C H A P T E R T W O
"Aren't you suppose to be at school?" A hoarse voice spoke, followed by a very dry cough.
"I can't leave you like this Mama. You clearly need someone who is going to take care of you."
I took out the maize meal and lemons I got from the small spaza shop nearby and started to make Mama some porridge.
"How are you going to become a lawyer if you don't go to school Ayize, hmm? How are you going to fight for our people" Mama asked.
I stopped stirring the porridge in the pot and went to Mama's side. She was in bed, with two blankets covering her. I sat on the edge of the bed and placed the back of my hand on her forehead. Her temperature was slowly going down.
"The only person I care about right now Mama is you. Once you feel better I will go back to school."
"What about all the work you missing out on?"
"Mama, you gave birth to a very smart girl. I'll catch up with the work within two days." I assured her.
"It's been a week Ayize."
"Mama, you've been taking care of me my whole life, so let me take care of you now."
I knew my mom was not going to let this go so I told her to get some rest while I made her some porridge.
Once the porridge was cooked, I poured it to a bowl and squeezed some fresh lemons into it. I walked over to my mom and gently placed the steaming hot bowl of porridge in her hands, hoping it will provide her with some warmth.
I cleared my throat, "So Mama, I was thinking...."
"Hmm?"
"Since you are sick and you are unable to go to work, I was thinking... maybe I should get a job." I suggested.
She ate a spoonful of porridge before responding, "What about your studies?"
"I think I'll be able to mange school and work at the same time."
"If you can manage then I don't see a problem mntanami. When you get paid maybe you can also help around here with groceries."
"Of course mama, everything I do is for you and Zenande. I'll get us out of here. I promise."
~*~
Mntanami
noun:
- a son or daughter of any age.
Spaza shop
noun:
- also known as a tuck shop, is an informal convenience shop business in South Africa, usually run from home
YOU ARE READING
Black & White
Historical FictionAs Ayize, a black girl from Soweto, and Norman, a white boy, navigate the dangerous waters of their interracial relationship in apartheid South Africa, they face brutal consequences of their love. Will their story survive in a society built on racia...
