Mpumi ran out of the room when her tears started building up in her eyes. She couldn’t contain her grief and definitely, wouldn’t let any of them see her cry. Dion saw that. He wanted to run after her but he still had to resolve the conflict between the children or else, they would be calling him non-stop and again.
Dion knew what was going on in her mind, that did not sit well with him. He wanted to talk to her. He knew he had to wrap things up with his little guys.
He managed to over-throw them, officially ending the fight, “I win! I always win!” he cheered.
“Oh, we’ll get you someday,” said Vincent.
“Sure. Yeah. Right. You will need years of training to beat me.”
“Well, I don’t care,” Dave said, “I will train so hard. So hard that I become stronger and defeat you someday.”
“I remember when I started,” Dion said. “I started small. I would
Dion and the children woke up and did not find Mpumi. While Dave and Vincent raced around the house looking for the rest of the things they forgot to pack up, Dion put the dishes back in the cupboards. He was having a tough time emotionally. He found the note Mpumi left on top of the micro-wave. She put their transport money next to it.……………………..Mpumi’s letter………………………..DionWith all my heart, I want to say thank you.The past seven months have been one of the most excruciating, yet fruitful time of my life. You think I have taught you love, but I think I learnt love through you. I have become the woman I am today because of you, Vincent, and Dave. My true wish is that you all continue to succeed from here on forth. Go conquer, and as you go know that you are always in my thoughts.
It was morning. The morning went as it would usually. The maids and the male servants had everything tidied and cleaned. Breakfast was done hours ago. Bowman was only walking around his home without much purpose. That was his wait for his flight back to the UK in afternoon.Bowman had a glass of water in his hand. He had just swallowed his tablets—tablets for back pains since the loss of his son. He was heading towards the living room when the front door opened—“Dad.”Bowman looked only to see a young man standing there, at the door. This man was skinny, pale, and tired. His eyes protruded, and the areas around them slotted in. His jaws and cheekbones pushed through his fleshless skin. His collar bones and ribs marked a defined outline around his chest.The young man had lost so much weight that his father stood in shock for a whole while. The glass slipped through Bowman’s hand and broke scattering its broken piece all over
The house was back to normal when the guests and relatives had left. Only aunt Gertrude stayed a little longer. She was joyful to have Dion back. She, Bowman, Dion and the kids gathered at the table. There was a big feast laid.“We are having an extended New Year’s Day meal,” Bowman had cheered. Dave struggled reaching the chair as it was too high. Dion had to lift him, and place him proper. Now, Dave was too short for the table.“I’ll get a pillow, sir,” Joseph rushed to the other room and returned with a pillow. He put it on the chair where Dave sat. Now Dave could reach the table. Dion saw that it was only the five of them at the table—himself, Bowman, Gertrude, Vincent and Dave. “Where did the others go?” He was referring to the staff.“To the kitchen, Dion.”That while, the staff stood peeking through the door. They wanted to see more of Dion. They were fascinated and curious of him. T
Soon enough, there were journalists and news reporters outside Dion’s big gates. It was on the outbreak of a new morning. They flashed lights, they screamed Dion’s name, they tried pushing their way in, they held out their microphones. Through all that, Dion was inside his house having his morning coffee.“I still don’t get how you say you’re full in the morning when you haven’t eaten a thing.”“Dad, drop it, already. I said I’m not hungry. My stomach feels bloated right now. I can’t see anything going past my mouth.”“Okay, okay.” Bowman had to stop trying to persuade his son to eat breakfast. He was only trying to get Dion to gain back his weight. It was time he changed topic now, “Hey, I bet everyone is waiting for you in the office,” Bowman chuckled.“I bet everyone is terrified actually. I wasn’t a good person the last time I was here. It only makes
Dion froze. He had been standing beside his father, with his head bowed. Bowman leaned on him and whispered, “Dion? You gotta say something.”Dion gently shook his head.“Dion,” another whisper from Bowman.“I don’t know what to say,” a whisper from Dion.“Say thank you.”Silence…Seeing the shift in the atmosphere, Bowman knew he had to say something to the crowd, “Jitters.” He laughed, “He’s been suffering jitters since he got back.” Going back to Dion, “You better start talking, man.”“Honestly, I don’t know what to say,” Dion finally spoke up. “It does feel good to be missed. And I must say, I can feel my confidence hit the sky, already.”The tension had loosened up. Not one in the crowd expected anything like that from Dion. They could all see that he was humbled, and shy. He stood next to hi
