Twin Souls

⚘12⚘

Sanaa ☯️

I was relieved to know that it was the last official day of school. I successfully completed the 10th Grade. Overall, I think I had an amazing performance. I made a couple of friends, ranked first in class, got accustomed to the teachers and the country. South Africa was like any other African country: flawed in its own way but possessed its own beauty.

My friends and I sat at the back seats in one of our school buses which the school finally repaired. The atmosphere was filled with energy and the excitement was something no one could miss. I guess you could say that everyone was exhausted from the hectic school year.

We listened to different genres of music through the speaker Junior, another classmate of mine, brought.

"I almost forgot," I said, rummaging through my backpack. "I brought some snacks."

"What is it?" Zara asked, playfully peeking through my backpack.

"Fish pies," I said, taking out the large lunchbox which was filled with several pieces of the savoury pastry.

I shared them among my classmates and spent the rest of the ride talking and cracking up with my friends. By the time we arrived at our destination, we were fatigued.

My enthusiasm threatened to burst as we entered the art studio. I couldn't wait to draw in an open space with more people. Maybe, just maybe this field trip could serve as a door opener. We were given a few instructions before giving us access to the provided art supplies. I decided on painting myself standing in my dream flower field in a white sundress and a sunflower in my hand.

My friends stared in silence as I continued to paint, adding the details from my recurring dreams.

"You never told us you could paint like that!" Zara exclaimed in awe.

"It never came up," I said with a smile.

"This is amazing, Sanaa," Nita complimented.

"Thank you," I smiled, covering my face with my hands.

"You did that?" Mrs. Dlamini, the owner of the studio, asked, analysing my drawing.

"Yes, I did."

"I'm impressed for your age. I'd like to talk with you if that's possible," she said and I raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Go hear what she has to say," Kaya whispered, slightly pushing me towards her.

I followed the woman to an empty space which was out of my classmates ear range.

"You have potential, kid. I'd love for you to attend classes here to polish your skills and give you the platform to share your gift to the world, only if you're interested," she explained.

"You have to be joking," I said in disbelief. I couldn't believe that my thoughts from a couple of hours ago have already manifested into my actual life.

"I do not have time for games, kid. From your disbelief, I can tell this is a passion of yours. If you have any doubts, I can gladly contact your parents and provide them the necessary information they need."

That would be great," I said in a grateful voice. "Thank you in advance."

"No need to mention it, kid."

We exchanged the necessary information before we parted.

"So, what did she say?" Kaya asked as I returned.

"She gave me the chance to attend art lessons and if it goes well, one of my paintings could be part of their next exhibition."

"Congratulations!" they exclaimed happily, crushing me into a hug.