I gathered my belongings and left the hospital room, facing curious gazes from my parents who questioned the delay in retrieving my uniform. "I met Asmaa in Kamari's room, and we had a little chat," I explained nonchalantly as I settled into the car. My mother, suspicious, probed further.
"Asmaa? Huh, where did she come from?" my mother inquired.
"I have no idea. She's Kamari's cousin. She looks a lot like Aamina—so much that I forget Aamina passed away," I casually shared. The exchange seemed to satisfy my parents, and my dad even suggested inviting Asmaa to dinner.
Monday arrived, and as I stepped into school, the principal summoned me to her office. Confusion lingered as I took a seat and found a police officer present. "Esi, this is Officer Micha. We need to answer some questions about Kamari's kidnapping," the principal informed me.
Anxiety surged within me, fueled by the fear that Amina's notebook might hold truths about my mother's involvement in criminal activities. "Earth to Esi, are you here?" the principal's voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Huh? I'm sorry," I stammered.
"Did Kamari tell you anything? About what happened to her?" she probed.
As I stood up to leave the principal's office, grappling with the weight of the present situation. In a hasty yet deliberate manner, I repeated the same lines Amina had once spoken to Principal Khoeoe.
"Principal Khoeoe, I gotta go. If you want to know something, ask her or her family," I declared, the words carrying an uncanny familiarity.
Returning to the present, after school closed, I took an Uber to the hospital. A broad smile adorned my face as I entered, excited to share the invitation with Kamari.
"Mari, guess what? My parents want me to invite you and your cousin to dinner since you get discharged today," I exclaimed with enthusiasm. Kamari hesitated briefly but eventually agreed, and we shared laughter in anticipation.
However, the joyous atmosphere took a turn when a girl with mixed-hued, curly hair walked in. Kamari greeted her warmly, introducing her as Myah Oberon from Wesklive High School. The revelation that Wesklive was the preferred public school for most Rosewood kids added an interesting layer to the encounter.
I exchanged smiles and introductions with Myah, but the atmosphere shifted as she pulled Kamari aside, whispering into her ear. Feeling a bit left out, I couldn't help but wonder about the nature of their conversation. Kamari seemed to think I wasn't trusted enough to be included.
Kamari reassured Myah, saying, "I hear you. I will tell her. Bye-bye, Myah." As Kamari returned, curiosity got the best of me, and I couldn't resist asking what Myah had said. Kamari cryptically replied, "Nothing you need to worry about, Esi."
Feeling a pang of unease at being left in the dark, I forced a smile and accepted her response. Trying to redirect the conversation, I mentioned, "Oh, I brought you some clothes so that you can change. Also, I don't have my car, so I'll call my parents to come pick us up."
Stepping out to make the call, I informed my mom about picking up Kamari from the hospital. Returning inside, I shared the news with Kamari, "My mother will be here in 3 minutes."
My mom texted me that she was outside, and I was taken aback. Assisting Kamari in packing her old clothes, we made our way outside where my mom greeted us.
"How are you doing, Kamari?" my mom inquired.
"Great, I feel good," Kamari responded with a smile. However, her demeanor shifted as her gaze dropped, and she remarked, "Your shoes look so familiar. They look exactly like the person who took me from the Juvenile Detention Center."
The words hung in the air, and I felt a shockwave of disbelief. "Mari!" I exclaimed, seeking confirmation. My mom, taken aback, asked, "Are you sure it was a woman and not a man?" The revelation added a layer of complexity to Kamari's ordeal, leaving us all grappling with a newfound sense of urgency and concern.