8.

A FACE IN THE CROWD

8.

"Hey, so you're just going to leave without me?" Katlego asked, falling into step beside me.

"What's it to you?" I replied, trying to brush him off.

"What have I done wrong? Is it your boyfriend? Did he tell you to stop talking to me?" Katlego asked, his voice laced with concern.

"What boyfriend?"I ask.

"Your sister said you visited your boyfriend last Saturday when I came by," Katlego said, his eyes narrowing.

Wait, she really said that? When she told me she said that to him I thought she was probably kidding. I didn't know she'll really say something like this. This girl is something else.

I didn't even have a friend and now I'm going to lie that I have a boyfriend?

"Um, yes, I was at my boyfriend's," I said, trying to sound convincing.

"Is the boyfriend's house a Mascom building or does he work there?" Katlego asked, his tone skeptical.

"He... uh... works there," I stuttered, realizing I was digging myself into a hole. He probably saw me at Mascom that Saturday. He knows I'm lying. I didn't really lie, I'm going on with my sister's lie.

"I waited for six hours. I knew your sister was lying. You've never mentioned your boyfriend before, and I kinda wanted to see him, so I followed you," Katlego admitted, his eyes locked on mine.

"That's called stalking!" I exclaimed, taking a step back.

"I know, but I couldn't help it. I was kind of jealous," Katlego said, his voice low.

"Jealous? Of what?" I asked, incredulous.

"Of you spending time with someone else," Katlego replied, his eyes flashing with emotion.

Katlego:"I don't like this avoiding thing you're doing to me. You should at least tell me why you're doing this."

I can't...

Katlego:"Is it me? Did I do anything wrong?"

I nodded no.

Katlego:"Then, what is it? "

I still can't tell him that I'm foolishly doing this because of my sister and some school bullies.

Katlego:"Wait, was it those girls?"

I gasp.

Katlego:"it's definitely them!"

"This is ridiculous," I said, throwing up my hands. "I don't want anything to do with you anymore, Katlego. I can't stand your personality."

"My personality?" Katlego repeated, his voice hurt.

"Yes, you don't give me breathing space. You're literally everywhere, and you just admitted to stalking me. I'm scared of you," I said, my voice rising.

Onlookers were starting to stare, and I felt my face heat up with embarrassment. I knew I didn't mean what I said, but I wanted Katlego to leave me alone.

.

.

As I stood at the sink, scrubbing away at the dishes, I couldn't shake off the memory of Katlego's hurtful look. His eyes had seemed to bore into my soul, filled with a mix of sadness and anger. And then, he'd said "I'm sorry" and just left me standing there, alone and confused.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, the wind knocked out of me. I trudged home, my feet heavy with emotion, and rushed to my room, locking the door behind me. I let out all the tears I'd been holding back, sobbing uncontrollably into my pillow.

It felt like a breakup, though I'd never experienced one before. But now I knew the pain and emptiness that came with it. My inspiration to paint was gone, blocked by the turmoil in my mind. I skipped dinner with my family, not wanting to face anyone or make small talk.

No one seemed to notice my absence, or maybe they just didn't care. I did my chores mechanically, then retreated to my bed, curling up under the blankets and letting sleep wash over me.

But now, on Tuesday morning, I had to drag myself out of bed and face the day. The exams were coming up next week, and I couldn't afford to miss school. I got dressed and ready, my heart still heavy with emotion, and headed to school with a sense of dread.

With the mid-year exams looming, I knew I had to buckle down and study harder than ever. My goal was to achieve top-notch BGCSE results, which would make me eligible for a university scholarship. I was determined to secure a spot at a local university, knowing that the government offers scholarships to high-achieving students.

My motivation went beyond just academic success. I had a personal reason to excel - my parents' plans to marry me off to an old man. The thought sent shivers down my spine. I knew I had to escape this fate, and education was my only hope.

I was aware that my parents wouldn't support my academic pursuits. They wouldn't pay a single pula for my tuition fees or even entertain the idea of me attending university. That's why I had to rely on a scholarship to fund my education.I poured all my energy into studying, determined to make it happen.The government's scholarship program was my only hope.

.

.

.

I sank back into my familiar solitude, surrounded by the dull hum of the classroom. My desk, once shared with Katlego's laughter and conversations, now felt empty and isolating. I studied alone, my books my only companions.

Katlego respected my wishes, giving me space, but it wasn't what I truly desired. I yearned for his friendship, his warm smile, and our carefree chats. However, I couldn't risk jeopardizing my fragile peace at home and school.

This week, Katlego's friendship with Prestige's clique cut deep. He'd spend lunch breaks with them, laughing and joking, while I sat alone, struggling to focus on my studies.

Prestige, in particular, seemed to relish her newfound connection to Katlego. She'd follow him everywhere, giggling and flirting shamelessly. Her constant mentions of Katlego at home made my heart ache.

"Mom, Katlego said this," or "Katlego did that." She'd boast about her "boyfriends," always dropping Katlego's name. I felt like she was intentionally rubbing salt in my wounds.

The midterm break arrived quickly, a welcome reprieve from the tension. Before leaving school, I decided to send Katlego a gift – the painting I'd done of him.

With trembling hands, I dropped the painting on his class table and watched from afar as he discovered it. His face lit up with a radiant smile as he admired my work. For a fleeting moment, I felt happy, motivated.

As he gazed at the painting, his eyes sparkled with appreciation. He looked up, searching for someone, and our eyes met. For an instant, I thought I saw a glimmer of understanding, a spark of connection.

Katlego's smile lingered in my mind as I walked away, leaving me with mixed emotions. I couldn't help but wonder if I'd made a mistake by pushing him away.

The break ahead seemed daunting, a stretch of empty days without Katlego's gentle presence. But I knew I had to stay strong, focus on my studies, and protect myself from the complexities of relationships.

As I stepped out of the school gates for the midterm break, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenges ahead. Little did I know, the midterm break held its own surprises, waiting to unravel the delicate threads of my life.

.

.

My mom casually dropped the bombshell at home that Katlego would be Prestige's new tutor, leaving me stunned and anxious about having him over regularly.