I went there on the day he was supposed to come home and Amukelani was not amused.

“You know my dad will be home today right?” She asked after her mother let me in.

“Yes,” I said, and she waited for me to explain and when I said nothing she glared at me.

“Then what are you doing here?” The question was harsh, unlike my always happy friend.

“We have a test on Friday and you know I suck at Math so I asked mom if I could sleepover and you can help. So mom asked your mom if it will be fine and she said yes,” I expected relief but it didn’t come, only rage showed on her face.

“You talked to all of them and you didn’t tell me?” She was standing up now and she was shouting. “Get out of my house!”

“Stop it Amu, I don’t mind and your father won’t mind,” her mother said. “You always love it if Nyiko comes, what is different now?” I could hear genuine confusion in her mother’s voice which told me whatever was bothering my friend her mother knew nothing of.

“Fine, Nyiko just don’t regret it,” she said as her anger seemed to have been deflated out of her.

We helped her mother cook and then we ate. Apparently her father came late every time. We went into her room where she tutored me, barely, she seemed absent minded. She looked like I did every time I tried sleeping outside.

Soon it was time to sleep. She ignored me when I tried making conversation like we always did when I visited and she pretended to sleep. When in Rome you do as the Romans do, so I pretended to sleep as well. Somehow during my pretending I ended up asleep but I woke up with a start to her whimpering.

“Please dad my friend is here, she will hear everything please stop,” Amukelani’s voice got through my sleepiness in a flash but I didn’t move.

“Why did you let her stay here when you knew I was coming home today?” His voice sounded hard.

“It was mom, she needed help with math. Don’t do this dad please,” I could hear that she was crying and I had never felt useless in my life than then.

“Then I guess you will have to use your mouth then, hurry up,” I heard what sounded like a zip and soon after I could hear moaning.

“You have her gone by tomorrow or I won’t care if she hears or not,”

Then I heard the door open and close.

My friend made her way to the bathroom and I could hear vomiting and crying. I could feel my own tears wet the pillow. The next morning I was awake before anyone and I left. When I got home I told my mother everything and asked for her advice then I did as she said.

***

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