changes in life written by Claudia Ntebaleng mahlakeboledi@gmail.com
changes in life is about a young girl that both her parents were working in a distant town and was left with her grandmother, she is a bright kid at school and is ambitious, she's got a lot of plans, dreams and she's willing to work hard to make her dreams reality. unfortunately her parents passing changed a lot in her life, as she was busy suffering, her grandmother decided it was not enough and died too. the tragedy left her shuttered, but non killed her dream, she still continued working on making her dreams a reality, the only thing changed was how she worked on that. let's find out.
characters:
marry (mother)
Dan (father)
Charlene (main character)
granny (grandmother)
additional characters:
Steven
Tamiami
Dorrance
Saint
loan shark (mama B)
it was a very hot when Charlene came back from school, she found her grandmother sitting under the tree with watermelon in a tray, she sat next to her and helped herself with the fruit.
grandmother: you look troubled
she did not hear what her grandmother said, she kept eating
granny: I hanged myself today, right now as we speak I'm at the morgue
Charlene: oh that's nice granny
granny: oh and they'll burry me in heaven, don't worry about me
Charlene: that's good, you did well.
granny: (screaming) Charlene where is your mind?!!
Charlene: I heard you granny
granny: what did I say?
Charlene: oh, oops sorry granny, I just feel like I didn't do good on my exam today, I'm stressed out.
granny: really now, you know you nailed the exam my baby, no need to stress, now go change your uniform and wash it.
Charlene mumbled something but then went to change and washed the uniform, she also prepared lunch for both of them, while she was at it, her phone rang, it was her father
Charlene: hello daddy
Dan: baby girl, your mother and I are coming home today, don't cook okay
Charlene was exited, she ran to tell her granny the new. they both waited for them, it got really late those two have not arrived.
Charlene: what if something happened to them granny?
granny: nothing happened, they're just delayed baby
as they were speaking, a call came through
caller: is this Charlene?
Charlene: yes, how can I help you?
caller: i am a paramedic assistant, I'm calling you in regard of Dan and marry, they were involved in a crucial car accident, we need you to come to the scene to identify the bodies. the accident happened at Groblersdal Jan Van Riebek street, near the post office to be precise.
Charlene in disbelief stood still
granny: Charlene?
no response
granny: Charlene talk man
Charlene crawled down on the floor, she began crying, uncontrollable she began to be, her granny was panicking but later on she gained strength to tell her granny what has transpired.
they both took a taxi to the scene, indeed her parents were dead, they identified the bodies then headed back home . they started to call other family members, friends and anyone that knows them. the funeral preparations were tiring, but they both managed to pull through.
Charlene thought her parents had left something for her but to her surprise, they didn't even have a burial scheme, her granny had to go to a loan shark to borrow money, which its interests were sky high.
after the funeral, when the family was gone and they were left alone, Charlene asked...
Charlene: granny, how much do we owe that woman?
granny: 35 000 rands baby
Charlene: gosh, how are we going to pay back such a huge amount?
granny: I also don't know, I'm disappointed in my son, I thought she had been covered all along .
Charlene: are you covered granny?
granny: no, but lesson learned
Charlene: wow, make sure you don't die before you are covered then.
the two both went to bed, Charlene cried until she couldn't anymore, this happened every night, her pillow swallowed all her tears... in the morning she wakes us like a strong girl.
granny was busy outside when the loan shark came, she saw her then quickly ran in to the house.
granny: Charlene! ( whispering) the woman we owe money is here, tell her I'm not around.
the woman knocked then Charlene went out
Charlene: good day, grandmother is not here
loan shark: but you are, i believe you know why I came here, your due date passed two days back, I came here to collect.
Charlene: honestly, we don't have money right now, is there any other way we can settle the debt?
the loan shark studied Charlene for quite some time then replied
loan shark: actually there is. how old are you?
Charlene: 17 years
loan shark: turning 18 soon right, I'll arrange for you to work for me.
they exchanged numbers, naive Charlene got excited but her granny wondered what job is that woman offering her grand daughter.
the loan shark didn't bother them the whole December holidays.
