Insert 12

Zee: I took a power nap, I didn’t even realize I dosed off to slumber land. It was now 18:30 and I am pretty sure the parents are home already and I am in no mood for family time. I need to get my life in order, like I used to be on top of the world and now it’s like the world is on top of me. I am not going to have that and besides it’s no use crying over spilled milk, what happened between Amo and Busi was between them and I am not going to meddle in their affairs. It’s time for me to take back my crown and own it. I stood in front of the mirror and did a mini-speech to me ” Zee, let this be the last time you cry over a guy, of all the guys in the world, Amo does not deserve your tears. You…” I heard screams coming from the kitchen and I went towards the door then went down the stairs. I heard mom and dad arguing and I just decided to eavesdrop on their argument…

Mom:” Don’t tempt me Mike! You done did it this time.” Dad:” I am sorry, it surely didn’t mean a thing. I love you honey and I always will.” Mom:” Love? Do you call what you did love?” She started sobbing. Mom:” I’ve done nothing but love you, honour you, respect you, put you first above everything and this is the thanks I get?” Her voice was breaking, it was hard for her to talk with all those tears. Dad:” Tumi please don’t cry…”

I had to interrupt whatever it was that was happening between mom and dad. I just barged into the kitchen and pretended as if I didn’t hear anything. Me:” Mom, dad…” I looked freaked out. Dad:” Baby, I didn’t realize you were back. We didn’t see you walk in.” Me:” I got here before you guys, is everything okay? Mom, why are you crying?” Dad:” Everything is fine honey, mom is going through some tough things right now…” He looked over at mom as if seeking some form of agreement from her with his statement. Mom:” I … I’m fine Zara, just that things at work are looking bad but you know me, I’ll sort it out.” She faked a smile. She stood up and left me and dad in the kitchen. There was an awkward silence for a good 10 minutes. I didn’t know what to say or ask, I know what I heard and it had nothing to do with mom’s work, it had everything to do with dad. I wonder what he did to hurt mom like this. Me:” So what’s for super? I’m really hungry…” I had to break the silence. Dad:” Love I don’t know, take my card and call a friend. Ask them to take you somewhere…” He gave me his card and walked out the door. Next thing, I heard him drive off. Me:” O-kay…” I walked over to mom’s room, I knocked on the door three times before she eventually opened for me. Me:” I am going to get something to eat, do you want something?” She shook her head and closed the door whilst I was still standing there. That really broke my heart, I guess I deserved the door to my face judging by the way I’ve been treating her for the past couple of months, I feel like my mom has reached her fighting limit and she’s just giving in. I whispered “I’m sorry.” And ran to my room. I took my phone and called the only person I am on speaking terms with, I didn’t want to call him but I had no choice, I didn’t want to be in this house right now…

Over the phone: Sands:” This is a pleasant surprise, I thought you were mad at me?” Me:” Not now Sands, please…” I sighed. Sands:” What’s wrong beautiful?” Me:” Pick me up?” Sands:” From?” Me:” My house, I just need a breather and right now you’re the only person that came to mind who can help with that.” Sands:” Of course, anything for you. I’ll be there in a few…” He hung up.

I packed clothes for tomorrow, yes clothes… I am definitely not planning to spend the night in this house. I can’t deal with this adult drama right now. I sent my dad a text telling him that he’ll find his card on my dressing table and that I’ll be spending the night at Lindo’s. Lindo and I might not be talking right now but I can still use her as my scapegoat. A few minutes later I received a text from Sands telling me that his outside. I took my bag of clothes and went to my mom’s bedroom door. Me:” Mom I’m going over to Lindo’s place, I am going to spend the night there just to give you and dad some privacy…” I had hoped for some kind of response from her, anything at all but she just kept quiet, so I just left. Sands was leaning against his car waiting for me, he opened the door for me and went over to his side. Did I mention how hot he looked? Flip he was dashing. Sands:” And the bag?” Me:” I don’t feel like spending the night at my house, I hope you don’t mind me crashing at your place?” I said embarrassed by the fact that I was asking to sleepover at his place after our little fall out earlier. Sands:” Wow! O-kay… Sure I don’t mind, I don’t know about my parents though?” He started the car and drove off. Me:” Oh! Yeah… I didn’t think that far.” I fiddle with my fingers. Sands:” I’m sure they won’t mind and besides they are out of town so what they don’t know won’t hurt right?” He winked at me and smiled. Me:” Yeah sure…” My voice was faint. This guy was making me weak by the second and his handsomeness was not helping either. Sands:” So where do you want to start first? My house or a stroll around town?” Me:” Actually I’m hungry, how about MacD's?” Sands:” MacD's it is.”

We drove in silence. I was in my head wondering what could be going on with mom and dad, I failed to understand the sudden change in behaviour when it came to mom and come to think of it dad spent most nights away from home, am I so invested in myself that I didn’t even read in-between the lines that there could be something going on between them? Am I that self-absorbed??? All these thoughts were just making me furious, how could I be so selfish and self-centered???

Sands:” Earth to Zara…” Sands:” ZARA!!!” He shouted. Me:” mhm... Yes, what???” Sands:” Are you okay?” He raised his brow Me:” oh sorry about that, I’ll be fine. Didn’t even realize we’re here already.” I took out my purse. Sands:” And what are you doing?” Me:” Getting something to eat, do you also what something?” Sands:” No, I mean the purse?” Me:” It has money in it, you do understand the purpose of a purse right?” I was confused and the way he looked at me just made me want to laugh. Sands:” I know what the purpose of a purse is but please don’t offend me like that.” He took his wallet and got out of the car. He came to open the door for me and we got inside. I couldn’t make up my mind on what I wanted to eat so I just ordered the chicken fold-over and the Big Mac Meal. He ordered large fries with coke. We argued when it came to paying, I wanted to pay but he also wanted to pay so we argued until I eventually gave in. We got our order and drove to his place.