Chasing The Crown

Chapter 1

Belle

It has been a month since the Miss Supranational event. After coming back to South Africa I had to do a few media rounds since I'm the first delegate that managed to place first runner up,I'm pretty confident that the ladies coming after me will scoop that crown. Mandla is a genius and he goes all out in preparation of an event.

I'm in my grey trackpants and a white tank top. My hair is tied into a messy bun and I'm walking around barefoot. I stand at the window looking at the beautiful view of Sandton City at sunset,I never imagined I would live in such a luxurious place. I was born and raised in the township of Alexander,where the streets are dirty and there is a lot of people. We lived in a two bedroom government house and attended the nearest public schools. The were times where we went to bad hungry and the only meal me and my sister would have are from the feeding scheme at school. Neighbors would donate clothes for us and the school would donate school uniform and school supplies. My sister Fridah who is 10 years older than me says that they used to live lavishly when my father was still around,for the first years of her life she went to a private school,wore expensive clothing and lived in a posh estate. But all of that changed when our dad found out that my mom is pregnant with me. Fridah says that he accused our mother of cheating and that I am not his child she should abort me. Well my mother refused and my father disappeared one night,all his clothes were nowhere to be seen,he sold the house and cars and they never heard a word from him. At least he left Fridah two hundred thousand and that helped my mom with her fall from grace. One thing I commend about my mother is that she was knee deep in depression but not even once did she ever make us feel like a burden to her,or make me feel like I ruined her life.

When I heard the story of how they lost everything because of me I made a vow to myself to make sure that they get everything they ever dreamed of because of me. I worked hard at school,never minding the constant bullying from my schoolmates about how a white person isn't supposed to be living in the township. They gave me all sorts of names,that made me hate my appearance. I hated my curly hair so I would always have my hair cut,I hated my skin colour so I would always wear long sleeved shirts and pants. I would go to school come back home and never get out. I did that until I finished high school and that's when my mom killed herself,she overdosed on her medication. I was in Matric at the time so I had to quickly get my act together even though my heart was bleeding non-stop. I managed to pass with excellent results and i got a fully paid bursary to study Medicine in Cuba. I guess you could say that's where I started to live a little. The people there were so similar to me and they were proud of who they are not hiding away. So I also got out of my shell I grew my hair and started dressing the way I want,there was no judgement whatsoever. The monthly allowance I got from the bursary i would always send it to my sister,the school always bought us groceries so I never used it. I lived in Cuba for 6 years,never even going home once. I love that place it not only gave me purpose but a new love for life as well.

When I came back to South Africa earlier this year,I tried my luck at Miss SA since the entries were open at the time. I never expected to get a callback or better yet win Miss South Africa but here I am today. My sister had been saving the money I would send her,we used that money to buy a 3 bedroom apartment in Midrand. We used my prize money from the pageant to fully furniture it and turn it into our home,I also used some of it to send my sister to a culinary school,I also bought her a second hand car to get from point A to B. We got our mom a tombstone and I set up a foundation that helps people struggling with depression and other mental health related diseases. The Isabella Peters Foundation. Then I invested the remaining amount. As part of the prize I get to live in this lavish apartment and drive a Mercedes Benz C class for the duration of my reign. I have grown in to a person that I'm proud of and now I want to help even more people reach their full potential.

"Ucinga ngantoni?" ( What are you thinking about?) Mandla's voice booms through the quiet living area.
"About how you always disturb my peace" I say turning to him with a smile.
He clutches his hand over his heart as he acts like he is dying on the couch. I laugh at him.
It's true in a way,he is always here to remind me about interviews,events,fittings or rehearsals.
"You wound me my Belle" he says as he sits up straight.
He clicks away on his tablet and then puts it on the coffee table.
"Have you heard of Miss Universe?" He asks.
I laugh. Everybody knows Miss Universe what does he take me for!
"Oh no! I was living in Venus for all my life so let me guess I do know it" I say in between giggles causing him to also join in.
"You and your sacarsm. Well the crown is up for grabs and the organization is sending you" Mandla says proudly.
My jaw drops. What did he just say? I look at him for a full two minutes before I speak.
"Wait! How? Aren't the other girls going? I mean I though we only get sent to one international pageant why isn't Bontle or Mia going?" I ask trying to make sense of what he just said.
"Well not anymore the new rules say only the overall winner will be sent to all 3 international pageants and that starts with you" Mandla says.
I look at him waiting for him to laugh or tell me he is joking but he doesn't. I guess he is serious.
"So I'm going to Great Virginia?" I ask totally gobsmacked.
"Wonderful you even know where it is going to be held. To answer your question yes!" He says excitedly causing me to jump up and down on the couch screaming.
"OH MY WORD!!!" I say still not believing this wonderful opportunity I'm being given.
"You Better believe it. Tomorrow you have two interviews and then a visit to the Hlanzwa Children's home. After that Mel wants you at the office you have some papers to fill then you have a meetings with designers for your national costume and dresses" Mandla says tapping away on his tablet.
"Oh boy i think I don't want to go anymore" I say.
"Stop being a lazy bum this is a once in lifetime opportunity" He says.
He doesn't need to tell me twice because I know. I hope mama is looking down on me and she is proud of me. I check the time,time to go to the gym.
"I'm going to change,you will let yourself out" I say going to my bedroom.
"Yes Miss Universe!" He shouts from the living room.
It's time to try my luck at the most prestigious crown in the universe. I quickly get changed,my personal trainer does not like people who come late,he will punish me with a hundred pushups If I get late and I certainly don't want a sore body tomorrow. I make a mental note to call my sister and tell her the great news when I come back. I take my phone together with my gym back and walk out to the kitchen. Mandla has already left.
I grab a bottle of water,grab my keys and head out. Luckily the gym is only downstairs so I don't have to drive.