CHAPTER 8

I stay speechless looking at the void. How can he be so insensitive? I do not ask for his pity but at least a reaction from him. He apologizes like he doesn’t want to.

I leave the room to join the car, with Tendaji sleeping quietly inside. I enter the vehicle and slip a kiss on his forehead to wake him up. He wakes up looking at me and I don’t know why all of a sudden my tears are starting to sink.

Tendaji- But what do you have? He says when he gets out of the car to meet me in the back seats.

"I want to go home. I say like a child."

Tendaji-What happened. He says trying to wipe my tears with his hands. Can you explain?

I’m shaking my head.

Tendaji- I’m listening to you.

-I can no longer work for..for this man.Said I, wiping my tears.He and his great airs of coarseness are beginning to swell me.

Tendaji- I know. He says while caressing my cheek. Tell me what happened?

-Arrg. I say screaming. This asshole can’t make me cry. I go on drying my tears.

Tendaji-Take it easy, Amina.

-What happened is that, as usual, The Prince and I had a big fight while you were sleeping.He said horrible things about me and I responded by hurting him in return, I know it’s childish but.. I’m sick of these people taking us down.

Tendaji- I know it’s complicated for you right now, but you can’t let him win. He tells me by hugging me. Look at me.

I look at him as I weep.

Tendaji-Amina, I know you can’t give up because of her behavior. You can’t give up for your sisters, for your father and for me. I’ll be there no matter what, you hear me? He says putting his hand on my cheek.

I watch him approach his face from mine, he puts his lips on my cheek and moves back a few seconds later. I turn away my embarrassed gaze, I did not expect him to do that. A silence settles in the car, nobody dares speak. I first. At this very moment I really do not know what to think. Yet, it is a simple kiss on the cheek. But..

At the moment, Tendaji stands up to break the ice, the Prince opens the door of the car. He stares at us and sets himself up in the vehicle.I breathe relief inside seeing him. For once he does something positive. The Prince closes the door looking at me. I stare at him and he puts on his seat belt while turning his head. Tendaji joins his place behind the wheel as tense as a thong.

_______

Point of view of the Prince Mosi

My mother- How can you behave like that? She said, screaming. You can’t get out of such an important meeting like that.What were you thinking! How do you expect people to respect your father after the behavior you had huh? Answer me!she continue screaming.

-I’m sorry. I respond.

She turns to contain her anger, she’s about to explode, although it’s already been done given the state of my room. The lamps are on the floor, the paintings I painted are half torn and my clothes are in the same state. Now all I have to do is wait for my father to add a dose. I blow with my head turned.

My mom- Yeah, that’s it. Like your apologies are going to change something. what happened to you out there, huh? Is it the United States that changed you so much? Because.. She says by pointing at me. I don’t recognize the son I carried nine months in my womb.

-Well, I don’t recognize you either.

She stares at me and I continue my speech.

-Now,what do you want me to do about it?" I asked her, raising an eyebrow. You’ve been getting angry all day but you haven’t even tried to listen to my side. Do you even know why I left? I say when I get up. These men are just imposters, they steal people’s money and change votes in the elections and this is people like that you want me to help? Corrupt people, who instead of filling their bellies, they should deal with the critical situation of the country, the homeless people, villagers and everything else..

My mother- Wow.Oh wow. She continues with a laugh. What’s this ? the Obama effect? She says with a change of tone. I remind you that this is Africa. She end by staring at me. Tomorrow, we will talk about it again, I am more than tired of talking with you.

I watch her come out of my room and I lie down on my bed right after. My body is exhausted. They all start by inflating me. I end up getting up from bed looking at the state of my room. The first thing that crosses my mind is where I’m going to start. The laziness invades me but I make the effort to pick up my clothes on the ground. If only I could call Amina. In fact, I can disturb her very well.

I put the clothes on my bed and I hurry to knock in Amina’s room. A few seconds later, she opens the door. I bite my lip trying not to laugh when I see her outfit. Her pajama set is too cute for her.

-Teddy bears. I say by pointing her pajamas.

Amina- What? She says, looking at herself.

-I didn’t think you wore that kind of thing.

Amina- It’s just pajamas. She says rolling her eyes. Okay, what do you want from me? It’s late and I don’t want to disturb Bélinda. She says it by whispering.

-It won’t be long.

Amina- That what-

-There is cleaning to do in my room. I say by cutting it.

Amina- Huh? What do you mean?

Amina- At this hour? She said, looking behind her.

-Come on. I said, taking her away with my arm, to bring her back to my room.

She is speechless when she sees the state of the room. I lean against the door and let her in.

Amina- What did you do? She said looking at the room surprised.

-My mother did not like what happened earlier.

Amina- I imagine. She said, rolling her eyes. Besides, she is not the only one.

-Pardon?

Amina- You heard it very well. She said, looking at the room carefully. Listen. Prince, you’re going to have to raise my salary because it’s not in my area of expertise.

-No. I say with my arms crossed.

Amina-Well you will ask Bélinda in this case. She said as she approach the exit.

I stop her and close the door.

-Please stay.

Amina- I still blame you for what you said earlier.

I blow and put a hand on my face. It’s true, sometimes I can be an idiot.

-I already apologized, no?

Amina- We know that you and I didn’t even mean it.

-That is true. I affirm.

She smiles and I imitate her. I think this is the first time that we can talk without arguing. Is this a feat? I think so .