"Welcome to OR Tambo International Airport"
The sign read as we drove into the area so we could find parking. The day was finally here and though we were singing in the car to the songs on the stereo. It wasn't enough to cut out the thoughts. No matter how loud the volume was, it wouldn't drown out the fears. I was really leaving. I've been hoping to do this for years and every time I left it. Sacrificing it for someone else, thinking maybe God didn't want this for me. until I got that email.
That link, at that moment, I knew it was the right choice. It was the right time. As soon as I parked, we all exited. I would meet the rest of the applicants here, including Euriel but we would be separated after a week.
My sisters and I had each carried luggage. A year or two was a lot of packing but we were assured by our guide that they would assist with the baggage claims.
"Elihle!" I heard from the top section and turned to see Euriel. Of course, she'd be here earlier, girl is always pre-punctual. "Euriel!" I squealed back. As soon as I reached her, embracing her, I could feel her heartbeat. I guess no matter how ready we felt, we were still scared. We pulled back and stared at each other. Freaking hell, we are terrified.
"Turn around." She whispered as her eyes grew in shock. I slowly turned and saw my friends. My hand instantly covered my mouth as a cry slipped. To say I was shocked was the least, I instantly ran into my friends' cycle. They all group hugged me and tears gathering I held back my cry.
"See I told you she'd cry." Jayceon said with a smirk. Smacking his arm, I turned to embrace him.
"You like ruining moments, you idiot." I say with a huff.
"Ah mos, it was a bet." He said he stretched his hand out to Israel.
"Hey don't look at me, I was with you when you made that bet." He shrugged and he moved to come to hug me.
"Nwx you going to miss us." He cooed
"Voetsek." (go away) Huffing I moved to Dmitri.
"Make sure to be safe." He said with a smile giving me a side hug. Moving to Kg and KH. They were both twins, the oldest being KG and the KH. It was weird but you could tell the difference actually. I brought them both into a bear hug then stepped back.
"You are NOT allowed to forget us." KG said with a warning tone but a smile on his face.
"Be sure to find an American guy and baps him." KH said with a teasing smile. I smiled back, pretending to reach to hug him back, I slapped the back of his head.
"Ah!" he winced
"Idiot." I murmured.
I opened my arms wide as soon as I looked at Mguli. A guy best friend he had become so very quickly.
"I'll make sure to visit. I think." He said with a bit of uncertainty.
"I'll hold you to that." I said as we hugged. "Take care of the girls and don't be harsh to them. Don't scare their boyfriends, just…listen before you act. Otherwise, call me." I joked.
"Haha! You know I don't care about that." He said with an eye roll. "Just remember to call them." he continued.
"Definitely. Every freaking week." I whispered as I felt tears gathering in my eyes again.
I turned to then see my best best friend. The plan was always for us to leave but now she has to stay. She had to. I reached for the reason and smiled down at her. Best freaking choice in the world. It hurt that I wouldn't be around her for the next 5 years. She would be so grown when I returned.
"You are so freaking perfect and I love you so much as though I'm your mother. I love you princess." I whispered as I carried Rea in my arms and rocked her. Her big eyes looked at me with a sort of curiosity. "You such a bully you only make noise around your mother not even me." I joked. Right then a drop fell onto her cheek and she made a sound. "My freaking tear made you make a sound, you're as dramatic as your mother."
"Ai wena." (ai you) My best friend said, Hiedra. Oh, how I loved her, 6 years and a month counting. The opposites but forever leaning on each other. Tears were evident in her eyes and she wrapped her arms around herself. I let out a heavy breath but it wasn't enough to hold back the rivers.
"I'm just going to take this princess from you guys." Jayceon said
As soon as Rea was out of my arms, I hugged her as hard as I could, it's hard having to leave a person who's moved with you. She meant everything to me, everything.
"It's not forever." I murmured in her ear as we cried.
"No, it's not. It can't be. Wabowa…wabowa." (You're coming back, you're coming back) She whispered.
"Okay okay, I want in also." I turned to see Tyra and Soli next to me with tears in their eyes.
"Eli," Soli whispered as she rubbed her hands together.
"She better do the most." Someone said from behind me. I turned to see Kane, Kenneth, and Samuel.
"You guys are doing the most right now," I said as I tried to wipe my tears.
"Everyone gather around let's quickly pray." Soli said.
We all formed a big circle, friends, and family. This…a sight I would miss. Everyone bowed and Soli began…
"God, we want to thank you for this day, this beautiful day you've given us. A day that we are all proud to be a part of and witness. We pray that your children board the flight safely and reach the destination that you have ready for them. They step out with your grace. With your word engraved within their hearts. Knowing that you will never forsake them. You've called them and now set them on your journey. May they be blessed and safe. May they be guided and wise. May all they touched be multiplied. May love, peace, and joy forever follow. No matter how hard, we thank you and we all say."
"Amen." We chorused.
"Boarding flight to the US, California."
My heart stopped for a second, I quickly hugged my mother and she handed me a box. Then pushed me forward to leave. Euriel and I rushed away. Before I was in the corridor, I heard a loud cry. I stopped, Euriel looked at me, we turned and saw my mother crying on her knees.
"Moma…" (Mother) I whispered. "Moma ima." (mother wait) I repeated. No, I didn't need to do this. Not to my mother. I was about to turn back but then someone held my shoulder. I turned to see Elizabeth, our care guardian.
"My mother Eliza." I murmured to her.
"I know but remember why this was so important to you." She said with a small smile.
"Ge zo buya." (I will return) I whispered and stepped back. "Askisi papa mara ke nako." (I'm sorry dad but it's time.) I said to myself as I sat by the window seat.
In 21 hours, I would be in California. I opened the box my mother handed to me and tears began to gather again in my eyes. A traditional bracelet and another string of beads were in there with a letter.
"Make us proud Elihle. Like you always do, don't forget I love you. Be smart, wise and careful. Keep to the lane God has placed you in. Always. Always pray, my beautiful Nola. Our beautiful 50'cent"
"I definitely will mama. I promise." I whispered to myself.