The Seven, and their Wealth. II

XVIII - Kiara.

Broadcast message.

Hey there, I trust you are well because I am too. I just wanted to let whoever receives this message know that I will be away for some time. I am fine, but I just feel like a young getaway for the mid-year vacation would suffice considering how much nonsense has unfolded in the past few months. I will be unreachable on all socials and calls. So don't worry about my sudden inactivity. I'll text when I get back. Stay safe.

Sayonara, J.

Southdowns Estate, Irene, Centurion.

Kiara woke up feeling a weird mix of relief and despondency. For her, it had been a weird couple of days, and she did not know how to take it all in without wanting to burst into sudden tears.

On one end, her mid-year exam season had finally concluded, and she was grateful that she would not worry about school for, at least, the next month but every part of her was left dejected over the abrupt break up with Themba. Today was a Wednesday, and she gave a brief glance at the time. It was just after eight in the morning.

This was supposed to be the day she and Themba flew out for the start of their vacation. She had it all planned down to the wire. Kiara and Themba would stay in a five-star resort in Zanzibar.

Kiara looked forward to trying the vast array of foods that were on offer and snagging whatever souvenirs she could. But it all came to a screeching halt and there was not much she could do about it. Not at the moment anyway. Themba seemed certain that he wanted nothing to do with her anymore, and maybe it was best to respect that.

Keith and Bonsiwa sure do play the game very rough. Even if it means their daughter is hurt, they could not care less.

She finally gathered the courage to step out of bed. She took a brief shower, brushed her teeth, and got in dressed in casual clothing. When she emerged from her bathroom, Kiara reached for her phone and started scrolling through her WhatsApp inbox.

Now that there was no Themba to look forward to, what was the point?

It was mostly just memes from the school groups she was in and a few private chats. Kiara saw Jackson's text and immediately opened the chat. It was sent last night.

Kiara read the text a few more times over and could not help but read it with a sombre tone. It sounded like Jackson was going through it, and when she sent a message. It only showed one tick.

After waiting for half an hour, with still no changes Kiara finally resolved to go see Jackson herself.

'Oh good morning, I was wondering when you'd come down for breakfast,' Boniswa greeted. Condescendingly cheerful in her tone.

Keith sat at the head of the dining table fixated on his iPad.

'Have a seat, I'll make you some eggs.'

Kiara shook her head.

'No thanks, uh I am going to meet a friend.'

'I've instructed the driver not to take you anywhere for the time being,' Keith mumbled sternly.

Kiara scoffed, grabbing the keys to the more subtle family cars in their fleet.

'You think that'll stop me?'

'Kiara put the keys down and come join us for breakfast.'

'Like I said Mom. I am meeting a friend, we will grab a bite together.'

'Kiara, your mom said come have breakfast.' Keith spoke again, getting visibly annoyed at her.

No direct confrontation had taken place since Kiara's breakup, but Kiara knew that they knew. With how she had been carrying herself in the house the past few days. There was no way she could have breakfast with these people, they were far too self-centred and ill-mannered to even want to call parents.