January came when matriculants results were released, Charlene was a bit nervous but granny assured her that she made...
when the results finally came, Charlene had passed with B and distinctions in mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences and English.
she was excited, so since she did not apply at any institution, she decided to take that offer the loan shark had made to settle the debt, then later will go to school.
the loan shark eventually called to give her the directions of where she should come and work at.
Charlene: granny I think this is a break we all needed, me settling the debt, then next year starting on a clean slate.
granny: I still don't like this Charlene, my mind is not at rest, something tells me this is not right my child.
Charlene: okay enough, settling the debt should trouble you as much granny. now bye.
description of Charlene:
tall, yellow, tiny with a bit of buttocks and curves, she's got a very small waist which makes her body shapes like a pear, she's got short black hair, and she's not a typical white girl, she's been to all blacks school so her behavior is more of a black child.
Charlene took a taxi to Pretoria, she met up with a girl sent by the loan shark to escort her.
Charlene: hello, I'm Charlene
girl: Tamiami
Charlene: nice to meet you, this is a beautiful town
she said as they were walking the streets of Pretoria
Tamiami: you'll hate it soon enough
Charlene: I doubt, you're beautiful, what do you do for a living?
Tamiami: I'm hustling, thanks for the compliment.
Tamiami is a black chubby girl, tall with bums and curves, everything is on the right place, she's caramel in complexion.
Charlene: how? I thought you are working
Tamiami: you need to learn to keep things for yourself, your opinion don't matter anymore, okay? when we get there, just agree to anything, if not then your worst nightmares begin.
Charlene in confusion raised her eyebrows, but kept quiet as advised to.
they got to a certain flat, the loan shark was there, when she saw her, she stood up
loan shark: welcome, your name is is now black.
Charlene: no, my name is (she got interrupted)
loan shark: you are now black, I don't like being interrupted when I'm speaking, from today onwards, you are mine, I tell when to do what, where and how. your job is satisfying my clients, I call it client arousal, so go to your room and change into something sexy.
Charlene was shown her room, she found clothes on the bed, all of them were barely covering her body... she sat thinking of what her grandmother had said.
she didn't want to cry, but the thought of her satisfying clients didn't sit well. she called her granny to tell her that she had arrived safe
granny: what job is it Charlene?
Charlene: serving clients food and drinks
granny: oh not bad then, I'll pray for you my baby, you'll be covered by the holy name, I speak protection over you, I speak luck, I speak success and everything good in Jesus name.
Charlene: amen granny, I got to go, thanks. I love you.
very early in the morning Charlene was woken up to take a bath.
she did as told, they made her wear a very short school tunic, long socks and very high stilleto. she did the cat walk to the room they told her to be a good girl in, when she got in, she found a handsome hulk lying on the bed. she froze.
guy: close the damn door, will you?
Charlene closed the door but stood still there.
guy: how old are you?
Charlene: turning 18 on the 6th of December
guy: what? ( he jumped up) are you forced to do this?
Charlene: no ( looking down)
guy okay then, come sit here with me, let's talk.
the sweet thing sat on the floor, the guy joined her then they spoke, Charlene was able to tell him how she ended up here, and that she's never slept with anyone before.
the guy came up with a plan that he thought will work. the two exchanged numbers.
guy: when they ask how it was, say painful
Charlene: thank you sir.
the merciful guy spoke to the loan shark and told her to reserve Charlene for him, he paid 50000 for that.
Charlene and the guy spoke over the phone, guy's name is Saint, was falking for Charlene so he convinced her to let him in. in this manner, the two are dating.
a few later Saint came, he took Charlene in his room, he poured his heart out, then Charlene gave up her virginity to him, this happened over and over.
one day Charlene was wondering if Saint loved her as much, why isn't he taking her out of here, she was still on that thought when Tamiami came in
Tamiami: here (handing her her working clothes) dress up
Charlene: Saint said he'll only be here next week
Tamiami: we are short of stuff, some girls are booked in for the whole week. snappy please.
Charlene with tears in her eyes dressed up then went to the room, an old man with huge belly, very rough beard and big hands. the man liked things rough, when Charlene came out, she had a few finger stamps on her face.
mama B: you make clients happy, here's your bonus
she gave Charlene 5000 rands, besides the one she's paying her.
Charlene: can I go see my grandmother?
mama B: what for?
