The Wife

Episode 4

He got out of the bathroom as I moved the pillows off the bed. I sighed when I realized he was brushing his teeth, foam showing through his opened mouth He chuckled.

Me: I had such a great supper Ndabezitha.

Ndaba: I know.

He winked and went back to the bathroom. What was the purpose for coming out in the first place? Trust him to provoke me. I took my meds and got in bed. He came out looking beautiful as always.

Ndaba: Now I'm all ears to hear about your day. Mine was spent in the office making everyone's life hell.

He got in bed and brought me into his chest. Who is proud of making people's lives hell?

Me: Well mine was fine. I had winegums at Naomis and drank wine and ate creamycheddar Simbas.

Ndaba: No one got under your skin?

Me: Not really. Kabelo and her lady would've but I didn't let it happen.

Ndaba: I spoke to him, he promised to never bring her anywhere close to us ever again.

Me: Well he better. She called Naomi a selfish rich person. She's too judgemental. She said she doesn't drink because alcohol is for men.

Ndaba: Wow. If she's gonna spend her life with KB she will learn that alcohol is for her too...

He paused. "That is weird for a slay queen like her" he added.

Me: She probably said that to spite us. She's looks like an every Friday outer. There's no way she doesn't drink.

Ndaba: Yeah.

He squeezed me and kissed the side of my head.

Ndaba: Next week is week 3 of the month.

I hate week 3. I wish he never found that second job. It pays well but I hate it because he leaves me here all by myself for his friends to take turns in looking after me, sleeping in my house and fussing over me.

When I came out of the psychiatric hospital things were good and then a years later things weren't looking so good for us, he was in debt, the side hustle wasn't doing very good so he found this job. Every 3rd week of the month he goes there to work, it must be something really dodgy. I can never know where it is or what he does and frankly, I really don't mind.

Me: I will take your suits to the dry cleaner tomorrow morning.

Ndaba: Thank you.

I brushed his hand.

Me: I'm feeling sleepy.

Ndaba: Wine

I chuckled and switched off my side lamp.

-

He left without goodbye today. I rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to urinate. I got up and went to the hand basin to wash my hands.

YOU'RE AWAKE. GOOD MORNING :)

A note pinned on the mirror read. I smiled, I washed my hands and peeled it off. I put it on the cabinet and took out my toothbrush and toothpaste. I love watching myself brush my teeth. It is not as disgusting as it is on others.

"Ma'am I brought you breakfast" he must be kidding me!

I rinsed my mouth and stormed out. He was not there anymore. I put on my robe and walked out. He had reached the bottom of the stairs.

Me: You're forbidden to enter my bedroom Tebogo!

Tebogo: It was an order. Given by your husband. I'm sorry!

Me: Next time he orders you to get into our bedroom tell him you're not allowed anywhere near our bedroom.

Tebogo: Yes ma'am. Going anywhere today?

Me: No!

I stormed back into the bedroom. This man is getting out of hand. What if I was naked again?

I took my phone and called Ndaba. He didn't pick up. I called his office.

Amanda: Mr Mbatha's office good morning.

Me: Amanda its me Bianca. I would like to speak to my husband.

Amanda: Mrs Mbatha, good morning. Unfortunately he's out.

Me: Please tell him to get back to me when he comes back.

Amanda: I will do. Have a nice day.

I hung up and did breathing exercises. I got up and cleaned after I've calmed down. I bathed and packed his suits on the luggage and drove to the dry cleaner. I left them there and drove to Pina's to get brunch. I go there every Wednesdays. My phone rang. It was him.

Me: Hi.

Ndaba: I just got Amanda's message. I'm sorry. Is everything okay?

Me: Yeah everything is fine. I couldn't find the blue trouser but I found it.

Ndaba: Okay. Where are you now?

Me: At the dry cleaner.

Ndaba: Where's Tebogo?

Me: He went to get us drinks.

Ndaba: Okay I'll call you later.

I hung up.

The reason why I love Wednesdays is because restaurants, petrol stations and malls are always quiet. There's fresh air everywhere.

Today there are no magazines. I walked to the counter, I ordered and went to take a seat at the right wing. There is less light and there's no window, people do not invade your moment by looking at you as you eat as it happen on the left wing.

The lady brought my water first.

Me: Thank you.

Her: Would you like a mag today?

Me: Yes please. I checked there but there aren't.

