My name is Angel Musonda, and I’m the only child of my parents. When I was born, my mother had fibroids, which led to the removal of her uterus. Because of this, she was unable to give birth to another child.
My father loved my mother very much, and he never married another woman to have more children. He wanted to keep our family name alive, but he was content with just me.
When I was born, things were great. My parents provided everything I needed, but they never spoiled me. However, when I turned 10, everything changed. My father lost his job due to false accusations of theft, and he was unable to secure another job because of his damaged reputation.
From that day on, things became very tough for us. My mom was just a housewife, and she couldn’t do much to help my dad. They started a small grocery store, which barely provided enough for our daily needs. I was removed from my private school and transferred to a government school.
Despite the challenges, I worked hard to get good grades, determined to give my parents a better life. In grade 12, I studied relentlessly and managed to score six points, earning me a bursary to attend the Copperbelt University without even applying.
I was thrilled, but my parents were over the moon. I decided to study law, determined to investigate my dad’s case and uncover the truth behind the stolen documents that led to his wrongful dismissal.
My mom was so proud of me that she even slaughtered a big chicken to celebrate my achievement. When it was time for me to leave for school, my parents sat me down for a talk.
DAD
My child, you are my pride and joy. Because of you, I can hold my head high. I trust you very much, and I know you will never disappoint me. When you go to this university, you will meet people from all walks of life, rich and poor. Don’t try to associate with people whose standards you can’t meet, as this will lead you to do bad things to get money. Just work hard and focus on your studies. You’re going there for school, so please, just concentrate on your books.
MOM
My child, beware of friends who seem to be living large. They might be deceiving you, and their wealth might not be genuine. Always be cautious and don’t let anyone lead you astray.
ANGEL
I promise, Mom and Dad, not to ever disappoint you. I will work very hard and achieve everything I set out to do.
DAD
I know you will, my love. Also, please learn to manage the little money we will be sending you each month. It won’t be enough, but try to make do.
MOM
Most importantly, don’t ever forget to pray every day. God is our only helper, and we will also be praying for you.
ANGEL
Alright, Dad and Mom, I will be a good child and pray every day. I promise you both.
The following day, I packed my clothes, and Mom and Dad prayed for me and gave me a tight hug. On my way, I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect from my roommates. It was my first time leaving home, and I had always been under Mom and Dad’s watchful eye.
When I arrived, I was welcomed by a guy.
THE GUY
Hi, how are you? Isn’t that bag really heavy? You seem to be struggling with it.
ME
Yeah, it is very heavy! And I am fine, and you?
MICHAEL
Am good, lemme help u to carry it, and where are u going?
ME
The new female hostels, I don’t even know where it is.
MICHAEL
No problem, I will take u there.
ME
Wow, thanks very much, I really appreciate it.
As we walked to the hostel, we started talking and getting to know each other.
MICHAEL
By the way, my name is Michael, and I am a 2nd-year law student.
ME
WOW, I am also a law student, though I am a first-year student, and my name is Angel.
MICHAEL
Oh, nice! You are malaika. We are blessed to have an Angel among us.
ME
Hahaha, very funny! I hope you will be helping me with school work.
MICHAEL
No problem, I will be helping whenever I can.
When we arrived at the hostel, Michael asked for my number, and no, I gave it to him. I went to my room and met two girls who looked very friendly.
CHIMWEMWE
Iwe Angel, you will be sleeping on the lower bunk. I don’t like anyone sitting on my bed; that’s why I have chosen the top bed. Elo, you look fat; you might fall down on me or even break the bed.
MWELWA
Don’t mind her; she is the loudest but a very good person. We came last week; what took you so long to come?
ME
We had some financial problems; that’s why.
CHIMWEMWE
Oh, my goodness! Ninshi, this room is just for broke people?
We all laughed.
From that day, we became very good friends, and things were going very well. Michael was helping all of us with our school work since we were all law students.
We wrote our first-year exams and managed to pass to the second year. Mom and Dad were very proud of me, and they made sure they raised the money for everything I needed in time.
When I went back to school, fortunately, I had the same roommates, but a lot had changed about Chimwemwe.
ME
Hi guys, I really missed you a lot.
MWELWA
I missed you as well. I even bought you guys friendship bracelets… Guys, come and get one.
I got one, but Chimwemwe didn’t.
MWELWA
Chimwemwe, aren’t you getting your bracelet?
CHIMWEMWE
Don’t call me that long and boring name; I always tell you to call me Chi babe. And yes, I am not interested in those poverty-looking things you call bracelets.
ME
Can’t you just say no? Do you really have to insult her?
CHIMWEMWE
Mama waluse, I don’t have time for your talk now; please let me be.
MWELWA
Mwelwa cried all night, I tried to comfort her, but she broke down even more since things at home were becoming very hard every day.
From that day on, Chimwemwe stopped being around and studying. She always came back with expensive gifts and a lot of money.
ME
Chimwemwe, who is now sponsoring this expensive lifestyle of yours?
CHIMWEMWE
How many times am I going to tell you that my name is Chi Babe? Aii, is it because poverty has entered your head, and you have failed to understand it? Anyways, here is a K2000 for you to stop talking to me.
MWELWA
Heeee, I also don’t want to talk to you. Please give me some money, and I promise not to open my mouth ever again to talk to you, Chi Baby, the boss herself.
CHIMWEMWE
Now you are talking. For being submissive, here is a K5000.
MWELWA
All this just for me? EEE, thank God!
CHIMWEMWE
Don’t thank God; thank me because I have made it very possible.
ME
I will not take this money, not knowing where it is coming from.
CHIMWEMWE
Madam pretender. Anyways, let me clear the air. My father won a lottery; he won three million and invested it in a business. As I am speaking now, I am a daughter of a millionaire, unlike you guys.
ME
Are you sure?
CHIMWEMWE
Where on earth can I get such a huge amount of money? Aii? I am really sorry, guys, for being very rude to you earlier. Please forgive me… I had a lot on my mind. Can we be friends again?
MWELWA
Yes, we can.
We gave each other hugs and became very close to each other.
Months later, Michael visited me and found Chimwemwe outside.
MICHAEL
Hi, Chimwemwe.
CHIMWEMWE
(pretending not to hear him)
MICHAEL
How are you, Chi Baby?
CHIMWEMWE
Can’t you see that I am ignoring your poverty-stricken body? Aii, I don’t want to talk to you. “Angel, your poor boyfriend is here to see you. Please make sure that he doesn’t enter the room because he might leave poverty in our room.”
I came out to see Michael, and immediately Chimwemwe walked inside. I gave Michael a hug and invited him to my room, but he refused because of what Chimwemwe said.
ME
I am really sorry about what she said. I don’t know what’s wrong with her these days.
MICHAEL
It’s okay. I brought you a flower, and I would like you to go on a dinner date with me in the evening.
ME
Aww, that’s so sweet of you. Yes, I will go on a dinner date with you. Thanks very much for the flower; I really appreciate it.
I prepared myself for the date that evening and made sure I looked very pretty, more than usual.
CHIMWEMWE
Please don’t tell me that you’re looking that beautiful for a poor man. Just busy wasting your beauty for someone who is not even worth it.
MWELWA
I love Michael; he is a very good person. Please don’t disappoint him.
ME
He is not my boyfriend.
CHIMWEMWE
You better keep it that way.
I went out to meet Michael and found him waiting for me.
MICHAEL
WOW, you look very beautiful, as always. I can’t seem to take my eyes off you.
ME
Thanks, you also look very great.
We talked a lot, and I enjoyed the evening very much. When we were about to leave, he said something.
MICHAEL
I have always wanted to tell you this, but let me just say it today. Will you be my girlfriend?
The skeleton in me jumped up and down, but outside, I pretended to act shocked, of course. I wouldn’t show him that I was madly in love with him as well.
ME
What?
MICHAEL
Ever since I met you, I have not been able to take you out of my mind, but I couldn’t propose because I wanted to know you more. I now know who you are, and my heart has told me that you are the right person for me.
ME
I understand, but please give me time to think about it.
MICHAEL
Alright, I will give you three days to think about it.
ME
Fair enough.
ME
That was the best night of my life. I spent my entire night fantasizing about how he has big white eyes, a very captivating smile, and a gentle voice that can make you easily fall in love with him.
The following day, I told Chimwemwe and Mwelwa what had happened the previous night.
To be continued…
