Chapitre 6: 5.
A FACE IN THE CROWD
5.
"I was sick"
As soon as I told Katlego that I was absent from school because of my sickness, his expression changed to one of concern.
Katlego:"You were sick? What happened? How? I didn't know. Of course ,there's no way to communicate with you. You don't own a phone. I don't know why an adult like yourself doesn't own a phone. This is the technology era. I'm really worried about you, Precious."
I was taken aback by his genuine concern. No one had ever worried about me like that before. Not even my parents. I felt a warmth in my heart, knowing that someone cared about my well-being. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of gratitude.
Katlego noticed my smile and asked, "You're smiling? I'm worried about you and you're smiling?"
I felt a little embarrassed, so I explained, "I'm sorry. It's just that it's the first time someone has worried about me."
Katlego looked puzzled.
Katlego:"Worried about you?" I nodded yes. He asked, "Don't your family worry about you?"
I didn't want to reveal the truth, so I lied, "They do. I meant someone else apart from family."
Katlego seemed to accept my answer and asked, "Don't you have friends?" I hesitated, feeling a little awkward.
"I have one friend."
I wanted to say that it was him, but I didn't have the courage.
Katlego said, "You should introduce us someday." I nodded, feeling a little shy.
Then Katlego asked about my health. "How's your health now? What's the ailment?"
I downplayed it, saying, "It's gone now. Just fever. But I'm alright now."
Katlego wasn't convinced.
Katlego :"Just because it's gone now doesn't mean it won't return again. You should've gone to the hospital and gotten diagnosed. Fever is a symptom of many serious illnesses. It could be something worse."
I agreed with him, but I knew I couldn't go to the hospital. My parents would never allow it, saying I was wasting money and seeking attention.
Katlego offered, "Tomorrow is the weekend. Can I come over to your place tomorrow and take you to the hospital myself?"
I finally accepted Katlego's offer to accompany me to the hospital, and he refused to take no for an answer. We chatted for a long time, enjoying each other's company until we reached the end of the road. Even though I told him I could go home alone, he insisted on walking me back. I was touched by his kindness.
As we stood outside my gate, Katlego handed me a notebook. "Here, I took notes for you. Today's subjects and study areas. I know you'll need them for your personal study." I was moved by his thoughtfulness.
Just as I thanked him and entered the house,my mom's harsh voice pierced the air. "The harlot is back!" I didn't realize she was referring to me until I saw my sisters staring at me weirdly. Mom's eyes blazed with anger.
"Where are you coming from, Precious?" she demanded.
"I went to get notes from a friend," I replied, trying to sound calm.
"A friend? Or your boyfriend?" Mom's voice rose. "You left your father's abode to visit a man in his house and lied to my face? The whole Gaborone knows you're an harlot!"
I stood there, speechless and terrified. I glanced at Prestige for help, but she smirked and continued clicking her phone. Princess watched her show, oblivious to the tension.
"Mom, believe me. I'm not lying. Prestige came to call me from the room..." I tried to explain.
Prestige cut me off. "Don't involve me in your shamelessness. I did nothing."
My mom's anger was palpable. "I won't do a thing till your father comes back." I knew what would happen when Dad arrived. He'd punish me severely.
I retreated to the kitchen, tears streaming down my face. I did my chores mechanically, awaiting my dad's arrival. Prestige appeared, a sly grin spreading across her face.
"Crying won't help you, sis. But I can help you." Her voice dripped with malice.
"Please help me. Just tell Dad the truth. You know I didn't do anything." I begged.
Prestige's grin widened. "Or I can tell Mom to forfeit telling Dad about this issue."
"Yes, please do that for me." I agreed, desperate.
Prestige's eyes sparkled. "You know what I'd like for an exchange? A reward for such supportive behavior?"
"Katlego?" I realized, horrified.
Prestige nodded. "Exactly! Now I believe the rumor that you're smart."
"Prestige, I can't give you what I don't have. Approach him yourself." I tried to reason.
Prestige's smile grew. "We'll see about that."
I felt a stinging sensation as Prestige's words cut deep into my heart.
"Okay, fine, what do I do to give him to you? Tell me, I'll do it all." I begged, desperate to escape my mom's wrath.
Prestige's expression turned cruel.
Prestige:"Stop talking to him. Avoid him. Shun him if you have to. I want you millions of miles away from my man." Her voice dripped with malice.
Prestige:"He can't be with me if he has you up in his face every minute of the day. He just pities you, and you know that. It's not like he likes you or anything. I mean, who would? He just takes pity on a lonely, miserable girl like you." Her words felt like a slap in the face.
I nodded, tears streaming down my face. My sister's cruelty knew no bounds. I couldn't believe I shared a womb with this devil. She was the earthly embodiment of evil.
"How could you do this to me?" I thought. "She knows he's my first friend, my only friend, and yet she's doing this to me."
Prestige's voice brought me back to reality.
Prestige :"For as long as you avoid him and don't talk to him, I'll keep mom away from telling on you. Do we have a deal?" She stretched out her hand for a handshake.
I looked at her outstretched hand, my mind racing. I pondered the issue, weighing my options. If I agreed, I'd lose my only friend. But if I refused, mom would tell dad, and I'd face severe punishment.
With a heavy heart, I made my decision. "Deal," I said, shaking her hand. I felt like I'd sold my soul to the devil herself.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone