I'm Gonna Be Ready

pardon me.

“Staap it. It is going to be her house soon.” We laugh.
“I know and I don’t want you staying away because of her, I always thought our spouses and us would get along and hang out some day.” Lereko.
“We will big bro, I am not upset.”
“I trust you, why are you coming home after Christmas and don’t say work because you can work remotely.” Lereko.
“Sabs wants to visit a certain pub.”
“Okay, let’s go eat. I am starving.” Lerako helps me up. We chat as we walk.
“The last one to the house washes the dishes tonight.” Lereko starts running. I run faster and get in the yard first, almost bumping mama who is moving the dishes into the house with Sabs. “Lereko if my child falls you will know me.” Mama.
“Will you two ever grow up?” Papa asks.“Abuti started it.” I stick my tongue out at him. Sabs gives me a hug and whispers that he got wine in my flask, we both laugh. The family sits outside, in the back yard. Lewatle brings out a board game and her laptop.
I make a conscious decision to avoid Anele in the games. I am hurt considering I took her as my older sister, but for her gossip about me, that was the straw. She keeps looking at me but I avoid her. Sabs leaves the for his house at 8pm, Papa is not impressed by this. I go to my bedroom and lock the door after walking Sabs out. I put my phone on do not disturb and I play music. I take a deep breath and open the luggage bag that has my son’s clothes , breathe I chant to my self. I take out a cream snuggle, Lewatle and I bought after a doctors appointment. I text Nelly and I ask her to come pick the baby things tomorrow morning, then put my phone back on DND. I sleep cuddled with the blanket. I am woken up by mama banging on my door. I open up for her and she follows me back to my bed. “Nana, how did you sleep?”
“I slept okay and you?”
“I slept fine, please brush your teeth and join us in the living room.” Mama, kisses my forehead and she gets off my bed. I nod my head and do as I’m told. Mama, Lewatle, Anele and Papa are seated on the chairs. I greet then sit down.
“My children, I called you here to resolve the misunderstanding between my daughter’s.” Papa. I want to roll my eyes.
“Anele, When I first met you, I told you that this is your home and you are my child. Í fight for my kids and I want them to be happy, you talking about your sister with strangers does not sit will with me.why didn’t you tell Ore you didn’t want the things? Are we treating you badly that you can’t express how you feel? Don’t cry we are not attacking you. We want to understand.” Mama.
“Mama, I told Abuti already that I am over this topic, Sis Anele, I am sorry for putting you in an awkward position. From my side we are good.”
“Don’t do that Ore.” Lereko.
“Do what? I’m good. Is there food? I’m hungry.”
“I am sorry Ore, I didn’t mean.” Anele I know she is only apologising because my parents are here and she probably feels attacked.
“It’s fine honestly. We are good right?” she nods her head.
“Okay, Anele if you have problems you must tell us.” Mama gives her a hug. I quickly get up and avoid them. There’s porridge on the stove, I dish up for myself.
“I know what you did, I hate it because I really love Anele.” Lereko.
“I love her for you. I did nothing.” I eat and make my bed then I take a bath. Nelly has arrived , I get dressed and take my small bag.
“My friend, how are you?”“Im good. Please help me, is the car open?”“Are you taking more clothes with you?” Oratile asks seeing the luggage bag.
“No.” He walks to my room and helps us carry the cot bed, car seat and stroller to the car.
“Nana, where are you taking those?” mama asks from the front door.
“The orphanage.” Anele looks down, I give Papa a hug and I promise to call him when I arrive.
“Did you take out a few things for you?” Lewatle.
“I thought you would leave the bed for Anele.” Mama.
“Mama.” Lewatle pleads.
“Yes, the vest for the frame is on my bed. I love you.”
“I love you.”
“I am coming to visit next weekend. Tell your boyfriend not to come.” Lereko.
“Best friend is that you?” We laugh and hug. “I will call you all when I arrive.”  Nelly drives me to the airport. She gives me a hug, then I check in. The flight back is quite. I request a ride to my apartment. I call my parents then take a shower and prepare for work.