The car swerved slowly and turned gently, till they were out of the parking lot, and on the road. On their way, Lyle caught glimpses of students with different moods walking by and had an idea, saying in a british accent,
"Winter has finally arrived, and with it, a spectacle. Both the students, and faculty, have begun their mass exodus, into, 'the great semester break', and for some males, the time of Gwababa has begun."
"No, it hasn't."
"Of course it has, but I'm glad there is still some South African left in you."
"I'd say Mjolo."
"Ah, yes, Mjolo the pandemic, or at least it was back in the day, but now nearly all guys are taking that spoonful of gwababa."
"So, I've noticed. By the way was that, that famous british narrator, you know, the one that narrates wildlife," Magena said, with a giggle.
"Oh you could tell."
"It's improved."
Approaching the security gates, Lyle placed his elbow over his mouth to cough before showing the security his lanyard, Megena returning her guest lanyard. When the gates opened, the distinct sound of gqom music could be heard, as well as the muffled dialogue of someone on a mic and speaker.
"What is going on there?" he asked, clearing his throat.
"Who knows, hopefully it doesn't bother us."
They continued down the road, and Magena reached into her jacket pocket for her phone, opening to a picture, before preparing herself, saying,
"So, uhm, Lyle, about the party toni-"
Suddenly, a bakkie (bucky), playing the same music, swerved in front of them, making Lyle brake sharply, Magena's phone dropping to the floor.
"Fa-ah, what was that ash thinking?"
He coughed harder into his elbow, while trying to keep the car straight. The girls in the bakkie's bed cried louder holding onto the thick bar, their crop-tops and mini skirts exposing their athletic figure, and their curves enticing Lyle to find the reason behind the commotion, Magena rolling her eyes. Then a man, dressed in a flashy suit, held a microphone with finesse in one hand with a speaker strapped to his chest, while his other arm wrapped around the thick bar of the bakkie, saying,
"...it's time to party, right? Don't be shy, no time for gwababa, mjolo only, and don't forget the party, Sobonana kusasa ngomgqibelo emva koko (See you Saturday morning after that.), Ndizakube ndisendlini yecherry (I'll be at a girls house). Especially you guys leaving exams now, party tonight."
"He wishes," Lyle said.
"I mean, the way some of the girls are looking at him, he might be right," Magena said.
"Tis like a dying wish, that I might be him, but alas gwababa."
"Stop that, I'm just glad nothing bad happened though, that was really dangerous."
Driving around the circle, the man continued on as their driver did a 180 back to the boom gates, Lyle and Magena relieved at the departure. Stopping at the next set of robots (traffic lights) Lyle cleared his throat, his eyes looking at the shrinking bakkie in his review mirror, saying,
"Come on man. If I had a bakkie, I'd do this at least once."
"In the States they actually call it a pick up truck."
His gaze fell, and a long pause followed, the robots turning green. Magena, bending down to pick up her phone, then dusting it to check for any cracks, did not notice. It was only in the silence that she realised that he stopped talking, saying,
"Lyle? Why did you go quiet?"
However, Lyle clicked his tongue annoyed, slowing down at the last set of robots.
"What is it now, Lyle?" she said playfully.
"Ash-hole"
"What did I do?"
"Comparing a bakkie to a pick up truck is like comparing a caravan to a motorhome."
"But they are the same thing."
"No. The one is for camping, the other is a house."
"So which one is the bakkie?"
"The anthem of this country," Lyle said, his voice filled with enthusiastic passion, Magena taken aback by the ridiculous declaration," it's the ride home for construction workers, the makeshift pool for cricket games, the seat for fishing trips, the gathering place for braai's and parties."
"Lyle, you are not supporting your argument."
"BAKKIE FOR LIFE!"
"Okay, okay," she said, laughing, "but what about a pick up truck?"
Lyle turned to look at her, then back to the road, saying,
"It is, what it is."
"You're full of scrap, you know that. Turn left, we have to get home soon."
Lyle turned on the indicators, and began to sing,
"The wheels on the bakkie go round and round, but the wheels on a pick up truck go."
Magena laughed at his silliness, looking down at her unlocked phone to see the same picture she pulled up before. Preparing herself again, she turned to him, saying,
"B-By the way, are you going to the party?"
"Meh," Lyle said despondently.
