GETTING THEM 28

GETTING THEM 28 

It had been 9 months in school and  exactly a year and 5 months into the relationship, Austin had been consistent most of the time although we had a few moments where work got in the way and I complained a lot but overall he did what he could to ensure I was well taken care of. Austin and I made love nearly once a week or more. Only in rare circumstances did we go without it but usually when he was around it was the order of the day. I had come to enjoy it a lot but I noticed our conversations had become less meaningful, we hardly ever talked about the future and most times I found myself feeling empty despite him being around. Sex sometimes felt like a routine and I hated to give it to him sometimes only when we argued and it felt great to patch things up. Litase and Salome had moved out from school and there are times I felt like moving back into school, this was because I hated the long walks from marshlands into school every day especially when it was raining and I could not miss class and also how hard it was to make friends by the hostels I rented. Unfortunately, most girls there had an expensive lifestyle and once again I was back to feeling like I was in Kalanje’s world where I did not fit.  

My third term exams were almost concluding when Lumbiwe informed me that she needed to see me urgently at home. I could not leave school as I still had one more paper to write so she decided to meet me in school. My next paper was in two days but I spent most time in the library at school and only went back to my hostel in the evenings. Lumbiwe looked very beautiful as she alighted from a taxi, I imagined she had heard my complaints about how she often let herself go.  

“Sis how are you” she said as we hugged. 

“I am fine sis…” I replied 

Lumbiwe definitely looked like she had some important news to tell and I was ready to hear it. I could not get my eyes off how good she looked in a skinny jean and black long sleeved slim fitting top, her hair was combed into a neat bun and she tried to do a little makeup. 

“sis my boss has offered me a once in a lifetime opportunity” she begun 

I listened attentively without batting an eyelid. 

“My boss is relocating back to Europe and she wants me to go with her… it is only a one year contract for now but the pay is really tempting” 

I was not expecting the words I heard and it felt like there was sudden darkness, Lumbiwe and I often had nothing to talk about as she played the role of a mother more than a sister. She often lectured me and made sure I was being my best that there was no room to be friends. However knowing she was always around made me relaxed and calm. Lumbiwe going far away and me having no home to return to go to on weekends or a sister nearby to tell what I was going through would be hard.  

“So when do you leave?” I asked. 

“Really? I thought you would be first concerned that I am leaving you” Lumbiwe said in her mothering tone. 

“I just want to know how much time i have to process this information” I replied sadly. 

Lumbiwe embraced me and assured me.

"We need the money... there's not much for us here. With this opportunity, i am assured of a better life for both of us"