***Six***

I stomped into my room and throw the door shut, barely breaking it from its hinges. If only dad hadn't ruined the moment. Damn, I've enjoyed his lips pressed up against mine so much. Without giving it much thought I placed my thumb to my lips, it still tingles from the kiss. I can still feel the stubble of his 12o'clock against my skin. Sinful illusions infiltrate my head. I know that it's wrong in every concept of that word's meaning, but even though I know this I still want more. I want to taste his lips on a deeper more intimate level. Simultaneously the house grew quiet. After a short moment I sunk lazily into the cozy beanbag. Neither Simon nor Margo came up to greet me and no goodbyes had been exchanged. It's most likely my father's doing. That little stunt that I pulled so shamelessly, had most like just sealed my fate. After what feels like an hour at most, daddy dearest stomped angrily into my room. He didn't give me the light of day as he threw open my closet. He retrieved an empty suitcase from the top shelve and laid it down on my bed. "Dad what are you doing?" I questioned in dismay. "Shaun offered to drop you off at Auntie Martha and Uncle Fred's on his way back to School. They're expecting you," Dad stated. I stared at both of my parents dumbstruck. Wait- What, Shaun offered to drop me off at the devil's house in Wellington? It's about 65.9km from here; while he's attending school is in Stellenbosch. "WH-WHAT!? No, y-you can't be serious? Mom, tell me dad's not serious?" I shrieked as I jumped up and out of the beanbag and turned my full attention towards my mother who at entrance joined father's side. "Sorry Geni dear, but it seems that Mr. Anderson is only going to be a distraction," Mom said in an apologetic tone. "But… my life- My friends, it's all here. You can't do this!" I exclaimed. "You should have thought about it before digging your tongue down your English Teacher's throat," Dad stated in a very crude manner. There's no arguing about the matter at hand, when Mister Timothy Roberts made up his mind there's no changing it. Even though I'm currently facing the consequences of my own doing, I would do it all over again. Dad even took my phone away so I have no way of keeping in contact with family or friends, but even so I feel no remorse for my deed.

I didn't get much sleep the previous night, I thought as I lay with my head against the cold window of the moving vehicle, trying at best to ignore the music that calmly blasts through the speakers. Tears stinging behind my eyelids as the scenery flashes by. In the trunk of the car my entire life is packed up in a few suitcases that are laying there. "Don't worry so much, you'll see him again. The chemistry you guys share isn't going to fade away anytime soon," Shaun said reassuringly as he comfortably placed a hand upon my knee. A small sniff escaped while a lone tear made its way downwards. My brother allowed the bubbling emotion to flourish like a fountain. I never thought that Shaun could be as understanding as this. I closed my eyes and allowed the tears and the soft humming music to lull me to sleep. 

A gentle hand stirs me into wakefulness. "Wake up Gens, we're here," Shaun said with a sad smile. I may not see the smile that graced his features or the sorrowful expression that's lingering within his eyes, but I can feel how it bites its teeth into my heart and hear distress within his voice. My brother unloaded my suitcases, carried my luggage up the steep footpath and rang the doorbell. Uncle Fred welcomed me with open arms into their house, but Auntie Martha scowled at me like I'm an annoying little bug that needs to be squashed immediately. Disgust clearly readable on her plastic features. Auntie Martha had undergone so many plastic surgeries, that I can't even tell if she's human or doll. Still Uncle Fred loves her with all her flaws and imperfections. My mother's brother pointed me into the direction of my room and gave me a few minutes to say my goodbyes. Shaun pulled me into a tight hug and told me in a reassuring tone, "It'll be fine, just bare with it. You know how quickly the pace of time flies by. Before you can rub your eyes out, you'll be graduating at the top of your class." Even though I know that there's some truth behind his words, I'm not finding it to be reassuring at all. As soon as my brother left, I'm thrown head first into a river of rules and regulations. No back chatting, lying or disrespect towards your elders. I'm to go to school and come home straight afterwards. No socializing or after school programs (except, if that after school meeting involves a paying job). I'm not allowed to bring any boys over, friends are acceptable if my Aunt and Uncle approves. Last but definitely not the least, no snobs are permitted to live in this house. Let me magnify that last rule: Keep your room tidy and help around the house when needed or asked. Bringing me to the conclusion that I'm currently trapped in Life-action version of 'Cinderella'.

As the years crept by I grew accustomed to their formalities. After graduation I quickly left the house without looking back. Being accepted into the best university in South-Africa, the same place my brother swatted years prior. Maties! It just so happens to be the heart of Stellenbosch, for those who don't know, it's situated in the Western Province. A 34.3km ride from the Strand which in earlier years went by the title: Stellenbosch-Strand. I live on campus in a house that I share with seven other women. In the time that passed we bonded and grew inseparable. It's been six years since I've been placed in Auntie Martha and Uncle Fred's care. Six years since I've had any contact with any other family or friends. Six very, very long years!