Saturday comes almost too soon. My mom walks in my bedroom. 

She pulls the earpods off my ears, and stands near my head.

“Wake up.” She says.

“Ma, what time is it?” I yawn.

“You still have to clean, then we leave. Wake up, Lwandle.” She walks out.

I fish for my phone under the pillow and glance at the screen. 

07h30minutes! Yoh! This black woman!

I quickly follow her to the lounge, and I find her ironing her dress.

“Ma, kanti where does your friend live?” I ask

“Why?”

“Why do we have to wake up so early?”

“She lives in Juskei, Lwandle. Bring your clothes so I can iron for you.”

“But ma, Juskei is a walking distance.”

“We are not walking. It’s too far.” She shakes her head.

“Its a 45 minutes walk.”

“We aren’t walking. Bring your clothes. Or should I pick them out for you?” She sets the steamy iron aside.

I shake my head and walk back to the bedroom.

“Make your bed!” She shouts after me.

I groan and do as she said.

***

“Why did you wake up so early?” My little sister asks, as she walks to the lounge at 9am.

She’s just woken up.

“She can’t wait for the reunion.” My big sister laughs.

I look at her and frown. I won’t entertain them, not today. Not when I have to deal with a Sibongile from when we were 5!

“Eat, Lwandle. Half past twelve we are leaving.”

“Ma, it’s 9. I haven’t even cleaned.” I protest.

“Ngiyageza mina. Ngizokushiya phela.(I’m bathing, and if you’re slow, I’ll leave you behind.)” My mom disappears into the bathroom

Oh Mary mother of Jesus! Why doesn’t she leave me? Why?

Slowly, I make food.