Chapter 3-Mixed Feelings

She fills the silence, ‘Why is she pregnant now when you have been trying all along? What changed.’

Dylan is not even sure how she feels. Is she happy? Is she not?

He tries to end the call quickly. ‘We can only thank God. We will update you.’

She is about to ask which hospital when he cuts the phone. In her kitchen, Tanya’s mum makes a sound with her tongue, surprised at the disrespect. She has a strong suspicion the children are not Dylan’s, he surely must be impotent. She goes off to look for her husband, who is still treating her with a distant coldness. She wants him to find out where Tanya is so she can go find out what’s happening for herself.

‘Errr Ba Tanya, your mkwasha just called,’ she doesn’t care that she is interrupting his conversation with the neighbour, nor does she greet the neighbour, whom she is convinced to be a cunning woman trying to steal her husband, using the camouflage of the evening darkness to her advantage.

Knowing his wife, Baba Tanya excuses himself, afraid his wife might just shout the most inappropriate business in the presence of Mai Mushunje.

He sees it futile to try and reprimand her behaviour, he asks what the call was about. ‘Tanya is in hospital, giving birth to twins. No one thought to tell us earlier. I don’t understand how they do their things. I bet you Dylan’s family is there, controlling everything and ganging up against my daughter…’

‘Amai Tanya! Do you know how to close your mouth?’

The old man shuffles off, he has not yet recovered from his problematic legs. He is consumed with so much joy, yearning to share with someone. His daughter, finally! He says a silent prayer of thanksgiving as he walks. Wondering how he missed the telling bulge.

He tries to call Dylan, to get more details. Dylan, who is pacing the hospital hall ways , ignores the call, thinking it is his mother in law. Kupakwashe watches him, as she also get exceedingly worried about her mother. Her worry, however, is mixed with anxiety. She cannot help thinking she and Tadiwa will be sent back to the orphanage.

Dylan’s phone goes off in notification of a text message.

‘Hello mkwasha, I have just heard the wonderful news. Congratulations! I cannot wait to see my grand children, do let us know when they go home’.

The text message confuses Dylan, he had deliberately not mentioned if Tanya was giving birth or not. His mother in law must have said something totally different. He leaves it like that however, hoping to buy time.

It is a long 5 hours before Tanya is wheeled out of the theatre. Dylan has been praying for the full 5 hours. Mumbling words only himself and God can comprehend. It is nearly midnight. Kupa has fallen asleep curled on the wooden cold bench, head resting on her father’s lap. When the double doors open, Dylan stands up so abruptly, she almost falls off, awakening her too.

Tanya’s bed goes out first, followed by 2 incubators through which Dylan can see his tiny babies. Mother and kids are wheeled off in different directions. Dylan , without warning scoops Kupa up and swirls her around.

‘Amen , amen! Thank you!’

The gynaecologist walks towards them, however there is no sign of victory on his face.