Bab 7: 6.
A FACE IN THE CROWD
6.
That night, Prestige kept her promise, and mom didn't breathe a word about my encounter with Katlego. Dad arrived home late, carrying a surprise for Princess - a brand new phone. The excitement was short-lived, as mom questioned why Prestige didn't receive a new phone too.
The argument escalated, with mom insisting that dad could have gotten Prestige a new phone as well. I watched anxiously, worried that the tension would lead to my secret being exposed. But somehow, the quarrel ended with Princess offering her old phone to Prestige.
In a surprising twist, dad told Prestige to give me her old phone instead. I couldn't believe my ears! Me, owning a phone? It was a dream come true. I had always hoped to buy my first phone when I started university or got my first job.
Prestige handed over the phone without hesitation, and I was thrilled to discover it was an Android phone in great condition. I spent the entire night exploring its features, fascinated by the camera and its capabilities. I couldn't sleep, too excited to try out everything.
As I lay in bed, phone in hand, I felt a sense of gratitude towards Prestige. Despite her cruelty earlier, she had kept her promise and given me this amazing gift.
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The next morning, after completing my chores, I eagerly took my allowance money to the Mascom store to register my new SIM card. I was excited to finally have a phone and be connected to the world.
At the store, a friendly staff member helped me with the registration process, guiding me through the paperwork and biometric data capture. He even took the time to show me how to use my phone, set up my social media accounts, and register my fingerprints.
With his assistance, I opened my very first Facebook account and was thrilled to be on social media. I had used computers before, but having a phone was a whole new experience - it was like having the same features, but portable!
I spent the rest of the day exploring my phone, taking selfies, and uploading them to my Facebook page. I was so caught up in my new device that I didn't even notice Katlego when he came knocking. Prestige told me later that he had visited, but she had lied to him, saying I had traveled to visit my boyfriend for the weekend.
I was furious with Prestige for spreading such absurd rumors, but she reminded me of our deal from the previous day. I reluctantly let it slide, not wanting to jeopardize our agreement.
That Saturday was spent entirely on my new phone, learning its features, and exploring the world of social media. I was in awe of how much I had been missing out on.
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I woke up Sunday morning to a flurry of notifications from Facebook. I excitedly reached for my phone, thinking that people were finally noticing me and wanting to be friends. But as I scrolled through the comments on my pictures, my heart sank.
The remarks were cruel and hurtful, targeting my appearance and looks. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Most of the people leaving these nasty comments were my classmates and neighbors - the same ones who had bullied me in person.
I had thought that maybe, just maybe, they would treat me differently online. That maybe they would see beyond my physical appearance and want to be friends. But I was wrong.
I frantically deleted all the pictures from my Facebook page, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. I couldn't bear to see those hurtful words anymore. Instead, I posted some of my artworks, hoping to distract myself from the pain.
But the pain lingered. I felt like I'd been foolish to think that people would accept me online when they didn't in real life. I wondered if I would ever find true friends, people who liked me for who I was, both online and offline.
As I lay in bed, feeling terrible, I couldn't help but think about Katlego. He had been kind to me, genuinely interested in being friends. Maybe, just maybe, he would be different from the others. But for now, I just felt hurt and alone.
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After completing my Sunday chores and helping Mom in the kitchen, I retreated to my room with my lunch, feeling a sense of relief. As a Christian family, Sundays were typically reserved for church, but I had stopped attending five years ago. The hypocrisy of our family and church members had driven me away.
At church, everyone put on a mask of righteousness, but outside those walls, they revealed their true selves. I had grown tired of the pretenses and decided to sit out Sundays altogether. My family didn't seem to miss me, and I didn't bother to attend.
Instead, I used Sundays to thoroughly clean the house, wash clothes and curtains, and tidy up the kitchen. It was my way of contributing, even if I wasn't present at church. Once Mom returned, I helped her with cooking and enjoyed some free time after lunch.
That Sunday, I spent my free time painting, inspired by beautiful artworks from around the world on my phone. I found a captivating piece and decided to replicate it. It took me six hours, but I was determined to get it perfect. Finally, I succeeded!
As I opened my Facebook to upload my copied artwork, I was astonished to see a flood of notifications from my previous posts. People had liked and appreciated my art, and I was amazed by the positive response. For the first time, I felt seen and acknowledged, and it felt incredible.
I scrolled through the comments, reading kind words and encouragement from strangers and acquaintances alike. It was a balm to my soul, soothing the wounds of rejection and hypocrisy I had faced. In that moment, I felt a sense of belonging, and my art had made it possible.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone