SC: The Company We Keep

THE_COMPANY_WE_KEEP
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(WRITTEN BY: Kennedy C. Katongo)
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I was trying to catch up with what was happening, I pinched Monica on the arm to get her attention. “I thought your dad was something like the undertaker?” I whispered as we walked. “What made you think like that?” she whispered back with a smile on her face. “That was me being a pain. Dad is amazing, now when you portraying the bad girl act, you need to make it seem like you come from a family where parents don’t mind what you do.” She added. I was puzzled for what seemed like forever, her dad was so concerned about her but somehow the devil messed up her small mind.
“After talking to your mum you really need to tell me how you landed in Monica’s life.” Monica then gave me the ‘I told you so’ look and we both ended up laughing. In the living room Monica got to introduce her dad to mum, her dad asked if we could give them time to discuss. “Sure, we are going to be in my room if you need us” I added. Monica’s dad was very good at keeping a conversation and making classic jokes whilst he was talking.
As we were heading to my room a thought hit me, why is it that girls who turn out bad usually have very caring parents? “I know you must be wondering how I turned out to be this way with such a concerned father?” Monica said. I wanted to deny it but I guess it was written all over my face, “yes I am”. “I’m sure it’s the company we keep that has the most influence on us. I befriended people who enjoyed living double lives and I didn’t notice that I was changing with every day that passed.”
“Oh! And what about church?” I asked. she looked at me and covered her face, the thought of another emoji hit me. “The church part was not a lie. Dad isn’t that flexible I can say… Something like that.” she said. I could see she was as puzzled as me on that one. “Do you think he will allow you to stay?” I enquired. The thought of her going wasn’t pleasant at all. I guess I was also living in the dark and she was helping me turn on my own light.
After what now seemed like forever the door finally opened, “hey girls you can now come to the living room.” Mum said. It was hard to grade her mood because she was calm and collected. “Jane come with my phone please!” Monica shouted as she followed mum in a sonic flash.
When I got to the living room it was as if everyone was waiting for me. Monica gave me a sign to go and sit next to her, I smiled as I noticed she had her fingers crossed. “I have spoken to Jane’s mum and we have agreed on certain things. I know some choices won’t be pleasing to you but I think it’s for your own good.” Monica’s dad said. My epinephrine level was gradually increasing as I sat listening to Monica’s dad. why can’t he just hit the nail on the head? I thought to myself.
“What certain things are those?” Monica spoke in a soft whisper. I tried to think of what my friend liked to carry around but everything led to her phone. The thought of not staying with a phone was frightening and horrifying at the same time. Mum cleared her throat, “Your dad has decided that for the time being you won’t be using your car and if you want to sleep over you can do that only on weekends.” She said boldly.
“What!” our voices echoed as Monica and I exclaimed at the same time. “But how will she be going to school?” I asked. “Yes how will I be going to school?” Monica seconded. A sharp laugh came out from Monica’s dad as he looked at us. “The look you two girls have right now, Monica I’m sure you can use public transport for the remaining term.” I thought Monica would protest or do something silly but she just nodded her head in agreement to her father’s word.
“Does this mean she’s staying for the night?” I asked as I looked at mum. I really wanted Monica to come to church with me, it had been way too long since I invited someone to church. “I know you girls want to go to church together, so Monica will go home with her dad and he has promised to come with her to church tomorrow morning.” Mum spoke pretty slow with a calm voice. I knew I got every word correctly but something just didn’t add up. “Wait! Dad is coming to church too?” Monica asked with astonishment in her voice. That’s the point that wasn’t adding up for me, I was as astonished as Monica. How did mum end up inviting Monica’s dad to church? And how did she manage to ask him? I thought to myself.
“She invited me to tag along. Why do you girls sound so surprised?” Monica’s dad questioned. Monica looked at me with one of are eyebrows raised. I wish I had a better expression than that of my friend. The red light on my phone was flashing, that had to be Norah. I got my phone to check the message.
+260968****: Hey Jane, Norah asked me to send you the above note. And tomorrow we’re coming to your church for the youth meeting.
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