Her: We removed them. Customers were taking them home, next time if you want one you can ask for it on the counter

Me: I will do sweets thanks. Is Abby in?

Her: Oh no she quit last week.

Me: Oh.

She smiled and walked away. Abby worked here, we kind of had a good relationship. She served me good and I tipped her good. I wish I had came last week to say goodbye.

I jumped when the lady put the magazine infront of me.

Her: I'm so sorry ma'am.

Me: Its okay its okay.

She rushed away. I took a sip from my water, I was shaking. I put the glass down and tried to reach for my pills in the bag. I found the container, I did my best to hold it still and open it. Who tightened the damn cap!

It loosened, the trembling got worse the container fell and pills scattered all over the floor, I ran short of breath, my head pounded, my vision went blurry...

-

The heart monitor sound is the first thing I heard when I came back to life. I opened my eyes. He was leaning on the wall, his hands in his pockets and head tilted back. It was at night.

Me: What time is it?

Ndaba: Close to 8pm.

He did not move.

Ndaba: What happened?

Me: I didn't see her coming with the magazine. When she put it there I startled and it went out of control.

Ndaba: Why were you on your own?

I gulped. He finally moved away from the wall and walked towards the bed.

Ndaba: Am I talking to myself?

Me: No babe. I thought I wouldn't take long and took my car.

Ndaba: And risked your life?

Me: I'm sorry.

Ndaba: You could've died!

Me: I know.

Ndaba: No you don't! Why would you drive yourself anywhere Bianca? You lied to me!

Me: Don't shout at me please.

Ndaba: I will shout at you cause you don't listen! Maybe if I talk a little louder you'd hear!

Me: Tebogo creeps me out! That's why I don't want him to drive me anymore. There you have it. Stop shouting at me I'm not a child.

His gaze dug deep on my skin. I reached for a glass of water beside me and drank up. He walked out...

-

NDABA

I reached for my phone on my blazer left pocket. I scrolled through contacts and clicked on Sister Gama. She answered on a 3rd ring.

Sister Gama: Tell me I'm gonna die today.

Me: Take it as your lucky day. How are you?

Sister Gama: I am good Ndaba. I take it you're not, or else we wouldn't be talking right now. So what is it?

Me: She's at the hospital. Startled by thumping of a magazine against a table.

Sister Gama: Oh no honey that's bad. When can I avail myself?

Me: Soon as tomorrow morning.

Sister Gama: I'll be right there.

Me: Thank you.

Sister Gama: Anytime honey.

I hung up. I opened the driver's door. He startled and put his phone away.

Me: You're fired.

Tebogo: Boss?

Me: You're fired. Get off.

He looked at me like I've just fallen out of space.

Me: Need I repeat myself? I should warn you Tebza that never ends well.

He hopped out.

Me: You're a good boy Tebza. You don't deserve a bullet in your head, that's why I'm firing you.

I hopped in and reserved out...

-

BIANCA

The drive home was quiet. He has this tendency of serving me silent treatment after every fight that concerns "my health".

Me: Thanks for fetching me.

Ndaba: Who else would've fetched you?

Me: Any of the ladies.

Ndaba: Your new driver will arrive tomorrow morning.

Me: Why do I have cars?

Ndaba: Because you can afford them.

Me: Yesterday was a moment of weakness.

Ndaba: We don't know how many of those are gonna happen from now on.

I sighed and got out of the car.

To my surprise. I find the worst nightmare of my life. I bumped into him as I turned back to go eat him up.

Me: Really? Are you seriously kidding me?

Ndaba: You need her.

Me: I don't! She makes me crazier, I do not want her here!

She doesn't help me. She makes me suffer even more. She makes noises that make me jumpy, I suffer multiple anxiety attacks, she ties me into a bed, she gives me new medicine with terrible side effects. She made my life a living hell the last time. I had a few episodes of being unwell and Ndaba hired her, he believes she's good at her job because she's never tied me into a bed in his presence, infact she made him believe I was hallucinating when I informed him about her ill treatment. He's always been good at getting rid of anyone who ill-treats me but her.

Ndaba: Then prove it that you don't need her. 4 weeks! I am trying here, the least I need is having you back to that lunatics place. I am really trying.

He turned to leave. I ran towards the stairs crying.

Sister Gama: Bianca wait!

I closed and locked the door. I leaned against it and reached for my pills in my bag and took in 4. She was still banging the door....