I AM DIFFERENT

Grandma's baby.

Now it was almost two months old since my orphanhood.

I was comfortable around grandma and Harriet.

By the look of things granny really loved me more than any other Grandchild since I was the first child to be orphaned in the family.

All my wishes, she ensured they were granted without hesitation.

Grandma's traits reassembled mama's just that granny was a bit strict than mama.

With mama I only dressed shorts and Jean trousers. T-shirts and sleevlesses but this time round I was always in dresses and skirts.

They were beautiful ones mostly from abroad or at times from shops around home.

Uncle Jim could always send me gifts and cards often.

He filled grandma's cupboard with foodstuffs and junks to ensure his mama never lacked so as his niece.

Life was heaven again. I had a parent again!

All this time I haven't told you where we were residing but just know it was somewhere in a village.

Grandma was a member of the Roman Catholic faith.

On Sundays we all dressed up in dresses and headed to church.

I always walked between granny and Harriet which made me feel like a superstar.

I could swing on their hands while walking which was mad fun to me but it really pissed them off.

At church grandma always sat on the second row near the altar.

She was a member of the Catholic women Association which made her famous around church which was to my advantage that no one could pass over me without saying hello or even smiling.

I was comfortable with all the attention and love I received because of granny.

✴✴✴

All this time I had not joined school yet.

I definitely couldn't go back to my previous school because I was scared of I don't know what.

Grandma asked Harriet to take me to be interviewed in order to join a certain school. ST. MARY'S MUKUMU kindergarten.

I passed the exams and I was to be admitted on the second week of the month.

Grandma bought everything that I needed for school.

She was happy telling me how bright our family was so not to let her down.

It was on a Monday morning when Harriet woke me up from granny's bed.

''it's so early to wake up '' I said sleepily but I eventually remembered I was joining my new school.

I jumped off the bed and walked past her. Grandma yelled my name and I run back to her room.

''you have not said the Lord's prayer, how will you just start off your day without it?! "

" I'm sorry granny I forgot " I said shyly

I took the rosary, did our rituals and said a short prayer.

Harriet was in the bathroom waiting to help me shower. I took the bath and was ready for my brand new school uniform.

I was dressed up in a green dress with white stripes, a milky white shirt, white socks with two green stripes and a pair of leather shoes which were shining so bright.

My face was shining with an awesome amount of petroleum jelly and a little combination of happiness and anxiety.

I took breakfast quickly and went to bid granny goodbye.

I found her seated on her bed.

When she saw me she was having a happy moment in her heart

She smiled at me, held my hand and asked me to be a good girl.

She escorted us to the compound gate and told Harriet not to stay longer.

I looked back and she was still standing at the gate I waved goodbye and kept walking holding Harriet's hand.

I was all smiley and jumpy.

I only thought of how proud I'd make grandma by abiding by the terms of the school.

within new teachers and new faces

All I am sure of, is that granny's heart was mesmerized.

So was mine!