Charlene: to give her money, help her buy stuff she needs, one weekend please.
mama B: only for a few hours, Tamiami will go with you. dress decent. oh and little girl, I'm very kind to you, you know you owe me a lot of money, but I'm here feeding you, giving you money so don't cross me.
Charlene and Tamiami went to groblersdal, they bought a few essentials for granny, she was pleased to see her, ut she knew something was not right the minute she laid her eyes on her
when they were leaving, Charlene gave her granny that 5000, one of the notes was written the words " find the loan sharks' family and help me"
Charlene was now being ordered by men, she was booked in for weeks, sometimes by two men at the same time, or even more, she was a professional stripper.
Saint disappeared into thin air. he stopped calling or texting.
Charlene was turning 18 when the loan shark threw a big party for her, the party was full of men, both girls were there too and it was more of an orgey.
Charlene received a call in the middle of their party, a neighbor telling her that her granny is no more...
she was a mess, knowing very well that she didn't have a burial scheme, meaning she will have to work here her whole life.
the loan shark indeed helped her, this time the price is satisfying men without being paid.
after the funeral, Charlene went back to work, when she got there she met a new girl by the name Dorrance, typical colored girl, her father is white and mother is black, she's ghetto.
her and Charlene became best of friends.
they stole money from mama B, they took 100 every hour, she did not notice, they stole also from the men they're sleeping with, Dorrance was doing it for fun, Charlene was building a breakthrough foundation.
Charlene was now the big lady, since Tamiami became a junkie, she was responsible for the timetables, payments and attire, that gave her a good chance to steal...
the loan shark trusted her so much that she told her everything about her, Charlene pretended to be loving her but deep down she knew she would deal with her.
Charlene: mama B, have I settled my debt?
mama B: yes love, I'll start paying you, you're the best employee, I'm surprised you did not take drugs like the others
Charlene: I prefer being sober
they both laughed.
as mama B promised, she paid Charlene, she saved all her money, and the one she was stealing... mama B made sure she caters her and buys her clothes, so she had nothing to do with her money.
time went by, girls came and gone, some ended up being killed by the high dosage of drugs, but Charlene stood still, she was now the loan shark, but mama B didn't know, she made a lot of money, at the age of 21 they threw a big party, this one was different from the typical orgy ones, this one was a high class party, thrown by mama B herself as a present for Charlene...
the celebration went well, too well that Charlene met a guy, he's every girl's dream, he's tall, dark, hunk and rich... they exchanged numbers and begin talking a few weeks later.
Charlene was fond of Dorrance, she vowed to take her to rehabilitation but they had to do a big heist, Dorrance was to do it alone since Charlene was not going to be able to.
the plan was for Dorrance to get into mama B safe and steal the money in there, a whole lot of it.
the plan worked, mama B didn't notice anything since she thought Charlene was on top of her game with everything. a few weeks later Charlene and Dorrance ran away. they rented in Sunnyside, freedom felt good, but unfortunately for Dorrance she was forcefully taken to rehab.
Dorrance: I gate you Charlene, so this was your plan all along, to use me then have me locked up ey?
Charlene: no, listen i have your share of money, I'll put it safe for you until you come back, its only a year if you cooperate Dorrance, its for your own good love.
Dorrance: I'll deal with you, I swear I'll make you suffer.
then Dorrance was taken, Charlene felt bad but she had to do it, she kept the money safe as she promised.
Charlene and the hunk started going out together, the hulks' name is Steven. they went to have lunch together today.
steven: you're beautiful
Charlene: thanks you too
Steven: hell no, handsome is the word my love
they laughed.
Steven: who's Charlene?
Charlene: a very simple girl, I'm an open book, very opinionated and shy.
Steven: you lie, non of those are you, I don't know about being opinionated but shy you're definitely not, not simple also, look at you, you're wearing an expensive dress come on
Charlene: this is the only expensive thing I own, and does a man like you know about dresses?
Steven: i own a few clothing boutiques, I have a second hand car garage also and I'm a divorce lawyer, what do you do?
Charlene choked on her drink, it was an act to avoid the question
after some time, the couple went to watch movies then later went to Steven's house.
Charlene: your house is unnecessary huge
Steven laughed at the comment and took her for a tour.
it was bed time, Charlene watched Steven take of his clothes, she admired the body,
Steven: a picture lasts long babe
Charlene: oh no I don't need a picture honey, you mr are mine, now and forever
they kissed, the temperature in the room changed, they both knew what they wanted and they did it.
Steven: that was amazing my love, you are fire
Charlene: you are a matchine.
it became normal for Charlene to visit the house, sometimes spent a month or two, until she finally moved in. she was now registered at a nursing school and she paid her own school fees in cash, not a cent owing, Steven dropped her off everyday until he got tired of if and told Charlene to do a driver's license.
it was Charlene's birthday, she was coming from school when she found her man dressed like a waitor
Charlene: and then?
Steven: I'm at your service mam
Charlene: oh, can I have a glass of water, energy drink, I think you should write them down
Steven: no mam, I got it
he was about to move when Charlene stopped him
Charlene: I'm not done, I also need ice cream, put some flakes on it, I want waffles with chocolate dip, and an apple tiser
Steve: what the hell, why so many staff ?
Charlene: waitor, who's your manager?
they laughed, they were really happy.
they sat by the pool site, on the loan having a small picnic, Charlene is 22 years.
to her surprise, her man bought her a car, Nissan cx5 black one, she screamed until she had no voice anymore.
since Charlene was given a lot of money by Steven, she used the one she had to renovate her home, she added a few rooms then painted it, it was beautiful. she was also clever not to spent the money given to her carelessly, she saved some for rainy days. she gained wait, she had the most beautiful skin and she grew some hair.
it was in January when she went to school to collect her results, she felt like someone was following her, she then ran to school, after collecting she ran to her car. she went to the rehab center to check on Dorrance, she found her there, so her heart was at ease because she thought it could be her. Dorrance wasn't angry anymore, she was thankful to Charlene to bring her there.
Dorrance is a colored, mixed race, she's a bit short and has a beautiful body.
Charlene got home, she found Steven eating already
Charlene: you couldn't wait?
Steven: hunger to control, how did you go?
Charlene: where?
she began thinking Steven was the one she felt was following her
Steven: school duh
Charlene: oh, I made it, second year here I come
Steven: so how much is needed?
Charlene: for what?
Steven: where is your head Charlene? for school fees obviously geez
Charlene: I've paid my fees, all of it for the whole 4 years course.
Steven looked at her for a long time, but kept it to himself, the million dollar question is how...
the whole time Steven was thinking of who Charlene is, where she comes from, parents, the kind of job she was doing before she went to school...
so he asked
Steven: babe where is your home?
Charlene: groblersdal
Steven: that's where your parents are?
Charlene: my parents died, I was left with granny but she also died, so I'm all alone.
Steven: don't you want to visit home though?
Charlene: uhm actually I do visit, I went there to see the tombstones I've put for them and to see the house after renovation
Steven: when?
Charlene: just a while back babe
Steven: before we met right?
Charlene: no
Steven: you've been going home when I thought you are at school, wow so tell me how do you know mama B?
Charlene: so going home is a problem now, you know what I'll leave your house for you, it seems like I'm being a burden to you.
Steven: you're missing the point, and you're trying to avoid my question, baby come back here
he said when Charlene dramatically banged the door on her way out. she slept in her car.
Charlene thought it was going to be the end of the relationship if Steven knew she was a prostitute, it pained her too because it was never her will to end up being that. she then went to pack a few stuff and went back home, she has only one week before she can go back to school.
when she got there, she started cleaning the house, she did the spring cleaning, while at it, she found a paper with her grandmother's handwriting, on the paper are names of mama B's family, from kids to parents, and why she's left her kids here, there was a contact line there so Charlene stored it and put a mental note to call tomorrow. poor Steven thought he pushed his lover away, he called but no answer, he didn't give up though.
Charlene sent him sms telling him she was mama B's assistant, she ordered clothes, food, counted money and ran errands.
Steven responded saying she must come back so they could talk like adults.
she went back, when she got it was a bit awkward but Steven had to break the air.
Steven: I'm sorry if you felt ambushed, but love i realized that I only knew your name, so I had to ask, and thanks for letting me know how you knew mama B because I know she runs an escort agency.