"Really, why not?" Magena said, not noticing the robots turning green, and the car turning right.
"When I do go, it starts out just for fun, but then you see other guys hitting on girls, then you try it, but then you find out they have standards you cannot meet. Ruins the experience."
"Then just go there for fun," Magena said, realising that they are headed towards the coast, "Lyle why did you turn right?"
"Because I want to be at least once today," Lyle said sarcastically.
"What does that even mean? Turn left here, we have to get home soon, or mom will-"
However, Lyle continued passed the intersection, which made her mad saying,
"Lyle! Don't ignore me! Why didn't you turn? What's up with you?"
Lyle kept silent, and Magena exasperatedly moaned in frustration, leaning into her headrest, and stomping her feet, saying,
"I knew you were talking more than usual. Why are you still thinking about what happened, didn't I handle everything with Vuyo?"
"You did," he said, slowing down for a speed bump.
"Then why are you sulking?!"
They finally reached Marine Drive, the final intersection of this road, a stop street, and waited for a long line of traffic to pass. He then lifted up the handbrake, before saying, with a sigh,
"When you saw me, pinned to the ground. What did you see?"
Magena, still annoyed, said,
"What does that hav-"
"Just, answer the question," Lyle said, coughing into his elbow.
"You're being ridiculous."
"I see, so it was that bad, huh. Damn," Lyle said, clearing his throat while keeping his eyes on the traffic.
"No, ugh, Lyle," Magena said, visibly annoyed," You looked like you were in trouble, so I called security. What is wrong with that?"
The last of the traffic was passing, and Lyle shifted into first, getting ready to drive, saying,
"Then, if I tell you to picture a strong guy in your head, right now. What is the first name that comes to mind?"
Magena paused, before turning forward, saying,
"I'm not sharing that."
"It was Vuyo, wasn't it?"
"What is the point of this?" she said.
He opened his mouth, but the words never left, only a despondent sigh. Lyle looked on to the traffic to see the last cars pass by, saying,
"It's nothing, Magena, just a tease," Lyle said, his voice weakened.
The last car of the line passed, leaving only the golden light of the bay to shine brilliantly in their eyes, Lyle turning gently left towards it.
"Well, that's a lie," Magena said, turning her head away in a huff, trying to hide her hidden concern, as she pondered her previous inner answer, with inflated annoyance. Lyle, however, chuckled weakly with a faint smile, saying
"Sorry for all those questions, I nearly forgot what a beautiful day it was. Just take a look at the beach."
He then gestured right, and Magena turned to see the bay, her eyes lighting up at the dazzling sight, and her small audible gasp of awe kept his smile from fading completely.
"So, beautiful," she said.
"It sure is," he said, keeping his eyes on the road.
However, little did he know, her gaze shifted, and fell on Lyle, which made his question return to her:
'Then, if I tell you to picture a strong guy in your head, right now. What is the first name that comes to mind?'
When the answer came to her, she smiled, and continued to look, seeing how the golden light encapsulated his face, as she said internally:
'you'
She then turned her knees towards him, her body following after, not even realising that her reddened cheeks were in full view, saying anyway,
"You know, Lyle, if you ever need to talk, your big sis is always here for you."
Lyle furled his eyebrows, and cleared his throat, saying,
"Uhm, Magena."
"Yes."
"I sometimes eat carrot cake in the bathroom, want to talk about it?"
"What the...No!"
"I said 'sometimes', didn't I ? You just said if I ever need to talk to you, you would be there for me, right, step-sis?"
"Why are you calling me step sis."
"You are, though."
"Yeah, but you usually call me sis, you knit."
"So, maybe I want to change things up a bit, maybe you should call me driver, and you be a gatchi."
Confused, and annoyed, she turned away from him, and mumble,
"...nevermind."
Lyle's shoulders relaxed and a soft smile grew as he looked onward at the approaching set of robots, saying,
"You don't have to worry about someone like me, Magena. Remember, you've got your whole future ahead of you, so seize it with both hands and don't let go."
He cleared his throat, and she crossed her arms, sinking into her seat saying,
"Don't go quoting Dad while dissing yourself."
This made Lyle chuckle, then Magena, until they both laughed at the quote, nostalgia raining peace in the moment, Magena facing forward again, while Lyle looked ahead with calm eyes, saying,
"Yeah, there are times I wish he were still here."
