[COMPLETE] African Pride

13. Arrival Revival

I could feel the eyes of Victoria burning the back of my head as Albert lead me to a broad set of double-doors on the second floor.

"Here you go," he said, dramatically pushing the doors open. "Home sweet home."

This isn't my home. Would you people stop saying that...?

It looked like a miniature house, within a house, as the bedroom and bathroom were separate rooms. Instead, when you stepped inside, you walked into what looked to be a living room, with two plump couches, foot table, and a large flat screen television. There was also a desk, with a thickly padded chair and computer with the largest screen I had ever seen before in my life.

Walking to the bedroom, I saw that it had an enormous four-poster bed with another flat screen television across from it. Two nightstands with lamps were on either side of the bed, with a dresser under the flat screen. Next to the window was a makeup vanity, although I would never use it. Connected to the bedroom had to be the most massive, walk-in closet I had ever seen in my life. It was empty for now, but even with my clothes it wouldn't be full.

Lastly, I checked out the bathroom, and I had to admit that it was my favorite; as it possessed both a shower and a tub with massaging jets. Secretly, I had always wanted a bathing tub with one, as there wasn't a night when I came home with sore muscles.

"Well, what do you think?" Albert asked, leaning against the door.

"I'm sure that it's more than you are accustomed too," Victoria snorted.

"You're right, I was born in a grass hut without any running water," I said, turning to them. "I was forced to bathe in the river in my village, where I had to fight crocodiles every day for my life."

"Whoa, seriously?" Albert gasped.

"No, dumb assess, I was raised in a city like you guys. Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya and has the same basic technology you do. We even have Wifi and Starbucks."

"If it's so great, why are you here then?" Victoria asked.

"Because I'm forced to be," I replied. "But listen, why don't we settle down some basic rules: I'll stay out of your way, and you'll stay out of mine. Because as soon as I can afford it, I'm leaving this hellhole."

Victoria and Albert looked at each other before Albert held up his hands.

"Listen, we're not trying to force you to change yourself," he said. "This is a big culture shock I can imagine. However, come on, we're family. Why don't you call me Bertie? I prefer it over Albert all the time. Victoria likes Tori, and I'm sure you don't like being called Karasi all the time. So, tell me, what's your nickname?"

"Kara," I replied, crossing my arms. "Look, I'm sorry for being mean. Just... I'm just tense, about some things..."

"Care to share with the class?" Albert asked.

"Not on your life," I replied.

"Fair enough, you need to learn to trust us. So, why don't we go out and have some fun?"

"What exactly do you two do for fun here?"

"I love reading books," Albert replied.

"Nerd!" Victoria teased. "For me, shopping is where it's at. Best de-stresser, on the planet."

"Wow..." I said. "You both are so... so... my gods, so dull! So dreadfully, dreadfully dull. Thank the gods that I'm here. Are you telling me you have all the money in the world and all you do is shop and read? At least if you're going to be splurging money then at least have fun with it. You know what, let's get out of here."