Wednesday 27 July
Donnel sat the next morning, the very first day after being discharged from hospital. A blanket shielding his lower body to protect him from the cold, as he could hear the heavy rain gushing outside. He was feeling cold and lost. The news playing on television didn't bother him much but hung on to his ears whilst he read the online article dated three months back...
Dated the very next day after the night of the shooting. "Beautiful a beast" read the article as he scrolled down the tab, which vibrated consistently to Caroline's messages which kept invading the notification bar.
"... alleged that Zintle walked into the house with a hoodie and a present box in her hand before she blew Katlego and his twin brother a kiss. Witnesses say they watched as the red present box fell on the floor before a series of gunshots rang, as their terrified eyes ran past Zintle towards the door. Sadly, that was just the..."
"What a warm shower that was," sang Caroline, interrupting Donnel as she walked out of her bedroom and into the lounge.
"Pure rubbish this is, I was there that nigh'..." stops Donnel as he looks up to Caroline and sees her patting her before adjusting her bathrobe.
"Oh I'm sorry, I forgot I wasn't staying alone anymore..." she smiles, "but you can close your eyes if you're uncomfortable
"No It's fine, I'm not complaining," his wink was friendly.
"And why is that Donnel, you know you can tell me anything." Caroline sat on the couch and playfully slid closer to him, with a big grin on her face. A grin big enough to reflect Donnel's expression.
"Cause I saw the letter that you wrote to Katherine and Katlego, expressing your feelings for both of them" she asserts, looking at him with understanding eyes.
"Oh snap, I can't explain, but where is he by the way?"
"Sorry to say but he ran away from hospital. He just disappeared and left no trace at all, except for a little note she left on Karabo's bed, under his pillow." Caroline looked down
"That doesn't even make sense, that's very much unlike him"
"His note was more of a guilty confession, expressing how bad and responsible he felt for what he did that gloomy night, and how sorry he was for hurting Lethabo too." Her facial expression soon shifted to accomodate her sudden sadness.
"Do you really think he's capable of doing that? Capable of running away like a coward," he fondled his chin, thinking.
"You'll think you know someone, until they you come across their little poetic letters someday" expressed Caroline as she caressed his shoulder before getting up."
"If you're still trying to get me to confess then you can forget it," said Donnel stiffly
"Nah, it's fine Donny, Your little letter said it all... Not to worry though, your little secret is safe with me." Caroline folded her arms and turned around, ready to get up andwalk away.
Donnel realized that his little intimate letter must have fallen off his pocket either after he got shot, or as the paramedic personnel carried him to put him on the paramedic bed.
"Caroline, I can explain, but first..." he holds her arm and gets up with the help of his crutch, "Its just that I've fallen for..."
Donnel then pulls her closer, pretending to be emotional whilst dramatically trying to squeeze the tears out of his eyes. He then drops his crutch and pretends to fall. Fall into Caroline's hands before he ambushes her lips with a kiss. One that he definitely hopes will answer her questions. Questions regarding his sexuality.
"What the heck Donnel?," a scowl of disappointment hits her face. "I didn't say kiss me... Only asked if you were bisexual or not" she wiped her lips discontentedly.
"I'm really sorry Caroline, I couldn't help but kiss you... Just that you're the closest thing I have to Catherine now." sorrow and guilt showed in his eyes, as he looked at Caroline remorsefully.
"Don't feel bad... Just that ever since her passing, I get very emotional every time I hear her name," Caroline's gaze parted with Donnel's as she sat down. "But if it makes you feel better you're the closest thing I have to Katlego too.
"How so Carol?" He joined her, and placed his arm around her, forcing her to look at him.
"Because ever since Catherine's passing, Karabo hasn't been the same. Its like he's changed for the worst. He's wasting his gap year.
"Sorry about that, but if there's any way I can help you feel better then just give me a shout.
"i jus't don't understand how God could take her from us at a very young age, She was 24 for Christ's sake," Carol's eyes became teary as she scrolls through Catherine's pictures. "I can't even sleep at night, crying myself to sleep while thinking about her.
"She left too soon but you have to be strong, at least for Karabo's sake"
"You're right... She would've wanted me to carry on with my life, and maybe even take over her wedding planning business
They began speaking about how much of an excellent wedding planner she was, better yet business woman. Given by the fact that she was able to successfully invest the little money that their parents had left them into her wedding planning business.
Going on, as they admire Catherine's legacy, Caroline suddenly stops and wipes her cheeks, before asking
"Do you think I should take over her business and carry on with her legacy though, like honestly?" Her grin was easy.
"Yes of course, you have the skills and the looks... Maybe a little bit of training then you're set to take over. Donnel smiles at her, as his thumb brushed the back of her hand.
"Donnel..." she lifted her gaze to him.
"Anything for you Carol," His words were cut short when she placed her hand on his cheek
"Will you kiss me again?" Her tone was peaceful yet commanding.