"Even though he was not my bio-dad, he was the best dad I could have asked for," Magena said, looking at Lyle again, "At least you are still here."
"Bio-dad?" he said with a quizzical frown
"Biological Dad, you dork, I just shortened it," she said, a bit embarrassed at needing to explain herself.
"I know that, but you make him sound toxic."
"Shut up," she said with a giggle, "Though he kinda was."
He chuckled too, turning into Shark Rock parking lot, Magena turning anxiously to Lyle, saying,
"We need to get home, Lyle, or Mom will get mad."
Lyle sighed at the comment, but when he saw that majestic pier, he grinned, pulling up the handbrake in their parking space. He then turned to Magena, who was taken by surprise, and reached into his pocket.
"It will be a quick walk, plus," he said, waving his wallet, "we are going to get ice-cream."
Magena paused, considering the treat with skepticism, but Lyle continued,
"And not just any ice-cream, we are here for quality."
"You don't mean."
Lyle nodded with reassurance, saying,
"We are getting Windy Cones."
She gasped at the name, before regaining most of her composure, saying,
"I-It has been a long time, b-but it's not like I'm excited, or anything."
"You tsundere, fine, we'll make it a double scoop," Lyle said, making his fingers into a peace-sign with an enticing smirk, "and it will be your favourite 'Yummy Caramelli' and 'Choco Muffin'. Heck I'll get the same."
The offer was too much, a salivating gulp leaving Magena, who eventually gave a relenting sigh, trying to contain her excitement,
"F-fine, b-but a quick walk, o-okay."
The wind blew a salty breeze across the towering pier's concrete deck, the great unseen columns only noticed by the melodic lapping of passing swells. Many had the same idea, university students walking and chatting, high school students scurrying about from one side of the pier to the other. However, most were couples their age, who walked slowly and lovingly, making Magena nervous and bashful. She looked to Lyle, then the couples, then Lyle again, her thoughts abuzz as she let herself trail behind him, who was oblivious to her troubles as he licked his cone. She occasionally licked hers as well, but her mind, her mind was occupied:
'Did he do this intentionally?'
'Is my hair okay?'
'Why did he choose now to do this?'
'Is my make-up smeared?'
'Will my mother approve this?'
Quarrelling questions capitulated within her, but her composure hid it from him, and he turned his head to look over the railing at the passing swells. However, moving his head allowed her to see a couple flirting ahead of her, this further stirred the questions in her mind. She turned her gaze to avert her eyes, only to be met with a mother and father holding the hand of their toddler, swinging her occasionally. The cuteness, the possible future, she found herself knocking against the railing, and leaning on it, her dreads covering fluster, as she shook her head. Lyle noticed this and licked his ice-cream, saying,
"You good? You don't look so well. Want to head back?"
"N-No, Tch (*tongue click*)? You are the one that's sick, you ash. I-I'm just looking at the o-o-ocean. Humph."
"Yeah, the waves are huge today. Must have been a storm in the open ocean."
"Could be,"Magena said, tears of embarrassment forming in her eyes, as she tried to regain composure.
Lyle turned to face her, and pulled out tissues from his pocket, saying,
"Here, for you."
"Lyle..."
She couldn't help but be moved by the gesture, and reached for them, saying,
"Why are you giving me these?"
"Because you are drizzling."
"No you are," she said, swooned.
"What?"
"Huh?"
"Your ice-cream, Magena," Lyle said, placing the tissues on her ice-cream covered hand.
Hues of red grew deeper and more vibrant across her face, as she dipped her head slowly, saying,
"A-ah, I see."
"You sure you're okay?"
A nod was all she could muster, lest welling tears would spill.
"Alright, let's head to the end of the pier," Lyle said, clearing his throat before taking a bite out of his cone.
Not another word left her mouth, even when they reached the end of the pier, she stayed silent. Lyle saw this and gave her space, admiring the distant dunes across the bay, the odd freighter dotting the distance waiting to enter port. Magena, clutching the used tissues in her hand, bit into her cone before noticing his silence. However, when she tried to speak, no words would come out, instead, he spoke, saying,
"Do you believe there is a chance for me in this life?"
