章 25: 24
A FACE IN THE CROWD
24.
TWO WEEKS LATER...
I'm adjusting to my new environment, feeling a sense of freedom. I only moved a week ago. My apartment is conveniently located near Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT), where I'll be starting this September. Eleanor's suggestion to live close to campus was spot on.
I've applied for the De Beers Bursary Scheme for creative arts students and am positively hopeful about securing that scholarship. Fingers crossed!
My two-bedroom apartment is cozy and affordable. I've converted the master room into my personal studio, where I can continue the business. The other room serves as my bedroom. I've painted the entire interior white – it's my favorite color, so calming.
The sitting room is minimalist, with just two white couches gifted by Meetsi. No TV yet, but that's a purchase for another day. The kitchen is compact, smaller than my dad's house, but comfortable enough for me.
Today, I'm off to grocery shopping.
As I wait for a cab after the shopping, a car pulls up alongside me. The window winds down, revealing Kago, Katlego's brother.
"Dumelang damsel," he says with a warm smile.
"Dumelang," I reply.
He still calls me "damsel" – it's sweet.
"Get in. Let me give you a ride." I oblige, grateful for the lift.
"I didn't expect to see a familiar face like yours so far from home," Kago says.
"I live here now," I reveal.
Kago drives in silence for a while before speaking up.
"You know, I saw you that day..."
I'm lost. Which day is that?
"You shouldn't have broken up with Katlego over that heated argument with Baba," he clarifies.
My heart skips a beat. "You didn't tell Kat, right?"
Kago assures me. "It's not my place to. But I still think you should tell him the reason for the breakup before he leaves in two days."
"Leaving that quick?" I ask, surprised.
Kago nods. "Yeah."
I won't . I know Kat will change his mind once he hears my reasons. I will only contact him when he's settled overseas.
I ponder this. "I don't want to draw him back with my entanglement. I'll reach out when the time's right."
Kago drops me off, promising not to disclose my location. "Take care, damsel."
"Thanks, Kago. You too."
As I step out of the car, I feel grateful for Kago's concern but also resolute in my decision.
.
.
.
I spent my evening organizing my kitchen and cooking. The aroma of my culinary creations still lingered as night fell.
I settled into my studio, surrounded by canvas, brushes, and paints.
Canvas beckons.
Brushes await.
Inspiration flows.
I lose myself in creativity.
The world outside fades.
Meetsi's words echoed in my mind: "Express yourself on those canvases. Paint your emotions. Brush your feelings on those canvases." My mentor's wisdom guided my strokes.
Hours flew by as I poured my heart onto the canvas. Sleep eluded me until 4 a.m.
My slumber was short-lived, as Eleanor's voice pierced the morning calm. She let herself in with her spare key, announcing her arrival.
"The lady of the hour is here!" Eleanor exclaimed, standing in my studio.
My phone read 11 a.m. I slowly rose from bed, still groggy.
Eleanor admired my latest masterpiece. "This is magical! Magnificent!"
The canvas depicted a man traveling with luggage at the airport, unaware of a gloomy face watching from the crowd.
"This is going to get us to the right spot," Eleanor said, already planning our next move. "You're very talented, Presh. And you need a new hairstyle."
Eleanor's rapid-fire chatter shifted from art to hair. "This piece will fetch us millions, enough to furnish this apartment. The TV, fridge..." Her words trailed off, but I knew she'd continue all day.
Overwhelmed, I excused myself. "I'll be in the kitchen. I'm hungry."
Eleanor suggested, "Let's do breakfast out. I'll fund it, all for my talented artist."
Better!
I agreed, welcoming the free breakfast, despite knowing Eleanor would barrage me with more chatter about my art.
As we left for breakfast, I pondered Eleanor's hair comment. Perhaps it was time for a change. My stubborn Afro was getting hard to maintain. I'll need a haircut.
.
.
After breakfast, Eleanor suggested we stop by the salon. "A new hairstyle will complete your transformation," she said.
I agreed, and soon I was seated in the salon chair, scissors snapping away at my stubborn Afro.
The stylist worked magic, and when I gazed into the mirror, a refreshed, younger-looking me stared back.
My hair was now shorter, tinted golden, and framed my face perfectly.
Eleanor beamed. "A haircut looks good on you. You should have opted for this a long time ago."
I smiled, feeling confident and beautiful.
Eleanor shifted focus to my art. "Will you be able to finish touches on that painting tonight? I'll come with camera boys tomorrow, around noon."
"Not morning, please," I pleaded.
Eleanor agreed. "Okay, a little close to noon. But I want that piece finished. There's this exhibition coming up, and I'd like to register this particular piece."
"That's new?" I asked, intrigued.
"In three weeks, and it's in Paris," Eleanor revealed.
"Paris? How do we get the painting over there?" I wondered.
Eleanor reassured me. "I'll ship it as soon as tomorrow evening. You get why I want the finish touches today?"
I nodded. "Okay, I'll do it today."
Eleanor's excitement was contagious, even if I didn't fully grasp the fuss. "This piece is going to fetch us our first dollars. You'll be rich girl!"
I chuckled, focusing on completing the painting.
With renewed energy, I dived into my studio, brushes dancing across the canvas.
The image of the traveler and the gloomy face began to radiate an otherworldly beauty.
As evening fell, I stepped back, admiring my handiwork.
Finished.
Eleanor would be thrilled.
Tomorrow, the camera boys would capture its essence.
And soon, my art would journey to Paris.
.
.
And as promised Eleanor had the painting shipped today's evening. It will get to Paris a day or two before the exhibition.
This piece is not just going to fetch us dollars, it's going to make my art global and that's a huge deal for me.
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット