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.