Capítulo 17: 16.
A FACE IN THE CROWD
16.
I sat in Katlego's room, surrounded by his architectural designs, feeling impressed by his talent. "I'm striving to be an architect," he said, his eyes shining with passion. I noticed the coincidence and asked, "Like your dad, right?" Katlego chuckled and replied, "Actually, my dad's a policeman, Tshepo Kgosi, a respected officer. Refilwe followed in his footsteps." I know a tshepo.
Katlego smiled proudly, "My family's achieved a lot. Refilwe's a dedicated policeman, Thabo's an international relations specialist, currently back in town, and Kago, my closest brother, is studying Business at the University of Botswana. Only 21, but already focused."
I thought it was interesting that Katlego was pursuing architecture, seemingly unrelated to his family's fields. "Architecture's my calling," Katlego said, "I love designing spaces, creating beauty and functionality." His phone buzzed, and he answered, chatting with Thabo, his brother. Their conversation flowed easily, and I listened, intrigued by Thabo's relationship with his younger brother.
Katlego wrapped up the call and said, "Thabo's home.Want to meet him?" I nodded, excited. Meeting Thabo would give me deeper insight into Katlego's family and their bond. As we waited, Katlego shared more about his family, their achievements, struggles, and love. I listened intently, feeling closer to Katlego and his remarkable family.
"Time for lunch!" Katlego's dad called out, knocking on the door.
I followed Katlego to the dining room, surprised to find the entire family gathered.
"Hey, guys! This is Precious," Katlego introduced me.
Thabo, Refilwe, and Kago welcomed me with warm smiles.
Baba Tshepo invited me to sit.
"Please, join us."
I sat nervously amidst the five male bodies.
"Hey, Baba, thanks for having me," I said.
Baba Tshepo smiled.
"Our pleasure, Precious. We don't often get to meet Katlego's friends."
Katlego's brothers teased him mercilessly.
Kago: "Y'all should be careful. He's gonna be the first to get married!"
Thabo: "If he's capable, he should. He's a man!"
Refilwe: "A man? Just yesterday he was scared of rats and screaming all over the house!"
They laughed, and I joined in.
Baba Tshepo asked, "Precious, tell me about your family."
I shared the good things, leaving out my struggles.
"Thanks so much for the delicious meal, Baba," I said.
The family erupted into laughter.
Thabo: "You think Baba made this food? If he did, we'd all be dead from food poisoning!"
Baba Tshepo chuckled.
"Boys, that's a lie! I do know my way around the kitchen."
Katlego clarified, "The food's made by Mmakabelo, our chef. She cooks for us since we moved to Gaborone."
I thanked Baba again.
Baba Tshepo smiled.
"You're welcome, my darling. Don't mind these vagabonds. If I didn't employ Mmakabelo, would they be able to eat at all?"
Refilwe laughed.
"I can make pap, Baba!"
Baba Tshepo teased.
"Pap and nothing more!"
Kago joked.
"There's restaurants all over Gaborone."
Thabo added.
"And cereal, all day long."
The laughter continued.
I felt at ease among Katlego's loving family.
Their warmth enveloped me.
For a moment, I forgot my own troubles.
Grateful for this new connection.
This family's love and laughter were contagious.
.
.
We gathered in the spacious sitting room, surrounded by elegance.
But the brothers' closeness made it feel cozy.
Thabo brought out the family album.
Laughter filled the room as they teased each other.
Katlego's childhood photos stole my attention.
He looked adorable, dressed in girl's clothing.
His brothers joked.
"Mom wanted a girl, clearly!" Refilwe chuckled.
Kago added.
"Katlego, the little princess!"
I blushed, finding him irresistibly cute.
Me: He's very cute.
The tiniest baby I'd ever seen.
Time flew as we shared laughter.
Kago noticed the time.
"Katlego mentioned your art exhibition today."
I checked the clock – 4 pm.
"Yes, it's at 6 pm."
Katlego beamed with pride.
"She works with Meetsi Mokotso."
Refilwe's eyes widened.
"Really? He's popular here in Botswana."
Katlego's confidence grew.
"Presh is going to be the next Meetsi Mokotso."
Baba:"No, she'll be herself, and she'll go places beyond Meetsi."
Baba Tshepo's words touched my heart.
Tears welled up.
This family accepted me.
Supported me.
Without knowing me.
Unlike my own family.
Kago noticed first.
Kago:"Why are you crying, damsel?"
I struggled to speak.
"I'm s-sorry... I... didn't mean to... I'm just happy..."
Tears flowed.
I rushed to Katlego's room.
Crying uncontrollably.
Not sadness.
Just happiness.
Feeling at home.
Katlego followed.
"Presh, what's wrong?"
I sobbed.
"Nothing... just... your family... they accept me..."
Katlego held me close.
"We love you, Presh."
I felt it.
Deep within.
This family's love.
Here's the expanded story:
As I prepared to leave, Baba Tshepo's words warmed my heart.
"Don't be a stranger, my daughter."
Kago smiled.
"It's good to have a girl around once in a while."
Refilwe's concern was palpable.
"Be safe out there. Call me if you feel otherwise."
Thabo's protective side emerged.
"If Katlego hurts you, call me. I'll put him in place."
I smiled, feeling grateful.
Time to leave for the exhibition.
Katlego walked me home, as always.
We hugged tightly.
"I'm very happy you came around," Katlego said.
"My family thought you were made-up. Thanks for coming."
"No need to thank me," I replied.
"I'm happy to be part of the humble Kgosi family."
"I love everyone – Baba, your brothers... they're so welcoming."
Katlego beamed.
"You're welcome to visit anytime."
"We have a spare room. I can redecorate for your paintings."
My heart skipped a beat.
His thoughtfulness touched me.
I leaned in, kissing him softly.
For the first time, I made the first move.
In broad daylight.
At my father's front door.
I didn't care.
I was an adult.
I'd seen my sisters do it purposely.
Katlego's eyes sparkled.
"Presh, I love you," he whispered.
My heart fluttered.
"I love you too, Katlego."
Our lips met again.
This time, with deeper affection.
As we parted, Katlego smiled.
"I'll pick you up at 5 pm tomorrow for the date" we have our date nights every Sundays and tomorrow's no different.
I nodded, already counting down the hours.
With Katlego and his loving family in my life, I felt complete.
.
.
I pushed open my door, expecting the familiar comfort of my room.
But something was off.A chill ran down my spine.My space had been violated.
My paintings, once vibrant and full of life, now lay shattered on the floor.Colors mingled with broken glass.
My heart sank.
And then I saw it – my exquisite dress for the exhibition, torn into several pieces.
Lace and silk scattered everywhere.
"Princess Onalenna!!!" I screamed, outrage and despair mixing in my voice.
I stormed out of my room.
Determined to confront whoever was responsible.
"Who did this?" I demanded, marching into the living room. There's only prestige at home. Mom and dad is at the hospital.
My sister, prestige, shifted uncomfortably.
"You know who"
"Who?" I repeated, my voice rising.
"It was... princess."
My heart dropped. I know she was the one but I was hoping we're robbed or something. I didn't want to believe my blood sister will be capable of doing this to me.
"Princess?" I whispered.
"Why?" What have I done to her? I cry.
"She said she wants to teach you a hard lesson."
Rage and sadness battled within me.
How could my own sister sabotage me?
I took a deep breath.
I needed Katlego.
I grabbed my phone and dialed his number.
"Katlego, it's me... I need you."
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