WHEN THE TABLES TURN

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I want to thank my sister, Samantha. Thank you for being my first reader.  Thank you Mom and Dad for supporting me through this journey and thank you to all the future readers of this book. Thank you to all the people who supported me and most of all thank you God for helping me to be persistent.

BELLA

Bella sat as she smiled at herself.
Had she really just got a scholarship to Velladin College,
one of the top universities in the world? Bella was from a simple family in the depths of a small village in Uganda. Her uncle was a professor at the University and had managed to get her a scholarship.
She was glad that she hadn't ended up like her elder sister, Sofia, who dropped out of school when she was in primary six because she was impregnated by some alcoholic whom she claimed she loved. He looks after the child though but it ruined their reputation.
Bella was hoping to change that by doing her best at Velladin.

Bella was set to leave the next morning with her uncle so her family threw her a farewell party.
She went outside and found everyone dancing and having fun.
She approached her mother and hugged her. "Don't be afraid, my dear, we are all praying for you to reach safely, " her mother said. " What about you? Who will take care of you and Dad? " Bella said. Don't worry, Bella, I'm still here, aren't I?"
Sasha said while standing behind her mother. Sasha was the youngest of the family. Bella was always jealous of her because by the time she was born, her family was okay. They weren't struggling like when Bella was born. Bella always thought Sasha had a good life but tonight she was in the spotlight. " But u don't even know how to cook matooke ," Bella laughed. "I will learn, won't I Mummy?" Sasha asked. " You will, "
Fiona replied to her daughter.
This made Bella very angry but she was going to let it slide for now.

Bella entered her grandmother's room and knelt down beside her.
" Jaja, I'm leaving in the morning. I came to say goodbye," Bella said.
"Bella , my child, you have made me proud. I want you to go show those whites that Africans cannot be messed with. Don't get involved in bad peer groups. Don't drink alcohol, don't go to late night parties, don't do drugs and most importantly stay away from boys. Have you heard?" Hilda said to her granddaughter. " Okay, Jaja I will take your advice," Bella answered.

When she came out of the room, she saw Trevor outside. Trevor was Bella's best friend. They had been friends since secondary." Congratulations Bella I heard the news, " Trevor said trying to hide his sadness. He didn't want Bella to go away but it would be selfish to ask her to stay. " Thank you. I'm really going to miss you Trevor, " Bella said. " I'll miss you too," Trevor said. They stood there staring at each other but were interrupted by Sasha who rudely grabbed Trevor's hand and pulled him away" Come and dance," she said as they left.

Bella went back inside her room to conclude her packing. She came across a picture. It was taken a few years ago after Sofia gave birth to a baby girl. She named her Rose. She was so beautiful. Sofia was married off to James, the man who impregnated her. They lived in a small hut but they were happy. No one approved of their relationship but they ignored everyone and soon the villagers learnt to accept them.
She packed the picture in her bag.
Suddenly she felt a knot at her throat. I'm going abroad she thought look at my clothes
everyone is going to tease me She started to second think going to Velladin.

Joseph walked into his daughter's room and found her seated. " Are you done packing, Bella?" Joseph asked as he noticed the perplexed expression on Bella's face. Joseph sat down next to Bella. " You can tell me if something is wrong," Joseph added. " It's just, what if the other kids think I'm weird? What if I don't make friends?" Bella said fighting back her tears. " Bella, now I may not know about friends but all I know is you have a great personality and you will make a great doctor someday. Just go out there and do your best and when you come back during the holidays I will make sure your mum prepares your favorite dishes," Joseph said.
"Thank you, Daddy," Bella said then gave her father a big hug. " Now let's go eat before Sasha finishes all the 'eshabwe', " Joseph joked. " I'll come join you in a minute," Bella said.