Addie Kamara is a seventeen year old Christian girl attending a rich school in London. This story follows her life in 2023 in the months leading to her finals in July. In this time, friendships will be tested, new friends will be made, two amazing...
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Phillip Ngonzi
Tendai and I headed to the dining room for supper. Ray wasn't at the table, likely avoiding Tendai. Supper was an elegant spread of Beef Wellington, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a bottle of Pinot Noir. The meal was exquisite, each bite tender and flavorful.
"The meal was delicious, Elaine," I said, expressing my gratitude after finishing.
"Thanks," she said.
"Mom's food is the best," Tendai boasted proudly.
His mother smiled warmly. "Thanks, son," she said, clearly pleased with the compliment.
After dinner, Tendai and I took our dishes to the kitchen. As we rinsed the plates, he turned to me.
"Addie, come with me. I'm going out with Grant, Roe, and Tyler," he said, sounding hopeful.
I shook my head. "No, I don't want to hang out with them. We got off on the wrong foot."
Tendai's face fell. I could see how much it bothered him. For him, not liking his friends seemed like a dealbreaker. "Come on, Addie," he pleaded. "I promise nothing bad will happen. I won't let Roe taunt you."
"Sorry, I'm not going," I said firmly.
He sighed, clearly disappointed. "Alright," he muttered as he headed upstairs to change.
Elaine brought the remainder of the dishes to the kitchen. "Why does Tendai seem so hurt?" she asked gently. "He was happier earlier, now he is sad."
I hesitated before explaining. "It's just that I don't feel like going out, and he really wanted us to hang out together." I decided not to mention that it was because I didn't like his friends.
Elaine nodded, understanding but still concerned. "I see," she said.
"Let me finish washing the dishes. You can go up and rest. I'll lock the door after Tendai leaves," I said, offering Elaine a small smile.
"Thank you, Addie," she replied, giving me a grateful look before heading upstairs.
I washed the dishes quietly, the running water helping to clear my thoughts. Soon after, Tendai came down, dressed and ready for the night out.
"I'm disappointed you can't come," he said, his tone a mix of resignation and care, "but I won't force you, Addie."
I nodded, appreciating his understanding, though I could see he was still let down.
"Goodnight, love," he said softly, kissing my forehead.
"Goodnight, Tendai," I replied. "Have a good night out."
I watched as he left, locking the door behind him. Then, I headed upstairs, the house feeling quieter and emptier without him.
I checked my phone once I got inside my bedroom. I had received some texts from Mom. She and Dad were still in Sierra Leone, enjoying their time there. Soon, they'd be heading to Ghana to visit her family. She sent me pictures of the house they'd recently completed for Dad's grandmother, along with photos of his extended family.