Charlene: oh, I thought it was a modeling agency, so you know about the escort because you were a customer?
Steven: not really, she ordered lingerie from my store and was oe still is a faithful customer
Charlene: okay, since you want to know about me, I got a friend that's in rehab, I'm still paying my old flat for her when she comes back. I hope you're okay with it.
Steven: its okay, but we got to be open and upfront babe, I hate surprises.
the couple made up, time was flying but Charlene was planning on getting mama B exposed but without Steven knowing.
she paid regular visits at the rehab, her and Dorrance had a plan on how to expose her.
time flew and it was her 23rd birthday, Dorrance was there, her boyfriend and his brothers, the two brothers had wives, the other one didn't.
Charlene, Dorrance and the two ladies were sitting by the pool when one wife asked Charlene was doing for a living
Charlene: I'm still in school
wife: eh, so you got no money, how on earth did you afford that car
she said pointing at the Nissan, Steven wasn't far he could hear what was being said
Charlene: my parents left me money, hence the car
she said with a lot of attitude
other wife: you should have a house then
Charlene: yes I do, back on groblersdal, here i rent an apartment
Dorrance: what's with the million questions?
wife: I hate it when girls jump on Steven for money
Dorrance: do they jump on him or he approaches them?
wife: it doesn't matter, point is they date him for money
Dorrance: if he did not want them to spent his money, he wouldn't have let them know he has it, they don't steal it do they?
wife: you're missing the point.
Dorrance: eeason why I hate black people, you involve yourselves too much in other people's business, stop it.
wife: you're a racist, wow I should've thought
Charlene: time up!
she said taking Dorrance by hand heading to the house.
Charlene: when are we striking?
Dorrance: let's meet with her ex husband first
Charlene: I'm loosing patience
Dorrance: does Steven know about what you did?
Charlene: no, are you crazy.
Dorrance gave her a warning look, but said nothing.
Steven walked in
steven: why are you not with the rest?
Charlene: your sisters are being nasty
Dorrance: point of correction there Charlene, sisters in law, who died and made them your spokesperson?
Charlene: people
Dorrance: huh?
Charlene: spokespeople they're two
Dorrance: whatever English teacher.
Steven just laughed and looked at them
both: what?
Steven: you should've been sisters, you bond
Charlene: we are, connected in souls
Dorrance: I don't have no white ass sister, you are my half
they hugged.
the day went smooth.
new characters
Steven brothers: Malcolm and wife Anelisa
Brahan and wife zonke
James has no wife
mama B ex husband Mr Mbuli
Charlene passed her second year, she then threw a small party for Dorrance since it was her birthday, she gave her a bank card that had 150 000 that they stole and one that she's been saving up for her.
Dorrance was happy...
they used the party to accomplish their mission.
they invited Mr mbuli who is a taxi owner and a driver.
Charlene: Mr Mbuli why did you and mama B divorce?
Mr Mbuli: she stole a lot of money from me, she told me she got smugged but later found out she was lying.
Dorrance: how much and where did you get it?
Mr Mbuli: my father passed away, the taxi association gave me 100 000 and we had burial societies they also paid out, she stole from me 50 000 then stole from. my mother same amount, when I found out, I also discovered that she was selling her body, and the kids I thought were mine aren't, so I send her back to her parents with the kids.
Dorrance: well now she's a loan shark and has a prostitute institution
Charlene: what Dorrance? sir what she means is that your ex wife has been forcing girls to sell their bodies, we are also the victims, we really need your help to stop her ruining girls any further.
Mr Mbuli: I am willing to help, just tell me what you need and I'll do it, but in return you will have to help me find a wife
the girls looked at each other, then both said its okay.
Charlene went back to her boyfriend.
a few days later Steven almost got Charlene killed by choking
steven: I heard James saying there was an old man at Dorrance party
Charlene almost died there, she caughed until she vomited, but Steven did not let it slide.
Steven: so babe who is he?
Charlene: who?
Steven: i hate it when you play dumb, the man at the party, who is he?
Charlene: my neighbor
Steven: you invite your neighbors to friend's parties now, and you didn't want me to come
Charlene: he's both our neighbor, yeah Dorrance and I are from the same place
Steven: you look nervous though
Charlene: when was sitting with a man became a sin now? what are you accusing me of?
