Chương 23: 22
A FACE IN THE CROWD
22.
I woke up to Mom's gentle voice.
"Oh, you're awake?"
I can't believe I slept while waiting for Dad's surgery to be over. It's morning already!
I checked my phone - 7 am.
"How's Dad?" I asked.
"He's out of trouble now. Surgery was a success. Stable, but doctors are still monitoring him," Mom replied.
"When can we see him?" I asked.
"Visiting hours, probably this evening," Mom said.
I felt guilty.
I slept all night, forgetting why I was here. Dad's 12-hour surgery... and I missed meeting him before because of Katlego.
Mom's expression changed.
"You had a visitor this morning."
"A visitor? For me?"
Mom smiled mischievously.
"Your boyfriend, Katlego. He's lovely!"
My face burned with embarrassment.
"He's a good boy, and I like him for you. He brought this for you."
Mom handed me a bag.
Inside, morning-after pills, breakfast, chocolate, and water.
Katlego's thoughtfulness touched my heart.
I quickly rush outside, took the pills and ate breakfast.
Then, I called Katlego.
"Hi, baby,"
"Hi, baby. Did you get my message?" He asked.
"Yeah, I did."
" I dropped by the hospital to give you those pills," he replied.
"How did you get them? The clinic wouldn't give them to you," I asked.
Katlego chuckled.
"Well, hmm, it's Kago. He has a nurse friend..."
I groaned.
Now Kago knows we had unprotected sex. He's loud; I'm sure the entire Kgosi clan knows too!
"Are you okay?"
"Mmm, yes. I have to go; I have studio," I said.
"Okay, I'm heading to the firm too. How's your dad?" Katlego asked.
"He's stable. Mom saw him; haven't seen him yet," I replied.
"He will be fine."Katlego reassured me.
"Take care, baby. I Love you," Katlego said.
"I Love you too," I whispered.
.
.
.
Today was a great day at the studio. Eleanor, my new manager, had me sign a contract that would change my art career forever.
Eleanor, a bubbly and knowledgeable lady, impressed me with her rebranding and social media strategies.
The contract was straightforward, and I was thrilled with the benefits.
"Just sign here, dear," Eleanor said with a smile.
As I signed, she revealed exciting news.
"There are many bidders for your masterpiece. This rich gentleman has offered the highest bid so far. I recommend we accept his offer."
Eleanor explained the plan.
"We'll schedule a photoshoot with you and the buyer, showcasing your talent and beauty alongside your artwork. It'll generate buzz and establish your new image."
I was sold.
"Perfect!" I exclaimed.
Eleanor beamed.
"Excellent! We'll arrange everything soon."
After she left, I admired my controversial piece, pondering its allure.
Suddenly, Meetsi appeared beside me.
"I do that too," he said, gazing at the painting.
"I didn't see you come in," I replied, surprised.
Meetsi chuckled.
"I look at my own work and wonder, 'What's the fuss about?' It's just a piece of shit."
I nodded in agreement.
"You think like that too?"
Meetsi smiled.
"It's normal. People patronize us because they wish they had our talent. They admire and envy us, artists."
His words resonated.
"It's true," I said.
Meetsi's statement sparked inspiration.
"I should start a new project," I thought.
For now, I replicated Meetsi's style, but later, I'd explore something unique.
Meetsi's secrecy intrigued me.
No one knew about his family life or status.
Was he married? Did he have kids?
His private life remained a mystery.
As we worked together, I wondered about the enigmatic Meetsi.
.
.
.
Three months later, our results were out. I excelled, but my heart sank. No scholarship offer for me. Katlego, however, received a life-changing opportunity.
I should be ecstatic for him, but sadness overwhelmed me. That scholarship was my only hope. I worked tirelessly for it.
Katlego noticed my disappointment and felt sympathetic. I didn't want to dampen his joy, so I hid my sorrow.
'Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for him, just not for myself,' I thought.
Dad's recovery lifted my spirits, though. He was back home, stable, and regaining his strength. Our bond grew stronger.
The Poppie Tebogo marriage proposal was now a distant memory, thankfully.
Leaving the studio, where I still honed my craft with Meetsi, I headed to Katlego's house.
My apprenticeship had ended two months ago, but Meetsi remained a valuable mentor. We shared electricity bills, thanks to Eleanor's suggestion.
As I entered Katlego's house, a heated argument unfolded.
Baba: "How can you reject a UK scholarship for a girl?"
I didn't even know his scholarship was abroad. I'm a bad friend and girlfriend.
Katlego: "She's not just any girl, Dad. I love her."
Baba: "I love her for you too, Katlego, but your future matters most. You're stupid to pass up this opportunity."
Katlego's response stunned me.
"Dad, there are good schools here. I won't leave Precious. She has no friends, nobody. I'm all she has."
Baba: "She's not an orphan; she has family."
Katlego: "They don't like her. They ostracize her. They're using her for her art money. I'm all she has, truly."
Tears welled up. Katlego understood my struggles.
'I didn't know he noticed it all,' I thought. I pretend I don't notice that my family were all good to me now because of my money. They're sucking up to me.
He's truly the only one who genuinely cares for me.
I couldn't bear to interrupt their argument.
"He's more stupid than he looks," I thought, overwhelmed.
I fled, tears streaming down.
I ran home, collapsing onto my bed.
"I can't let Katlego do this for me," I sobbed.
"I'll jeopardize his future."
My heart ached.
How could Katlego sacrifice so much for me?
.
.
The next morning, I called Katlego, my voice trembling.
"Hey, I'm coming over to your house today," I said, trying to sound calm.
Katlego's tone betrayed his anxiety.
"Okay, baby. Everything alright?"
I didn't respond, already feeling guilty.
As I arrived at his house, my heart weighed heavily.
My plan was to break up with him, to set him free.
Katlego deserved that scholarship, and I wouldn't hold him back.
We'd discussed his dreams before; I knew how much this opportunity meant to him.
But as he opened the door, our eyes locked, and my resolve crumbled.
He pulled me into his arms, and I melted.
Before I knew it, we were in his bed, lost in each other.
Sweet lovemaking erased my doubts.
I couldn't break up with him, not now.
Katlego had this effect on me – weakening my resolve.
"I'll do it over the phone," I thought.
"A text, maybe."
Cowarding out, I pushed the thought away.
For now, I'd savor this moment.
As we lay together, Katlego's eyes searched mine.
"Everything okay, Precious?"
I forced a smile.
"Yes, baby. Everything's fine."
But deep down, turmoil brewed.
How could I let him go?
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