3

THREE

It was Saturday and I was planning to go to the mall with Tshidi for lunch. I had some money saved up and I needed a breather. My phone beeped while I was still doing my makeup and I didn't check it. After 30mins when I was done I checked the message and it was from John. He was on his way to pick me up and there was no way I could refuse. I had to send Tshidi a message and cancel our lunch date. I went to the lounge and sat on the couch

GRANNY: "Where are you going all dressed up?"

PULANE: "I had a lunch date with Tshidi but John said he's on his way"

GRANNY: "Oh! I wonder what he has for us today"

PULANE: "Koko I can't believe you're selling me to that freak"

GRANNY: "I'm not selling you. John has money and he'll take care of you"

PULANE: "He's too old for me"

GRANNY: "What does age have to do with love?"

PULANE: "Love? I don't even have a bit of love for that man"

GRANNY: "He's going to secure your future and I don't understand what more you want"

PULANE: "I wish my parents were still alive. I wouldn't be suffering like this"

GRANNY: "John is a good man he won't even try to sleep with you before he marries you"

PULANE: "That doesn't change anything"

GRANNY: "There he is. Behave yourself"

He came in with more groceries and my grandma was deep in the trap.

JOHN: "Hi, Pulane"

PULANE: "John"

JOHN: "I have a surprise for you today. And we need to plan for your 18th birthday"

PULANE: "I'm not planning anything for my birthday"

JOHN: "Nonsense! No woman of mine will spend their birthday dull and bored. We're going to Sun City plus you'll be done with your exams by then"

PULANE: "Whatever"

JOHN: "Right now I'm taking you shopping. That beautiful body needs a few dresses"

He spanked my ass while grandma was looking away. I contained myself and tried to act strong while I was dying inside. We got into his car and drove to the mall. He insisted I buy whatever I wanted and then he took me to the salon to wash my hair and then I got a manicure too. After that we had lunch and then he took me home. The amount of stress I had needed alcohol so I asked my friend to go with me to the tavern for a few hours. I had about R500 from the change I took everytime John paid cash at the mall. We bought 18 Savannah and some food

TSHIDI: "You don't look okay, Chomi. What did John do this time?"

PULANE: "I can't come to terms with my situation. He disgusts me and my grandma is such a fan"

TSHIDI: "Oh well I think there might be something that can cheer you up quickly"

PULANE: "And what could that be?"

TSHIDI: "Don't turn around just yet"

I did the opposite and turned around. BK was coming at our direction and he looked so good in his jeans and casual top. I looked at Tshidi who was smiling and I gulped my Savannah.

BK: "Ladies, hi"

TSHIDI: "Sir, I wasn't expecting to see you here"

BK: "I should be saying the same thing to you"

TSHIDI: "Weekend is for unwinding sir"

BK: "Pulane"

PULANE: "Hi"

BK: "Are you okay?"

PULANE: "I'm hanging in there"

BK: "I would join you guys but I don't think it'll look good to be drinking with my students"

TSHIDI: "We won't tell if you don't"

BK: "I'll pass coz the next thing you two will disrespect me in class"

PULANE: "We wouldn't but what you're saying makes sense"

BK: "I'll see you Monday. Have fun and be safe"

He went to the table at the back

TSHIDI: "What happened Chomi why was he asking if you're okay?"

PULANE: "I kind of burst into tears in class yesterday and he consoled me"

TSHIDI: "Consoled you?"

PULANE: "No the way you imagine it. But I didn't tell him what was bothering me"

TSHIDI: "You can see he respects boundaries so I don't know how you plan to get his attention"

PULANE: "I already have a plan. I really hope it works and maybe John will leave me alone when he sees that I've found someone"

TSHIDI: "You know that won't be easy. At this point John owns you and you know it"

PULANE: "I will not marry that man Chomi I'd rather die"

TSHIDI: "Chomi do you want him to threaten you like the last time?"

It suddenly hit me that John was dangerous and he did promise to make my life a living hell if I messed up his plans to marry me.