“Baba, Laurie stole my pen and my mathematics set?” Vimbai sobbed as she ran to Uncle Patrick who sat on the couch. It was morning when we were both preparing to go to school. I looked at her sadly. This always would happen when she wanted me to be punished by Uncle Patrick.

I couldn’t do anything. I felt I didn’t belong to this family. Uncle Patrick was the older brother of my father. My parents died in an accident while coming back from the home village. I wished my parents hadn’t died and left me.

Vimbai always accused me of things I never did. I never stole her pen and mathematics set, she was very careless with her things. She didn’t know those things were important until school days came around. She hated me, even though we were the same age, attending the same school, both in Form 4.

Since my parents’ burial, Uncle Patrick took my parent’s home, car and all their furniture. His daughter took my mother’s things and my nice clothes. I wore very old school uniform and torn shoes. My books were in a plastic since Vimbai took my satchel.

“Laurie, come here,” Uncle Patrick shouted.

I walked to him with my head down. I could see anger in his eyes. He would strike me every time Vimbai accused me of anything.

“Why did you steal her things? I am going to strike you,” he hissed. I didn’t look at his face, afraid I would cry. He would strike me more if he saw my tears. “Give her your pen and mathematical set, useless child,” he struck my hands three times with a stick.

“But Uncle, I didn’t steal her things. The ones I have are mine,” I shivered. I felt the pain in my hands.

“You lost your pen and mathematical set and stole hers, right? Do as I say or do you want me to smack you?” he shouted.

I took the pen and mathematical set, gave them to Vimbai who laughed and went away. What was I going to use? I wished my parents were still alive.

I walked alone while Vimbai mocked me with her friends. It was only a half kilometre to school. The way they treated me at home, I was even afraid to make friends. Sometimes I would think, maybe that’s how orphans are treated. I came to stay with my uncle and his family two years ago when my parents passed away.

The family had made me a maid in my parent’s home. I didn’t complain, because that’s where my food and shelter was.

I entered the class and sat close to the window in the classroom. I took out my Geography book and started to read. We had a test after our break. Vimbai and her crew entered, making a big noise. I promised my parents that I will work hard even in their absence. Alison came and sat next to me.

“Your cousin is full of it,” she said. I looked at her and continued reading. “You are intelligent. Is this how you always pass?” she continued.

I looked up and smiled. I always passed with flying colours.

“I want to make my parents proud,” I said confidently.

Vimbai saw that I was communicating with Alison and came quickly.

“Idiot, who do you think you are?” she shouted.

I looked up and faced my book. Alison stood up. “Why do you treat her like someone you are not related to?” she asked.

Vimbai pushed her and she neatly fell but balanced on the chair.

“Girls, look at her shoes and uniform, she isn’t one of us,” she laughed. Her crew laughed, others ignored it. Alison looked at me and at Vimbai, shaking her head. Mrs Smith entered and the pupils all sat down. It was a Mathematics lesson.

“Morning, Class,” she said and wrote on the board.

I couldn’t write. I had no pen.

“Why aren’t you writing?” she whispered.

“I have no pen,” I answered in a low voice.

Alison took another pen out of her bag and gave it to me. I began to write. Vimbai stared at the back where I sat. She didn’t like the fact that Alison gave me a pen. I knew we would soon pay for it.

***

Tell us what you think: Why do you think Vimbai is acting like this towards her cousin?