CHAPTER 1 THE DISTURBANCE
I woke up to an unwelcome presence besides me . My brother Mpumelelo was hovering over me , his frown deepening as I open my eyes ."Can't you see I'm trying to sleep?" I groaned, rubbing the remnants of slumber from my eyes.
"Sorry, sis," Mpumelelo said, his voice laced with mock sincerity. "But I need your expertise."
I sat up, my hair tangled from the night's escapades. "What is it this time?"
Mpumelelo hesitated, his eyes darting around the room. "I need help asking someone out."
I burst out laughing. "You? Mr. 'I-can't-even-look-at-a-girl' needs help asking someone out?"
Mpumelelo's face darkened. "Hey, I'm not that bad."
"Then why are you coming to me?" I teased.
Mpumelelo sighed. "Because you're good with words. And I need someone to help me sound less...awkward."
I grinned. "Well, Shakespeare would be proud of me. 'How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.'"
Mpumelelo rolled his eyes. "Speak English, Ore."
"Fine," I relented. "You want simple terms? You're scared to ask her out."
Mpumelelo's face reddened. "I am not."
"Prove it," I challenged.
Mpumelelo left my room an hour later, armed with a few pointers and a stern warning: "Don't insult her, and for goodness' sake, don't quote Shakespeare."
After his departure, I welcomed the silence. Saturday classes were cancelled, so I decided to spend the morning in my sanctuary – the garden.
"Morning, good people," I greeted my parents in the kitchen.
My mom smiled. "Morning, Ore. Have some breakfast."
I grabbed a banana and headed out. The crisp morning air invigorated me as I began watering my plants.
"Ah, Mother Nature, your child is calling," I whispered, planting new flowers.
Mrs. Motsei, our neighbor, was busy tending to her apples. I shuddered. Apples reminded me of Eve's mistake, and the subsequent punishment.
As I worked, my toolbox fell, and a small snake slithered out. I swiftly chopped it with a shovel.
"Take that, serpent," I declared, tossing the pieces into Mrs. Motsei's apple tree.
My phone beeped, breaking the spell. My friend, Lerato, asked if I wanted to meet up at the mall later.
After finishing my gardening, I headed inside for lunch. My mom had prepared apple pie.
"Mama, you know I don't eat apples," I reminded her.
She sighed. "Ore, it's just a pie."
"I'd rather make my own sandwich," I said, assembling a makeshift meal.
As I ate, my mom asked, "Ore, were you happy when your father asked for my hand in marriage?"
I looked up, intrigued. "Why do you ask?"
She smiled wistfully. "Just wondering."
I took another bite. "And did you want to marry him?"
Her eyes sparkled. "Yes, I did."
I nodded thoughtfully. "Good. Because I won't be ruled by anyone."
My mom raised an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"
"The Bible," I replied. "Genesis 3:16. 'Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.' No, thank you."
My mom chuckled. "You're a strong one, Ore."
I grinned. "Someone has to change the world "
As I finished my sandwich, my mom asked, "Ore, do you have a boyfriend?"
I nearly choked. "Mama, no! I'm focused on changing the world, not getting tied down. ”
My mom laughed. "You're so passionate, Ore. I admire that."
I smiled, feeling a sense of purpose. "Someone has to challenge the status quo."
After lunch, I headed to my room to grab my phone and respond to Lerato's message.
"Hey, girl! I'm in for the mall trip. What time?" I typed.
Lerato replied immediately. "2 pm. Meet me at the entrance."
I spent the next few hours reading up on feminist theory and making notes for my upcoming school project.
As I got ready to leave, my dad called out, "Ore, be careful at the mall."
"I will, Papa," I replied, grabbing my bag.
The mall was bustling with Saturday shoppers. Lerato waved at me from the entrance.
"Hey, girl!" we chimed in unison, exchanging hugs.
We spent the afternoon browsing stores, laughing, and discussing everything from school gossip to social justice.
As we sipped coffee at the food court, Lerato asked, "Ore, have you thought about joining the school's debate team?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"You're always speaking your mind, and you're amazing at it," Lerato said.
I considered it. Debate team could be a great platform to spread my message.
"I'll think about it," I promised.
As we parted ways, Lerato whispered, "Keep changing the world, Ore."
I smiled, feeling a sense of solidarity .
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