We sat down, I blessed the food and we started chatting.

Blake cleared his throat

” Could you please tell me more about yourself,Hope”

” well, I live with my mom around here and I’m new here in this place lived in KZN and moved here, I can’t tell you the reason why. My mom is my role model because that women is strong, she raised as a single parent, I don’t know anything about my father. I and my mom went through a lot so I’m a brave girl…you know.( Smiled a little bit). I know what I want in life and I really wish to change my life someday and make momma proud!” I explained.

” I’m so sorry about your father man, but I think our stories are alike, so my mother ran away after giving birth to me and I am raised by my father and stepmother. They both love me.” He explained.

” How did we even get there. Let’s just enjoy our lunch and forget about our home situations.” I smiled

From today, I and Blake are friends.

My first day at school has been so hectic but at least I had Blake on my side. He is a cool guy you know.

After school

As we arrived to the school gate, Blake showed me his parent’s car. It was a luxurious car, they had come to pick him up. He waved at me. I was still standing by the gate as he walked to the car.

He opened the door and hopped inside the car.

” Hi mom and dad” he greats them

” How are you my boy” his mom* stepmom * replies

” On your first day at high school you have already started walking with girls ” said his father jokingly

Blake smiled a little.

” You must be kidding me dad*laughs* that is my new friend Hope” he replied to his father.

They all laughed and the car left. I even smiled too.

” Some kids are lucky in this world, I wish i had both my parents, knocking off from work and come to pick me up from school. Blake is so lucky in life. ” I said silently as I was walking home.

I took me 30 minutes to arrive at my house. I knocked and got inside the house. There was an attractive smell inside the house. I threw my school bag on the couch and walked to the kitchen.

I found my mom dishing up. It was my favourite meal.

” Good day mom” i hugged her

” Good day my daughter, you arrived right on time. Food is ready. Your favourite meal, dumplings with chicken ” said mom joyfully taking the both our meals to the dinning table. I followed her.

” We are not rich, but mom tries everything to make me happy.I never slept with an empty stomach. Our house has a vintage furniture, with old couches, one door refrigerators and we don’t even have a flat screen TV but mom always make sure to keep the house clean and beautiful. I love you mom ” I smiled.

” Go change your school uniform before we eat ” she insisted .

I ran to our bedroom to change my school uniform.

I then took a sit and joined mom. Mom prayed for the food and digged in.

” How was your first day at school ” mom asked

” It was great mom..yeah it was great!!” I smiled

” Great then, have you made any friends yet” she asked

” Yes mom I have one. He’s a boy” i don’t know where did I get the guts to tell mom that my friend is a boy.

” That’s fine my daughter, boys are cool and they ain’t jealous like girls” she replied

I couldn’t believe what my ears heard but it was real.

I had conversation with mom for 2 hours I then started doing my school work and using my phone to study.