Chapter 11: 10.
A FACE IN THE CROWD
10.
"Hi," I said, opening the door for Katlego.
"Hi," he replied, smiling.
"Let me get Prestige," I said, turning to leave.
But Katlego's next question caught me off guard.
"How are you today?" he asked, his eyes genuine.
I felt a lump form in my throat. No one had asked me that in ages. I didn't want to break down in front of him.
"I... uh..." I stuttered, quickly escaping to find Prestige.
I knocked on her door, but it was open. She wasn't inside.
Next, I checked Mom's room. She was fast asleep.
I searched the entire house, but Prestige was nowhere to be found.
Fuming, I returned to Katlego.
"She's not home. I don't know her whereabouts," I admitted.
Katlego raised an eyebrow.
"Can't you call her on the phone?" he asked, nodding toward my phone.
"I... I don't have her contact," I muttered.
Katlego's expression turned skeptical.
"Your sister's contact? That's... surprising."
"I just got the phone," I explained.
"Don't you have her contact?" I countered.
"No, I don't," Katlego replied.
"How can you not have your friend's contact?" I asked.
"She's not my friend," Katlego clarified. "I only agreed to help because of you."
"Me?" I repeated, taken aback.
"For the sake of our good days as friends," Katlego said, his eyes softening.
"Oh..." I trailed off, unsure what to say.
Katlego's words stirred something within me. Did he really agree to tutor Prestige just for me?
The silence between us grew, filled with unspoken questions.
Finally, Katlego spoke up.
"I should go. Please let Prestige know I came by."
"Okay... sorry," I stammered.
Katlego smiled and turned to leave.
"Take care, Precious," he said over his shoulder.
I watched him go, my emotions swirling. Why did his concern feel like a lifeline?
.
.
Minutes passed, and another knock at the door broke the silence. I hesitated, knowing Mom's mood after being woken from her nap.
I opened the door to find Katlego standing there, his warm smile a contrast to my apprehensive mood.
"I think I'll need your number," he said, his eyes sparkling.
"Why?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
"So this today's situation doesn't repeat itself," he explained. "I'll call you before coming to confirm Prestige is available."
I nodded, making sense of his logical request.
As I dialed his number, the ringing tone captivated me. It was soothing, like a gentle melody.
Katlego chuckled. "You like the song, huh?"
I blushed, caught in the act. "Yeah..."
He smiled knowingly.
"Can I get a glass of water?" Katlego asked.
"Sure," I replied, fetching him water in our visitor's glass.
"Thanks," he said, taking a sip.
As he prepared to leave for the second time that day, his parting words stunned me.
"You look beautiful."
My heart skipped a beat. Me and beautiful in the same sentence? That was a first.
I blushed, speechless.
Katlego's smile lingered as he turned to leave.
I stood frozen, replaying his words in my mind.
For the first time, someone saw me as beautiful.
Not just my face, but my entire being.
The worn denim jeans shorts and light pink crop top, once Prestige's rejects, now felt like treasures.
I recalled how Prestige discarded those clothes, labeling them "trash."
But Katlego saw past the second-hand garments.
He saw me.
As I finally moved from the spot, my reflection caught my eye.
The girl staring back looked different.
Confidence bloomed within me, like a flower unfolding its petals.
Katlego's words became my mantra: "You look beautiful."
I smiled, feeling beautiful, inside and out.
.
.
My conversation with Tshepo flowed effortlessly, filling my day with laughter and inspiration.
"Hey, want to see my latest art piece?" I asked, excited to share.
"Of course!" he replied.
I sent him pictures of my unfinished work, and his enthusiastic response put a smile on my face.
"This is stunning! You're talented, Precious."
Tshepo opened up about his life, sharing stories about his studies at the University of Botswana.
"I'm pursuing architecture," he said. "I love sketching building plans and designing spaces."
His passion resonated with me.
"I can relate," I said. "Art is my escape."
Tshepo's laughter filled the chat.
"We're kindred spirits!" he joked.
Our conversation meandered through life's ups and downs, and I found myself comfortable sharing my thoughts with him.
When Tshepo asked for a selfie, I hesitated for a moment before sending one.
"Beautiful!" he exclaimed, making it his profile picture.
"It looks more pleasant than my cartoons," he quipped.
His humor had me giggling throughout the day.
As the conversation unfolded, I realized I enjoyed Tshepo's company.
No labels, no expectations.
Just genuine connection.
Tshepo's kindness and understanding were a balm to my soul.
"Thanks for being an awesome friend, Tshepo," I said.
"Anytime, Precious," he replied. "You're amazing."
As I drifted off to sleep, Tshepo's words lingered.
Maybe, just maybe, I'd found people who saw me, truly saw me.
And that thought filled my heart with warmth.
.
.
The next morning, I woke up to a delightful surprise. A Facebook notification popped up on my screen - a message from a stranger, inquiring about purchasing my sunset painting!
"Hi Precious, I saw your sunset painting on Facebook and I absolutely love it! Would you be willing to sell it?" she asked.
My heart skipped a beat. My first potential client!
I nervously replied, "Yes, I'd be happy to sell it!"
We chatted back and forth, discussing details like price, size, and shipping.
I realized I had no idea how to package and deliver artwork.
Google became my best friend. I frantically searched for tips on packaging artwork, wrapping techniques, and delivery options.
After hours of research, I felt more confident.
Next, I contacted a local delivery company, requesting their services.
They sent over a detailed memo outlining their rates, packaging requirements, and delivery timelines.
I studied the memo carefully, ensuring I understood every step.
With the logistics sorted, I returned to my excited buyer.
"Packages will be securely wrapped and delivered via [Delivery Company]. Estimated delivery time is 3-5 business days," I informed her.
She agreed, and we finalized the sale.
I couldn't believe it. My art, which once brought me solace in dark times, was now bringing joy to someone else.
As I carefully wrapped the painting, Tshepo's words echoed in my mind: "You're talented, Precious."
This sale validated my passion.
I was an artist.
And I had a buyer waiting for her new treasure.
With renewed enthusiasm, I labeled the package and scheduled the pickup.
As I watched the delivery person drive away with my artwork, a sense of pride swelled within me.
My art was spreading wings.
And I was ready to soar.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone