Mbali stared blankly at her book.The time read:23:00.Two hours of studying but she still didn’t understand a thing.Sighing,she closed her book,plugged in her earphones and listened to music.

Mbali lived with her mother (Fezile) and her little sister,Nikiwe.Mabli was academically challenged while Nikiwe was academically gifted.Because of this,Mbali felt like her mother treated her differently than Nikiwe.Her mother always called Mbali dumb.

Mbali loved singing and wanted to make her mother proud through singing.She had dreams of becoming a singer one day.When she finished grade 9,she asked her mother to enroll her in an Arts School but her mother laughed at her and said she did not have money to be wasted.

“Niki,when is the final round of the Maths competition?” Fezile asked at breakfast the next day.

“This Saturday.” Nikiwe replied.

“I know you are going to make me proud.” Fezile said.

“Mom, I need a new calculator.” Mbali said.

“I don’t have enough money.Tell your father.” Fezile said.

“Wow,Niki let’s go to school.” Mbali said standing up, leaving her food unfinished.

*******

“I can lend you one of my calculators.” Nikiwe said to Mbali as they walked to school

“No thanks.”Mbali said annoyed.

“I don’t really mind, you know.” Nikiwe kept pushing.

“I said I’m fine.Don’t you understand?”Mbali angrily said and walked away.

********

“We know you’re naturally quiet,but you’ve been awfully quiet today.Are you okay?” Mbali’s friends ,Mpumelelo and Amahle asked her at break.

“Mom refuses to buy me a calculator but she bought Nikiwe two calculators,imagine.” Mbali told her friends.

“We are so sorry to hear that,friend.But don’t worry I’ll lend you one of mine.” Amahle offered.

“Thanks,Mahle.” Mbali smiled at her friend.

“Oh my god,Andile is dating Busi?” Mpumi said staring at a boy and a girl who just passed holding hands.

Andile was the most popular, hottest guy in their school.Mbali had a huge crush on him but didn’t tell her friends because he once dated Mpumi.She didn’t want to break her heart.Besides,he never even looked her way.She believed it was all just a silly crush.

*****

Mbali apologized to Nikiwe while they were walking home.

“I was wrong to shout at you like that.I hope you forgive me.” Mbali said.

“It’s okay.Mom is wrong to treat us differently.We are both her daughters.” Nikiwe said.

“I guess you’re right.Anyways,are you ready for the final round of the Maths competition?” Mbali asked.

“Obviously,duh.” Nikiwe said proudly and they both laughed.