to a relationship like this in the new South Afrtica?
Stephen looks at his father’s grim face. ‘You need to go to the police station now, Stephen. They are questioning the four men. I want to know if we know them at all.’
‘Come on, Thembi. I am going to need your strength now.’
She doesn’t hesitate. All other thoughts are put aside. Stephen needs her, he wants her to go with him. She moves towards him. ‘I’m here, baby.’
There is no parking outside the police station. Stephen mumbles something that sounds like a curse to Thembi, but she ignores it. He is too stressed for any challenge now. He is just not himself. They’ll have to park in Dorp street and walk back to the police station. He opens her door and she quietly slips her hand into his. They turn in the direction of the station.
As they walk, the two joggers coming towards them are staring. There is a nasty expression on the blonde’s face. He makes no effort to avoid Thembi and Stephen . He bumps into Thembi. ‘Bloody top deck couple. We don’t need you here. Stellenbosch is not for the likes of you. We want it as it always used to be,’ he hisses.
Stephen grabs his tracksuit top. His face is red with anger. ‘She is with me. If you want to cause trouble, be a man. Say those things to me, you coward.’ He shakes the blonde student hard. ‘Apologise, or I am going to mess you up seriously.’ He raises his fist.
“Please leave him, Stephen, he’s not worth it,’ Thembi screams. ‘Think of your mother. Let’s just go to the police.’
‘Ja, listen to the black poppie. Take your orders from your new masters, or mistress,’ the second dark-haired student mocks. ‘There are two of us, don’t forget.’
‘It would take three of you to one of me, you rubbish. I will leave you but only because you are not worthy of wasting our precious time now. Make sure I don’t run into you on campus.’ He puts his arm protectively around Thembi and moves forward. ‘Why are you shaking, Thembi? I’m not scared. Part of our rugby training consists of karate moves. I’d take them both on right now if we weren’t due at Sup Labuschagne’s right now.’ He gently strokes her hair. ‘They better get used to it, baby, cos I’m not giving you up now that I have found you. It isn’t even a decision for me. It’s already been made.’
They enter the police station. The two constables are having a conversation in Xhosa while they help the student who is filling in forms. ‘Sorry, Stephen, hi! My car was stolen last night. I won’t be long. I’m so sick of these people who just can’t understand the law.’ He falls silent as he notices Thembi. ‘Oh...!” The constables have broken off their conversation in mid-sentence as they look at Stephen and Thembi.
What do you think their reaction to Stephen and Thembi will be? Do you think there will be more teething problems linked to a relationship like this in the new South Afrtica?
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Chapter 8- Tutors
Chapter 8- Tutors
‘It’s complicated it always is…that’s just the way it goes...’ that’s mine said Stephen as he let go of Thembi’s hand and answered his phone. ‘Steve, hello.’ ‘What am I doing?’ thought Thembi as she watched Stephen walk away. ‘How ironic that song, this is complicate. How can something so right be so wrong? How I wish those green hazel eyes could gaze into mine and I could easily be swept away into another...’ Her thoughts were disturbed as she remembered the fury in Mr Jan’s face, back to reality!... Her heart filled with uncertainty, she frowned.
Is Thembi having second thoughts on this new relationship? Should she walk away? What must happen next? It’s up to you now. I’ll be waiting... (^^,)
‘Thembeka!’, she jumped at the sound of a familiar voice, her mother. ‘What is going on mtana wam?’ her eyes could not meet with her mother’s eye sin fear of what she would find there. ‘What do you think your father would say about this? Not to mention uGogo.’ Nona’s face filled with disappointment.
‘Mama, you have always told me to follow my heart. You and dad got married for love against all odds, you followed your heart Ma.’ That was different’, said Nona as she wiped a tear running down her daughters cheek. ‘You and I both know it will never work between you two, you are too…you’re very different. ’
Nona looked at her daughter, touched her arm and said. ‘I want you to be married to a good man …’
Mama, by good you mean a black Xhosa man!’
‘Do not raise your voice Thembeka’
‘I am sorry mama, but you do not know how I feel.’
‘Ssshh…, said Nona, You must understand, this is very wrong in may ways mtana wam’
‘But Ma…’
‘No buts, izithethe namsiko ethu will not be compromised because of a white boy. We can never take him to Eastern Cape to see your Gogo and the rest of our family…Start forgetting about him, now.
‘It’s complicated it always is…that’s just the way it goes...’ that’s mine said Stephen as he let go of Thembi’s hand and answered his phone. ‘Steve, hello.’ ‘What am I doing?’ thought Thembi as she watched Stephen walk away. ‘How ironic that song, this is complicate. How can something so right be so wrong? How I wish those green hazel eyes could gaze into mine and I could easily be swept away into another...’ Her thoughts were disturbed as she remembered the fury in Mr Jan’s face, back to reality!... Her heart filled with uncertainty, she frowned.
Is Thembi having second thoughts on this new relationship? Should she walk away? What must happen next? It’s up to you now. I’ll be waiting... (^^,)
‘Thembeka!’, she jumped at the sound of a familiar voice, her mother. ‘What is going on mtana wam?’ her eyes could not meet with her mother’s eye sin fear of what she would find there. ‘What do you think your father would say about this? Not to mention uGogo.’ Nona’s face filled with disappointment.
‘Mama, you have always told me to follow my heart. You and dad got married for love against all odds, you followed your heart Ma.’ That was different’, said Nona as she wiped a tear running down her daughters cheek. ‘You and I both know it will never work between you two, you are too…you’re very different. ’
Nona looked at her daughter, touched her arm and said. ‘I want you to be married to a good man …’
Mama, by good you mean a black Xhosa man!’
‘Do not raise your voice Thembeka’
‘I am sorry mama, but you do not know how I feel.’
‘Ssshh…, said Nona, You must understand, this is very wrong in may ways mtana wam’
‘But Ma…’
‘No buts, izithethe namsiko ethu will not be compromised because of a white boy. We can never take him to Eastern Cape to see your Gogo and the rest of our family…Start forgetting about him, now.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Chapter 7 - Gail
Tembeka took the scene in, in an instant. Mr Botha’s suspicious face, Stephen stiffening next to her, Mrs Botha lying almost lifelessly in her hospital bed, her mother’s terrified glances at her ‘Mr Jan…’
She wriggled her hand free and bolted. The doors swung behind her and she didn’t stop running until she got to the front entrance once more. As she gasped for breath, her feet sank into the soft green grass and she gradually slowed to a gentle walk. The sun warmed her shoulders and she moved towards the wooden bench a little distance away. Dandelions swirled across the lawn, in the light breeze and s he picked up as many as she could fit into her scarf and then sorted through them to keep the perfect ones. Tears dropped into her mouth, as she mulled over the scene she had just run away from. As she bent to gather more of the fragile plants, her skirt lifted up and revealed her long legs for a moment, before she grabbed at the edges and rearranged it. She should really go back inside to Stephen, but the soft grass and the sunshine warming her shoulders, seemed a much safer option.
Gradually she became aware of another presence in her aura, watching her closely.
"Tembeka!"
What was he doing out here?
"Tembi. Why did you bolt like that? "
As she turned, Stephen was already holding his arms out for her. She dug her toes into the soft grass and dropped her head. By the time he reached her side, the tears were streaming down her cheeks. She pushed against his embrace, but he tightened his grip and only when her arms ached, did she allow herself to sink into him. He cradled her head as soggy tears drenched his cotton shirt.
"I can’t do this."
Stephen pulled her even closer.
"Did you see the way your dad looked at us? At me? My mum looked terrified…as if she was the one doing something wrong…"
Tembeka’s words were being gulped up by sobs.
" Shh… it’s going to be okay."
She shook her head and tried to pull away once more, but Stephen held onto her and kissed her forehead. As her tears subsided, he released his grip and gently took her hands in his.
"We need to go back in."
She didn’t offer any resistance now and followed him quietly. The swing doors gave way to his push and she felt his grasp on her hand tighten, as they entered the room together.
She wriggled her hand free and bolted. The doors swung behind her and she didn’t stop running until she got to the front entrance once more. As she gasped for breath, her feet sank into the soft green grass and she gradually slowed to a gentle walk. The sun warmed her shoulders and she moved towards the wooden bench a little distance away. Dandelions swirled across the lawn, in the light breeze and s he picked up as many as she could fit into her scarf and then sorted through them to keep the perfect ones. Tears dropped into her mouth, as she mulled over the scene she had just run away from. As she bent to gather more of the fragile plants, her skirt lifted up and revealed her long legs for a moment, before she grabbed at the edges and rearranged it. She should really go back inside to Stephen, but the soft grass and the sunshine warming her shoulders, seemed a much safer option.
