Stella. That's my name. I am 19 years old. I live and work in order to provide a living for my for younger siblings. Where are my parents? My mother is what Nigerians would call an 'ashawo' and others a prostitute. Its not pleasant to say out loud trust me but it's the truth. My father-I never met him, in fact all my siblings have different fathers and we only know one. He is a well-known welder around town and sends little money when he can, but it's hardly enough to sustain.
I have an older brother and an older sister but both are no where to be found. So I am left alone to take care of my four younger siblings, juggle multiple marriage proposals and find a form for my life......because presently it's shapeless.
Siphosethu
"She will leave today with you! and we will make sure they get married tomorrow"
Me"But I am only 18"
My Mother hugged me, she said all she could to convince everyone that getting me married at 18 isn't fair . But my Father owed his father cows and it was only fair to give his daughter away to pay this debt .
"Nje nani nibona, azange waphathwa yindoda engaze wa zekwa" "Yintombi enyulu"
Yes my innocence were being paraded like it was Black Friday .
Jola"Uyindoda emadodeni wena Radebe"
"Bayohamba kule veki ilandelayo, beqala ubomi ubutsha bobabini. Ebe keyena unya ephangela, kodwa intombi iyakifundameza ikhaya. Ize ibentse azele abafana"
Me"Tata!"
My dad smiled at me, he was so proud of me for being a virgin, a virgin that will be given away to marry a guy I've never met, a virgin that will be a housewife and well give him children.
Ziphozethu
"Nooooo! Zee its still early "
My friends believe in calling me the life of the party, they love how spontaneous I am and how carefree I am.
Me"Nope, Its almost 4 you guys"
The guys we were with tried convincing me with more vodka to stay.
Lerato"Tshomi please stay"
Me"How about we return tomorrow? drinks on me"
Club literally going up on a tuesday, I am your typical nineteen year old. I rebel every now and then, I leave alone in Central Port Elizabeth . I don't remember much about my childhood or my parents, I work as a waitress at a nearby restaurant. A lot in my life doesn't make sense, but one thing I know is; I am happy and everything else doesn't matter.
Two girls
Two different characters
One carefree
One a housewife
Life is not always what it looks like, and behind every smile is hardship that stays hidden.
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