Glory

2. Los Angeles

"Annika!", I remove the pin, from my sleek bun, as my hair slumps to my shoulders, pressing it against the lock, to reveal an empty room.

Thoughts will be italicized!

August 9th
Los Angeles, California
12:00 PM

"You owe it to yourself to become everything you've dreamed of being."

My brush coated into the blue paint, biting my lip, as it faintly strokes across the board. But as my mind attempted to be at peace, I couldn't help but think of NYU. I couldn't check my laptop, as it was downstairs. But the longer, I was away, the more I thought about it. And the more I thought about it, the more I manifested it. I'm accepted. I'm accepted. I'm accepted.

Nandi Jelani's Pov

Tears welled up in my eyes, as I thought about my daughter's dream. It's coming true! Ngiyaziqhenya ngaye {I'm so proud of her} My fists knock on her door. No answer.

"Vula lomnyango, khona manje. Annika!" {Open this door, right now. Annika!}

A sigh escapes my mouth, as my hairpin glides through the entrance knob. My eyes soar through her room. "Annika!", I call out, seeking through the room, until my ears overhear a thud on the rooftop. "Annika?"

Annika's eyes were red, as she hastily wiped her eyes. "Good Afternoon, Mama."

• Annika

My hands glide through the paint, when my phone rings and a memory of my father appears through my home screen, my eyes pivot to the sky.  I miss you ubaba{father}

In The Memory of Amari Jelani

My mother sits adjoining me. My eyes pivot to her, recalling what my aunts once said. "Ngisho nabathandekayo bethu abalahlekile bangabonakala ezinkanyezini, lapho uzizwa uwedwa. Vumela izinkanyezi zikuqondise." {Even our lost loved ones can be seen in the stars when you feel alone. Let the stars guide you.}

Her fingers reach my face, delicately wiping my tears. She wraps her arms around me, positioning my body into her arms. "Ingane yami" {My child}

"Ngimkhumbule" {I miss him}

"Nami ngokunjalo"{So do I}, my mother says, with a smile. This is one of the first times, I've seen her vulnerable.  My father's death took a toll on her, they were sweethearts. I don't remember much but for my entire life. That's what was told. "Unyoko noyihlo babeyincazelo yama-soulmates." {Your mother and father were the definition of soulmates.} It's nice to know, I was a foundation of love.

My mother grabs the laptop from the stand and hands it to me. She lits her cigarette, maintaining her attention on the birds, as their chirping increases. The website opens, revealing a status change.

Status: Updated, click to view

I take a deep breath and repeat my affirmations. I'm accepted. I'm accepted. I'm accepted. My finger clicks the mouse, and my eyes trace the words.

Exuberance bubbled inside me:

Dear Annika,

On behalf of the administration committee, it is an honour and privilege to share with you, your successful admission to the political science, pre-law route at New York University, abroad plan, and the NYU Class of 2027. Congratulations! We're looking forward to meeting you!

Dorm move-in begins August 19th

"Aikona!", I scream, in a state of shock. "Mama, ngikwenzile!"{Mama, I did it!}

She embraced me with a hug, as my body completely melted in her arms, of warmth. She rubbed my back and at that moment. I finally felt it, unconditional love. "Ngiyakuthanda. Ngiyazi qhenya!"{I love you. I'm so proud!}

• 19 years earlier

"Nandi, I'm sorry. I know how much you wanted to go college."

"Indodakazi yami iyimpilo yami manje, izophila amaphupho ami."{My daughter is my life now. She'll live out my dreams}

• present

"Everything I wished for you is becoming your reality.", my mother says, resting her hand on my cheek.

"But I'll be leaving you."

"You'll be living your life— my enhle {beautiful} girl. You'll never genuinely leave me. Umhlaba uyi-oyster yakho." {The world is your oyster}

A smile crosses my lips. "I need to tell Danai!", I kiss my mother's cheek, and spurt down the steps from the rooftops into my bedroom. My laptop dings and a face-time call appears on the screen. "Did you get it?!", Danai asks.

"Yes, full ride!"

"Awe!! We'll be in college together!", Danai exclaims.

" Hayibo! This will be insane!"

To Be Continued...
NYU 🏯