You will not disgrace me: A Short Story

‘You will not disgrace me!’

You might have heard this phrase from your Nigerian mother as you attempted to leave home in a mini skirt. The year was 2006, and everyone at school was wearing fitted mini skirts with splits on both sides.

This was the year you finally decided to go against her and purchase one. And here she was yet again, making this all about her.

That morning, you had planned to change into it on the way to school, but you heard the front door slam and assumed your mother had left for work. How were you to know that she had just popped into the local shop to buy some milk?

Her harsh gasp was what made you aware that you had been caught in the act.

‘Bimpe, how long have I told you I have eyes and ears planted across this street?’ Her hands are now waving all around, and you look down. ’Did you really think you would get away with going out like this?’ She gestures to your exposed thighs.

‘Oya! Go back inside and change!’

And with that, you flounce back into your room and wear the unfashionable long pleated skirt you have hated with every ounce of your being since your mother gave it to you.

Now she’s waiting by the door.

‘Hand it over!’

You open your bag and give the mini skirt to her, with hot tears streaming down your face. There goes your plan to wear it on the bus.

Later, as you go through the school gates, you look around at the girls all wearing the mini skirt standing a few yards away, their gaze in your direction, hands cupped around their mouths, whispering loudly.

‘That looks like what my gran would wear!’ says the one at the furthest end, looking steely in your direction.

No. This will not be the year you finally blend in.

Rolling your eyes and holding back tears for the second time that day, you muster the courage to walk away.

Thankfully, you’ll only have three more years to deal with these clowns.

Thanks for reading my short story. I hope you enjoyed it. I have many more where this came from, so look through the blog and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.