Italics - Malaika

Bold - William

Getting three hours sleep was a personal best. It helped me get through my day better though there wasn't much difference when I arrived at the diner from school. Back to the grind they say.

I carried a heavy trash bag outback feeling my muscles complain with every step. My dark curls fell over my face obstructing my view and I knew it was time for a trim. My aunt never let me keep my hair long, since it was more expensive to maintain that way. I didn't mind keeping it short since it saved me time in the morning while getting ready.

I saw Simon exit his back door with a trash bag that seemed to be full but I knew it had nothing but air in it. He used it as an excuse to come out back and talk to me in case my aunt caught us. I wasn't allowed to make friends, even middle aged balding men with a kind smile. I smiled at him, did a quick peep inside to see my aunt busy with a customer. That bought me a few minutes with Simon.

"How are you doing sweetcheeks?"He asked looking concerned.

"I'm okay Simon, how are you?"I replied trying to be as convincing as possible.

"Good but seriously how are you? Those bags under your eyes say otherwise."He pointed out and I looked away to avoid his scrutinizing eyes.

"What bags? How can you see bags under my eyes when I'm as pitch black as they come."I was trying to lighten the mood and get him off my case.

I didn't want Simon to worry too much about me. I could handle myself and whatever my aunt threw at me.

"I don't know, I just spent all day watching Western movies so their slang got to me. And don't you dare insult that beautiful melanin skin."He scolded smiling and I couldn't help but smile back.

Why couldn't everyone be as kind as Simon, it would make life so much easier.

"Sorry Simon but I gotta go now. I'll see you later before she's onto us."

He frowned but he nodded nonetheless"Okay but take care of yourself and eat more. You're growing thin and I don't approve."

"Yes sir."I replied giving him a mock salute.

I watched him empty the imaginary trash into the huge bin out back before heading back inside. I chuckled shaking my head at his theatrics. Simon really was one of a kind.

I walked back into the diner but the smile on my face fell off when I found my aunt standing next to the sink, hands on her waist tapping her foot in anger. Oh boy, here comes trouble.

"How long does it take to take the trash out?"She lashed out in a shrill tone that I never managed to get used to.

"I'm sorry aunt."

I learnt long ago to just keep quiet and apologize. It makes everything easier.

"I didn't ask for an apology you twat."She yelled and I flinched hoping she wouldn't hit me but I didn't say a word.

"You were talking to Simon again weren't you?"She asked accusingly.

There was no was I was setting Simon up so I spoke up"No aunt."

"Don't deny it, I know about your secret meetings."She continued and this time I didn't reply.

"Just get back to work before I dip you in the hot oil. Make sure to do the dishes and mop this place before you have dinner. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes aunt."

Our conversations were usually all her and I rarely said anything or nothing more than two words.

"And make sure to get your hair cut or I'll do it for you with pair of scissors?"She demanded.

"Yes aunt."

See what I mean.

She pushed me out of the way roughly and I hit my shoulder on edge of the brick wall. It cut my skin and I held in a whimper but thankfully it didn't bleed because that would have been another mess.

Sometime after we closed the diner and my aunt retired to bed I finished all my duties. I served myself a plate of pilau and sat down to eat supper as I did my homework. I was tired and so beat by the time I was done but it was actually one of the better days. I washed the dishes I'd used, turned off the lights, locked the door and headed upstairs.

I repeated the same routine I did every night but this time I took my time before turning off the lights to stare at the picture of my mom on the wall. I'd never met her. She died while giving birth to me and maybe that was why my aunt hated me so much, I'd taken away her sister. According to my aunt, I was a one night stand mistake that cost her the life of the person she loved most.

I didn't hate my aunt but I wasn't her biggest fan either. I just kept myself in check because I depended on her. I wasn't of legal age yet and even if I had been, I couldn't survive on my own. The Nairobi city life was not kind to 5'2 girls with nothing but a high school education. You needed money or connections to get you places and I had neither.

Getting tired of standing I switched off the lights and reached for my phone remembering I had been texting someone. The white boy who wanted to be my virtual friend. I found five messages from him.

I realized I don't even known your age.

I might be talking to a fifty year old woman.

But Tiktok is mostly for Gen-Z so you're probably my age.

How old are you?

Oh and your name. I don't know your name.

The messages were sent out at different times during the day meaning he had been thinking about me. Too bad I hadn't been thinking about him. I was too busy trying to stay alive and awake.

Do you have a life?

Finally she makes an entrance. Are you in prison or something? Is that why you're only online late in the night?

Yes William. I am in prison for murder actually. I will be serving my death sentence tomorrow by hanging.

Wait. I was only joking but now I'm not sure anymore.

Don't you want to know what my dying wish is?

Stop fooling around.

I guess I'll never get my wish after all. Goodbye William, it was nice knowing you.

You're messing with me.

Are you serious?

But seriously what's going on?

Don't go, I'll fulfill your dying wish.

I want to taste chocolate for the first time in my life.

You've never had chocolate?

Focus William.

Oh yeah but how am I going to get it to you?

I don't know, dig a hole through the earth center or send a stork.

That's for babies.

I know but you can make do.

The death sentence and prison thing was a joke right.

Be honest I was honestly worried.

Yeah I was.

Thank God.

But seriously you've never had chocolate?

.......

He was choosing to focus on that yet I still hadn't answered his questions. My phone screen beeped twice before it went completely dark and I realized it had ran out of power. Charging it would be tricky considering I had to do it carefully and behind my aunt's back.

That was a problem for the daylight so I stuffed the phone away and went to sleep.

🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍

I live in a pineapple under the ocean.

I just watched the 2020 spongebob animated movie and it was okay. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either.