all aboard on this love train

chapter 9

18:00

My dad has been back from his business trip and he sent me money when he got here because he said he did not find time to buy me a proper gift and that was the first reason my mother found to bite my dad's head off.

They are currently in their room screaming and shouting at each other, you would think that no normal person lives in this house.

My little sister, Hlelo walks into my room and lies down on my bed. She then pulls my checkered throwover and covers herself.

I sit in front of her and rub her back while she cries. She takes off her glasses and places them on my side table.

Hlelo: why can't they just be normal, just for once in their lives or are we asking for too much? I think it's my fault.
Me: no, Hlelo. mom and dad have their own personal marital issues that they have had for a very long time and they are now coming to surface because they have to be dealt with.
Hlelo: Nkazi, what if they get a divorce?
Me: I think it would be best for the both of us if they did then we would not have to deal with this.
Hlelo: no, I do not want mom and dad to get a divorce.
Me: Hlelo, stop worrying yourself about fully grown adults who can figure their issues out if they really want to. take a nap and I will order us some food. I will wake you up later to eat.
Hlelo: okay.

Hlelo is 12 years old and I hate that my sister has to deal with this when I am not around. I feel like I have deserted her in her most desperate time but what choice do I have?

She eventually falls asleep and I pull out another blanket to cover her up so that she can be warm. I then head back to my study table and take my seat. I order Hlelo and myself some food before switching my phone, wearing my glasses and beginning to study.

I receive a notification...

"Didi
Hey, you left school early and we have not heard from you since, are you okay?"

I go into the app and reply to her text.

Me: yes, I am alright.
Didi: I need help with Life Sciences, can I call you?
Me: sure.

She does not even waste time, I get a video call from her a few seconds later.

Me: you are really enthusiastic about this subject, are you not?
Didi: I just want to get good grades, man. besides, my dad asked you to take good care of me.
Me: oh wow.
Didi: you were glasses?
Me: yes, you have never seen me in them before?
Didi: no.
Me: I wear glasses.
Didi: will you be back at school tomorrow?
Me: yes, I will be there tomorrow morning.
Didi: okay.
Me: you are really so determined to get these distinctions for Life Sciences, what do you want to study?
Didi: I want to be a housewife.
Me: and that is what you are going to study?
Didi: yes.
Me: oh my days.

She manages to somehow get a smile out of me everytime and I really needed this today.

TUESDAY, 16 APRIL

I am already walking on the corridor at school, going to my register class. As I am walking towards my class, I hear the boys running towards me and Hlompho throws his big self on my back.

Me: Mokeona.
Mpho: I missed you too.
Me: why would I miss you, out of everyone that is here that I could have missed?
Mpho: oh, is that how it is now?
Me: yes.
Enzo: your girl was so miserable without you.
Me: my girl?
Kanyo: Didi! Didi was so miserable without you.
Me: how though? you boys did not keep her company?
Enzo: we did but you could feel her mood was just not the one of a zealous person.
Kanyo: speak of the devil and he shall appear.
Me: will you just shut up?

Didi approaches us and she greets before handing me some papers.

Me: what is this?
Didi: some Life Sciences past question papers and I am hoping you will help me go trough them. also, I have my first  netball game next week so please be there.
Me: okay, let us go to class then.