SCHOLARSHIP

Chapter 1

I had just arrived home from school," mummy am home". Silence as usual. I sighed. I was very exhausted and sleepy, ' at least it's Friday I have no classes tomorrow ' I told myself as I poured some cold water into a glass. I stared at the glass of water thinking about all the work I had to do. Loads of assignments and chores waiting for me. "Why am I different from other girls my age! "I asked with tears in my eyes. I was too tired to do anything so I laid my head on my backpack and slept soundly on the cold floor. It felt so relaxing.

After walking some kilometers from school, in the scorching afternoon sun on an empty stomach, I slept almost immediately.

It was not long before I heard the door bang. With a very loud voice, my mother called out my name "Jenny!! Jenny!! I thought I warned you not to sleep on the floor!" She hissed. "and why are you sleeping at this time?" she asked as if she cared.

" I hate it when you go to school. You know you are now a grown woman and you have to help me raise your siblings., she said blankly. "You are now an adult and you should start earning money not going to that stupid college. I can't afford to pay your fees "she said angrily. I love going to school " I said with tears in my eyes. As if that was going to change her mind. "From now on there's no school," she said furiously, "Get a job and help me raise your siblings"

"But mum, nobody will employ me, besides I received an award letter for a national scholarship for higher education" I tried explaining calmly. But her drunk self couldn't even fathom what she was saying.

I know I was supposed to be excited but I was not, I was sad I knew my mother won't agree with my proceeding I wished I could run away from home.

"I.. (hick hick-not repeating myself a young lady. You either learn to obey me or leave this house". She said before sipping some more from a bottle she had in her hand and leaving.

I cried softly as I thought about everything she had told me. This is just the beginning of my story.

I couldn't picture myself as a bartender which was the most popular job in our neighborhood. I had big dreams. I always imagined myself as a famous fashion designer. I took my drawing book, scanning through the sketches, and felt so hopeless. I couldn't hold my tears anymore. My world was crumbling, my heartbroken, and my dreams shattered. I couldn't sleep thinking and rethink about my life, what will happen next? Where will I go? Where will I start? I hate my life.

"Jenny!" My little sister called tapping my shoulder. I was startled I hadn't realized she was awake. "Are you okay? You have been crying and murmuring the entire night" I could tell the worry in her voice.

"Yes.. am fine" I lied.

My sister, Lisa, was 2 years younger than me. She was the most caring person I know in my life. Being my best friend and only friend. Also sharper than her age, I always feel relieved after talking to her and seeing her okay. A true blessing in disguise.

"Jenny I know when you're not okay. Please talk to me", she said calmly "Lisa it's nothing to worry about" I told her, I didn't want her to worry about me. "How was school today? " I asked her changing the topic. "Well. It..it was fine and boring as usual", she sighed. "You know I hate school. I hate it when my classmates bully me, I hate how we live, mum is not always there for us" she said trying to hold in her tears but one could tell from her voice, she was trying hard not to cry. " Hey, it's fine. You're only left with two years to join high school, after that, nobody will bully you again. Don't allow their words to affect you or your studies. School is good and you will make it. I believe in you" I encouraged her. She hugged me real tight. "This is what I dearly needed," I said.

"Let's try to get some sleep okay? we've got loads of homework and chores to do". She said turning off the light that I hadn't noticed was on. I kept on turning and tossing the entire night but after some time I dozed off.