Gradually she became aware of another presence in her aura, watching her closely.
"Tembeka!"
What was he doing out here?
"Tembi. Why did you bolt like that? "
As she turned, Stephen was already holding his arms out for her. She dug her toes into the soft grass and dropped her head. By the time he reached her side, the tears were streaming down her cheeks. She pushed against his embrace, but he tightened his grip and only when her arms ached, did she allow herself to sink into him. He cradled her head as soggy tears drenched his cotton shirt.
"I can’t do this."
Stephen pulled her even closer.
"Did you see the way your dad looked at us? At me? My mum looked terrified…as if she was the one doing something wrong…"
Tembeka’s words were being gulped up by sobs.
" Shh… it’s going to be okay."
She shook her head and tried to pull away once more, but Stephen held onto her and kissed her forehead. As her tears subsided, he released his grip and gently took her hands in his.
"We need to go back in."
She didn’t offer any resistance now and followed him quietly. The swing doors gave way to his push and she felt his grasp on her hand tighten, as they entered the room together.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Chapter 6 - Vidius
Nonna sighs and senses a nagging, worrying feeling in her stomach. She has never seen her daughter so alive. ‘I can only hope that if this carries on, nobody is going to get hurt … this is dangerous, what is my family going say and do if this carries on? Intuitively she rubs over the scar in her neck. ‘ Ag, go on! 10 minutes only!’
She listens to the noise of the engine as they drive off. A phone rings. She see Steven’s phone on the couch. ‘Stevie’s phone, hello?’ ‘Nonna. Is that you?’ She recognizes Jan’s voice. ‘Hello Mr Jan.’
‘ Can I talk to Stephen?’ She explains to Jan that Stephen’s gone to get milk for tea, experiencing first an awkward silence on his side, and then she hears the sorrow in his voice when he elaborates what transpired at the hospital. ‘Mr Jan, I’ll tell him the moment they are back. He’ll come right over.’
As he terminates the call, Jan thinks: ‘What did she mean by “they”?’ But then he swings back to the tragedy in front of him.
‘Come on! Let me show you my favourite spot in Stellenbosch! Nonna won‘t mind, it will only take an extra few minutes!’ The excitement in Stephen’s voice is contagious. The drive to Lanzerac is only 5 minutes away, and Stephen’s excitement grows as he sees the admiration on Tembeka’s face as she drinks in the beautiful scenery on the farm. At one of the fountains they pause, stare deep into each other’s eyes. The lingering kiss that follows is so automatic, natural, exciting all at once…and it is as if time lingers as well.
‘What do you mean “with your daughter”? I did not know you had a daughter. How old is she?’
‘She is in her final year at CPUT, and she and Stephen met yesterday at the rugby, and planned to braai together, but then the news about the burglary broke and…’
‘What you meant to tell me is that he has been gone for two hours to buy milk…WITH your daughter?! Tell him to come to the hospital when you see him.’ Jan’s voice is dark.
‘Stevie where have you guys been? I was worried sick!’ Nonna can’t help but notice they are holding hands.
“Sorry Nonna, but I had to show Tembi the scenery at Lanzerac, and I left my cell..’
‘ Never mind that, Stevie. Your dad called … I don’t know how to put it…they caught four men…but…Oh Stevie I’m so sorry, your mother has gone into a coma!’
The shock on Stephen’s face is visible. ‘I’ve gotta go…sorry you two, I’ll call you later and…’
‘Not a chance’, interrupts Tembeka, ‘I’m coming with you.’
‘Then me too.’ There is concern in Nonna’s voice
---o0o---
The door at the ICU reception opens and Jan looks up. In storms his beloved son and Nonna. He is holding hands with a young black girl. This scene is all wrong and Jan is dumbfounded. Then he senses what he sees…he turns and looks at the bed with Helena in, he looks at his son again. His face darkens with fury.
She listens to the noise of the engine as they drive off. A phone rings. She see Steven’s phone on the couch. ‘Stevie’s phone, hello?’ ‘Nonna. Is that you?’ She recognizes Jan’s voice. ‘Hello Mr Jan.’
