10
TEN.
**PULANE**
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I was a wreck and it wasn't a good thing since I was writing my first exam in a few hours. I sat in the kitchen trying to force the corn flakes down my dry throat and my stomach was in knots.
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BK: You've got this, P. You're a star and you know it
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I ignored him and continued to stare at the bowl. He hugged me from behind and even though I wanted to push him away, I still felt safe in his arms. He breathed down my neck and I could smell his perfume as I inhaled deeply. He took out a bowl and poured a ceareal with a bit of milk before sitting next to me
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BK: Let's put it all behind us for the sake of the exams
Me: I'm over that
BK: We shouldn't be late
Me: You can just drop me off at the taxi rank
BK: Stop being dramatic, Pulane. We're going to the same place
Me: Oh so I'm being dramatic? You couldn't tell that to your Barbie doll yesterday
BK: I thought you said you're over that
Me: Not by a long shot
BK: What is it that you want from me? I apologized and even chose you in front of her
Me: Chose me for what?
BK: I think you're stressing too much over unnecessary things
Me: Just drop me off at the taxi rank
BK: How about you walk to the taxi rank, huh?
Me: Fine!
BK: Fine!
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I pushed the bowl away from me and grabbed my backpack. I didn't even have money to start with and I didn't know what the hell I was doing. He didn't come after me and I immediately regretted my decision. I walked across the street not knowing which direction was right and I felt like a fool that I was. A couple of minutes later he pulled over beside me and I got in the car
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BK: Are you insane?
Me: I'm upset
BK: The drama, Pulane
Me: I don't want to talk to you anymore
BK: It's fine I'll keep quiet then
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We drove in complete silence until we reached a street before the school. He stopped and I knew I had to get out so that people wouldn't ask questions. He reached out for his wallet and took out R400
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Me: And then?
BK: You'll catch a taxi home and get yourself something to eat
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I took it and put it inside my backpack. I got off and slammed the door. I started walking faster as I watched his car speed off. I got to school and I was very happy to see my friend. We hugged and waited outside the exam hall since we had a couple of minutes to spare
.
Tshidi: I'm so happy to see you alive Chomi. Even though we spoke on the phone I still needed to see you
Me: I'm a mess but I need to pull my self together
Tshidi: That excuse of a man did a number of you, Chomi
Me: I hope he dies a painful death
Tshidi: Are you ready for the exam?
Me: Ready or not we're going in
Tshidi: If ever you need anything let me know, Chomi
Me: Thanks. You're the only one I can trust right now
Tshidi: But Bokang ain't that bad
Me: He's a liar and I hate liars
Tshidi: But Chomi he genuinely likes you and you know it. Despite the whole slay queen drama
Me: I've been stalking her on Instagram and I regret it. Chomi she's all that and beyond
Tshidi: Don't be fooled by that plastic behind the makeup. She's probably ugly without a facebeat
Me: Not at all Chomi. She's really pretty and I'm feeling so insecure right now
Tshidi: Chomi have you seen yourself in the mirror? You're gorgeous and Bokang knows it
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He passed us and took a glance at me before walking into the exam room to invigilate. I took a deep breath before going in. We all got comfortable on our seats and it wasn't long before we began.
Days passed and the exams were ongoing. I was getting more confident each day but still, BK and I were not on good terms. The body of my grandmother was released from the morgue and BK promised to plan an intimate burial since I didn't want a crowd to open old wounds. We laid her to rest on a Saturday morning with a few of her friends and church members. The house was given a clear but I wasn't ready to go back even though I had told BK that I'd leave. After a month we finally finished the exams and I felt like all the weight was taken off my shoulders. I was able to sleep around midnight while I watched movies and wake up around 10 in the morning.
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**BOKANG**
The 2nd of December finally arrived and Pulane was turning 18. I woke up very early in the morning and made breakfast for her. I had a lot of plans for the day with her but I didn't know if she was up for it. I took the food to her bedroom and she was still sleeping peacefully so I placed the tray on top of the bedside drawer and opened the curtains. The morning light shone in and forced her to wake up. She moaned and covered her face with a pillow
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Me: Oh come on don't be like that, birthday girl
Pulane: You remembered?
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She tossed the pillow and a huge smile grew on her gorgeous face. Her beautiful eyes brightened and she hugged me tight.
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Pulane: Wow I actually thought you had forgotten
Me: Why would I forget your big day?
Pulane: Is this food for me?
Me: It's for us
Pulane: Thank you, Bokang. I really appreciate it
Me: Don't thank me just yet. The day is still long ahead and I have a lot of plans for us
Pulane: What kind of plans?
Me: All I need is for you to look extra beautiful today because it'll be the day you'll never forget
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I kissed her forehead and we started eating
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