Chapter 8: 7.
A FACE IN THE CROWD
7.
As I continued to post my artwork on Facebook, the comments and likes poured in, filling me with a sense of purpose. I had always known I was talented, but now I had proof that others saw it too.
I looked around my room, where many of my original paintings hung on the walls. Some were from years ago, while others were more recent. I realized that I had a treasure trove of art just waiting to be shared with the world.
With newfound determination, I decided that my mission was to gain recognition for my talent. I wanted to show the world what I could do, and I was willing to work hard to make it happen.
I started posting more frequently, sharing my art with a wider audience. I experimented with different styles and techniques, pushing myself to grow and improve. And with each post, the feedback and encouragement grew, fueling my passion and drive.
I felt like I had finally found my calling, and I was eager to see where this journey would take me. I was no longer just a shy, introverted girl with a talent for art; I was an artist on a mission to make my mark on the world.
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For the first time in as long as I could remember, I dreaded going to school. The thought of facing Katlego and having to avoid him because of my deal with Prestige filled me with anxiety. I didn't want to lose my only friend, but I also didn't want to go back on my word.
As I lay in bed, trying to muster up the courage to face the day, I heard a knock on my door. It was Prestige, telling me that Dad was taking us to school in his old farm truck. I was surprised to be included, as Dad usually only drove Prestige and Princess to school.
I got dressed and dragged myself to the truck, wondering why Dad was being so nice to me all of a sudden. As we drove to school, I couldn't help but think about Katlego and how I was going to avoid him. I felt trapped and unsure of what to do.
When we arrived at school, I lagged behind, trying to gather my thoughts before facing Katlego. But as I walked into class, I saw him smiling at me, oblivious to the deal I had made with Prestige. My heart sank, and I felt like I was stuck between a rock and a hard place.
I rushed out of the classroom, desperate to escape the awkwardness of facing Katlego. But, as fate would have it, I was confronted with an even more unpleasant situation. The trio of bullies, Neo, Nala and Mpho stood before me, their sneers and snickers filling the air.
Nala, the ringleader, taunted me, "Look who we have here! The little artist thinks she's too good for us!" Her voice dripped with malice, and I could feel my heart racing with anxiety.
Neo and Mpho closed in, forming a semi-circle around me, trapping me. I tried to stand my ground, but my legs felt like jelly. I knew I had to think fast, or I'd become their latest target.
"What do you want, Neo?" I tried to sound brave, but my voice trembled slightly. I glanced around, hoping to find an escape route or someone to intervene, but the hallway was empty. I was on my own. Everyone is at the assembly hall.
I stood alone in the empty hallway, facing the trio of bullies. The entire school was gathered at the assembly hall, oblivious to my predicament. I wished someone was there to witness my ordeal, but deep down, I knew it wouldn't have made a difference.
Mpho, Nala, and Neo were furious with me for avoiding them for a whole term, which meant they had to do their own assignment and project work. Mpho, always the most aggressive, was the first to lash out. She slapped me, and I fell to the ground.
"How could you, a smelling pig like you, even dream of dating her man?" Mpho spat, referring to Nala's boyfriend. I was confused - I had no idea Nala was dating anyone, let alone that I was supposedly dating him too.
I pleaded with them, "Please, I didn't do anything! I'm not dating anyone. I'm telling the truth!" But Neo jumped in, "Then explain what you've been doing with Katlego for three months now."
Katlego again! He was the reason for all my troubles, it seemed. I thought I had a good reason to avoid him before, but now I had an even better one - to survive this school alive.
I promised the trio, "I'm not friends with him anymore. He's not my friend anymore. I stopped talking to him since last Friday." But just as I said that, Katlego appeared out of nowhere, and my heart sank.
He helped me up from the ground, but I quickly pushed him away, not wanting to give the trio any more ammunition. "What's happening here?" Katlego asked, looking at the trio with a mixture of confusion and concern.
The girls were speechless, a rare sight indeed. They exchanged nervous glances, but no one dared to explain the situation. I took advantage of the silence and made a run for it, rushing down to the assembly hall, eager to escape the drama.
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.
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I tried my best to avoid Katlego for the rest of the day, but it seemed like he was everywhere I went. He was in every class I attended, always finding a way to sit near me. His constant smiling was unnerving, but I refused to acknowledge him.
I ignored him, pretending he didn't exist. If he gestured for me to sit next to him in an empty chair, I'd quickly scan the room for another seat. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of thinking I wanted to be near him.
At first, it was just a few classes, but as the day went on, I realized Katlego was deliberately following me. He'd show up in the hallway, "accidentally" bumping into me, or "coincidentally" choosing the same table in the cafeteria.
I felt like I was being stalked, and it made my skin crawl. I tried to focus on my schoolwork, but Katlego's constant presence was distracting. I couldn't concentrate, and my mind kept wandering back to the trio's accusations and Katlego's suspicious behavior.
I wondered if he was trying to prove something - that we were friends, maybe, or that he had some sort of claim on me. Whatever his motives, I was determined to avoid him at all costs.
Katlego:"So you're going to leave without me?"
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