‘ Can I talk to Stephen?’ She explains to Jan that Stephen’s gone to get milk for tea, experiencing first an awkward silence on his side, and then she hears the sorrow in his voice when he elaborates what transpired at the hospital. ‘Mr Jan, I’ll tell him the moment they are back. He’ll come right over.’
As he terminates the call, Jan thinks: ‘What did she mean by “they”?’ But then he swings back to the tragedy in front of him.
‘Come on! Let me show you my favourite spot in Stellenbosch! Nonna won‘t mind, it will only take an extra few minutes!’ The excitement in Stephen’s voice is contagious. The drive to Lanzerac is only 5 minutes away, and Stephen’s excitement grows as he sees the admiration on Tembeka’s face as she drinks in the beautiful scenery on the farm. At one of the fountains they pause, stare deep into each other’s eyes. The lingering kiss that follows is so automatic, natural, exciting all at once…and it is as if time lingers as well.
‘What do you mean “with your daughter”? I did not know you had a daughter. How old is she?’
‘She is in her final year at CPUT, and she and Stephen met yesterday at the rugby, and planned to braai together, but then the news about the burglary broke and…’
‘What you meant to tell me is that he has been gone for two hours to buy milk…WITH your daughter?! Tell him to come to the hospital when you see him.’ Jan’s voice is dark.
‘Stevie where have you guys been? I was worried sick!’ Nonna can’t help but notice they are holding hands.
“Sorry Nonna, but I had to show Tembi the scenery at Lanzerac, and I left my cell..’
‘ Never mind that, Stevie. Your dad called … I don’t know how to put it…they caught four men…but…Oh Stevie I’m so sorry, your mother has gone into a coma!’
The shock on Stephen’s face is visible. ‘I’ve gotta go…sorry you two, I’ll call you later and…’
‘Not a chance’, interrupts Tembeka, ‘I’m coming with you.’
‘Then me too.’ There is concern in Nonna’s voice
---o0o---
The door at the ICU reception opens and Jan looks up. In storms his beloved son and Nonna. He is holding hands with a young black girl. This scene is all wrong and Jan is dumbfounded. Then he senses what he sees…he turns and looks at the bed with Helena in, he looks at his son again. His face darkens with fury.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Chapter 5 - Vidius
Chapter Five – Vidius
‘Thanks Sup, I appreciate your moral support, or should I say, Colonel? Your rank structure has changed back to the old days, hasn’t it?’ Jan is staring at the face of his darling, barely recognizable, through the glass of the ICU reception area. Stephan and Nonna just left. He will have to work on his attitude towards Nonna. A thought rushes through his mind. But these Blacks, they are all the same.
He has to move out of the ward in case the cell phone causes interference with the sophisticated life support machines. ‘Yes, it has’ answers the head of the Police of Stellenbosch. ‘I don’t particularly like the changing back, it might just remind too many people of our difficult past.’ Jan feels a bit of a temperature rise, but in the current situation he quickly suppresses it.
‘So how many did you catch?’ ‘ Well, we interrogated the four that we caught, it seems like there were only four… AND it seems they have been watching your house for weeks. This normally means inside assistance and we…’ The police chief is interrupted by a sickening noise in his ear. ‘Hello Mr Botha? Are you there?’ The line has gone dead.
Jan has dropped his phone and it crashes into pieces on the ground. The life support machines at Helena’s bed have gone crazy and he rushes to the bed, only to be forcefully stopped by the staff. ‘Please Mr Botha, stay back!’ He is forced back to the reception area.
45 minutes later the head of the medical team approaches him. The doctor looks at Jan and a brief feeling of pity spills through him. It looks like Jan’s 1.9m frame has shrunk to the size of a dwarf.
‘Mr Botha, your wife has gone into a deep coma. She is stable now and physically out of danger.’
‘What do you mean by “deep coma”, Dr van Zyl?’
‘Well, she could slip out of it in days, or it could…well it could take months…and …well, it may never happen.’ Van Zyl always felt that with this kind of news, one always says it as soon as possible and with as few as possible words. Jan slips back into his chair, looking up into the doctor’s face, devastated.
The doctor pauses for a moment, changes his gaze towards the entrance. Coming through the entrance is an elegant, distinguished looking black woman with her hair tightly bound behind her neck, making her attractive features even more prominent.
‘Mr Botha, I’d like you to meet Dr Thabalala, our resident psychiatrist. I called for her, because I’d like her to orientate you as to what has just happened. She’ll support you over the next few days. She will head the team that takes care of your wife over the interim period. She has a reputation of being one of the best in the business … and I should know … she is my wife as well!’
The news of the relationship doesn’t really sink in. Then it does. ‘I must phone my son … he has gone to drop off our domestic worker.’ A quick subtle glance passes between the two doctors.
Jan reaches for his cell, remembering it broke on the floor. ‘Dr van Zyl, can I use a hospital phone? I’m afraid I dropped my phone on the floor, splitting it on the floor.’ Jan is not even aware of it himself, but he is completely ignoring Dr Thabalala. But she is very aware of it … and used to it. She sighs. When will this prejudice ever disappear? ‘I am so sick of it,’ she thinks silently.
‘No problem, Mr Botha, just go to the counter, the nurse will assist you.’
‘Tembi! WHAT are you doing here?!’ asks Stephen in disbelief, and but with excitement in his voice.
“Tembi? How come Stevie calls you Tembi? Only Papa used to call you Tembi!’
Stephen’s cell rings. ‘Excuse me, I just want to take this,’ and steps outside the front door.
‘Thanks Sup, I appreciate your moral support, or should I say, Colonel? Your rank structure has changed back to the old days, hasn’t it?’ Jan is staring at the face of his darling, barely recognizable, through the glass of the ICU reception area. Stephan and Nonna just left. He will have to work on his attitude towards Nonna. A thought rushes through his mind. But these Blacks, they are all the same.
He has to move out of the ward in case the cell phone causes interference with the sophisticated life support machines. ‘Yes, it has’ answers the head of the Police of Stellenbosch. ‘I don’t particularly like the changing back, it might just remind too many people of our difficult past.’ Jan feels a bit of a temperature rise, but in the current situation he quickly suppresses it.
‘So how many did you catch?’ ‘ Well, we interrogated the four that we caught, it seems like there were only four… AND it seems they have been watching your house for weeks. This normally means inside assistance and we…’ The police chief is interrupted by a sickening noise in his ear. ‘Hello Mr Botha? Are you there?’ The line has gone dead.
Jan has dropped his phone and it crashes into pieces on the ground. The life support machines at Helena’s bed have gone crazy and he rushes to the bed, only to be forcefully stopped by the staff. ‘Please Mr Botha, stay back!’ He is forced back to the reception area.
45 minutes later the head of the medical team approaches him. The doctor looks at Jan and a brief feeling of pity spills through him. It looks like Jan’s 1.9m frame has shrunk to the size of a dwarf.
‘Mr Botha, your wife has gone into a deep coma. She is stable now and physically out of danger.’
‘What do you mean by “deep coma”, Dr van Zyl?’
‘Well, she could slip out of it in days, or it could…well it could take months…and …well, it may never happen.’ Van Zyl always felt that with this kind of news, one always says it as soon as possible and with as few as possible words. Jan slips back into his chair, looking up into the doctor’s face, devastated.
The doctor pauses for a moment, changes his gaze towards the entrance. Coming through the entrance is an elegant, distinguished looking black woman with her hair tightly bound behind her neck, making her attractive features even more prominent.
‘Mr Botha, I’d like you to meet Dr Thabalala, our resident psychiatrist. I called for her, because I’d like her to orientate you as to what has just happened. She’ll support you over the next few days. She will head the team that takes care of your wife over the interim period. She has a reputation of being one of the best in the business … and I should know … she is my wife as well!’
The news of the relationship doesn’t really sink in. Then it does. ‘I must phone my son … he has gone to drop off our domestic worker.’ A quick subtle glance passes between the two doctors.
Jan reaches for his cell, remembering it broke on the floor. ‘Dr van Zyl, can I use a hospital phone? I’m afraid I dropped my phone on the floor, splitting it on the floor.’ Jan is not even aware of it himself, but he is completely ignoring Dr Thabalala. But she is very aware of it … and used to it. She sighs. When will this prejudice ever disappear? ‘I am so sick of it,’ she thinks silently.
‘No problem, Mr Botha, just go to the counter, the nurse will assist you.’
‘Tembi! WHAT are you doing here?!’ asks Stephen in disbelief, and but with excitement in his voice.
“Tembi? How come Stevie calls you Tembi? Only Papa used to call you Tembi!’
Stephen’s cell rings. ‘Excuse me, I just want to take this,’ and steps outside the front door.
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