I woke up, my eyes plastered with something crusty. I rubbed them and opened them. Rudo was still sound asleep and snoring. I ran to the bathroom, I wanted to leave before she woke up.

I dressed quickly, making no sound and I didn’t wear my shoes. I made up my bed and carried my bag and shoes to the kitchen. I packed my breakfast in a lunch box and my mother stared at me because I always eat my breakfast at home.

“I will eat on the way, I’m late,” I perjured myself.

“Is Rudo still bathing? Tell her to hurry or she will be late,” my mother called out.

She went to the bedroom and I ran as if I was being chased. Today was the last day for my exams, I was happy and sad at the same time. This was terrible, I probably would get punished when I got back from school.

I called Jimmy who couldn’t wait for our dinner night. I still had to tell my mother but what if Rudo already sold me out?

“Baby, are you OK?” he asked, I had been quiet and inattentive.

“Huh? It’s just a stupid siblings’ fight,” I answered quickly. I didn’t want to talk about it but I could sense Jimmy wanted to hear more.

“What did you fight about?” he asked.

“She knows that I sneak out at night to be with you,” I chuckled.

“Baby, tell your mom about us. I want to move our relationship to another level,” he sounded worried.

What does he mean, another level? I was now confused. I hoped it wasn’t about marriage.

“You will find out at our dinner,”

I couldn’t wait to know what it was about. Jimmy didn’t look like marriage material, maybe he wanted our families to know about us. Not a bad thing! I dropped the call and went to the programming practicals’ rooms.

At lunch I thought about what I was going to wear, what if Rudo told Ma about what I was up to at night? I didn’t know if I could make it to dinner, it was already spoiled. Rudo kept no secret but I guess she was young and cared, but I only see that she liked to see me get punished.

I found my mother sewing with her noisy machine. I hugged her and asked her wellbeing. She looked at me surprised. Rudo hadn’t spilled my dirty secret, otherwise she would be hissing up and down like a hungry snake.

“Spit it out,” she requested anxiously.

“I am seeing someone,” my body trembled but I held myself high.

“You are growing up… I hope it’s not affecting your school,” she raised her voice.

“No Mama! He asked me to go dinner with him,” I replied.

She stood up and walked to where I was. I was frightened, I didn’t have the courage to tell her but I did. What if she slaps me?

“I am seeing your first boyfriend, I am extremely happy,” she exclaimed.

***

Tell us: What next step do you think Jimmy is talking about?