Dion and Liam where making amends and talking things out. It uncomfortable but necessary. Dion already apologized, now he waited to hear Liam’s response…Liam walked to the desk, to Dion, and he gently placed his hand on Dion’s shoulder. “For what it’s worth, I woke up every morning, went to your room hoping I’d see you there peacefully sleeping. My heart has been miserable. A part of me was lost without you, man.”Dion got up and embraced the man—they were hugging. Dion knew then that his apology was accepted. Much was spoken about. Liam had his stories to tell too. “…and then we found that you donated a large amount of money to the orphans. I must say, we were all shocked!”Dion laughed, “I wish it was from my heart then! Hey, tell me about Thandi. I haven’t seen her.”“Well, she was here for a few days, and then she left. I mean, with you gone there was nothing more left of us to do here.”“Give her a call later. Tell her I’m back. And that I’m not a jerk anymore.”“Are you kidding
Dion continued to excel at work. His father was already sending him potential business associates to cut deals with.Still, not one in the office had the best of Dion. Each person wondered and would only dream of having contact with Dion. Dion was a very scarce man in the office—it was like he was hiding himself from his staff. Bare in mind, he was their manager back in time when he was mean. And so, right now, he was probably too embarrassed to face them all again.Only his PA had the pleasure of interacting with him, often when she brought in coffee, meals, or just doing her job, and then she would leave his office to hers which was just next door. The other staff would hear the PA and Dion laughing some of the times, and they would admire that. The PA had become most adored in the office because of her association with the CEO—Dion.For the first time, she was starting to enjoy her job and all the attention it brought. For the first time she felt visible around the office. Her coll
The PA walked in after a shot knock, “Um, Mpumelelo Dladla has come in to start work, sir.”“Dladla?”“Yes, the intern who came highly recommended by the Durban ITSU branch. She interned there. She was brought in by the acting CEO of Metallics.”“Oh, yeah. Yeah. I remember.”“Should I bring her in?”This Mpumelelo Dladla was standing just outside the door, waiting on the PA to bring her in. This Mpumelelo Dladla had already heard the PA explain that the boss was uncomfortable with people walking into his office. Hence, this young lady stood patiently.“No, please, don’t let her in. Just tell her ‘Welcome’. And I hope that she becomes a valuable member to the company.”“You got it, sir!,” the PA closed the door and took the lady with herself, while sending Dion’s regards to her. “Okay, so, now you can walk further that way,
Chapter 150“You… You’re alive?!” Mpumi couldn’t believe her own eyes.Ray was alive this whole. This was a man she had fallen in love with many years ago. Their relationship was a tumultuous one. It was on and it was off, it was good and it was toxic. Mpumi ended up getting so obsessed with this man. He was her first love after all.She had dated some guys before him but she never quite felt anything for any other man before Ray. She couldn’t understand her feelings, she was too young.They were both at Mpumi’s motel now. Mpumi was hesitant on letting him in but in the end she did. He sat at the small round table while she remained standing. She was still so frightened.“You stabbed me and then ran.” Ray continued, at the same time piercing a strict gaze into Mpumi’s eyes, “You left me there to die. I collapsed and laid on the pool of my own blood, I asked you to help me, but you r
Chapter 149Kefentse was the happiest man in his entire friend group. Things were working out for him and in his favour. He was taking over his father’s company. This was something he worked his entire life for. To be recognized by his father meant everything to him.“And now, you must bring us a wife.”“What?” Kefentse couldn’t believe the words of his father.“My son, you have just acquired a thrown. Now you must have an heir. With this much wealth and fortune, many vultures will come out of the woodworks to try to steal from you. Besides that, people are more likely to trust a man with a family. You are at an age to ground yourself.”Kefentse was still so struck with shock. He did not see that coming.His father went and on and on about his next plans for Kefentse’s life, “Ooh, I know a few girls around your age. All from respectable families. Say, we should set dates! ...”
Chapter148The kids were trying to find out who leaked a very private piece of information about Vincent’s father.“I don’t know.” Gift argued for himself, “The only reason I was beefing with Vincent back then was because I thought he would take you away from me. Other than that, I really have no problems with that kid. I was just jealous…”“You’re not jealous anymore?”“No. Ever since you claimed me, I really had no reason to be anymore.”Sphesihle was touched to hear that. In fact, she remembered the reasons why she liked him in the first place—he used to be so sweet. She could swoon over his sweet words but that was not the time, they had serious matters at their hands.Whoever leaked that news what in the school, because the first article to be released about the matter was published in that school’s news-site. They had to find out who did that.&
Chapter 147Bowman started weeping bitterly. Mpumi was only flustered, and at loss for words.“When he woke up, he wanted hurt himself again. The doctors had to strap him down and sedate him.”Bowman tumbled to his knees. “Please…”He crawled over to Mpumi’s feet.“Please, you have to help him. You have to watch over him—at least keep him alive for me!”Bowman was actually on his knees, grovelling for her help. Mpumi once thought that she wanted him to do that, but now that he was, she couldn’t stomach it. She saw the pain in that man’s eyes. He was a single father who was terrified of losing his son. His only child.She started trying to help him up but he was far too heavy to lift. He kept rubbing his palms together, and kept crawling to her as she was backing away from him.“Please. Please, little Miss. Please help my son.”He then grabbed and held on to her knees so that she wouldn’t back away anymore. All over his face were his tears and a very certain sadness.………A little whi
Chapter 146When morning came and Mpumi had to go home, since her shift was over, she remembered to go check on Dion first. She found him on the floor, unconscious and bleeding from his head.She called for help, and all the others rushed in and took him for an emergency care. Mpumi was worried, she couldn’t sit still as she waited for the results. Bowman and his family were at the hospital too, after receiving that early morning call. They too looked worried.Mpumi did find herself exchanging glances with Bowman. She wondered what that was about. She was able to go home when the doctors confirmed that Dion was okay. She could stay up and blame herself for what happened to Dion on her watch, but she was too tired and too sleepy.Mpumi quickly, slipped into her pyjamas (nightwear), and into her sheets—DING DONG!Came a doorbell at her door. She was tired. She simply scoffed, and then buried her head under her pillow. She was determined on ignoring that vividly loud doorbell.DING DONG
Chapter 145There was silence as Mpumi was thoroughly thinking about her decision. The Hill family had asked for her help to bring Dion back home. The ball was in Mpumi’s court.She then turned to Bowman, looked at him dead in the eye, “You fired me and then I left. I left your son and your darned company, so you can have all the control you wanted. As soon as I’m gone, your son goes missing? None of you knew where he was until I came along. I came back and I found him. You should be thanking me.”Mpumi continued, “In fact, you should be begging me to help you and your little precious son.”“I am begging you, Mpumi—”“Not you, Liam. I want Mr. Bowman Hill to beg me himself.”Bowman simply scoffed. He couldn’t believe the audacity of the girl. How dare she demand him to beg?“I see that proud smirk at the corner of your mouth, Mr. Bowman Hill.” Mpumi sa
Chapter 144At school, Gift was always happy to see Sphesihle. He would always beam and brightly so around her. He didn’t care if anyone saw him with her. Gift knew that he was the most admired kid in that school. His social value did not decrease on just being seen with Sphesihle—if anything, Sphesihle’s social value was more likely increase.“I get so excited to come to school nowadays,” he said smiling at Sphesihle.They were in class, first period. They spoke in low tones so that they wouldn’t make too much noise. That was allowed. This was their Life Orientation teacher, and she allowed socialization among pupils as long as they used their ‘inside voices’—as long as they were not too loud.“I get to hang out with you again.” Gift continued, “Remember how tight we used to be? And we were such a power couple.”Meanwhile, Sphesihle couldn’t shake off the uncomfort
Chapter 143Mpumi could see a clear view of his face. His front hairs were dangling at his forehead, overgrown and almost obscuring his sight. His beard was as long and tangled in what could soon turn into locks.As she looked closer, she saw his eyes sunken in and dark circles around them. She saw his cheeks all bones and protruding.Shocked! Mpumi’s throat was almost as dry as the sand in the Saharan Desert. Her tongue had never felt so heavy as she tried saying her first words upon seeing the man’s face. On her own face was the look of sheer terror!“DION??!!”He only looked into empty space and mimed what even he couldn’t make sense of. He seemed very far and lost. Mpumi got closer to have a closer look at his eyes.“Dion?”However, he looked lifeless almost as though there was no soul living in there. Mpumi could only wonder what happened to him. How he even got to that place, in the firs
Chapter 142The nurses did not succeed at collecting the patient’s DNA. The patient in room X1. He was aggressive and wouldn’t let any of them close to him. They couldn’t even take a photo of him. This would make it even harder to identify him. They needed to find his next of kin.They nurses were with the matron in her office. They were all brainstorming ideas on a way forward. The matron only went silent. She didn’t know what else to say. She was still thinking.“I think I can help him…” Mpumi had said.They turned to her, looked at her and wondered, “How do you think you can help? Not only is he mental but he’s also dangerous.”“I’ll take my own chances, but I think I have to try to get through to him.” Mpumi could clearly see that none of those people were convinced.She had to try harder. “Look, as you know that I’ve worked at a clinic before. I a