From quarter to seven in the afternoon, the outside parking started getting filled up with all the possible unimaginable cars you could think of. The valet boys, were up-and-at'em, attending to the guests arriving. The previously vacant parking lot was now, hidden under the horse powered engine cars. At past seven, the giant crimson bow was cut by Diane as the doors to The Pearl became officially open to the crowd that was previously gathered outside.
It was eight in the afternoon and the event had officially started as more and more guests made their way past the newly decorated oak tree. It's been light up with over a hundred luminescent fairy lights, making the little garden area look like something out of a Lord of The Rings movie. Even with all the ruckus of people coming in and out, it still remained to be cool, calm, and serene. In the last thirty minutes, I've seen some local celebrities, the mayor, department ministers, politicians, business women and men, socialists, social media influencers and content creators, marketing the venue across their various platforms.
"Coming to you live at the grand opening of The Pearl. I'm joined by one of the owners and the very dear Pearl, herself. Please help me welcome, the dazzling. The extraordinary, the ever humble philanthropist, a renowned move maker, the unstoppable mogul, and the woman of the night. The elegant Miss Diane Randall!" I turned my head towards the large banner, various cameras and spot lights shone to where I saw Diane, looking as regal as ever in her brownish-gold custom Gert-Johan Coetzee (South African designer) gown, with a piercing smoky eye that made her glacial blue orbs pop.
"Miss Randall, you're no stranger to such great establishments. Just at the very age of twenty nine, you had already three great buildings, that include the heart hospital, the girl's school and children's orphanage and of course, two businesses to your name. Making you fall under the list of Forbes' 30 Under 30. Now here we are again, at the grand opening of your sixth treasure. Ironically, called The Pearl. As an aspiring mogul and business woman, myself all I've got to say is wow! How do you do it?" One of the interviewers asked ecstatically. It was none other than Ms Vuyo Zwane. A twenty-four years old, ambitious young woman who was an author, director, entrepreneur, and renowned content creator who had collaborated with the country's greats and has also started her very own media company — VZ Media at the mere age of twenty-two. "You flatter me, Ms Zwane." Pearl blushed. "It's not even about, 'how I do it' but why I do it. I was raised by a single mother, who barely had an money, nor education to open doors for her, let alone give her a start of her career. However, she never did once let that put her down. Watching her thrive even when odds were stacked up against her, motivated me to push harder, work smarter in a male populated industry, to one day give her the life that she was deprived. However, she died before I could really thank her for all her sacrifices so this is for every little girl, with a dream. A dream of wanting to do more, be more. I'm here to tell you that it's possible." Vuyo watched her adoringly, in full awe of Diane as was I and everyone who was listening. "I'm glad that you've made a name for yourself and I hope that every young girl watching this, gets inspired and only wants the best for herself because, even though we're veering towards a world of equality, women still have to work ten times more for us to get recognition and the respect we deserve and we're the very testimony of it being possible." She concluded with a sincere resplendent smile.
"Wow! Well, you heard it here first from the astounding, Miss Diane Randall encouraging and inspiring young women! Come with me, while I take you on the tour..." Vuyo's voice faded out into the background as she continued her broadcasting.
My attention had moved from her to Pearl. I exhaled profusely. She had managed to beguile everyone with her fire and energy that we all, stopped our previous tasks and marvel at her. As on cue, a myriad of flashing camera lights flickered, capturing her pictures. All poised, she posed for the media houses that were present. Diane was in every way majestic, floating from interviewer to interviewer. The way she dressed, talked when interviewed and handled herself along with her staff, it was impossible not to be enthralled by her.
She must've felt my eyes on her when she turned to smile at me. "My dear girl. I'm so happy to see you. How are you today?" She asked after she bear hugged me. Her expensive, distinct perfume lingered even after she moved away from me. "I'm well. Was this your doing?" Recomposing myself, I pointed my finger to the tree. Her face lit up, "why yes, of course. Do you like it? I thought of you when I had them decorate it." She placed her freshly manicured fingers upon my shoulder, squeezing gently. "You did? Thank you." Puzzled, I sauntered towards it. "May I ask, why?"
"I don't know. Maybe it's because of the very light that seems to beam right through you. I had to try to replicate it for the people who will be coming and maybe, they can feel the way you did when you walked in here." She chuckled softly. "Assuming you don't mind. Of course." She chuckled shyly. "You should've seen your face when I caught you here. You looked.. well, the very way you do now." Her piercing eyes were dancing in adoration when she regarded me.
Her way with words seem to have tranced me once again, leaving me tongue tied. Lost for words. All of sudden, I had an eerie sense of Déjà vu. It felt like I've spoken to her before, perhaps knew her before. It was potent feeling of her spirit being familiar.
"Welcome, welcome everyone!" The announcing voice of the MC beckoned our attention. "I guess, that's your cue." I breathed. "You look extremely beautiful, by the way." Not that you need reminding. "Says the equally pulchritudinous angel herself." She gushed. "I'll see you in there okay?" She squeezed my hand with her soft assertive ones before she vanished into the crowded room. "My name is Michael Ryan. Your MC for tonight! I welcome you all lovely people to the grand opening of The Pearl. Before we get into the meat of the evening, for tonight and tonight only, I invite every content creator to live stream our night so that those who are absent may be awash with FOMO so that they know that The Pearl is where we at!" The crowd joined for a cheerful round of applause.
I scanned the room and caught a glimpse of bright lit cameras recording the event. On my right, I saw the entertainer for the night. Sitting with Pearl, major executives, politicians and socialists. My eyes kept on wandering about, it seemed like there was no one blood related to Pearl present. "Sad isn't it? All this wealth yet no one to share it with?" I turned to my right and found Ayanda lingering nearby. "What do you mean?"
"It's just weird that a woman of such prestige has no one. Not a close friend, nor husband, boyfriend, family member or even a child. It really does emphasis that whole phrase of, 'without family, we're nothing.'" He finished with a heavy sigh. The statement sounded heavy as it rolled off his tongue. Just like Diane, I could tell there was more to that than what he was putting on.
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See you next week😉💕 well Friday😅
YOU ARE READING
Naledi (The Moon)
Teen FictionA continuation from Langa: The Sun. We pick up from when Nani, got on the bus going home. Where a lot of things and stories become unveiled...✨✨
