NORTON

Birth of Freedom

CHAPTER 17

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A day after Winnie's small wedding, Kim received twelve calls from unrecognizable numbers; all requesting her dress making skills for a good fee. The dress she created for herself with the light pink with dark pink stripes garment was a hit and it put her on instant demand in Rayton. Mercy offered to invest in Kim's new business venture and promised to assist her with balancing the books. Nervously, Kim started taking orders sparingly to allow herself enough time for her number one customer. She couldn't afford to disappoint Tinashe who ensured constant communication about both her outfits and the divorce procedure. Mercy's living room resembled a dress shop and the family was forced to watch television while sitting on plastic garden chairs but the atmosphere was pleasant and joyful. Kim's dream of becoming a hair dresser was killed by an early marriage but she was grateful for how the universe had attuned her to a business she initially considered a hobby. Her gratitude to the universe seemed to attract good news which added to the enjoyment of her new life.

Gloria and Aneli arrived unexpectedly on Saturday morning to inform them that the case against Mercy had been expunged following Ayaan's refusal to cooperate with the process of investigating his living arrangement and lifestyle. Mercy enquired about the steps he needed to take to be officialised as the children's legal guardian and Kim visibly melted with love. He was advised to focus on Zam only seeing as Pumla was almost an adult. By the time the procedure gains momentum, it will mean nothing because the older girl will be of legal age. For weeks to come; Kim smiled and laughed more. She enjoyed her children and fell deeper in love with Mercy. Her life with Ayaan was starting to become a distant memory up until Aarbida struck.

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While Zam prepared for the final tests of the academic year; Mercy summoned Pumla to prepare her for returning to school. The teen burst into tears, forcing Mercy to take a tender approach. Instead of insisting that Pumla return to school; he shared his dreams for her. "You are more than your looks, sweetie. You are smart and with a few years in school; you can become a superb professional" he said in conclusion. After a brief embrace, Mercy was sure the teen was going back to class but as soon as Pumla arrived at work the following day; she signed an extension of her original contract.

"He's contesting the divorce?!" Kim shrieked to Tinashe, nineteen days after Ayaan received the divorce paper. "I'm sorry but it looks like we're going to court, Kim. Unless you can find a way to convince him otherwise." And while Kim was still trying to recover from the shocking news; Tinashe was fitting her first outfit and admiring her shallow self on the mirror. "Kim, you are a genius, you know that?" "Is there any way we can avoid going to court?" Kim asked completely ignoring the compliment. "Like I said, Kim" Tinashe continued while taking off the cream and black formal jumpsuit and reaching for the navy blue dress. "If you can find a way of talking him out of fighting the divorce, then we can definitely avoid going to court." She ran her hands up and down her body, still beaming with joy and loving her own reflection then turned to Kim. "Don't worry, dear. I'm a beast inside the court room. Just tell him to google my name and he will change his mind about wanting to challenge you anywhere."

Kim dialled Angel as soon as her meeting with Tinashe ended. She had blocked her number since their last conversation and she hoped Angel hadn't called and found out. Angel's excitement to be hearing from Kim came after the eighth ring and the relief Kim felt was accompanied by a few tear drops. "I meant to call you after my meeting with Purity today but got stuck in traffic. Purity was hoping we can all meet" Angel's opening line caused Kim to roll her eyes. The women who enjoyed hundreds of thousands knowing she was struggling with two children were now broke and reaching out for God knows what. The thought sickened her and she wished she had not called. All Kim wanted was an update of how Ayaan was so she could decide whether or not to call him but she now had to sound interested in their meeting in order to proceed with her own mission. "How's Purity doing?" Kim asked, trying very hard to sound genuine. "Not too well, Kim. She needs your assistance....actually we both do". Kim sunk to the couch feeling tormented by her sisters-in-law's audacity to think she owed them anything after many years of isolation. "Please go ahead with the divorce, Kim. You are our only hope". Kim sat up and listened quietly while everything in her wanted to scream from frustration. When she had heard enough, she cut the call and blocked Angel then called Mercy and Tinashe.