The Seven, and their Wealth. II

VII - An evening in Cape Town.

'Okay guys, that's the lesson for this week. Please do not forget your reports are due next Friday, and do not forget your assessment will also be taking place then. See your student portals for details on that,' a white man spoke from Kiara's rose-gold iPad Air.

She let out a brief sigh, relieved at the fact that hour and a half long lecture had finally concluded but dreaded that she was a long way from covering the content that was going to be tested on her assessment, most of her time had gone into compiling that damn report.

The same report forced her to read numerous pages on the campus library, while also visiting website after website – breaking her back trying to ensure that it was worth submitting. She was a perfectionist, this was her bread and butter.

The only detail that annoyed her was how this report was required so early in the year; usually, one is eased into the chaos varsity has to offer, but this time around they were thrown right into the deep end.

Kiara finally logged out of the call, and her student portal, before letting out a stretch that revitalized her five senses. At least her day was finally done, and it was only a minute after one.

Right after standing up and drawing back the cream-white curtains to allow the sunlight in – Kiara's iPad began ringing and her curiosity got the most out of her because who would have the audacity to request a video call unannounced?

See, the thing is, Kiara's response to a call depended on several factors. If it were a call from Keith, Fhulufelo, or the driver – she would answer with little hesitation – regardless of whether it was a voice or video call. Voice calls from Miriam or Sasha usually were answered but weren't necessarily extended the liberties of abrupt video calls. Themba was not allowed to call at all. Instead, Kiara was the one that did the calling, because she would only go out of her way when she knew she was not around people – the focus mainly being her parents. While anyone else, who wasn't the aforementioned people would be outright denied the chance to talk to Kiara unless there was a prior notification to the call.

It was mom, she slipped her earphones back on and pressed the answer button.

Her window shrunk to make way for her mother, who appeared to be in the private Bombardiers jet, wearing her Ray-Ban reading glasses and looking rather stern.

'Hello there,' Kiara greeted, sounding coy.

All that she could think of was how this could be a reckoning, her mother barely video-called unless it was an urgent matter. Voice calls insinuated she just wanted to have a brief chat or check up on her only daughter. But video calls suggested that the topic of discussion would be far more serious.

'Kiara, dear. Is everything alright?' she asked.

'Yes,' she cleared her throat. 'Why wouldn't things be? Are you and father doing well?'

Fhulufelo nodded and adjusted her glasses.

'Is there a reason for the call?'

'Your mother is not allowed to call anymore?'

Kiara giggled.

'No, you are. The sudden nature of the call is just shocking.'

Fhulufelo smiled.

'Worry not, everything is fine. I was calling to inform you that you will be flown to Cape Town in about an hour.'

'What for? If you do not mind me asking.'

'Siyabonga Mhlongo, I am certain you know him,' she responded, prompting Kiara to nod. Siyabonga Mhlongo, a long-time friend of Keith and Fhulufelo. 'Yes, he is hosting a gala tonight. The school he's founded has opened three new campuses in Namibia – we're celebrating that.'