Chapter 8: Envelope

"Haya!, Ruby said I should give you this." Ruby's mom handed me an envelope.

"What is it?" I quickly opened the envelope.

I found a check and a letter inside the envelope. I honestly can not believe that Ruby did this, I told her that I do not want any money. I will be fine, I am 18 now I can hustle for myself.

"Best friend I know you are mad at me for giving you this check but I felt like I had to. I am not doing it for you, I am doing it for myself so that I can be at peace. I started saving during our matric year, I knew one of us was going to need some money after we were done with school. I could not keep it to myself knowing that you might need it and I am going far far away. Keep it, spoil yourself best friend because a lot is going on in your life. You need a break, go on an adventure and try something new. I just want to see you happy, take care xoxoxo." Ruby's letter read.

I can not believe this girl, she is so smart. I wonder how she comes up with these backup plans. I could not save our lives if I had to save money, to be honest, I spend a lot. I think these are signs that I have to get money or else I am going to die trying to adjust to a different lifestyle than the one I was truly made for. I have Ruby to save for me though, I think God brought us together for the sake of balance. I am learning a lot from her and she is learning from me. We are different yet very alike, she is the queen of my heart.

"We can go to the car, I almost forgot we were standing here." I suddenly returned to reality.

"Oh yes, I was on a call just now. I thought I should leave you to it." Ruby's mom replied leading the way to the car.

"She gave you money right?" Ruby's mom looked at me with the hilarious face she always makes when she knows what is going on between Ruby and me. It is like she achieved something, typical parents.

"Yes, Ruby is an Angel," I replied showing her the check.

"She is indeed an Angel. Let us get to the car so that we both pray for her to have the best time of her life with the holy ghost by her side." Ruby's mom said.

We both got in at the back of the car, it is like we both communicated but we did not. I guess we both just thought it is a better place to pray. We got seated, I turn to close the door when I turn again to look at Ruby's mom her hands were open for me to hold while we pray. I felt my heart melt, my mom and I have never held hands like this when we prayed, she does her own thing and I do mine.

"Heavenly FATHER, forgive us for we have sinned. LORD we would love to thank YOU for getting Ruby and Haya where they are with their lives. We thank YOU for always looking down on us, YOU are truly amazing. Almighty we pray that Ruby arrives safely and she gets settled in properly as soon as she gets there. Bless their creative minds FATHER, these kids just want to live their best life. AMEN." Ruby's mom prayed.

I opened my eyes, I could not believe anything I heard in the end. Ruby's mom is so cool, her prayers are so short but have a lot of depth and meaning. I love that!

"Thank you for the amazing prayer, I appreciate it," I replied.

"Come here, it is going to be okay Haya. I know life is hard for you right now but please hang in there. This experience will make you who you are, it will strengthen you more than anything. Being hurt by the ones you love does hurt but it has a lot of advantages, you learn how to control your feelings and observe everything. It makes you wise." she replied.

"Really? it only seems to be breaking my heart." I said quietly.

"It is okay my sweetheart" she replied caressing my back.

I feel so safe in her arms, I have yearned for this motherly love. My mom is still alive but it feels like she is not here, I only get to see these moments on TV and I know I am not the only one. We spend time outside because at home most of us do not feel any love, if it is there then most of the time it is hard to see. Our parents say they want what is best for us but I feel like they do not know what is truly best for us.

I know we can never justify their actions because they damage us but it is surely teaching us how we do not want to treat our children one day.

"I think we should get going, I need to take you home soon." Ruby's mom pulled away from the hug.

"Oh, yes let us get going." I guess moments you want to last forever do end.

"So Haya when are you leaving for Cape Town?" Ruby's mom asked.

"2 more days," I replied looking outside.

"Hey, what is wrong? we can talk you know, the car ride does not have to be so awkward," she said and I immediately turn to look at her with a confused face. She also talks to her kids in the car, oh wow.

"It is nothing, I just thought we did not have to talk," I replied.

"Oh if that is what you want, I will play some music. How about you give me your phone so that we listen to some good music, Ruby said you have a nice taste," she said and I giggled handing her my phone.

We played music the whole way, there were moments we both would dance and I just felt really happy. I never thought people do have these kinds of moments with their parents. I am starting to think maybe mine is the problem.