adminThe sound of the gate opening startles me into feverish actions. Gosh, is it 5.30 already? I quickly down the volume of “Lordes’s Royals” and change the TV channel from “Trace” to “Mindset Learning”. My books are already spread on the table. Perhaps if they come in and find me looking so seriously occupied things may just go my way – I hope.
“Maswera sei Daddy? Maswera sei Mama?” I ask jumping up to take the paperbags in Daddy’s hands. I am really trying to be the model daughter.
I wait until after supper to put in my request.
“Rumbie is having a birthday party on Saturday and she has invited me. May I please go?” I beg my parents.
The silence is so loud that I can hear each one of us breathe.
My father takes the remote control and mutes the volume.
Oh oh. That is so not good.
Normally, the old man only gives you half an ear when he is watching the News at Eight on ZTV. Which is why I put in the request right now.
He normally keeps a running commentary either agreeing or vehemently disagreeing with the newsreader, reporter or whoever they are interviewing. I would not know much about it because it always seems to be super boring. But when he switches off the volume totally, that means you have his total attention and right now I need that like I need a bullet in the head.
“I am not sure that I am comfortable with you going off to a party with a girl whose parents we do not know,” my father says.
“But Dad, you have known Rumbie like, forever, ” I wail with indignant tears forming in my eyes.
“Maybe I should speak to her mother,” my mom, ever the peacemaker suggests.
I smile broadly and quickly get my Blackberry Curve to give her the number. That was their 16th birthday present for me two months ago.
She calls the number and Rumbie’s mother says she will pick me up from Eastgate and bring me back home. Then she adds her own request.
“If it is okay with you maybe she could sleep over so that she can help us with the cleaning up after the party. Then I will bring her back on
Sunday after church.” My mom agrees and I thank them both before rushing off to the bedroom to send a WhatsApp message.
“On for Sat,” I rapidly type. Then just as I am about to press the send button the screen goes blank. I try to switch it back on with no luck. I connect the phone to the charger but nothing.
It is as dead as a dodo – whatever that may be. It is my English teacher’s favourite expression and I just copy him without knowing what on earth a dodo may be, but right now my phone is as dead as it.
I suddenly go still. Why would my phone switch itself off right now when everything is in place? Could this be a sign? I sit on my bed and think things through.
Maybe someone, possibly even God is telling me that lying about a non-existent party to my parents is not such a hot idea.
The voice on the phone had been Rumbie playing at being grown up.
So what if I am the only square peg in class, the only one who never goes clubbing or do anything exciting? Am I really ready to forget everything that my parents have taught me and join the world of alcohol, smoking, bunking school and sex with anyone and everyone?
Is that really what it means to be young and cool? No, I tell myself. As if on cue my phone lights up of its own accord and now I am sure that I have received a special sign.
Tomorrow I will tell my parents that I cannot go to that party after all because I have a science project to work on over the weekend.
Rumbie and all the other girls will go back to laughing at me.
I know that in 10 years’ time I am the one who will be laughing, but I do wish I could find a way to be a cool teen without ruining my future in the process.
Online Reporter