chapter four

She was standing alone staring at the green pasture in front of her with a lot of thoughts running through her mind. If someone else was asked what they saw, they would say grass but what Zuba saw was more than just regular grass because it wasn't. She saw development and money as well as her answers right there. With this land, she could make her dreams come true if she could work on it, build a comfortable house to call a home, a husband and kids. Wait, when did she ever think of having kids? She didn't even have a boyfriend in her whole entire life. She hugged herself as it was getting cold and the breeze was getting colder. She turned to her right and there he was, John , as handsome as ever with his wide smile that would make your knees go weak. Her heart was thumping and she feared he would hear the sound of it beating vigorously for him. Everything else seemed to come to a standstill and invisible, like they were the only ones that existed. She hesitantly walked towards him taking longer than usual and lifted her arm so that she could touch his face but the minute she did so, he was gone faster than he came. Where did he go? She started looking around searching for him with tears forming in her eyes.

"John! John! John! don't leave me!" she kept screaming.

A tap on her shoulder made her sit abruptly. Her heart was beating rapidly. She could hear the sound of her heart pounding in her ears. She touched her chest to make sure she was fine as she looked around while heaving. It was just a dream and nothing more but how would someone she met the previous day invade her dreams? Firstly, It was her thoughts and now she saw him in her dream. It felt surreal like he was truly there and his presence was so strong and left her breathless. She looked around again only then noticing her siblings were still sleeping and her mother standing next to her.

" Mother?" she acknowledged her but it came out more of a question.

" Is everything alright Zuba? " she asked

" Mother am fine." she replied in a low tone.

" Are you sure? Because you kept calling out for someone in your sleep." she asked again worriedly.

"No mum, it was just a dream and nothing serious." She replied while she plastered a fake smile on her face.

" Okay that's good to hear, I will be outside cleaning." her mother said as she was about to walk out of the house.

" What time is it?"

" Five am my dear."

" Did I mention anyone's name when you were waking me up?" Zuba could not help but ask.

" No, you just kept asking where the person went to." her mother responded and walked out.

Zuba sighed in relief and was thankful that she didn't mention his name otherwise she would not hear the end of it from everyone especially her mother. She would get teased by them and it was going to take a lot to make them forget. She tagged at her wrapper that was tied around her chest tightly and got up. She walked out of the house, got a broom and began to sweep the yard making sure she left no dirt.

By the time it was six, everyone else was up and washing their faces as well as brushing their teeth. After they had their breakfast, they made their way to the field to continue with where they had left from. Birds were chirping, everyone was singing to a song that Zuba had started. She loved to sing since forever. She was always happy in the eyes of others and put others first. She was one who did the deed in your time of need. She was never selfish or self centered but always wanted to put a smile on other people's faces because she believed a smile hid a thousand tears.

This family did not need riches to be together but were united and loved each other unconditionally. Serenity is what they always wanted and nothing more. These kids understood that not everyone was from a wealthy family and they were from that category of kids.

The day went by slowly and it was time to go fetch water for both girls as always. Today was different, Amanda watched the two sisters make their way to fetch water. It seemed after Zuba threatened her , she did not have the courage to humiliate her anymore. Zuba helped Taonga put the bucket of water on her head before carrying hers. As they made their way back home, Taonga decided to have a sister chat with Zuba.

" Did you see the way John stared at you yesterday?" she asked.

" No why?" Zuba replied with a confused expression but did not turn her face to look at Taonga. She kept staring ahead as her dream came to mind.

" He seems to like you." she said nonchalantly. This made Zuba almost drop her bucket.

" NO you are mistaken, he does not like me. He must have been curious and by the way you are still young to know if a man likes a woman or not."

" I can not wait for the two of you to have kids."

" Taonga, don't you ever say that again, Am not having any kids not even with John." She replied in a warning tone.

" Hmmmm don't say I did not tell you when it comes to pass." Taonga said trying to hold her laughter.

They made it home in time for dinner and their father's stories. As everyone sat down. listening carefully at whatever their father had to say, they did not expect what was coming though they had somehow forseen it but not so soon.

" Zuba" her father's voice boomed.

" Yes dad?" she answered while waiting anxiously to hear what he had to say.

" I received a call today and John asked if he could see you." Not only was Zuba speechless but she thought she misheard him.

" Father what did you say?" she asked in a shocked manner.

" Whatever you heard was correct, he will be here in the morning so prepare yourself."

Zuba turned to looked at everyone and they were all smiling as Taonga gave her the " I told you" look. To say she was shocked was an understatement, she could not get any word out of her mouth. She kept opening and closing it like a fish. What just happened?