Being Infamous

I'm not an A+ Writer but I feel a supreme presence guiding me.

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Dedicated to my lovely grandmother Brenda Gaskins and Sister Lucy-Amy, Susan, and Becca. For everyone who has helped me through too... Love you all!

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The first time I saw Taylor Jade was in Kenya.

"See man! Taylor Jade is the most beautiful and the Top artist in the world. Have you heard of her latest release Anti-hero and Lavender Maze? Manjie! Aren't you listening?"

Yes, there was nothing bout Taylor that passed my sight, damn, I'm her top fan bro! But, on that day, I confess.

I was surprised to see her in a Mall around Westlands buying ground nuts and a packet of Swazi Bhajia.

In less than 2 minutes, I had overcome my stupor and shamelessly ran over for her autograph, stuttering. But she just stood there with an eye on me, I felt confused. Did I mistake a person? I couldn't be wrong, she had to be Taylor, my diva.

"Hi. Who are you?" She suddenly spoke softly, creating a tsunami of anxiety that twist my intestines, poking my legs weak.

I had to introduce myself. It even surprised me more when I saw her smile, touch my smooth chin and make gaze at me. I wondered why she looked somehow shy, had she fallen for me, I'm I that handsome? It can't be! Time paused as an invisible tie wrapped my heart to hers. I could feel what we shared, adoration.

That's when I remembered what a fortune teller had read in my palm. I was destined to be famous. Everything was happening so fast, now I stood in front of a stall with her hand on me. She seemed to be thinking over something before she got a bit excited and bent on her knee.

"Will you...."

Instantly, before she could finish her request, a swarm of more than ten journalists with cameras came out of nowhere and began to cover the drama between me and my Taylor Jade.

Dude... I'm Famous now.

This was the first time in my life facing a press. I felt confused as a downpour of questions befell. The cameras and mics, all made me confused and blank. I could see Taylor Jade's displeasure from the edge of my eye. She looked horrified as she tried to make her way out of the lock. Kenyan journalists are ridiculous, all the time they did been hiding, spying on the lady doing her shopping while waiting for a moment to strike. What if she had not proposed to me? Well, not like she proposed but I think she was going to ask for my hand in marriage.

Damn Journalists! They spoiled my luck. My face got printed all over the magazine and my life was exposed. From China to America, Everyone said Taylor's new boyfriend was Kenyan. I got the fame though, but I lacked the opportunity to spend time with my diva.

I don't even remember admitting their speculations but I read in a magazine published the day after that that I had known Taylor Jade for a year. It was even quoted in bold italic words with my name pinned under a picture of Taylor touching my chin.

"Despite the long-distance relationship, our love has never faded."

phew! That old Diviner must have played around with karma. My friends worshipped me calling me Mr. Taylor, when did she marry me? I don't even know where she lives dude! Sometimes I sit alone in my room and wonder how it happened. Was I the only person brave enough to approach her first?

It has been 2 days since that incident, I keep strolling around Westland, searching for my diva but I've never seen her. All the news about Taylor Jade's secret vacation to Kenya had also gone silent as a more horrific story slapped Kenyans.

On the 3rd of January,1400hrs, Taylor had a private VIP meeting in Berlin along with other stars. But on the same 3rd of January, I met Taylor in Kenya around 1400hrs. The news from Europe was mocking as Kenyans were under pressure to prove Taylor's) existence at that time.

I even got questioned by CIDs and newspersons to expose the secret identity of the person who resembled Taylor. Now what had been printed turned into ridicule as my Fame got more infamous, scandalous to be precise.

I wish to wake up from this dream, but I can't change my fate. How was I going to explain that I've never said anything about being Taylor Jade's boyfriend? No one believed me. They said there was a conspiracy in my act with my so-looking Taylor Jade. Media claimed that I belonged to a clan, that could craft a very authentic mask.

It was on this day, the 5th of January that everything changed for good. Taylor Jade decided to meet me in person. The news about me was all over the internet, I was the first Kenyan to prove his love for Taylor. But I think what they needed most from me is the person behind the mask.

"I don't know who she was," I repeated as a secret agent left me to meet Taylor. Her appearance was a bit stirred and serious as she walked up to me again.

I was seated around a glass table in the center of a lavish room prepared for Taylor's stay. My eyes never left Taylor Jade's body as she sat across and stretched her hand out for me. A couple of security guards stood by the door eavesdropping as Taylor began a chat with me. I guarantee this Taylor Jade was different from the Westland one, she didn't even show any sign of admiration in me as she asked about my hobbies and profession... We talked and talked, keeping the conversation decent until she left the room after dropping a $ 50 billion cheque for me.

"Go help your family." She said as she showed no more interest in me. I didn't even get a picture with her this time as I walked out of the hotel, the cheque now safe in my pocket.

So my goddess just takes her fan for granted? But she does care at least. I pulled out the cheque and gasped as I sprang towards Ecobank along mhindi lane. I couldn't stop shivering as I thought of the money to be transferred into my empty bank account. My mother too will be cured of her turmoil and my siblings will go back to school. I fantasized about everything I will do including buying my girlfriend a new pair of shoes.

I was still an icon in the world of celebrities as I pushed past yet other journalists pledging for my time. I had no time for them, I didn't even flinch as I pushed a slim ebony lady to the ground and hurriedly dashed into Ecobank. Whatever they say, I had to stick to the slogan,- don't give a f***.

My $ 50 billion soon turned real as the cheque got accepted and my phone beeped. $ 50 billion had been accredited to my account. My glee was visible as I tried to hide my smile but failed. I didn't even spend any more seconds in the bank other than rushing back home.

Nothing of me was secret anymore. Halfway home I could read through the Nissan window, my picture high on LCD news feeders on the buildings. It had been exposed that Taylor Jade had donated huge money to her fan. I looked around the Nissan and saw most of the passengers had yet to recognize me under my hood but a huge heat had surged. The media had no information about the total sum of money but they still referred to the donation to be numerous.

This made me hit billboards, I'm among the top three billionaires in Kenya and the whole of Africa. Thanks to my Idol for being so generous. In fact, I even felt like I should alight from the public Nissan and go buy a brand new Mercedes but my spirit was not weaker than my body. So I just sat nervously, thinking of how I should use the money as the Nissan arrived in our town.

My girlfriend Lynn had long been waiting for me at the bus stop. I remember the first day I met her, She was lost and cold wandering the streets at night. I sheltered her secretly in our house always stealing some food for her before we got discovered. Thankfully my impoverished parents took her in and helped her get back to her feet with the little capital they had.

I smiled as I welcomed her cozy body tightly as she hug me. This time I felt her warm chest pressing hard on me as she dared not to let go of me. It has been 4 days since I left for Nairobi for my UK Visa Interview.

"You are so famous." she praised me as she pecked my cheek and dragged me away from the highway. From her talk, I knew she had already seen the news and was expecting a festive dinner too.

"Sweetheart, You have not even bought anything for me?" Lynn asked as she saw a news pop on her phone. "Hmm, so your crush bribed you?" Her tone changed as I twisted my arm in hers and took her to the ATM. It was no secret anymore, I will just spoil her too. I smiled as I showed her my bank account balance while I processed a $500,000 withdrawal right there on the spot.

"Manjie My Love!" I heard her gasp as I piled my money into a sack.

I bet being a Taylor fan was not for today for I didn't even think of Taylor but Lynn as I hired an Uber for a drive into town.