Chapter 4

Diya

I ended up sleeping last night but woke up gloomy because I dreamt of my wedding. It’s like the vows were a broken record in my head, punishing me for leaving my husband. I was not a terrible wife here. I was a victim of lies.

We were almost at the station, so I made my way to freshen up a little. After walking out of the station, my stomach growled. I was content because I still had enough cash to spend on a sandwich and taxi. I missed the warm weather as I made my way to a food truck.

After taking a few bites, I drowned the sandwich in my bottle of water and was a satisfied customer. I stood from the bench and disposed of my empty bottle before walking a couple of steps to a car with a taxi sign on top. He had a window.

“Hello! St Mary’s Church, how much?”

“Thirty-five Rand,”

Before I got in the back seat, I nodded my head. I still had more than enough money. I relaxed as he began driving in the church's direction. It was still early morning because of traffic, but I was happy to be back. I never got a chance when I was around to see the busyness as I looked outside.

“First time in Kimberly?” he asked, looking through the rearview.

“First time seeing the city like this, but I grew up here,” I smiled at him.

He reminded me of Father Joseph.

“I couldn’t have figured. You look like you were not from around here.”

“It’s been a long time. The last time I was here was on my wedding day.”

My face dropped when I mentioned my wedding because Ace’s face came into my head again. It was a beautiful wedding, and he had agreed with my idea of a wedding here not back home in PE. Home? I wish I knew where I could call home now. I played with my wedding ring before the old taxi driver spoke.

“It must have been a special day.”

“The best day of my life,” I nodded. I couldn’t have asked for a better husband then. Now I think I must have done something bad in my past life to have been partnered with Ace.

“I love weddings. My grandchild is engaged, you see,” he proudly declared.

“I can tell that you can’t wait,” I smiled, reaching for my belly.

“Very,” he added, “She asked me and her father to both walk her down the aisle.”

“Wow,” I wiped away the stubborn tear from my eye. 

I couldn’t believe my hormones were already starting. At least these were happy tears. 

“It’s a great honor for me.” I could see his smile in the rearview.

“I hope you have a wonderful wedding.”

“We will, I’m sure,” he said. “We are almost there.”

“I’m glad to have gotten in your taxi,” I smiled, looking out.

I could see the church building coming into view.

“All a pleasure, dear.”

I nodded with a smile as I looked out again. It was just as I remembered nothing had changed. The car stopped moving as I reached for my pocket before I stopped catching something in the corner of my eye. My husband was leisurely leaning on a car with his dark shades on while sipping a coffee just two cars away from the taxi I was in. He turned to look in my direction and for a second I thought he had a sense of my presence, but he was looking at Filip, who was sitting in the car.

“Are you ok?” the old man asked me.

“I have changed my mind. Can you take me to Rest Haven please?”

“Of course,” he added as he started the car.

It was a silly ask to be dropped at Rest Haven because it was a few blocks behind the church. If I walked out, I could get there faster, but I couldn’t risk it. He would come for me it was obvious, but I didn't expect him to come so soon. I pretended to look on the other side of the building so I could hide my face from being spotted. I hope they didn’t see me, and I couldn’t get myself to look back in case they see me.

The drive was in silence and I bet he must have sensed that something was off because it had been a nice, chatty ride until I changed my route suddenly. I was at Rest Haven in no time and gave him the hundred bill I had and thanked him before leaving.

“Your change.”

“Keep it.” I gave him a weak smile. “The ride was memorable.”

“Thank you, so much young lady,”

I smiled and waved as he drove off. I looked around and, just as I hoped, I wasn’t followed. The church should still come here to serve breakfast. I walked to the entrance, which was still a sign-in with no questions, and quickly made my way to the entrance.

“Excuse me, miss. Visiting hours are at eleven.”

I was stopped at the entrance by a lady guard. I gave her a wide smile and walked closer to her.

“I’m not here for a visit. I’m Sister Diya here with St Mary’s church.”

“Sister?” she laughed. “All the sisters that walked in were not looking as polished as you,” she eyed me over.

Maybe I should have said I was visiting my grandfather, whom I hadn’t seen in years. That would have been better. My navy light blue jeans and wedges sold me out that there was no point in hiding the hand with my ring.

“Ok, I used to be a sister before and- “

“Diya?” a voice spoke and we both looked to where it was coming from.

“Ruby,” I smiled, “Ask her, she knows me.” I pointed at her.

Ruby walked closer, looking confused, while holding a couple of tablecloths.

“This lady is claiming to be a sister,” she stated, looking at Ruby folding her arms knowingly.

“She was a sister,” Ruby confirmed. “What are you doing here?” she smiled, coming closer to me, "I can’t obviously hug you now,” she lifted the tablecloths a little higher.

“Long story,” I smiled, looking back at the guard. “Can I go in now?”

“It’s against policy for me to allow you in,” she added, still not convinced even after Ruby’s obvious acknowledgement of me.

“Come on, George,” Ruby looked at her, “Some of the old folks here will be happy to see her.”

“Fine. She will need a pass for this. Make sure Jimmy writes one.” She complied, still eyeing me suspiciously.

“Don’t worry, Jimmy knows her,” she beamed, “Take some of these, please,”

“Thank you,” I said to George, who huffed and nodded.

I grabbed a few of the tablecloths and walked in step with Ruby. As soon as we were out of earshot, I spoke.

“Her name is George?”

“Georgina,” she added, “But she prefers George,” she shrugged.

Ruby never asked the question she was dying to ask as we reached the other entrance inside where Jimmy was. He looked happy to see me as he wrote a pass and asked about my husband before showing me a photo of two more cats he adopted before we proceeded. The other sisters must have been in the kitchen and Ruby was on setting up duty today.

“I’m glad to see you,” I said. “Who else came today?” I asked.

“Sister June, Siya, and Wendy,” she added as we began putting the cloth on the tables.

“Just like old times,” I mentioned as she grabbed one end while I got the other.

“Yes,” she smiled at me, “I miss you every time I do this.”

“I know. I miss you too.”

We fell silent as we set the table. A part of me missed this. It brought me joy. I might have been raised by the church, but they made sure that if I ever want to leave, I could. A decision I was regretting. If I had stayed, I would be with my best friend and helping the community, but I had to choose out and look where it got me now.

“Diya,” Ruby was in front of me.

“Hmm,” I absently responded.

“I called you twice,” she spoke, while I blinked. “I think the table is smooth enough.”

“Right,” I let go.

“Come with me.” she left no room for argument as she was dragging me out of the hall into another room.

“Slow down, Ru,” I spoke as we stopped before she looked around to make sure no one was close.

“You look like someone who just ran away,” she said. “Why are you here alone? Did something happen? Are you hurt?” she bombarded me with a question before pulling me close examining me.