Hold me

Chapter 4

Ayana's art class took longer than expected. So we had to postpone going to the mall. It's fine I also got to do my homework whilst waiting for her, so when I get home I'll probably cook and just head to bed.

As Mr Sola, Ayana's dad drops me at home. I can't help but frown mama isn't at home yet. Wierd if you ask me, since it's past 6 and almost dark outside. The hospital is probably busy.

"Thank you, Mr Sola." I smile as I exit the car.

"It's a pleasure Saviyah. Greet your mother for me!" He shouts over the radio.

"Ok I will!" I shout back.

"Nice to know you forgot about me Yaya!" Ayana shouts with a fake pout.

"Never in a million years." I smile. It's true, I'll never forget her I just hope we'll be together always, so I wouldn't have to.

I enter the house and head towards the stairs. I try my best to not look at the dishes, I guess I'll cook and wash the dishes. I throw my bag on my bed and head to the shower.

But first I need to take down my high puff. I can't help the sigh as my thick hair falls down. I always wonder why do I not straighten my hair anymore. But I remember how my dad used braid it. He'd always hate it when I got a silk press.

A small smile creeps to my face at the fond memory. I wish I could turn back the hands of time.

I snap my mind back to reality and head to the bathroom to shower. When I exit the shower with a towel wrapped tightly around my body. I look around for my lotion and remember that it's on my night stand.

I don't think much of it and head straight to fetch it. As I head back to the bathroom, I'm startled by a throat clearing just outside my window.

It's Ian. He's staring, I'm nailed to the ground unmoving. And that's when it hits me, I'm only in a towel and from his window he sees until my waist.

I quickly tighten my towel and close the curtains.

That was too close. I can't help but blush. Head back to the bathroom and moistorize. I wear grey sweatpants and an over-sized T-shirt.

I head down stairs and start thinking about what I'm going to cook. I think chicken stew and rice will do. Forgetting that it was dad's favourite. I get everything ready and start cooking.

Mama arrived when I'm almost done cooking.

"Ooh mtanam, uphekile?" ("oh my baby, you cooked?" in isiXhosa) She fondly says as she puts her bags on the couch.

"Ewe mama" ("yes mama") I reply smiling.

I always love it when she speaks isiXhosa. I made it a point to learn at least two of her native land's languages. It made me feel closer to her and my South African roots.

"Thank you so much, I was a bit worried that you wouldn't have something to eat."

"I just decided to give you a little bit of a break today and cook for us."

"Oh my baby. After the day I had, I really appreciate it."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No it's ok, I'll just go freshen up and join you. Mhmm it smells amazing. Let's hope it tastes as good as it smells"

"It does taste amazing." I laugh.

She lifts her hands up. "Just making sure that everything is going well. You know your father always managed to cook food that smelled delicious but when you taste it..." She cringes and I laugh

I take a moment and look at her eye's. I see pain, longing and another emotion I can't quite pin point. But it's gone before I can't even blink.

"I'm heading upstairs." She says taking her bags from the couch.

"Ok, food will be ready in 10" I look up from the simmering pot.

"I'll be done by then!" She shouts from the top of the stairs.

Did I just imagine that?