MY 21ST BIRTHDAY

By: Priscilla Kachipapa Phiri

My eyes were locked on the plate of fried chicken I’d ordered. Drumsticks, burning hot, with a bottle of Coke beside me. I was laughing at myself for not asking for mild when a hard slap landed on my right cheek. Before I could look up or speak, another one hit my left.

“Where is Sam’s dad?” a woman in her late forties shouted. She wore a long, sleeveless dress that made her look pregnant, brand-new slip-ons, and carried an expensive handbag. Her hair and nails were flawless, like a boss lady’s.

“Who?” I choked out, still trying to swallow the spicy chicken.

“Stop pretending or I’ll beat the hell out of you, slut!” she screamed. I started trembling like I had a fever. My thoughts were a mess. She wouldn’t stop yelling. Every eye in the restaurant was on us. I wanted to die from the shame.

“Since you want to act dumb, look here. This is Sam’s dad,” she said, shoving her latest iPhone in my face. My stomach dropped. Round face, one-sided dimple, chocolate skin, beautiful smile. I knew exactly who he was.

“That’s Hanan,” I mumbled, covering my mouth. “Hanan Ishmael.” Before I could blink, her hands were around my throat.

“Why did you pretend not to know Sam’s dad? I’ll deal with you today,” she hissed, beating me now. A crowd formed around us. People watched. Some cheered, “Husband snatcher! Husband snatcher!” I was sobbing. Camera flashes went off left and right. No one stepped in. I’d never felt so alone or humiliated.

I’d always been an outcast. Growing up poor isn’t for the fainthearted. I know it’s no excuse for reckless choices, but if wishes were horses, I’d ride them every day. That’s been my motto: chase the horses that make sense. Primary and secondary school were tough, but I got through without a scandal. So I promised myself college would be different. A little fun, at least.

Kate, my roommate. Beautiful, free-spirited. My opposite. I loved her for it. She’d been my savior and my friend. Kate never lacked anything. She always got what she wanted, no matter what. I remember all the “uncles” she introduced when they visited on weekends. Most blurred together, but Hanan stood out. Maybe because he came around more than the rest. I didn’t judge how she made money — was I any different? I knew those “uncles” weren’t real uncles. Just a grown-up way of saying MG2.

Kate got me. She never judged me for who I was.

“Wonder! Wonderful! Hanan and I are taking you out for lunch on your birthday next weekend,” she said, buzzing with excitement.

“Wait, Kate. Thank you so much. But I have nothing to wear,” I said with a guilty smile.

“Don’t worry. You know I got you,” she said, pulling me into a hug.

Your girl, me, Wonderful, all dolled up. Beautiful dress, heels, hair, makeup. I looked like a princess in Kate’s clothes. I wished that moment could last forever. That was me riding my horses. Finally, with someone who understood me. That’s Kate. The one person who made me feel like I existed. Like I mattered.

Kate and Hanan left as fast as they came. Hanan got a call and they had to rush.

“Hope you enjoy yourself, Wonder. Sorry we have to run. Order anything. I’ll pay,” Kate said, pressing her card into my hand. I hugged her and thanked her for the treat.

How did I end up here? Today was supposed to be perfect. My 21st birthday. Not drowning in shame and tears. I wished Kate was here. She’d know what to do. She’d help me explain.

“Get over yourself and look here, slut!” Her voice snapped me back. “Isn’t that you and Sam’s dad today? You’re even wearing the same dress. Lie to me now, huh?” She paced like she’d just won. The picture on that iPhone was clear. Me and Hanan, side by side. But Kate was supposed to be on the other side. Why wasn’t she in the photo?

“Ma’am, ma’am, it’s not what you think,” I stammered. I knew it was over. The proof was right there. “Ma’am, the person who took that—” A slap cut me off.

It felt like I’d been stuck in that disgrace for hours. Through my tears, I scanned the room for a familiar face. Someone to save me. Someone to say the photo was wrong or cropped. Then, to my far right, I saw her. Kate. Our eyes locked. She gave me a cheesy smile. And disappeared into the crowd.