We're Still Human

Chapter 30: Silhouettes Of My Future

Kendall and I walk across the road slowly, my mother's car in the distance. Next to the car is what, in assuming, is Sanele's car, and my theory is proven right once he steps out of the car. My heart is beating out of my chest as he runs to us, engulfing me in a teary hug. Kendall stands to the side as I hug my brother, and once he's done, he hugs Kendall too. At first, Kendall doesn't budge, but after a little bit, she melts into the embrace, holding him as she fights back the tears.

It's all or nothing today.

Sanele turns to me. "Ready?"

I shake my head. "Sanele, I—"

He holds me. "Nothando, I can not promise you that mom is going to say something good or let you come back home. What I can promise you, though, is that no matter what, I'll make sure you never feel unsupported, and neither will dad."

"He...he doesn't mind?" I ask him quietly.

Sanele nods. "He's the one that's trying to make you come home, Nothando."

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but surely he has enough control over his wife to not make her shun Yasmina away like that?" Kendall interjects.

"That's not how it works. Not in this family," Sanele explains. "Our mom is different; she works in ways you wouldn't expect her to."

"Unexpected ways by far." Kendall shakes her head. "If this doesn't go well, then what's next? Is she just disowned?"

"Kendall." I groan.

Sanele pats Kendall's shoulder. "I admire you for sticking up for my little sister. It's rare to find someone who will nowadays. Well, besides Nadia."

My eyes widen. "Nadia?"

He nods. "She stops by every so often and has been trying to talk to mom since."

"I bet she's been putting a battery in mom's pack," I mumble. "That bitch."

Sanele laughs. "Nothando, she told mom the truth about Sydney."

I freeze, not believing the words that just left his mouth. Nadia, the Nadia I know and kind of despise, went to tell my mom about Sydney after all this time? I do not even knkw why I get surprised anymore, with the past and present connecting this year, this could be the least shocking thing to hear.

"So how long do I have to wait here before I can see my kids?" My mom yells out in the distance, ending our conversation.

I sigh. "Is this a good idea?"

"Even if it isn't, we're already here," Kendall mumbles, walking away from Sanele and I.

I quickly follow Kendall, locking hands with her as we walk towards my mom. My mom's eyes are on our linked hands, and even though she doesn't say anything, you can see the discomfort on her face as we approach her. Once we're about a javelin stick distance from her, I put an arm around Kendall and stand next to her, firmly in place. Sanele stands behind us, tapping my head.

My mom chuckles. "Sanele, really?"

"You have a car mom, they don't," He defends his choice. "They're still teenagers at the end of the day."

Mom nods, and then looks me up and down. "Yasmina."

I start to shake a little, but Kendall holds me in place, rubbing my back a little. Sanele also places his hand on my shoulder, making sure I'm steady. "Mom," I whisper.

"You look well," she adds.

"I'm well," I confirm. "And I'm happy."

She forces a smile. "Nadia told me you're vice captain now. Congratulations, your scholarship resume is looking promising."