It could be said that she grew up in an unhealthy environment which caused her to be rebellious. To her, whether it was right or wrong. She would get hit either ways. It didn't really matter to her.
''No, that's not what I mean! I mean, no matter what, she shouldn't have slapped you. She regretted it. It was evident in her eyes. Jolene is soft-hearted. She overthinks a lot about things. She is always careful about a lot of things.''
''I'm tired!'' Amala said and slumped on the couch.
Rosa looked at her and sighed. She knew it was going to take a while before Amala would come around.
…..
Next day….
Muse flats
Amala placed her bag on the bed and started packing her things. Jolene walked in and snatched the bag from her.
''That's enough, Amala. Stop messing around!'' Jolene said.
''I am messing around? I wasn't joking when I said I would leave.''
''Where would you go? You don't know anywhere.''
''That is why the church is there. I will sleep in the church, on the streets. In short, don't let it bother you where I am going.''
''If this is about last night, I apologize.''
Amala chuckled. ''You apologize? Jolene, do you know who you remind me off right now? Dad! You remind me of how Dad would behave each time he was wrong. He hated to admit he was ever wrong. No, to him, he could never go wrong. You don't look sincere at all, Jolene. Do you know? Anytime Dad hit me, he would tell me it is my fault. With time I began to actually believe it. Whenever he got a call from school, he wouldn't bother to ask me anything. He believed strangers more than me. Who was I kidding? You are just like him. To think I even thought of… forget it. In short, I am leaving!''
Jolene looked at Amala quietly. She pondered over what Amala said and bit her lips. When Amala finished packing and picked her bag towards the door, Jolene spoke.
''I'm sorry! No matter what, I shouldn't have slapped you. You don't deserve that and I feel terrible that I resorted to violence. You are right, Amala. I wasn't sincere at all but I am now. You just made me realize how horrible I was earlier on.''
Amala stopped and turned to look at Jolene.
''Amala, you are wrong about something else. I don't hate you. I didn't abandon you. There was never a day that went by without me thinking about you. I thought about how grown you would be. I asked mum for pictures of you every month. I wanted to keep up with you and everything about you. I have you in your uniform when you first went to Mountain High. I have the one you wore when you moved to Galesville. I also have the one you wore when you moved to Lakewood High. Amala, I never abandoned you.''
''Then, why did you leave me at the hospital? I got hit in the head because I took your side but you ran away and left me. I never heard from you again until I asked someone to find you. Don't try to play with my feelings by telling me you asked Mum to send you photos of me. I do not care about that at all.''
'Amala, I am sorry. I know I am the last person you trust right now but please, just stay…'' Jolene said and went and held the bag.
''You know… growing up. You were my sister, my best friend, my everything. You were my world and you could do no wrong in my eyes. I believed in your words more than the God Dad served but you didn't even look back and left. Somethings can't be repaired and that includes a broken relationship, Jolene!''
''I know, but… even if we can't get along. I need you to stay. Believe it or not, I love you, Amala.'' Jolene touched Amala's hand and she moved back.
''I hate it when people touch me without my permission.'' Amala said and Jolene stepped back.
''I'm sorry.''
''How can you be this mean to a person who cares about you?'' Erica walked over and said to Amala.
''I made breakfast. Put the things back and come out for breakfast.'' Jolene said and walked out.
Amala closed the door and went to put the bag on the table.
Jolene returned to the hall and picked her phone. She made a call to Carine to ask for a leave.
''Hello, Carine. I'm calling to take a sick leave. No, I'm fine. It's my sister. She is a bit unstable right now, I need to be with her. Alright, thanks!'' Jolene hung up and went to the kitchen to hurry with her cooking. She wanted to make Amala's favourite dishes for her.
Back at the company, Carine finished the call and turned. She saw Kai standing at a distance and she bowed.
''Sir…''
''What is wrong with Miss Jolene?'' Kai asked.
''She asked for a sick leave. She said her sister isn't stable so she wants to spend some time with her.'' Carine replied anxiously.
''Alright!'' Kai said and walked away.
''Looks like the princess won't be coming to work today? She really is liked by everyone. She gets to take a sick leave because of a family member.'' Kathy said.
''That isn't just her family member. That's her sister and she is her guardian.'' Kiana spoke.
''She even has loyal dogs who take her side even when she is not around!'' Kathy muttered.
…..
Amala came out and saw the table full with different dishes. Erica ran to her and held her hand.
''Aunt, you came out just in time. Let's have breakfast.''
''Aren't you going to school?'' Amala asked.
''No! My school is on midterms. We will return next week.''
''I see…''
''Come and stop talking.'' Erica pulled Amala to the table.
''Sit down, Amala. Food is ready.'' Jolene said.
Amala sat down and looked at the food. Jolene and Erica sat across her.
''Thanks for the food!'' Amala said and picked her chopsticks to eat.