The wishes

Then came October and it was a few weeks before the final examinations and it happened to be Clara's birth month. She chose to celebrate her last birthday at the centre with Rowena. She never had a chance to celebrate it because she was always busy with other things. If she was not at the sports ground doing a coaching sessions, she would be in the field performing as a player. She was good in several sporting activities such as netball, hockey, volleyball and tennis. She was teaching Rowena some few basics in some of these activities. But Rowena's favourite moments were in a dance floor. She was busy practising for the aerobics classes that were taking place everyday after school. They were practising for the big tournament that was going to take place at the end of the month. The tournament was going to be held in Cape town.

Rowena was very excited because it was going to be her first time to go to a big city. Everyone was talking about the beauty of Cape town and the Table mountain. She couldn't contain herself anymore, she wanted to see what she was always hearing about. The only thing she could do to achieve that dream was to perform at her best and make herself recognisable. That her and Clara's motto. They even made a wish before they cut the cake for Clara's birthday. Clara made her wish the she allowed Rowena to make her's too. Rowena made her wish in a straight and simple way. She wished to finish her studies and build her grandmother's home. They enjoy that day as if they were the only children in the centre. They played, laughed and ate the snacks and drinks. Clara felt like it was the Christmas days when her grandmother was still alive. At that point Rowena was attacked by the fear of the unknown. A flashback of the past events crossed her mind and her heart sank with an immediate despair. She was scared to be happy because of the things that happened in the past. She would be happy then later it would end in tears. The thought of losing Clara brought her a panic attack. She was going to lose her anyway because Clara was leaving the following year. The only consolation she got was that Clara promised to visit her during holidays.

Clara's support kept her going during those last months and she was working hard to impress her. It was her first time in ages to get attention from someone. There was no way that she could let that slip away hence she decided to work hard for it. Having someone complementing her or give a hand when she needed to be lifted was not something to be taken for granted. She liked Clara with all her heart. Even if she got in a row with the matron, she would run to Clara for comfort. Clara would make her feel better and later they would laugh about it. She was gradually healing from the losses she suffered and was gaining her confidence back. This made her to gain some glow in her appearance. She was no longer that crusty girl she used to be. She was no longer receiving some nasty remarks about her looks and odd character rather she was adjusting well to the new life in a new environment and was beginning to fit in. She did not mine the few who were still reminding her about her old self. She was trying by all means to keep a positive attitude. And that worked well for her. She was now able to socialize without feeling odd among other children. She had gained do much confidence.

Clara was pleased that she turned out to be a fine young girl. She urged her to make some friends do that she would not feel alone when she (Clara) left the centre. They started by inviting young girls who were the same age as Rowena to play with them. Some came along while others weren't keen to socialize with them. One if those who came along to play was a black girl called Thobekile. She was a sweet young girl who was quiet like the way Rowena used to be. Rowena and Thobekile got along like they knew each other before. Though Thobekile was frail as she was asthmatic, she was kind and always smiling. Rowena felt comfortable to be around her. Thobekile was not participating in any sporting activity because of her condition. Because of that the matron was always keeping an eye on her. Rowena would get a reprimand, should the matron found out they were playing in the cold or running around chasing each other. So, Rowena had to be careful when she was playing with Thobekile. Thobekile wanted to play freely like other children but her health condition did not allow her to be. Sometimes she would forget that she was sick. She would play like others then her condition would stop her. There were times she even landed in hospital. She would fight for her life until she became better. Then she would be forbidden to run around with Rowena. Then Clara would be there for her. They would play together like they used to. When Thobekile recovered, she would join them and become a happy threesome.