HOPE

CHAPTER 2

It is Sunday morning. Decided to wake my ass early so that I can make it up to my sister since she left mad at me and came back, God knows when. How I wish I knew how to make that English breakfast with bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms and coffee, but oh well the kasi breakfast will do. I made her soft porridge and poured in milk, just the way she likes it. I got it on a tray so that it can be the perfect breakfast in bed. I don’t spoil my sister often so she will know that I did this because I am deeply sorry and want things to go back to normal. Or that I want something.

Poor thing is sleeping with her old doll that dad got her when she used to experience bad dreams when she was 14. Dad told her the doll will comfort her and she won’t have that bad of a night. Pretty clear she still believes that. “Wake up you sleepy head,” putting the tray beside her bed. “Sis wake up,” opening her curtain so that the light can shine on her face. “Oh devil child, what do you want so early,” sighing as she covers her head with the blanket. “I made you breakfast. Porridge. Just the way you like it,” sitting at the bottom corner of her bed. "And what exactly do you want?” sitting upright on the bed, “So I can no longer spoil my dearest sister?” looking at her with my puppy eyes, “Tell me what you want now or you get out,” looking tired as f**k. I bet she been dancing her butt off at the club in town. “Alright, alright. I just came to say I am sorry about yesterday. I know we agreed we would not talk about that accident anymore, I just struggle to let it go sometimes,” “I know Hope. It is none of our faults that our parents died. I just want you to stop blaming yourself,” opening her arms to hug me. We hugged.

Well, my sister graduated as a social worker 4 years back. During those 9 years together, she did everything she can to be like a mother to me. She went to my school meetings on weekends and disciplined me when necessary by making me wash all our blankets. Had to stamp on them with my feet for 15 minutes straight and make sure they are clean if I don’t want her to add 15 more minutes. It was so not fun. We still had our old ladies night once in a month. She did not bring any boyfriend or talked about them, at times I thought she was a lesbian. She set a good example for me. I knew that if I become like her, work hard and be my own woman, I can be happy.

“Alright I am going to leave you and go get some bread from the store. And nice doll,” getting up with a grin on my face, “Get out,” laughing as she throw the pillow at me, “this doll is a better sister than you,” taking the tray to her lap. “Alright I will see you,” closing the door behind me. At least now I feel relieved that my sister and I are in good shape.

LUCY’S POV

I still don’t understand why she would pour so much milk into my porridge that it literally water. “Hello,” Answering my phone from an unknown number. “Hey, I got your number last night. Do you remember me?” it’s a guy. “No, I don’t remember you,” sighing and rolling my eyes because I don’t remember giving a guy my number at the club. “It is Maxwell, the guy who with a black shirt. And you are Lucy, right?” like of course, “Yeah I am Lucy, what do you want?” getting up the bed, “I was wondering if you would love to have lunch today?” the guy sounding all confident. “No, Maxwell. And don’t call again,” as I hung up. Phew, I have not gone out with a guy since 2 years back. That is because I found out on the date that the guy was actually married and was supposed to go pick the kids from school when he took me out, the wife came and got her man and I was the embarrassment of the restaurant.

I prefer my life this way. Just me and Hope. Not that I am afraid to fall in love or anything, but relationships can be a lot to take in when you are not ready for them. I am not ready. Love is just one of the last things I need in my life right now.

HOPE’S POV

God knows I was having a good stroll to the store listening to music before I saw this guy. I was trying by all means to keep my balance and be focused but he was walking my direction. Okay, I am trying to think of anything silly to avoid eye contact, but Lord Jesus. “Hi,” as he passes, “Hey”, nervous as hell wondering if I sounded good or looked good. f**k. I rush to the store and did not look behind to see where he went. Bought the bread still thinking that he actually said hi to me. Right now I have no idea why I am thinking about a boy I met for a second. For crying out loud, I have successfully avoided the other gender my entire existence, why would I be shaken now?

I am back again to my senses when I see him again next door as I was about to open the gate. Flip, I am so not enjoying the way I feel when I see him. He makes me nervous. I look directly where I am going and before I turn back to quickly open the door, he waves at me. I wave back. I enter inside; throw the bread on the sofa. Got in my room and buried myself on my bed.

SIHLE’S POV

I miss home, my friends and just playing video games. This vacation to my aunt is not doing it for me. Well, I met someone today. Couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she is. She would make a great friend. If I was still on the dating game, I would consider myself fortunate right now for spotting the right girl that is right on my league. But no, girls hurt me so bad that I turned around and hurt innocent people; don’t want to be the bad guy no more and even so, I doubt a girl like her is single, so we will just hang out. Plus my internship at Government complex in Barberton really does take my mind off things like these. So since I am just a visitor around here, it would be amazing to befriend her so that she can show me around, plus she is our neighbour.

“Hey Sihle, can you come over here? We need your help.” That is my aunt calling from the veranda while I was just standing by the tree and just admiring the people. “I’m coming,” going to help of course.

Well, the reason I am really here is because my aunt is going through a lot, so they say, and will love to have company in her house. Her husband died in a war or something like that. He was a soldier. He died last year and would always come once every three months. So we came here to support her. But I’d advise her to get another man who is not a soldier and she will be alright but I can’t.