บท 13: 12
A FACE IN THE CROWD
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So poppie Tebogo is the good match?
I couldn't believe my parents.
Poppie Tebogo, a man I barely knew, was supposed to be my "good match"?
At 17, fresh out of Form 6, with my BGCSE results pending?
It was ludicrous.
My parents were oblivious to my dreams, my aspirations.
I knew why they were rushing this wedding.
I'd turn 18 on December 31st.
A technical adult, free to marry without consent.
But I wasn't free.
Not yet.
Tshepo's anger was palpable when I shared the news.
"This is madness, Precious!" he exclaimed. "Arranged marriages are archaic! We'll report your parents to the police!"
I calmed him down.
"Tshepo, I have a plan. I've applied for scholarships. If I get one, I'll leave home, start anew."
Tshepo's expression softened.
"But your father is marrying you off before you even see the scholarship and results."
I steeled myself.
"I know. I'll find a way that I won't marry Poppie Tebogo. If I have to run away from home then, I will. If I have to fake dead then, I will do that too! I'll never marry the old snake! Never!"
Tshepo nodded resolutely.
"We'll face this together, Precious. Your future is yours to decide."
December birthdays were always overlooked, lost in the festive chaos.
But this year, mine would mark a new beginning.
.
December flew by in a whirlwind of festivities.
Dad handed me 500 BWP, his usual gift for a new dress.
I didn't begrudge Princess and Prestige their lavish shopping sprees.
This time, Katlego surprised me with an invitation.
"Please accompany to the salon." he said, leading me to a unisex salon.
I thought he was getting a haircut, but he had other plans.
"Box braids, please," he instructed the stylist.
Golden attachments shimmered in my hair as the stylist worked magic. It was very long and beautiful.
Next, we visited the nail technician.
My first fake nails sparkled, and I felt transformed.
A brow makeover and fake lashes completed the makeover.
The lashes felt awkward, but the stylist reassured me.
"You'll get used to it, darling."
The next morning, I ventured out solo, using some of my own savings.
New jeans, tops, and fitting gowns made me feel confident.
Flops, sandals, and shoes completed my shopping spree.
Mom noticed my new look first.
"A good change, for once," she said, smiling.
Princess bombarded me with questions.
"Where did you get the money?" she demanded.
Prestige sneered.
"You look ugly. What's with the hair?"
But the next day, she copied my style.
Hypocrite!
Dad accused me of stealing from him.
"I'll disown you if I find out," he warned.
Princess searched my room, rummaging through my shopping bags.
Dad intervened, explaining my monthly allowance.
Princess stormed out, furious.
The morning of my birthday, a delivery arrived from Tshepo.
A three-month apprenticeship with Meetsi Mokotso!
My role model!
I thanked Tshepo via chat.
He brushed it off.
"A good deed for a beautiful lady."
I longed to get his number, but he kept our conversations limited.
Later, Katlego called.
"Dress up, I'm taking you out for lunch."
I hesitated, then chose a peach knee-length gown and black heels.
Lip gloss and loose hair completed my look.
The peach gown radiated confidence.
I stood in front of Mom, fidgeting with my dress.
"Mom, I'm going out with a friend to celebrate my birthday," I announced.
Mom's expression remained neutral, her eyes fixed on the cooking pot.
"Be back early, Precious. You need to cook dinner," she said, her voice matter-of-fact.
I nodded, relieved she didn't pry.
"Okay, Mom. I'll be back soon."
I quickly finished getting ready, my heart racing with excitement.
Katlego waited outside, leaning against the cab.
He smiled as I approached.
"Happy birthday, Precious! You look stunning."
I blushed, feeling like a queen in my peach gown.
"Thanks, Katlego. You look sharp yourself."
The fancy restaurant's ambiance took my breath away.
Soft music, elegant decor, and the aroma of fine cuisine.
Katlego led me to our table, pulling out my chair.
"Today's all about you, Precious. Enjoy."
As we ordered and waited for our food, conversation flowed easily.
Katlego shared stories about his family, his passions.
I opened up about my art, my dreams.
The connection between us deepened.
Our food arrived, and we savored each bite.
Katlego raised his glass.
"To new beginnings, Precious. May your birthday mark the start of something amazing."
I clinked my glass against his.
"Thank you, Katlego. This means everything."
The evening wore on, and I forgot about cooking dinner.
Forgot about Mom's expectations.
Forgot about everything except the joy of being with Katlego.
As the night drew to a close, Katlego walked me to the home.
"Thanks for an unforgettable birthday, Katlego."
He smiled, his eyes sparkling.
"Anytime, Precious. You deserve happiness."
As we pulled up to my house, Katlego turned to me.
"Happy birthday, Precious. May all your dreams come true."
I smiled, feeling grateful.
"Thanks, Katlego. You've made this day special."
With a gentle smile, he leaned in.
Katlego's lips brushed against mine, a soft, gentle kiss.
My heart skipped a beat, my pulse racing.
Time froze as he pulled back, his eyes locking onto mine.
A vulnerable gaze, filled with hope.
"I want you to be my girlfriend," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Please."
My mind reeled, emotions swirling.
I nodded, but Katlego's eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Words, please," he teased.
"Will you be my girlfriend?" he asked, his voice trembling.
I smiled, my heart overflowing.
"Yes."
Katlego's face lit up, a radiant grin.
He pulled me close, our lips meeting again.
This kiss was deeper, filled with promise.
I felt like I was melting into his arms.
As we broke apart, gasping for air, Katlego's eyes shone.
"I've wanted to do that for so long," he confessed.
I blushed, feeling the same.
We stand in comfortable silence, hands intertwined.
The night air wrapped around us, magical.
"I'm glad I got to spend my birthday with you," I whispered.
Katlego's smile softened.
"Me too, Precious. Me too."
He leaned in, his forehead touching mine. I was short compared to his tall self.
"I promise to always make your birthdays special."
My heart swelled, filled with joy.
"I promise to always be yours," I replied, my voice barely audible.
Katlego's eyes sparkled.
"Forever?"
"Forever," I echoed.
As we stand there in the dark, wrapped in each other's arms, I knew.
This was just the beginning of our love story.
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