Magena turned to him, surprised by the question, saying,
"Where did that come from?"
"I was told I wouldn't make Marine Biology this year, and that it was not my calling. So, I was wondering if you believe there is a chance for me?"
"Does it matter if I believe you have a chance, or if anyone else believes? It's your life, and yours alone."
"Fair. I just thought...because your grades are so good, and your life is going better than mine that perhaps your words are stronger than mine over my life."
"But that's not true at all, Lyle. We all have our own journey's, and we all play a part in this life."
"Mmm."
"What?"
"The motivations I hear are starting to sound the same, and advice is losing its taste. It feels so stale, and annoying. You know?"
"Well then, that means you've had enough of it, and it's time to start moving."
Lyle turned to face her, caught off guard by the statement. She bit into her cone and licked the ice-cream from her lips, the wind blowing her dreads as she continued, saying,
"Motivation is only supposed to motivate, not do the work for you, just like how a flint is supposed to start the fire and not be it."
"Then where is that fire, because either my flint is wet, or-"
Then he remembered the plaque, and what it read, mumbling,
"The way, the truth, and the life."
"What?"
"It was something I read on the professor's desk. Do you know what it means."
"I heard it somewhere before, let me look it up."
She finished her cone, and cleaned off her hands, but before she could look at her phone a strong wind blew her close to Lyle, who caught her, saying,
"Whoa, are you okay? Where did that wind come from?"
"I...don't know?"
She could smell his cologne with a hint of his own musk which made her heart quicken and her breathing fluctuate. She pushed him away with a small 'eep' sound, which confused Lyle, who lifted up his hands, annoyed, saying,
"I was only trying to help, okay."
Realising what she had done, she turned, and apologized immediately, but Lyle turned away, clearing his throat, his forearms hanging over the railing, saying,
"It's fine. I won't do something like that to you again. So don't worry about it."
"yeah," she mumbled, just loud enough for him to hear, secretly clenching her chest in shame, looking over the pier.
"Anyways, I was just wondering where my father's God is," Lyle said, scratching his head.
However, she could not respond, and Lyle sighed, stepping closer before saying,
"I told you to forget about it, alright. I was in the wrong, and won't do it again."
"okay," she mumbled.
He scratched his head, continuing,
"You know how my father had faith to the very end, right?
"yes."
"So where did he get that faith from? Like, how was he able to get through all of what we went through, huh?"
"Lyle," Magena said, regaining her words," I don't know how to answer that."
"He was so strong, and will I ever have that strength?"
"I...don't know how to respond."
He looked down conflicted, but turned to his right hand, which rested peculiarly. He then chuckled at the sight, shifting his forearm closer to Magena, and saying with tired smiling eyes,
"Hey, do you remember this?"
She turned to see his right forearm resting over the railing. He then pulled his middle and ring finger down, leaving the remaining upright, before shaking his hand three times. The sight made her laugh in nostalgia, bringing her out of her slump, saying,
"I have not seen this in so long."
"Do you still remember how it goes?"
Magena laughed saying,
"I think so."
She then made her hands the same as his, and both pointed at the remaining upright fingers starting at the pinky, saying,
"I. LOVE. YOU."
Both then shook their hands slowly, Magena not realising she was blushing, both saying,
"ALWAYS. AND. FOREVER."
They laughed, and the wind danced around them.
"Dad taught us that, but I don't think the shaking part is proper sign language," Lyle said, not noticing Magena inching closer.
"Who cares, Dad taught us that, and we know the meaning."
"True, but I don't know why I thought about that."
The wind changed and blew Magena closer to him, her voice growing softer, as she reached for his hand, saying,
"I-I think I do."
She inched closer and closer to him, turning her face toward him before closing her eyes. Lyle, noticing movement out of the corner of his eye, also began to turn his head too, a hush falling over the scene. Suddenly, his phone received a notification, and Lyle turned away to see who it was from, the distraction catching her by surprise. He opened up his phone and saw the notification, which left him in disbelief, saying,
"No way, why did Sam message me?"
"Sam?" she said, pulling her head back.
"Yeah, she's a third year in Marine Biology, and has been assisting me in my studies."
"Wait. She?!"
