Chapter 24: 23
A FACE IN THE CROWD
23.
That night, I gathered courage and sent Katlego a breakup text.
"I want a breakup. I no longer want anything with you. I've found someone new."
Less than 30 minutes passed before my phone rang nonstop.
I couldn't answer; the guilt was suffocating.
I switched it off, silencing the persistent ringing.
Mom intervened.
"Precious, Katlego's at the door. It's 11 pm!"
"Don't open for him," I pleaded.
Mom's frustration grew.
"Tell him to stop knocking!"
I called Katlego.
"Hey baby, I'm at the door."
"It's late, Katlego. Go home."
"I need to clarify something. Did I do wrong?"
"It's over, Katlego. Please go home. My mom's pissed..."
Katlego refused.
"Fuck your mom; I won't leave till you say it to my face."
Mom pressured me.
"Precious, what's happening? I need sleep."
I wiped away tears and stepped outside.
Prestige's voice shocked me.
"She's not worth it; she's a gold digger, sucking on Meetsi Mokotso."
How could Prestige lie?
I almost rushed out to defend myself but decided against it.
Katlego sounded torn. Maybe it's for the better.
"Meetsi Mokotso? That's him?"
Prestige fueled the fire.
"He takes her out, sometimes till morning."
Katlego's doubt hurt.
"I don't believe you. I'll hear it from her." I'm touched at how much he trusts me.
Prestige persisted.
"Leave her be for tonight. Mom's calling the po-po."
Katlego vowed.
"I'll be back in the morning."
I waited behind the door until he left.
Prestige re-entered, shocked to see me.
Fury consumed me.
I slapped her.
"I hate that we share the same womb; you're the devil's advocate."
Leaving Prestige stunned, I returned to my room for another breakdown.
I woke up with a pounding migraine, last night's thoughts still weighing heavily.
"I've had enough," I decided.
It was time to leave home.
At 18, I knew it wouldn't be easy, but this house hadn't felt like home for ages.
Downstairs, my family was having breakfast.
Mom and Dad sat at the dining table, Prestige busy with the washing machine I'd bought.
Princess hid behind her screen, already isolated.
"Mom, Dad, I think it's time I left home," I announced.
Dad's eyebrows rose.
"Why's that?"
Mom's concern was palpable.
"Where will you go? You don't know anyone."
I took a deep breath.
"This house hasn't been home to me for ages. I've been pretending, but nobody likes me or wants me around. That's fine. I need to focus on myself now. I'm 18, an adult with emotions. I'll do just fine alone."
Princess sniped from behind her screen.
"Don't mind her, Dad. Let her leave .She's proud and ungrateful because of her money. She thinks she's now better than all of us."
My anger flared.
"Well, I'm better than you, Princess. You live like your name – useless and lazy. You forget Mom and Dad aren't royals. No one wants a lazy person like you. I've got my results; I did better than you'll ever dream. I excel in my passion and talent. That's why you suck up to me, begging for money every goddamn time because Dad's not working and you have no one to sponsor your laziness. I'll like to see how you'll survive for once without any help!"
My outburst ended with.
"I'm leaving this house!"
I rushed outside, flagging a cab to the studio.
Eleanor, my manager, would help me find a small apartment with a personal studio.
We had sufficient funds now.
"I need a new start," I thought.
No more toxic family dynamics.
No more Pretence.
Just me, my art, and freedom.
The cab ride felt liberating.
.
.
.
I'm busy at the studio, just lazing around. There's nothing interesting to do. Meetsi is nowhere to be found. It's one of those days when he disappears to the unknown.
Luciana: "Miss Precious, there's someone here to see you."
Me: "I'm coming." I drop my brushes, wipe my hands, and change my work apron. It's probably an art enthusiast. They come most days demanding for either Meetsi or me.
Our eyes meet; he had black eyes showing he hasn't slept. I know I messed him up, but it's for the good.
Me: "Katlego?" He looks different... Messed up. He's someone who loves to impress me with his good fashion sense, but he's different today.
Kat: "Hi baby." He's still clinging to that endearment even though it's all over.
Me: "Come in." I'm inviting him into the studio because I don't want Luciana prying into my personal life. She still doesn't like me, nor do I.
Kat: "So this is what Meetsi's studio looks like in reality? I've never been invited over"
And it's more sad to watch him touch and admire all these beauties now.
Kat: "It's very big. Like a hall."
Me: "What do you want, Katlego?"
Kat: "I thought I was 'baby' to you."
Me: "Look, I'm sorry Kat, but it's what it is. Life goes on! I'm almost breaking down, but it takes everything in me to say this."
Katlego: "Well, it doesn't go on for me. I just don't understand, Precious. One minute you were in my hands, enjoying our body entanglement, and then the next moment you're done... I need a valid explanation. I don't understand any of these..."
Me: "I met someone else..."
Katlego: "Meetsi?" He interrupts me.
Me: "Yeah." I whispered. I couldn't be loud with that. If Meetsi finds out I lied with his name, I may tint our relationship.
Meetsi: "Precious, since when do we invite people into our studio?" Speaking of the devil, he's here and sees Katlego with me.
Katlego: "So this is the Meetsi you're leaving me for? I see you're not over your Daddy issues, Precious. You're now dating a man old enough to be your grandfather because you're stupid and... a whore!"
What??? That's not my Katlego speaking.
Meetsi: "Watch your mouth, boy."
Katlego: "You know what? You two deserve each other. To hell with y'all!!!" He bangs the door as he leaves.
I didn't realize I was a crying mess till Meetsi holds me while consoling me.
Meetsi: "It's okay."
Me: "I'm so sorry for the misunderstanding, Meetsi. I didn't mean for you to be disrespected. Please forgive me."
Meetsi: "It's all okay. I think you should go home. Take a few days off to refuel your energy. You'll need it. And express yourself more in your drawings. Paint your emotions out."
I nod and shamefully leave for home.
TWO WEEKS LATER...
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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