Steven: you are always defensive, I hate it.
he then walked out. Charlene quickly called Dorrance
Dorrance: lover
Charlene: why did you invite James to your party Dorrance?
Dorrance: because we are dating
Charlene: well make sure you tell him you and I are from the same village and that man he saw us sitting with is our neighbor
Dorrance: damn, he knows where I come from, and besides Charlene, I love him, I want to be as honest as possible to him.
Charlene: have you told him about what you did and rehab?
Dorrance: yes, don't worry I didn't mention you anywhere.
Charlene was worked out. just when she hung up, Steven and James came in.
James: makoti (bride)
Charlene: hi, can I offer you anything to drink?
james: just water please
Charlene walked to the fridge
James: Dorrance told me a lot about you
Charlene: good things I hope
James: yeah, where did you guys meet ?
Steven: they're neighbors
James looked at him, then Charlene
James: hell no they aren't , Dorrance came from the east, she's colored man use your brains
Steven: you said you are Charlene
Charlene: James not all colored people are from the east, I'm white from limpopo so what's your say on that
James noticed Charlene was uncomfortable so he let it go.
things were smooth between Charlene and Steven, one night Steve proposed, they're now planning a wedding, the wedding day is after her examination at school.
well getting mama B exposed worked pretty well, she got arrested but then Steven knew
Steven: mama B is arrested for forcing girls sell their bodies.
Charlene: oh
Steven: you have nothing to do with this right?
Charlene: gosh Steven, why do you always find a way to piss me off?
Steven: just making sure Charlene
Charlene walked out
they never spoke about it again. the wedding date came, Charlene was being married into a black traditional family, she was paid a lobola to, she had to gather all her family members to negotiate, but it all went smooth, they did all the rituals on her traditional wedding.
so today its about her, a white wedding day. she looked stunning, breathing taking, it was emotional... after the wedding they went to their honeymoon, they only came back in January.
Charlene is pregnant, a month and 2 weeks, they found out recently when she couldn't eat anything.
when they got home, they found Steven's brothers with their wives and Dorrance.
Charlene: and then?
Steven: I didn't know babe
Charlene: you know I hate your sisters in law, I fucken hate them.
when they got in, there was a beautiful cake Charlene couldn't resist.
as they were sitting there by the dining table, Malcolm said
Malcolm: you look familiar Charlene, have we met before?
Charlene: yes, I am your brother's wife
the rest laughed but Malcolm was sure he saw her somewhere.
Malcolm: no really Charlene, think man, I must have saw you somewhere
he then remembered
Malcolm: oh dear, I know now. wow.
Steven: know what?
Malcolm: I think you need to talk to your wife, she knows where we met, Charlene please do the right thing.
Anelisa: what's going on, is she one of the prostitutes you've been fucking behind my back?
zonke: I think we should give them some space, come guys let's go.
Steven: no, Malcolm where did you meet my wife?
Malcolm: Steven man, I think she should be the one telling you this.
Brahan: okay, Malcolm and Charlene met when Charlene was not your wife and you have not met her, its in the past Malcolm don't you think?
Steven: Charlene open your mouth and say something
Charlene: I don't know what he's talking about babe
Malcolm: she was selling her body dude
Steven: and you bought ?
Malcolm: at mama B, you know how things roll there
Steven: clearly i don't, I asked if you bought, did you?
Malcolm: yes
Anelisa: wow Malcolm, thanks a lot for degrading me to her level, you cheat on me with a hoe, every man's container ... disgusting
she went to her car.
Zonke and her husband also left
james: listen man, Dorrance also was uhm that, I think you should forgive her
Steven: please leave guys
after a while
Steven: so you slept with my brother, not only him, but thousand other men out there, you told me you and Dorrance were neighbors, made me believe you are different from all the girls I have met, I ended up marrying you, based on a lie, Charlene please leave my house
Charlene: babe please, think about our baby, please love let me explain
Steven: stop crying, why are you crying, isn't this the ending you wanted, that someone would tell me the truth
Charlene: babe I was ashamed, you wouldn't have loved me if you knew
Steven: we wouldn't know now would we, what i wouldn't do is to continue living with you... please leave.
