Chapter 5: 4.
A FACE IN THE CROWD
4.
I lay in bed, feeling miserable and sorry for myself. Why was I always treated like this? Why did I always feel like I wasn't good enough? I thought about all the times Prestige had belittled me, all the times my parents had ignored me or dismissed my feelings. I felt like I was invisible, like I didn't matter.
As I drifted off to sleep, I cried, feeling hopeless and alone. The next morning, I woke up feeling sick and feverish. I didn't have the energy to get out of bed, let alone go to school. I lay there, feeling sorry for myself, until noon when my fever finally broke.
I slowly got out of bed and made my way to the sitting room, hoping to find some peace and quiet. But instead, I was met with my parents' voices, discussing my future as if I wasn't even a person.
Dad:"...after her form 5, she will marry Poppie Tebogo," my dad said, his voice filled with excitement. "We've discussed her dowry already. He's willing to pay more than I expected."
My mom chimed in, "Precious is one lucky girl. Poppie Tebogo is a renowned farmer in this town. She should be happy there."
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Me? Marry Poppie Tebogo? That old toothless snake with sixteen wives and millions of children all over Gaborone? I would never agree to that. I would rather die than be married off to that old snake.
I felt a wave of anger and determination wash over me. I would not let my parents do this to me. I would not let them control my life. I would find a way to escape, to make my own choices and forge my own path. I would not be a pawn in their game of arranged marriages and dowries.
I knew better than to confront my parents. They thought they were doing what was best for me, but really, they were just trying to get rid of me. They'd always made it clear that I was the ugly duckling, the one who didn't measure up. I was sure that if it was Princess or Prestige, they would never even consider marrying them off to someone like Poppie Tebogo.
I quietly turned around and headed to the kitchen, trying not to draw attention to myself. I grabbed a bowl and some cereal, and then retreated back to my room. I'd eat alone, hidden away from the rest of the family. I didn't want them to know I was home, didn't want to face their pitying looks or condescending smiles.
The day dragged on slowly, each minute ticking by like an hour. I waited for what felt like an eternity for everyone to come home, for the noise and chaos to begin, so I could slip out unnoticed. But it was taking forever.
I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling like a prisoner in my own home. I couldn't wait to escape, to leave this all behind and start fresh. But for now, I was stuck, trapped in this room, waiting for the perfect moment to make my move.
.
.
.
"Precious, there's Katlego at the gate waiting for you," Prestige spat, her voice dripping with venom. I quickly got dressed in a fresh, clean dress and smoothed out my Afro, making sure I looked presentable. I even sprayed the perfume Katlego had given me, feeling a flutter in my chest.
As I came outside, I saw my mom engrossed in her favorite show with Princess, sipping fruit juice. Prestige was nowhere to be seen, but I knew she was lurking around somewhere. And then I spotted her, standing next to Katlego at the gate.
"Oh, there she is!" I thought to myself. I was surprised she was still here, considering she didn't want anyone to know we were related. Katlego greeted me with a simple "Hey," and I replied with a nervous "Hi." Prestige didn't budge, standing awkwardly close to us.
Katlego was still in his school uniform, and I assumed he had come straight from school. He asked me to accompany him to the side, his way of saying he wanted some privacy. But Prestige wasn't having it.
Prestige:"I thought you said you wanted to return a book you borrowed from her yourself?" she challenged, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. I knew she was trying to cause trouble, but I didn't know what she was getting at.
Katlego hesitated, looking uncomfortable.
Katlego:"Yeah, I did. But I also wanted to... uh... discuss something with Precious." He glanced at Prestige, who raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it.
I felt a surge of anxiety, wondering what Katlego really wanted to talk about. And why Prestige was being so nosy.
Prestige insisted on coming along, saying "Cause you're my sister! We're family." But I knew she was just trying to cause trouble.
I firmly told her, "There's no need for that. I'll take it from here, little sis."
I walked ahead, leaving her looking gloomy as she was forced to return to the house. She banged the gate as she entered, and I knew she'd make up some lies and report me to mom, getting me into trouble again.
As Katlego and I walked side by side, I felt eyes on us from the street. People were staring and pointing, probably surprised that an "ugly" girl like me had a handsome friend like Katlego. I felt a mix of emotions - embarrassment, anxiety, and a hint of pride.
Katlego asked, "I didn't know she's your sister." I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
"She's my baby sis," I said finally, trying to sound casual. It was the first time I'd ever referred to Prestige as my sister to anyone.
Katlego observed, "I can see y'all are not so close."
I couldn't deny it, but I didn't want to reveal the messy dynamics of my family either.
So I just said, "We're good. Siblings fight."
Katlego then said, " That's so true. You made my day boring and sad." I was taken aback. "How?" I asked. He explained, "You didn't come to school, and I lost my best friend and study buddy for a whole day. It's sad for me."
Best friend? That's all I was to him? I felt a pang of disappointment, but tried to brush it off.
"I'm sorry for that," I said.
Katlego waved it off.
Katlego :"There's no reason for that apology. I bet you had your reasons. It's the first time since I've known you. That brings me to the reason I visited... Why were you absent at school today?"
"I woke up sick"
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone