Rise of the Phoenix

The new day dawns and, as usual, mom wakes me up early like she promised. I guess I will always wake up early, even after I've moved out. My mom has my internal clock trained for days. I get ready for the day and we hop into the car. I've been begging mom to tell me where we're going but she won't say anything. I guess this has something to do with Uncle Morgan because she's never this excited about nothing. We head out on highways and deserted dirt roads, the ride is friggin' long and I want to get out and stretch my legs but she won't let me. I hope we aren't headed to the rural parts of the country... I'm not dressed for humble experiences.

We drive up to the Kruger National Park, so I assume we're checking out animals today. I see Uncle Morgan's car parked outside and the first thing my younger brother does is run towards it to greet Uncle Morgan. Those two have always been close and after Papa died they grew even closer (what with Uncle Morgan coming over more often than before). I'm starting to think that my mom and Morgan have planned their relationship long before Papa's death. Consider the sudden move to Sandton, the constant visits from Uncle Morgan and his proposal to me about dating my mom again. I can't say this wasn't planned but I can't prove that either.

I have my morning face on, and Uncle Morgan pays me a compliment, telling me I look beautiful. Papa never said that to me, ever. Hearing this from Uncle Morgan made me feel a bit better about the early-morning situation, so I warmed up to the idea of a safari with these guys. We get our admin sorted out and hop into Uncle Morgan's Q7 and drive off. This is the exciting part because I've been meaning to take pictures of wild animals up close. I remember coming here with the family while Papa was around but we never got to go on safari because Papa thought it was expensive. Anyway, the sun's starting to rise and the animals show up finally.

A pride of lions pass by the car, with the alpha male staring head-on at the car. The lionesses and cubs walk across. The alpha male gives a small growl before walking off behind his pride. I took pictures throughout the whole thing, it was beautiful to see. There's nothing like being in nature and observing the beautiful things God has created. These are some of the things that make me want to just give God praise for, because He is amazing! Some Vervet monkeys are swinging between the trees and catching rides on the top of the car. My brother is beyond scared right now because he thinks they'll break the window and try to steal the sandwich he's eating. I swear this kid can be a ditz sometimes...

The sun has almost fully risen and I see the most beautiful thing ever! Asked Uncle Morgan to stop the car and come out with me because I had to get up close to this. A herd of elephants were feeding from a Marula tree and drinking from the river. One thing you should know about me is I LOVE elephants. Their grace and majestic presence is overwhelming. I have been begging my mom to get me this portrait of a herd of elephants running in a river. It looks amazing but for R5500 I guess I'll settle for just begging for it.

Uncle Morgan takes out the video recorder and encourages me to move closer to the herd to take a picture of it. He is just as excited as I am about this, and asks me to take as many pictures as I can and he'll get them enlarged and framed for me (isn't he the sweetest?) I get as close as I can to the herd and take spectacular pictures of the herd. The elephant bull turns to look at uncle Morgan and I, raises his trunk and flaps his ears. It's the most beautiful thing I've seen! So we hop back into the car and drive along.

Two hours pass and we've seen many other animals. We head back to the chalet we've hired out for the day and retire. I'm in the lounge with uncle Morgan and he switches the TV off to talk about something important.

Uncle Morgan: " 'Sego, there's something I wanted to talk to you about. "

Me: " Shoot, I'm all ears. "

Uncle Morgan: " Your mother told me about the conversation you had with her last night. I understand both your concerns, which is why I want to give her this... "

He pulls out a red suede jewellery box from Browns Jewelry... Lord, tell me this isn't so...

To be continued...