"Let's see," Lyle said, tapping his screen till the message showed, it read:
Hey Lyle, hope you are doing well. I was wondering if you would be going to the party tonight. Don't usually go to these things, but it would be nice to go with you. Let me know what's up :)
"What! This is nuts," Lyle exclaimed, his face revealing a smug grin.
However, Magena, still in shock, took back her inches, and turned her back on him, looking at the sea for comfort.
"What's wrong, Magena?"
She looked on at the distant harbour wall, tucking her Cleopatra dreads behind her right ear, the shimmering silver glow of dazzling dancing waters glowing before her. Yet, a single tear dulled the dazzle, and shunned the shimmer, before being wiped away with trembling hands, so he would never know. She then turned around, and wore the best smile she could, saying,
"What do you mean 'What's wrong', silly."
She grabbed his hand, pulling him with an aching chuckle, saying,
"Come on, let's go home, or Mom will be angry with us if we are late."
She pulled at him as they ran off the pier, and onto the walkway, a few tears leaving her eyes. It was then that Lyle bumped into a man holding a sign. The man was not knocked down, but both Lyle and Magena apologized before leaving, the man waving with a forgiving smile. Magena continued pulling at Lyle, but he found himself being drawn to what was on the board, and caught a long enough glimpse to see what was written, which read:
'Isaiah 41:10'
Lyle began to ponder what that was, but as he entered his car, the man cried out, saying,
"Repent, and Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour."
Hearing the name made Lyle switch off and they left the parking lot, a police van rushing past them, parking in their parking space. As they turned left onto the main road, he saw the police officers escort the man to the back of the police van, which made him ponder further.
The ride home was mostly silent, both in their thoughts, especially Lyle, who still pondered on what had happened to the man and what he had read. Hearing that man, his memories drifted to his father speaking of 'The Gospel' in a house which no longer existed, mother and child listening. He would speak it mostly everywhere, especially on long walks at the beach. Though Lyle did not understand then, his days were filled with happiness and joy, not everyday, but most, and it was enough. Then the world fell sick, and then mother, father weeping at his loss, but still giving thanks and praise to 'The Lord'. His son heard this, and did not understand why his father was so happy. Was he glad his mother died, did he not love her, why then did he thank God when she died? Why? Then, comfort soon found father, and with it a new daughter, a new sister. He continued to preach, but fewer ears listened, and long walks became shorter, until they were taken no more. Soon father followed mother, leaving his comfort behind, with a son that was not hers, but will and money that was his. She found a way to take more and more, till he was at her mercy, in a house that was not a home, and people that were more stranger than family. Isolation and anguish withered dreams, and each day became survival. He sighed at the memories, driving into their complex before dropping Magena off at the house.
"Looks like you were right, Mom's back," he said, putting on his best smile, the Benzo C-Class catching the corner of his eye, and sending shivers down his spine.
Only having one parking space, Lyle made a U-turn back to the entrance to park the car in the guest parking. On his way back, he dragged his feet, not wanting to confront his reality, the door to the house growing larger with each step, until, finally, he reached for the handle, pulling it down. The booming sound of the news blared as the door inched open slowly into the small foyer, the wall in front of him blocking out most of the blaring from around the corner. His eyes looked up to the large foyer mirror that hung on the wall, allowing him to see his face. It was anxious and dishevelled, as expected with him when meeting his step-mother. Despite this, he did his best to fix himself, straightening his shirt, adjusting his springy hair, and making sure his glasses were straight. It was then his eyes fell on the display case, which was decorated with Magena's achievements. He looked past these, however, and finally found it, hiding at the bottom on the very edge of the cabinet, next to the Chrono Magazine Collection. A jar of beach sand, the shells and rocks a mess inside, but the memory of their original pattern still held strong. He smiled gently and said,
"Miss you, mom."
Suddenly, two boys ran around the corner bumping into Lyle, who bumped into the cabinet, knocking the jar over, and breaking it.
"Oh, you are in trouble, Lyle," one of them said.
"No, you are in trouble, Lukas," Magena said, now in short-shorts, and a baggy shirt, "What did I say about running in the house, you as well, Tommy."
"But, you were the one chasing us, Big sis Mag."
"Only to get you to stop your chit."
They both stuck their tongues out, and ran outside quickly, pushing past Lyle.
"Those ash-holes. Are you alright Lyle?"
