Redeemed

Chapter 11

AALIYAH

Dad: "I hope you won't change your mind halfway through the course "

Me: "My husband doesn't believe in me, I thought my father would "

Dad: "(sighs) I'm sorry baby. "

Me: "I want to do this dad. I really do. I even arranged for someone in your marketing team to mentor me. I can be convincing if I want to"

Dad: "(smiles proudly) Well, all the best baby. Call me if you need anything "

Me: "(hugs him) I will. How's mommy? "

Dad: "(sighs) It's weighing heavily on her. She's scared "

My grandma is hospitalised and the whole family is just traumatised. 

We don't know what's wrong with her yet but she's in a coma. 

The doctors aren't saying anything, not even Joshua who usually says a lot. 

Me: "I'll check up on her after class "

Dad: "All the best on your first day. At least you don't look like you're turning 26 soon"

Me: "(laughs) Thank God for that. I love you dad, I'll see you "

Dad: "(kisses my forehead) I love you more first born "

He's the one who drove me to campus. 

It's February and we're starting with our classes. 

Lefa laughed at me when I told him its my first day. 

He has no faith in me and I don't blame him. 

I've changed my mind a thousand times. 

Dad drove here just to See Me and wish me well. 

Lefa and I bought a house here in Pretoria though it's not exactly walking distance to the campus. 

I wouldn't walk, even if it was. 

It feels like ages since I was in a lecture room. 

By the end of the day, I'm exhausted yet I enjoyed. 

Dad sent a car for me. I wonder what I should do so I can convince him I'm married now and my husband should handle this. 

Lefa is already in Cape Town since he had a flight today. 

He'll be back on Sunday which means spending a week without my husband. 

(behind me) "Hey"

Me: "(Turning) Hi"

It's a lady who looks like she's in her early twenties. 

Her: "I'm Clara, we're in the same accounting and business classes "

Me: "(smiles) I'm Aaliyah "

Clara: "I've been running after you, trying to get your attention. "

Me: "(chuckles) Uhm, OK. Well, now you have it "

Clara: "Can I have your number? I don't have many friends and it's hard when you're this old and in a class with youngings "

Me: "How old are you? I'm turning 26"

Clara: "I'm 27"

We exchange numbers and I finally get into my car. 

Well, at least I have Clara. 

We're having dinner at Gina's place. 

My poor friend had to deal with a lot on top of being pregnant and we all just want to be there for her.