Her Calling

F I F T Y - F O U R

F I F T Y - F O U R
nicki minaj ft. rihanna, fly.

My day had finally arrived, today I would be crowned Queen of the wolves.

Me.

Queen of Werewolves.

My goddess, I can't believe it — it feels so surreal. A makeup artist continues to beat my face to the gods whilst I scroll away on my phone, trying to calm my nerves. I haven't seen Raheem as much as I would've liked since we got back.

We've both been running around learning the ropes and trying to make sure we knew enough to take over. We knew we didn't have to know everything as other things would come with the job but we needed to know the fundamentals and Kenneth felt that we did.

I thought he'd despise me and probably Raheem too but he's been quite the leader. I wouldn't go so far as to say he appreciates my presence as much as his remaining offspring but he tolerates me well enough.

The door behind me opens my eyes meeting with those of the intruder, well, she's hardly and intruder but you get the point.

A smile breaks out across my face and I hear the makeup artist hiss as she wasn't expecting me to move. My mouth drops instantly as my eyes apologise for my lips now that I'm too afraid to even open my mouth.

She gives me a half smile before backing away, "It's fine, I suppose I'm done anyway." She turns to start packing her equipment.

"I can't believe this is my child." She laughs lightly, as she struggles not to ruin her own makeup, "Nkos'yam, I almost thought this would never happen Lerato. I was so scared for you when you left, I was afraid umtwanam' would never get the love of a mate, would never take her place as the Moon had deemed."

She lost the fight against her tear ducts as a few run down her cheeks now, "I'm so proud of you, you've always been such a strong young woman. I know exactly what the Moon saw in you to choose you for this role, for this journey. Not many she-wolves would've come out the other side as strong and bravely as you have. You handled yourself with pride and you never lost sight of your worth. I'm so proud of you my Rato."

The makeup artist quickly places tissues as lightly as possible below my eyelids and I can't help but laugh which only makes the tissues catch the tears that would have ruined her work.

"Oh, ma," My voice quivers, "Thank you, it's all your teachings, your practices. I would have never even become half the woman I am today if it weren't for you. You made me who I am —"

"No, Lerato, I wish — your father wishes he could take credit for who you have become but we can't. One household can raise completely different children. The child decides who they want to be, who they want to influence them and you my child? You chose the perfect path, a path that has now been blessed by the Moon."

"Thank you." I say to the makeup artist who is still making sure my face stays dry.

She laughs lightly as I step towards my mother with my tears completely railed in, "Oh, it's my pleasure. I'm so sorry for intruding on such a special moment."

My mother and I share an embrace, "Thank you, Ma. I'm so happy I could make you as proud as you are."

I meant it, it's always something that shocks me when I hear it but love it when I do. All I want is to make my family proud, to honour my family. Hearing that I have accomplished this, feels myself with great pride.