BEFORE

CHAPTER 7

“So how long are you going to ignore Wes? I mean the gestures were cute and all but they are about to turn boring and stalkery. Or you don want him anymore? Let me know so I can hook him up with one of my thirsty classmates.”

I look up from my sketchbook. “Be my guest, Hay. You know I am through with that guy. If he doesn’t wanna humble himself and apologize, then I don’t have time for his bullshit. I am literally weeks away from finishing my diploma. I don’t need distractions.”

“I understand the pressure boo, but you have buried yourself in your work for a whole week. You need a breather. Maybe go out for drinks with him. I am not taking his side right now but come on. It’s not that much of a big deal.” She gives me puppy eyes and I scoff.

“That won’t work. I need to finish this sketch and get busy with the sewing. You know I need to present at least five outfits on the final runway next week and I am down to three. And they also need to be unique and represent who I am as a designer. So why would I waste my time entertaining douchebags?”

She stares at me blankly and I just return to sketching. “You need a break though.” I hear a knock on the door and she rushes to attend it. I can’t hear nothing from whoever she is talking to and I am glad because she was distracting me. I don’t know why she is talking about breathers and all whereas she is not done with her outfits. “Babe, please don’t kill me.” Oww, she is back. I raise my head to see Hayley standing next to Wes. What the fuck is he doing here and who let him inside our building? “I will head over to the warehouse to give you some privacy.” She takes her school bag and quickly rushes out before I can say anything. Her day is coming. That’s all I can say. I stand up to face Wes because I doubt I can get any work done with him here.

He looks around. “Your place is nice and cosy. It suits you.”
“No one asked.”
“Ouch.” He feigns being stabbed in the heart. “I am hurt. I know I was a douche but you don’t need to treat me like this.” I arch my eyebrows and he raises his hands in surrender. “Fine. I was wrong. I am sorry. I shouldn’t have talked to you like that. Do you forgive me?”
“Up until now, I didn’t think I would see you again, so I wasn’t prepared for an urgent ‘forgive Wes' action. It will take time but I will be fine.”

“Does this mean we can go back to fucking? Because I don’t wanna lie. I miss your pussy so much and we still have many adventures to explore in the bedroom and outside.”

He sucks at apologizing and grovelling. “I’m not trying to play hard to get or anything but I have a lot of school work that needs to be done. I have a fashion show next week and my outfits aren’t done. The models haven’t fit the ones that are complete. So I don’t have time for any adventure right now. I am working day and night to catch up because I lost a lot of time while hanging with you.”

“So that means whatever I need to do, it must be done here and quick? Okay, I can work with that for now.” He steps closer to me and literally picks me up. “Which way is your room?” he asks already walking towards the bedrooms. My God, this guys is unbelievable. I point at my door while giggling. It’s just a break, right?

×××

“So, why are you here?” she asks and I sit back.
She looks great. She honestly looks like someone who is on some vacation and keeps on getting pampered every chance she gets. She is a little rough around the edges, well a lot tougher if you are really counting all the shit she has been through. But she still looks good, attractive even. She would give Cape Town’s most famous models a run for their money.

“I just wanted to see you, and I need some advice. My roommate is a little biased on the matter and even though you are also loyal to me, your insight will be appreciated.”
She frowns. “Are we talking about dating here? Is that what you’re here for? You have got to be kidding me.”

Laurel is my older and only sister. She is only 5 years older than me. She got involved with the wrong crowd back in high school and ended up joining some crappy gang. Well they weren’t professionals since she landed herself in prison for robbery, hijacking, attempted murder and murder. She has been on the inside for four years. Her gang dispersed after she and 5 other members got arrested. She doesn’t like me coming here, so I only visit her twice a year. On her birthday and on my birthday. That’s why she is shocked by this visit, and also I have never asked her for dating advice, so this is new.
“I really need your advice, Laurel.”

She rolls her eyes. “I am not promising anything but hit me with it.” I start retelling all the details of my situation with Wes. I don’t leave anything out. If there is anyone who gets to judge me, it’s my sister and I wouldn’t mind her judgement. She goes quiet for a whole minute after I am done telling her everything. Then she leans on the table.


“I know this dude. He is dangerous. He has friends in high and low places. No matter how good the sex is, just cut it loose. It’s not worth it. You have a fucking bright future ahead and you know it. You are not destined to be some guy’s sex slave or mistress or anything less than what you deserve, a queen. If this guy wanted something serious with you, he would’ve said so already. So cut him off and focus on yourself. The world needs to know about Fiona Craig soon and that won’t happen while you’re associating yourself with this guy. Finish your diploma and leave South Africa. Forget about everything and just focus on you. Maybe you will find love along the way but this one is not for you.”


Her advise is very simple and straightforward. So black and white. I need to follow it, I know I do. But I have feelings for Wes. I know I am stupid, crucify me. But strings got attached along the way. I know when I finish college, I will leave SA but I am also thinking about Wes. Where would that leave us though? Will he ignore me once I am gone? Forget about me and move on to the next female he is sexually attracted to? It’s hard to know that you’re disposable and replaceable. Fuck this situation.

“I hear you, sister and thanks for your advice. I guess I needed someone to knock some sense into me.”
She chuckles. “Don’t get used to it. Now, where is my order?”

I smile. Prison is, well you know how it is. Every time I come here, I design a new orange outfit for my sister to wear. One that doesn’t attract to much attention but nice at the same time. She made a deal with the warden that whenever I make her an outfit, I also make one for the warden. An exclusive, never worn outfit. Yes, exploitation at its best. But that’s the only way my sister will get to wear what I made with my own hands. I place a paper bag on the table and she gives me a genuine smile. Those are rare with Laurel. She is a hard nut to crack.

“So I guess the next time you come see me, will be straight from the airport after you land from Milan?” she asks after peeking inside the bag.
“That’s all we hope for.”

“If you need some cash, go to our old house. Behind the kernel, there is a small tree there. Dig it out. About two feet under, you will find some cash that might  sustain you for 3 to 6 months, depending on how you use it.”
“Laurel, that’s your money. You will need it when you get out of here.”

“If I get out of here. Don’t hold your breath. If it makes you feel any better, treat it as a loan. I will collect on it when I finally get out of here.”

I sigh and nod but I know very well that I won’t be touching that money. It’s dirty money and it might get me arrested or something. So I am cool. I am touched that she offered though. Underneath this cold exterior, my sister is a bit of a softie.