MINE

CHAPTER 3

TINTSWALO'S POV

It's been a week since the party and I can't stop thinking about Kosi. I keep wondering what could have been if we'd exchanged numbers or stayed in touch. But Khanyi won't give me her number and says Kosi is trouble. I tried to find Kosi on Instagram but couldn't - it's like she doesn't exist online! My friend Babalwa says that i should forget about Kosi, focus on myself and that I'm leaving the country soon. She's right, I should move on.

Anyway, it's Sunday, and everyone's going to church but me. I don't like church, I believe in God but not religion. I know it sounds weird, but that's just how I feel. So, while they're getting ready for church, I'm going to treat myself to brunch - solo! Maybe some me-time will help me get over Kosi.

I walked into the dining room, all dressed up and feeling good. My aunt Katekani, her husband Potso, and my cousin Palesa were already sitting at the table, eating their breakfast.
Me : "Good morning, everyone!"

I greeted and they all said it back to me. I sat down in an empty chair, but I wasn't planning on eating. I wanted to tell my aunt that I had decided to take myself out for the day.

Me : "Aunty, you're all going to church, so I'm going to take myself out for a bit."

Katekani : "why don't you come with us ? You know you are welcome to the Lord's house"

My aunt invited me to come along, but I said no thanks. I wasn't really feeling up for church. Then my uncle Potso said something mean

Potso: "O na le dinokwane, o mohlagase ka mma!" ( she's got demons, she's a witch just like her mom )

I was taken aback - it was hurtful and uncalled for. But my aunt just ignored him and kept on eating her breakfast. So I just got up and left the room, feeling a bit upset but also relieved to be getting out of there.

I took a taxi to the mall and headed straight to H&M, my favorite store. I love shopping, but I'm on a tight budget, so I always wait for sales to buy the things I want. Today, I was lucky! I saw a really cute dress on sale, and I just had to have it. I tried it on, and it fit perfectly. I was so happy, I decided to treat myself to a few more things.

After shopping, I felt hungry, so I went to Mugg & Bean to grab a bite to eat. As I was waiting for my food, I started to feel a bit uncomfortable. I realized someone was staring at me! I looked around, trying to figure out who it was, and that's when I saw him - a man in his 30s, sitting across from me. He caught my eye and winked at me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I didn't like it one bit!

I tried to ignore the weird man's stares, so I just kept looking at my phone. When my food finally arrived, I was relieved and started eating while scrolling through Instagram.

But then, the man got up and walked over to me with a creepy smile on his face. He sat down right next to me, which made me feel really uncomfortable.

Man : "hi I'm Charles , what's your name ?"

I pretended not to hear him and put in my
AirPods, hoping he'd get the hint and leave me alone. But he didn't.

He looked really scary, so I quickly made up a fake name

Me :"Princess"

and forced a smile. He seemed to buy it and said I was beautiful, which made me feel even more uneasy. He said he wanted me, which was totally inappropriate! I almost choked on my food, I was so shocked. I had to think fast, so I told him I was under 18 and gay, hoping that would make him back off. It was a lie, but I needed to protect myself from this creepy guy!"

Charles : "that's very stupid , the worst lie you could ever think of . I get anything and everything I want and I'm surely going to get you"

With that said he walked away and I just chuckled to myself . Yeah I think it's time to go home...

I arrived home to the disturbing sound of screams from my aunt's room. It's heartbreaking because this has been an ongoing issue - her partner's abuse has been escalating, and I'm at my wit's end. The situation is unbearable, and I fear for her safety.