Chapter 15
- Parents came in and went to the dining hall to review the performances of their children. Mum and I talked and talked until she excused herself to go to the washrooms. I took mum’s phone and called Ray. I had missed his soothing voice. I had missed him. We talked about my progress in school and his progress in job hunting. He told me that he had not secured a job yet but was working hard towards it. I saw mum coming and had to go. Talking to Ray made me happy and made my eyes glow. Mum came and asked me what had excited me that much.
- “You have talked to your boyfriend, haven’t you?” she asked. Mum knew me very well. I couldn’t lie to her. I told her that I had called him. She asked me to tell her more about him, or rather our relationship. It is nothing mum. He is a good guy. He encourages me to work hard in school and go to the university just like him. He sends me letters and cards, but always tells me to focus on my future. Mum asked if I had been involved with him sexually. She said I was still young to engage in a sexual affair with a man. I told her not to worry about me that I had it all under control. The look in her eyes showed that she didn’t believe me. She told me that she knew me too well. Steph, we have always been close and you have always shared your joy and fears with me. Why don’t you tell me what is going on between you and your boyfriend? I told her that I would tell her all about us when the time was right, and probably introduce him to her. She did not seem satisfied but decided to change the subject.
- My school fees for the term had not been paid fully. Mum had decided to clear the fees for Greg first, for him not to be looked down upon by his rich friends. I asked her if she had managed to raise the money, but she hadn’t. She said that she was to be paid some money by a school she had supplied school uniforms in three weeks’ time. This meant that I would be sent home in two weeks’ time, and spend one week at home. I contacted Ray and told him that we could meet in two weeks’ time.