Charlene: I'm carrying your child Steven
steven: if I was able to carry the baby myself I would, now leave please.
Charlene was busy packing her stuff when Steven told her to leave the car behind.
she called a cab to the apartment, when she got there she cried, so bad that she had fits and was taken to the hospital, she lost the baby, she lost so much blood so she was kept there a week. she tried calling Steven but he did not answer, the whole week still no answer.
Dorrance came to check on her
Dorrance: babe the doctor said they're keeping you here one more week, you have signs of depression he said.
Charlene: have you told Steven that I lost the baby?
Dorrance: he knows, James told him
Charlene: then why is he not calling to check on me?
Dorrance: babe I think you should focus on getting better, I went to fetch your results at school and you made it.
Charlene: I don't care about those Dorrance, has he forgotten about me this quick?
Dorrance: listen here bitch, you are going to forget about that looser, if he loved you enough he wouldn't have chased you away carrying his child, you deserve better. now smile because you passed, and you will get up from this depressing bed because you are going to school next week, gosh and she says she's older.
Charlene: its not easyyyyyy
she said and started crying
Dorrance just looked at her until she was calm. then said.
Dorrance: I got accepted for police training, I'm leaving next week. when I come back Charlene you better be the old Charlene, and we only have this week so make sure you look better to get discharged.
she then left.
Charlene was happy that Dorrance was accepted, it was her dream, she took her advice and told the doctor that she'll attend counseling, they discharged her.
a week went by without her trying to call Steven, she actually deleted everything including pictures, even wedding pictures, Dorrance made her do that.
Dorrance left, Charlene was left alone, she focused on school, she was doing practical so she made sure to keep busy...
on school holidays she went to groblersdal only for a week then went to the practical site, it was her routine.
she had a business idea, so she put it into action, she went to security school at night, until she passed then registered her certificate, she also did a grade A and opened a security business, she registered it and did all the necessities, she only needed an office and a few more rands to have uniforms and computers.
all this kept her busy, before she knew it, it was her birthday, turning 24. she went to home, to the grave yard to be precise, she cried to her parents, begging them for blessings and guidance. then went to her granny to thank her for helping her. she cleaned both tombs then left, she spent one week home then it was examination at school, she nailed it.
she went back home for the rest of festive season.
she changed how she dressed, she cut her hair off, all of it she was bald. she became a new person and started attending church. she dressed classy, elegant and smart, even when she's sweeping.
Dorrance came back, she was at the Eastern Cape but they spoke everyday, she and James were seriously involved and wanted to settle down, Charlene was sad because her marriage failed but happy that her friend is happy.
January came, Charlene went to get her results and found her high marks pass there, the hospital she was doing practical at took her for a permanent job. she's turning 25 this year, she still made it ey.
she gained a little weight, she was a size 28 and now a size 32, uniform looked good on her, her friend was also working, the two would take pictures wearing their uniforms and Dorrance would send them to James, so that's how Steven got to see Charlene, he was still angry, but love clouded all that, seeing her that happy and yummy without him didn't sit well with him.
Charlene now had saved money for her business, she didn't want to find a contract before she had everything covered, she did things step by step. she's covered on uniforms and computers but she needed cars, 3 at least, she applied for a loan at the bank showing them her business plan and they approved.
Dorrance told James everything, James passed that everything to Steven. poor Steven didn't know how he'll start apologizing.
time flies, it flew and Charlene got a lot of contracts, from taxi rank, to small shops, banks, schools, airports and hospitals, her security services were everywhere in the world.
on her birthday, she decided to spoil herself, she bought a brand new car, a BMW X5, that was her way of saying thanks to her mind and heart to carry on throughout the hardships. she's now a boss, she had stuff working for her, accountant, PA, secretary, HR, PR, name them.
it was on one rainy day when she was heading to groblersdal, at the petrol garage a white gentle man offered to buy her a hot coffee and she agreed, the two spoke and she was open, she told him everything, the guy was friendly towards her and comforting. the guy told her that he's bisexual, the two became friends instantly, they exchanged numbers and agreed to go out again soon.
it rained heavily when Charlene got home, Charlene slept like she never before, meanwhile Steven was trying to call her, he left 15 missed calls, by the time Charlene saw them it was three hours later, and she did not return the call.
