Chapter 4

Told you that I don’t like Rose, and I don’t want her near you,” said Emily, Beauty’s mother.

“What has Rose done to you that you hate her so much?” 

“Hey… you’re talking too much. Let’s go to school, and shut that mouth of yours,” Beauty’s mother said angrily.

Beauty was shocked and quickly kept quiet when she saw how angry her mother was.

Rose shouted Beauty’s name while standing next to the fence, but no one answered — Beauty had already left for school with her mother.

“Let me accompany you, my little girl,” said Rose’s mother, Merry. 

Rose was disappointed.

“Why did Beauty leave me today? Did I do anything to hurt her?” said Rose sadly.

“Don’t worry about why she left you. It’s not important. I’ll always accompany you if this keeps happening,” Merry said softly.

After school, Rose, Elisha, and Beauty walked home together. 

They were happy, talking about what they were going to play when they arrived home.

 Rose was surprised to find her uncle at her mother’s house.

Are you still sick? Where is Stompi?”

“No, Rose, don’t ask your uncle too many questions at once — greet him first,” said Rose’s mother.

“I’m sorry, Mom. It’s just that when I left my uncle yesterday, he was weak, and now I’m surprised to see him here.”

“Your uncle says he came here to pick you up. He doesn’t understand whether Stompi is sick… or Stompi is missing you,” Rose’s mother explained.

“Ohhh… I understand. Let me undress and eat,” Rose said while walking into the house, excited because she was going to see Stompi.

Rose’s uncle and Rose caught the bus at five o’clock. 

When they reached Peter’s house, the donkey saw them and stood up, happy to see Rose.

Rose ran toward the donkey quickly.

“My Stompi! Why were you sad? Were you missing me?” The donkey started wagging its tail.

Rose’s uncle called his wife. “Lucy, come and see!”

His wife rushed out. 

“Oh Rose, my child, you’re here. Look at this stupid donkey — it doesn’t seem to be the one that couldn’t stand up,” said Rose’s uncle, confused.

“I told you this donkey is not sick,” said Rose’s aunt with a smile. 

“What must I do? Rose lives far away, and I need to use the donkey,” said Rose’s uncle, disappointed.

“I cannot say anything,” said Rose’s aunt. 

Rose’s uncle was very worried and called his sister.

They decided that Rose should stay with him and attend school in his village.

They agreed to go ask for her transfer the next day. Rose’s uncle was happy.

He told Rose she would stay with him, and she was excited too. 

“Heee! I will see Stompi every day!”

Rose spread her arms wide and ran into the yard happily. 

Rose’s aunt was also happy because she had always wanted Rose to live with them — she didn’t have children.

The next day, Rose and her uncle went to school and found Rose’s mother waiting at the gate.

The principal was surprised. 

“Morning parents 

“Why are you here so early in the morning? Is there any problem?”

“How are you, sir? We are here to ask for Rose’s transfer. I want her to come live with me in Lowkraal,” said Rose’s uncle.

“No, that is impossible. You can’t take a transfer in July — the year is almost over.

And what makes you want to live with Rose now?” 

“I have only one donkey, and I lived with Rose for two weeks. Now the donkey doesn’t want me to ride it without Rose. 

I decided to live with Rose so I can use the donkey on Saturdays when Rose isn’t at school,” explained Rose’s uncle.

“I hear you,” said the principal. 

“Rose can travel to school every day by bus — I will pay for her. She is in the maths competition and she represents our school.”

“I don’t have a problem with what you’re saying. I don’t know about my sister,” Rose’s uncle said.

“I don’t mind either. It’s the middle of the year — transferring her will confuse her,” said Rose’s mother.

“Let’s leave so we don’t waste your time,” said Rose’s uncle and Rose’s mother as they walked out.

“Thank you for coming, and good luck,” said the principal with a smile.

 Rose’s mother and uncle parted ways.

Her mother went home, and her uncle went to his place. 

After school, the principal gave Rose money to pay for the bus. Rose was so happy she was running around.

Beauty shouted, “Rose! Rose! Why are you leaving today?”

 Rose stood still and answered,

“No friend, I’m not going home. I’m going to my uncle’s house. I’m going to stay there from today.”

Beauty became very sad. 

“Now who am I going to play with?”

“Don’t worry, friend — I’ll keep coming over the weekend,” said Rose.

Beauty started crying sadly because her best friend was now going to live with her uncle.

The next day Beuty saw the principal giving Rose.

“I saw the principal giving you money… for what?” asked Beuty sadly.

“Oh… the money is to pay for the bus,” said Rose.

“Why is the principal paying for you?” asked Beuty again. 

Rose remembered her mother telling her that if someone asks too many questions, she must not answer.

She immediately ignored Beuty. 

“I will see you, my friend. The bus will leave,” she said. 

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