The African Girl and The American Boy

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Many of you might think that being rich is the best thing ever. I wouldn't personally say that. I guess fame and being rich is a good but it certainly isn't the best thing ever. It sometimes can be the contrary. You wouldn't know until you're in my shoe.

Going to some fancy galas, attending ceremonies and being home-schooled aren't really my thing. I always have a bodyguard with me. Even if I'm going to my friend's house. Does that sound fun to you? I wouldn't call that fun. The only thing I want and have always wanted is to be normal. I want to attend a normal school where normal kids go. I want to be able to go to my friend's house without a bodyguard with me. But no, that's impossible. I mean how I can have something normal if my mom is a...

"Miss Lerata? Your mother would like to see you." Linda said as she entered my room. I was lying on my bed. I mean that's what you do if you're bored right? Just lie on your bed and do something. Something fun that would probably keep your mind occupied. Like Lynda always does.

Linda is like a mother to me. I have known her since I can remember. While mom was out working for hours, Linda stayed with me. We talked and had some 'girl time'. I feel like mom hasn't been there for me as much as Linda did.

"Ok."

I got out of my bed and followed Linda downstairs. It wasn't long after that I heard mom's voice.

"Hi sweetheart." She said as kissed me on the cheeks

"Hi mom." I sat down on the couch

"How are you?"

"I'm ok."

"I wanted to talk to you about last night."

I groaned. Really? She wants to talk about that right now?

"Mom just let it go. Alright? I even forgot about that." That was a lie. A BIG FAT Lie.

Last night. Last night was a disaster. I mean how can she do that to me. How can she not come at her own daughter's birthday? I mean I get that she has tons of documents to write and hundredths of meetings but how can she miss my birthday?

"I am so sorry. I just had so many things to do and by the time I finished...

"I know. Don't worry." I nodded

"I'm really, really sorry." She
whispered.

"It's okay!" I said

"Lerata..."
"Mom, it's fine. Really." This time I meant it. By the look of her face, I could tell she was.

"OK. Also, your dad and I were talking about you going there for vacation."
What? I thought I had another month before going there.

"I thought I had another month?" I asked

"Well, I have to go to travel so...
I can't believe this. Does her job always have to take over our lives and part us apart?

"Mom, you promised that we'll be going on a vacation together. Remember?"

"I know sweetheart but...

"Your job is more important than spending time with your own daughter." I said finishing what was meant to be her sentence.

I ran to my room and slammed the door shut. How could she! I mean it's not that I don't like dad. It's just that we do not have that great of a relationship. I layed on my bed. And with what seems like hours, mom came into my room.

"You're right. I should spend more time with you. It's just that...

"I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry. So for that, I accept to go to dad's.

"What?" I knew she wouldn't believe it.
"Well, you have lots of work to do plus I miss dad. I haven't seen him for about a year now."

That was so true. I miss dad so much. Well I've always missed him since he and mom are not together anymore. See, mom and met dad when dad came here in South-Africa for some vacation from his job. They met at mom's favorite restaurant. Mom told me that she instantly liked dad and she fell in love with him. Dad said the same thing. They were totally in love.

Two years later, they were already married and had me. They were happy until dad said that he can't take it anymore. Mom worked for South Africa's governemnt. She spend most of her time working. An that's why they got divorced. Because they didn't have time for each other.

Mom and I talked. I will be leaving on Thursday which is the day after Tommorrow. I guess I got to start packing!