Honeyblonde Curls

||44||

"Are all his documents in his black folder?"
"For the nth time, Noni-" I groan, but I check again just incase.

Noni and triple checks need to chill.

"Does he have his water bottle nearby?" she asks.
"Dad, where's your water bottle?"
I turn to him, "He's holding it."
"His medicine bag has been packed?"
"Yes, Noni,"

I cross check everything and make sure he has all his belongings. There's a knock on the door and I rush to open.
"Noni we'll talk later, okay?" I end the call.

"Is that Christian?" my dad asks. I don't answer, I just stand there face to face with my mother.
"May I come in?" she asks timidly.
"Sure," I step aside so she enters.

This is probably the first time she actually gets inside my home, she's only gone as far as the corridor.

I look behind her and James' Jeep is parked there. He waves and I nod, closing the door.

"Your house looks nice," I don't know if that's a compliment but-
"Thank you," is all I say.
"What time is Christian arriving?" My dad is oblivious to her seated in the living room until he looks up.
"Good Morning," she tries to smile.
"Good Morning,"

They gaze into each other's eyes for a moment.

"I'll excuse you two,"
"No need," my mother stops me, "I'm just here to bid your father farewell and that I'll find him at home."
"Okay," I bite my inner cheek and turn to my dad.
"Thank you," he responds to my mother.
"Do you have everything you need for the journey?" she inquires.
"Yes, Noni and Imani have been cross checking with me," his answers are straight to the point.
"That's good," she gives a faint smile, "Well I won't take up your time, I thought we'd all pray bef-" she stops at the sound of the knock on the door.
"I'll go get it," I leave the room and I already know who to expect.

"Hey," Christian bends over to hug me, I'm sure he knows James is watching us but we'll just give him a show.
"Hey. My mum's inside," I whisper.
"I figured as much," he tries to look over his shoulder but I stop him.
"Mmm mmm, Christian. He knows we see him," we chuckle softly and I lace his hand in mine and guide him in the house.

Once we're in the living room, I turn to my mum. She seems tense but I'm not bothered, at this point she can say all she wants for all I care.

"Good Morning, everyone," Christian grins, "Mr Yané," he nods and my father does the same.
"Mrs Yané," her smile is lowkey sinister but you know what, fine.

"You may proceed," my father says referring to my mother offering prayers.
Christian and I sit on a separate couch while my father and mother sit opposite one another.
"Before you leave. We must commit this trip into the hands of God and ask that His traveling mercies be with you. I was hoping it would be us three as a family but-"
"Ma Noni, we'll just pray either way," my dad cuts in.
"Very well then. May we all bow our heads,"'we oblige as she begins to pray.

I'm hoping amidst her prayers she asks God to forgive her. That she may free herself from the negative, patronizing and demoralizing mentality that she has. That she may do away with the idea that I'll fulfill her every wish especially with marrying James. And that James too may find someone to love and stay far away from me... (Amen).

"Heavenly Father," she begins, "I thank you for this day that you have made and that we are able to rejoice in it. I thank you for life and grace that is sufficient, for your mercy that is new every morning. I thank you for my husband and that you protect him as he returns home, protect him and the journey..."

I sigh internally as she closes her prayer. Is it weird that I hoped she'd give some prayer of repentance or forgiveness? I expect too much of her.