Julia knew that Dikeledi was her last option. She had to make it count. She confronted Dikeledi at the office again.

“You have to leave town. Your little visit left an impression on my husband. Stay away from me Julia,” Dikeledi insisted.

“You don’t get it, do you? I’m left with nothing; this is a life and death situation. I’m going to die anyway, so I’ve got nothing to lose,” said Julia.

“What do you want from me?” Dikeledi asked.

“I want you to help me check the hospital information. During the time of the births,” explained Julia.

Dikeledi exclaimed, “I’m no longer a part of the hospital. I won’t help you, Julia. I don’t like you coming here making demands.”

Julia raised her long skirt to show Dikeledi her bruises.

“See, this is my punishment. It’s fine; you don’t want to help me. I’ll just go public to apologise to the Zondo’s and tell them what I did before I die. You’ll have to explain everything to them,” said Julia in anger.

“You can’t do that. My family can never find out, I won’t let you ruin my life,” said Dikeledi passionately.

“You’ll have done that yourself. I’m giving you a chance to keep your name out of this,” said Julia sounding cool and calm.

“OK, I’ll help you with the files. I’ll see what I can do,” said Julia.

In a panic, Dikeledi said that she had to protect her family. She laid herself in the hospital and got one of her security friends to help her access the storeroom. Eric was bound to find out; he had followed his wife since Julia’s arrival. He overheard the conversation.

Fortunately, the information was still on the computers. She made a few copies of the Zondo’s case and Julia’s case.

Dikeledi made sure this time Julia left town. She called her away from her town and gave her the files. Julia saw all the information was there now. She had the address on the file; now she had to go to Elandskraal and find the Zondo family.

Dikeledi had to deal with her ragging husband. He got his hands on the footage of Julia’s arrival.

“I know you and that woman did something bad. It all relates to your time at City Patients Hospital,” said her husband fishing for answers.

“Julia and I don’t see eye to eye that’s all,” she replied.

“I heard you and Julia about that. Until you confess, I won’t be around. Something about her birth and the Zondo’s,” her husband replied.

Dikeledi confessed to her husband; this shook Eric into rage. He wanted the truth; now he couldn’t handle it well. He left with his kids to think things through.

*****

It was the wedding weekend. Sipho took it to himself and talked to Mr Khaya. He wasn’t really pleased with what transpired at the ritual.

“Mr Zondo, I’m not the one with your answers. The truth will reveal itself in time,” replied Mr Khaya.

Two days before the wedding, the Zondo’s hosted a family dinner to celebrate the uniting of Danny and Lerato.

Julia arrived at the village and saw a huge board written: “Farming With Zondo and Sons.” She took a deep breath. Slowly walked toward the gate and saw security.

“Hi, is this Sipho and Naledi Zondo’s farm?” asked Julia.

“Yes ma’am it is,” the security guard replied.

The security escorted her towards the house; he helped her walk. The guard knocked on her behalf as Sipho saw him.

“Hi sir, this lady is here to see you,” said the guard.

“Can I come in? I need to talk to you sir,” said Julia.

“OK, do I know you ma’am?” asked Sipho.

They got inside, Julia started looking around for the boys. She sat on the chair.

“I’m sorry to intrude your dinner,” said Julia calmly.

“No, you are welcome. I know it’s the wedding week and everybody is welcome,” joked Denise.

“Wedding, I’m not here about that. I’m sorry for what I’m about to say,” she said as she teared up.

The words made everyone pay her attention.

***

Tell us what you think: How do you think the Zondos will react?