However, Lyle could only focus on the broken jar, and when she followed his eyes, she gasped and hugged him saying,
"I'm so sorry, Lyle."
However, he could only sigh in helpless rage, as he stormed past her with vengeance in his eyes.
"Mom, why di-"
"Sit down!"
His confidence muted with the TV, and a cold hush fell in the room. She stood before the flickering TV, her back toward him, keeping her eyes on it. His eyes then saw another lady smugly sipping her tea, as he made his way slowly into the lounge. His posture slouched ,and his walk became sluggish, as he found the furthest couch to sit on, while Magena made her way back to the kitchen. Lyle could not lift up his eyes and kept them on his sneakers, but this did not please her.
"Look at me!" she boomed.
So he did, her piercing eyes meeting his anxious ones, and her pear-shaped body shifted in her office suit, while her heels clinked on the floor, facing him as she remained standing, saying,
"Do you know why you are sitting here?"
The spotlight returned to him, and his breath left him, the sound of Magena washing dishes heard in the back.
"Why is he not answering you, Lizzy," a voice in front of him said.
"I have no idea Lilian, sometimes I wish I could take him to a psych ward. Perhaps then he would be taken off my hands," she said mockingly, before turning back to Lyle, "Answer me!"
"I-I-I"
"Speak clearly, Lyle," she said
"The professor, w-w-when, he, I mean I-I-I."
A hand slapped on the table, and his eyes shut to silence. However, nothing happened, and when he opened them, he saw that under her hand there was a form of some kind. Tears then fell onto it and Lyle looked up, to a sulking face, saying,
"I'm tired, Lyle. I'm tired of your failure. I'm tired of your 'lack' dragging this house down," she said, more tears falling on the table.
"But I-"
"Don't interrupt your mother," Lilian said with a hiss.
"Thank you sis," she said, grabbing a tissue and wiping her eyes, "I am really, really tired."
"Mom, Lyle-"
"Magena, dear, don't you want to see where the boys are outside," Lilian said, with a gentle tone.
"Y-Yes, ma'am."
She walked out of the kitchen, made a passing gaze of concern at Lyle who did not see, before leaving the house. It was when the door clicked shut and her voice faded away that the mood shifted, and eyes pierced him with authority,
"Listen here, boy. I am bound by your fathers Will that I cannot kick you out of this house. I am sick of seeing you and your failing grades, and will not tolerate freeloading. So-"
"You are being enrolled in the army," Lilian said, with sarcastic giddiness," Isn't that exciting."
"But I-"
"Enough, Lyle, can you not see that I'm tired. You have tried your way, and it did not work. Now you have an opportunity before you, and you want to throw that away too," she said.
"Ungrateful child," Lilian said in her cup.
"No, I-"
"Just fill the form," Lilian said, "It's for your own good. Think about it, job security is assured, and you only have to do what is told to you, that's all."
"Yes, but-"
"LYLE! I'M TIRED!"
His words fell through, and heart sank. He looked at the pen next to the registration, and reached for it, filling out the details. Only after he signed, did their gaze soften, and both his aunt and mother gave gentle smiles. His mother opened her arms and pulled him into her bosom, filling the hollow in his heart with void,
"Thank you so much Lyle, I can finally rest easy now," his mother said.
"Yeah," Lyle murmured.
"Well then," she pulled him away, shooing him with her hand, "off you go."
The TV was unmuted and she sat down with her sister, who poured her a cup of tea allowing Lyle to fade away into the bowls of this place.
Later, Magena and her mother gathered in the front of the house to an idling vehicle, her mother calling out to her sister, saying,
"Take care my dearest sister."
"You as well, Lizzy."
"you too, Robert."
A man hiding in the shadow of the driver's side pulled a reluctant thumbs up with the best possible smile he could muster.
"Take care aunt Lilian and uncle Robert, and you two, behave yourselves."
"Sure thing Mag."
"Yeah, see you around, 'Noodle-brain'."
"They are 'dreads' smart-ash."
The car drove away and both went inside, Magena calling out for Lyle, but receiving no response,
"Mom, where is Lyle?"
"In his room, probably."
She called for him again, but when she arrived at his door, she heard sobbing. Hearing him made her head dip in shame, giving him space as she walked back to her mother with furled brows.
"Mom," she said, trying to keep her composure, " what did you talk about with Lyle?"
