The Elite boy who changed my life

Imani’s POV My heart was beating fast. Too fast. I hated that mama noticed. “Imani.” Mama said. “Why are you thinking so much?” She asks. “Nothing mama, you know how I get with crowds.” I say. “I’m here. With you and for you Imani.” She says, her hands now resting on my shoulders. “There’s nothing to be worried about.” The voices in my head quiet down as I listen to mama’s words. We stepped out of the car and I was suddenly reminded that I had no friends. “Go on, find your friends. I’ll be at the reception if you need me.” My mother said, as she followed the crowd of parents. Like I had any. A voice echoed through the speakers. “Can all graduating students please take your seats?” Graduation gowns are supposed to make you feel like you’ve accomplished something. Shame, because mine just felt heavy. My heels were getting caught in the grass, all I could think about was how I needed this day to be over already. The principal began, speaking about life outside and how they were filled with endless opportunities. Funny. One after the other, students moved to collect their certificates, names were called politely, teachers held fake smiles on their faces all to impress parents. “Imani Carter.” The principal called my name. I stood, every step I took felt like a warning to myself. “Don’t make a scene Imani.” I collected my certificate, shook the principals hand while I smiled for the camera, glanced at my mother who was wiping her tears and went back to my seat staring at a piece of paper that was supposed to change my life. The ceremony ended about an hour later, mama gave me the tightest hug she had in her. “I’m proud of you,” she whispered into my ears. “I know.” I smiled at her. The drive home was silent, although I was the one who was silent. Mama had her best tunes playing and she couldn’t stop singing out of joy. As we reached the house, I saw our wealthy neighbor gifting his daughter a car for completing her high school and all I could think about was how I was going to be spending the next weeks of my life behind a counter. Mama unlocked the door, I went straight to my room embracing the scent as I buried my face in my bed. Even though my room wasn’t the biggest, it had books i used to read when I was bored arranged neatly in a shelf, stuffed animals I’ve had since I was eight, minimal decors I added to make it feel cozy. It was mine and I felt safe. I changed out of my clothes, washed my face, hopped on my bed, and closed my eyes till I couldn’t hear the voices in my head anymore. An hour later, I woke up from my much needed rest, checked my phone. No notification. Downstairs, I found my certificate already hanging on the wall. Typical mama. I could smell whatever mama was cooking from a mile away and it smelt very familiar. “What’s for dinner?” I asked. “I’m making your favorite, since it’s a special day.” I wish mama just forgot about today already. “Oh, that’s really nice of you mama. It smells delicious too.” “Grab a plate.” I grabbed a plate and waited patiently on the dining. Mama served me a plate of her famous Nyama Choma. A home made meal was all one needed to make my day. Mama served hers and joined me on the dining. As she sat, she had this look on her face, which meant she had something to say. “Mama you have something on your mind.” I said blankly. “Imani, my child.” I knew it was bad news. “Java asked for you to begin work immediately.” “Immediately meaning when mama?” “Tomorrow Imani. I tried to get them to wait till next week but they said they were short staffed and you had to resume or you’ll loose the job.” “It’s fine mama.” “No it’s not, you just graduated.” “I said it’s fine mama, really. Tell them i’ll resume tomorrow.” Silence fell across the dinner table. Only sounds of forks and spoons hitting the glass plates could be heard. “Imani, stop picking at your food and eat. It’s your favorite come on.” “I’m not hungry mama.” “Imani…” I didn’t give her a chance to speak. I stood up from the table and went to my room. I loved helping mama with bills, especially since I got older and found out she and dad didn’t get a divorce and that he just left us. But she was right, I just graduated. My mates were talking about universities, gap years and how they wanted to enjoy their summer break while I was thinking about how many extra shifts I could pick up at any available café. My body felt exhausted but my mind couldn’t stop wondering what life really held for me. I fell asleep almost immediately my head touched the pillow. My alarm rang at seven, I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling for a while. I got up, hopped in the shower, did my hair into a messy bun, let some curls hang over my face and got dressed into a simple and casual outfit. I was out of the house before mama woke up, i left her a note because I couldn’t face her after the stunt I pulled last night. The bus ride to work felt meaningless and empty. All I could do was listen to music and stare out the window. Music was the only thing that understood me. The bus halted to a stop, I unplugged my earphones, got down from bus and took in the view. Java spot cafe was a little cafe on the edge of a turn. It had beautiful glass doors, windows and chairs that were made out of clean, refined wood. For a minute I almost thought today wouldn’t be so bad. I walked in, and I was immediately met with a dark older looking woman. Which I assumed was either the boss or the manager. “Hi, you must be Imani.” She said sweetly. “Hello, yes I am. I’m here for the barista spot.” “It’s nice to meet you Imani, I’m Rehema.” She said as she held out her hand. I shook it. “I’m in charge here. So if you have a problem you come to me first before anyone else. Okay?” “Got it.” “Great, come with me and I’ll show you around.” She handed me an apron, we walked around in the cafe, she showed me other baristas, how the machines worked and different desserts and their names. Everything seemed perfect until there were five customers in front of me, all with different orders that my brain couldn’t seem to handle. “Don’t worry, everyone messes up on their first day. You’ll get the hang of it.” Rehema said. “Thank you.” “Anytime Imani. See you tomorrow?” She asked. “Yeah, sure.” I said as I took off my apron and hung it. On the ride home, I felt proud of myself for surviving the day, but I knew life wasn’t going to get any easier. Days, turned to weeks. Weeks turned to months. I had finally applied for a scholarship. All I could do was pray. Working at Java had become part of my daily life and I had no other choice but to accept it. One day, before heading to work, I came downstairs to eat breakfast when mama said something I hadn't thought about for a while. “You’re not planning on going to work today, are you?” “I don’t really have a choice mama.” “Imani you’ve been working everyday since you started this job. You need a break.” “I do. But Rehema already made the schedule for this week. Plus, missing a shift means less money.” “At least promise me you’ll stop worrying so much about your scholarship application.” “Mama, I’ll stop worrying and I’ll stop working when I have a choice. But for now this is the only thing that helps with extra bills and I can’t afford to rest.” With that, I put on my shoes, grabbed my bag and headed for the door. “See you later mama. I love you.” I couldn’t let mama sweet talk me into working less, this battle was mine to fight. If there was anything I learnt in the past months was that no one was coming to save me. On the ride home one day, I leaned my head against the window, plugging in my earphones. I took out my phone, job postings, unread messages, and my mom asking what I wanted for dinner. And then one unread email. Subject: “Congratulations Imani Carter your scholarship has been approved.”