This is the story of Amiya Nnaji, a 16 year old high schooler living in Kingston, Jamaica.
Follow her on her journey; learning how to deal with puberty, fake friendships, betrayals, love & self awareness.
"Yuck" I thought to myself as I look down at my underwear. Who starts their period on their birthday? Oh I know who, me. The day has already started wrong and I can't wait for it to be over. I washed up, I took a pill and lay in bed, could hardly move because I was having cramps. Tonight is my sweet sixteen party and every one of the who's who was going to be there, my dad went all out for his princess. I looked at the alarm clock "7:36am" So I decided to pick up phone that I had placed on silent the night before - 38 missed calls, 283 PPP tags and 56 SMS. I started with the text messages.
July 24,2009 11:58pm Dmitry Dawkins: I couldn't wait until tomorrow so I am telling you today. Happy birthday when it comes baby. I hope you live to see many many more. I can wait to see later :y forever yours Dmi
July 25, 2009 12:00am Jenn McDonald: Its a bad gal bday! <3 Cant wait for the turn up later boogie. Enjoy ur day hun, see u in a bit. Xoxoxo <3
12:00am Mira McDonald: Happy Birthday Bestie... Hope your day is marvelous as you are. A special day for the best gal! Xoxo love Mira <3
4:00am London Ashton: Hey cuzzzzz. Happy Birthday from your favourite big cuzzin and have a great day Ami-Ami. So sorry that we cant make it to your party later. Our flight got delayed from Toronto, but see you tomoro. And sissy poo Paris sends her best wishes as well. Xoxoxo pud pud
5:08am JR: Happy Birthday sis, have a good one pretty girl!
5:45am Hakiem Hall: Happy Bday Empress Ami-Ami :*
6:54am Alexander Bryant: Today is a special girl birthday Miss Amiya Nnaji, the future Mrs Nnaji -Bryant. Can't wait to meet you next month baby girl. Enjoy your day. :*
7:30am John: Happy Birthday Amiya.
I replied to my close friends and family members with one on one replies. Everyone else got general post on the social media websites. I drifted off back to sleep and woke up with a gentle knock at the door. My parents greeted me with balloons and breakfast on a tray "Happy Birthday Amiya!" they both exclaimed. My mother sung happy birthday as my dad place a tiara on my head.
"Amiya today is a really big day for you" my father said and continues "Mr Benjamin will be here around noon to take you shopping" My mom made me ackee & saltfish on toast, cocoa tea and a very small bowl of peanut porridge. My favorites all on a tray, delicious! While my parents continue to talk I dug into my breakfast and nod to their every word.
"Mom, can I talk to you - alone" as I used my eyes to tell my dad to get out of my room. He kissed me on my forehead then put his hands up in a surrender mode and exited the room. "My period started today" I said lowly while looking at my hands.
"Aww, baby. My little girl is growing up" she replied as she hugged me. Then she went on about the birds and the bees and her first cycle.
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Kamera was my stylist and she was helping me getting dressed in my bathroom. My mom already did my hair and make up, it was perfect. I can't believe I am sixteen - ras I am I getting old. "AMIYA! Snap out of it, come take a pic real quick dear" Kamera ordered. It was around 6:20pm and my party started at 7. On the invite, everyone was told to be present at 6:30pm so they could be seated for my arrival.
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