"Nothing for you to get worked up over," she said, placing her cup down hard into her saucer,
"Besides, it's high time that boy makes himself useful."
"And how would he do that, Mom?"
Realising the attempt to dig for answers, her mother shifted herself to face her, and said with authority,
"Now don't go questioning your mother, Magena Vermont."
Her tone was strong enough to discourage Magena, and she continued,
"Do you know who put you through your studies and pushed you to be who you are?"
"you did."
"Who gave you food and a warm place to stay?"
"you did."
"So don't you dare question me. Understand?"
"yes."
Her mother smiled at the answer, her tone shifting to a gentler, more maternal one, saying,
"Now then, what do you want for dinner?"
Magena hesitated, but found her nerve, saying,
"A-About, that. T-Tonight, there is a party, and-"
"No."
The answer surprised her, but Magena did not give in, saying,
"But, Mom, it's the end of semester party, tonight."
"And, what of it? Since when do you have interest in parties?"
Magena, thinking of an excuse, concocted a persuading argument her mother could understand, and with a sigh, she said,
"That's just it, Mom, I've never experienced a party before, and for a woman, shouldn't she experience at least one party in her life."
"Once is hardly enough for a woman. You need all of your 20s for that," she laughed, Magena playing along.
"Very well, but only if you are with someone suited, after all it is an experience. How about that Vuyo?"
"Mom?!"
"What, he is strong, and handsome to boot, plus he is a childhood friend of that sobber, he is practically family already."
"He is an ash."
"All the hot ones are, you'll get used to it. Then, when you need to find a good man, look in your field, and marry him."
Magena kept silent, shocked at what she had heard. Her mother realised what she had said too, but played it off with a chuckle, saying,
"Oh, no. Did you think I was serious? Come now, Magena, I was only joking. You can go with Lyle if you want to, okay."
"thank you, mother," she said with a hint of resentment.
Hearing this, her mother scoffed, turning back to the TV, sipping her tea, saying,
"He won't last the night, you know."
Magena turned to face her mother, saying,
"What does that mean?"
Her mother grinned, and continued,
"Guys like him are not suited for it. He won't make it."
Magena turned away, disgusted by her mothers words, saying,
"I have faith in him, and know he will become someone neither of us expected."
"You will grow out of it, child."
Magena rushed to Lyle's room, wiping her tears, saying,
"L-Lyle, guess what."
However, when she heard hard hoarse coughing, she burst into the room, and saw him on the floor heaving with each cough in his hands, odd drops of blood and saliva dripping to the floor. She then rushed out of the room to the kitchen, saying,
"Mom, do you know where Lyle's meds are?"
"no."
She scoffed and ran back to Lyle's room with a glass of warm water and a towel, saying,
"Lyle, I can't fi-"
However, Lyle, still coughing, pointed at his dresser with his drool-bloody hands, and she found them. She then reached out and opened the canister, taking out a single pill before feeding it to him, and handing him the glass. He drank, the warm water making him relax as the medicine took effect.
"It feels like *inhaling* it's getting worse," Lyle said, sitting up next to his bed.
"But the doctors said that there is nothing wrong."
"No *inhaling* they said they could not identify the cause, *inhaling* and gave me TB tablets," Lyle said with a chuckle, making Magena chuckle.
"How can you laugh at a time like this?"
"Just coping, besides, you make it sound like I'm dying," Lyle said, his breathing becoming stable again.
"You looked like you were about to," she said.
"Nah, I'll live."
"I hope so," she said, looking down with concern," Maybe...Maybe, we shouldn't go to the dance tonight."
His eyes shot open, before turning to his phone, saying,
"No way, *cough* I've still got to get ready. Sam asked if I could pick her up, *cough* so we should leave sooner *cough*."
He staggered to his feet with whatever strength he had, which made her heart ache. He noticed, and turned back to her, smiling with blood at the side of his mouth, saying,
"I'm sorry. I didn't say thank you, Magena."
He then hugged her, saying,
"Thank you, for everything."
They remained so for some time, before she left for her room to get ready as well. Lyle humming a tune of delight, clearing his throat before entering the shower, while Magena sat in her room, at the base of her door in the dark, hunched over, saying,
"Why her Lyle? Why is it always some other girl?"