CHAPTER 1: FRESH FROM SCHOOL
Alexis's POV
The last bell rings, I’m happy because I’m done with school like literally. High school is over now I can think of going to the university. I pick my suitcase and my entire luggage ready to go home. I always do not leave my things behind, I get too attached. I go to my friend Magdalene who has been waiting for me for a ride in her dad’s car.
"Hey bestie I am done with clearance we can go now." I am so happy to go home. I really miss my siblings Hamilton, Pistorious and Cynthia, and my parents.
Magdalene is from a rich background not that rich, they are well off, but she is my best friend, I love her so much. I on the other hand come from a humble background, we are not that rich but we manage. We can survive day by day, we do not need to beg for anything so I am contented with what we have.
I’m happy to save my bus fare so I could buy some gifts for my younger siblings. I know they really miss me. I myself Cannot wait to be with them.
Magdalene and I have been such good friends and I feel so bad that I might not see her any time soon because her home is far away from ours. We have always been partners in crime.
We reach our small town Voi and I alight from the car I bid Magdalene and her dad goodbye and I proceed to buy some gifts for my siblings.
After finishing I head home. At home, I meet my siblings who are so happy to see me.
“ Alex we missed you so much." They say to me while reaching for my bag I know what they are looking for these naughty kids. I am their firstborn sister so I have to abide, I love them so much.
“ Guys I have not even sat down you are already ransacking me." I say jokingly to them.
“ You know we love you that is why." They say all hugging me. My mum and dad join in on the hug too. I love my family so much. I can do anything for them.
After a week at home, I get so bored just being idle. I just do house chores and prepare my siblings for school. so I go to the town to look for a job and also a small house that I can leave in because the town is far from our home. First I have to ask my parents, and it is hard but I have to do it. So I sit my parents down.
“Mom and Dad I have been so bored just staying at home. I really would like to find a job at town so I can atleast help with my expenses when I go to the university." I ask pleadingly.
“ I know you have always wanted to work since you were a little girl my darling." mum says.
“And I know we have taught you well so you can take care of yourself ” My dad chips in. “ But I have to discuss it with you mum first then we will let you know my daughter." he adds.
“ Alright dad and mum, I love you." I hug them tightly and head to my room. If they don't allow me then I will respect their decision. They are my parents after all. I hope tomorrow morning they will give me a good answer.
****
I wake up at 5:00 AM and do all the chores so that I can impress my parents.
I just can’t wait to live alone so I can be free, I hate being answerable to my parents. Do not get me wrong, I think I am a grownup now and I cannot live under my parent's wings any longer. I had sworn that after school I would do everything before I settle and by everything I mean clubbing, drinking and every other thing I could do.
My parents wake up and I hear my mum calling me.
“ Yes mum, hope you had a wonderful night." I say to her.
“ Your dad and I discussed last night and we are giving you permission to work." She says with a wide smile written on her face.
“ Ooh woow mum thanks, I love you mum." I kiss her on the cheek almost tearing up. she does not know what that means to me. My parents are rockstars.
I get my parent's blessing and head to our small town Voi to find a job. Luckily I get a job at the first restaurant I go to. It turns out they were in need of a waitress. Though it doesn’t pay much I take it considering I’m yet to go to college so I’m inexperienced. I meet the manager Mr. Henry and informs me that I will be paid three hundred shillings per day, for me, it’s quite a lot considering I was not getting any money before even pocket money from my parents. And he tells me that I have to start work immediately. I ask for a day so I can settle first. Since our home is just a two-hour drive from town, I take the bus and head straight home so I can tell them the good news.
***
Before leaving home my mother gives me some money to start with at my new house, so I go straight to the market to get some stuff for my new room that I have rented. I was so happy with myself because I was going to make my dreams come true.
I came back from the market with a mattress and some utensils that is what I had managed to get with the money I had. Since I had come with a few clothes I result to staying with those first and when I get a chance off work I would go home to pick some more clothes.
I arrange the few items I have in my new room. It looks almost empty but I am proud of myself for where I am. I have to start from scratch right. That is what my mum always tells me.