Charlene and that guy went out again, to the resorts so Charlene dressed simple but smart, she wore a flair above the knee yellow dress, she had white sandals on, had a white sling bag, had on her shades and huge earrings with her bald hair, she looked stunning. they took a lot of pictures with the guy, Charlene sent them to Dorrance, Dorrance put them on her whatsApp status then that's how Steven knew about his wife having a man.
Steven tried to call, the rest of the days Charlene was home and he was never answered. he was now desperate to get her back, he mentioned that they're still married and that actually helped Charlene to file for divorce.
they only met on the court day to finalize the divorce.
Steven: good morning
Charlene: hi
Steven: you look good
Charlene: I know
Steven: Charlene can we stop the process for now, try to talk things out, please?
Charlene: you had the whole to come and talk but you didn't so no
Steven: I was angry okay, please try to understand
Charlene: I do understand believe me, that's why I waited one more year for you but still you did not come, so you are way too late, those feelings I had for you died
Steven: let's revive them my love please
Charlene: I'm still the same person you chased out, still sold my body, still slept with your brother, still worked for mama B
Steven: I have forgiven you
Charlene: I haven't forgotten how you treated me when you found out, right now I want to focus on my career and my business, I don't have time for relationships
Steven wanted to continue but they were called in, Charlene told the magistrate she does not want anything that belongs to Steven so the process was easy and quick.
two weeks after the divorce Charlene was called in a school to be a motivational speaker, its a government secondary school, matriculants farewell. She dressed to kill, She was in a blue long sleeve formal jumpsuit, had on a cream white jacket and cream white stilleto with a creamy and blue hand bag, she looked pretty with bald head and a blue matt lip stick on.
the ceremony was beautiful, Steven donated shoes to the school, so he was there also, and other rich people who normally and usually help he school. it was Charlene's turn to motivate the learners. when she walked to the stage, damn guys were drooling over her, she looks younger than her age, even the learners were whistling for her attention.
Charlene: good day, I'm honored to be called here and share a stage with the likes of Mr Steven and other privileged people. My name is Charlene DeBeer I'm 26 years of age, I know you thought I was your age there ( she said pointing to the matriculants), I once sat like this, at my farewell, the motivater stood as I am here sharing his life experiences, but I never thought for once I would do the same, and when he was sharing his story, I judged him, I told myself I will be wise, more careful but life had to beg to differ.
it was after I wrote my last final examination when my parents called saying they're coming home and we should not cook, granny and I waited until it was worrying, around 10 pm, we get a call to identify two bodies, and when we got there, those bodies were my parents' indeed, what's sad was that they had no burial scheme, grandmother had to borrow money from a loan shark, after the funeral, we struggled paying the money, the loan shark came to us and offered me a job, then I thought was a decent job, I was happy, but granny had doubts, either way we had to settle the debt, just when I got my matric results and had 4 distinctions, the loan shark called for me, I came here, to work. I found out the job was to be a prostitute, i was a virgin and 18 years, luckily the guy that broke my virginity was loving, or so I thought but he disappeared, I never saw him again when he promised he'd rescue me, I accepted my fate, not a single did I not die inside, but I pulled through, I met a friend there, she became my strength, all other girls there were too consumed in the situation that they had no vision for future, I knew what I wanted, I had to be strong and sober to fulfill my plans, one day a call came through from my neighbors announcing my grandmother's death, that day I fell apart, shattered, broken, and I had to borrow money again to burry her, so I had to settle the debt again, but things got better when I was made the assistant, I stopped entertaining men, did real business, I stole money, not much but enough to give me a start, I stole because I wasn't paid enough, we were exploited there so I stole to build my pride, I stole to boost my ego, I stole to restore my heart but mostly stole to build a start, a new life. when I finally made it out, I was able to pay for my friend's rehab fees for a year, I promised her and I kept my promise, I saved up some money for her also, I registered to become a nurse at a very expensive school, I owed that to myself, I rented an apartment so basically my life was coming together.
I met a man, I loved him dearly, he was my first true love, the only men that never paid to have sex with him, he loved me genuinely and that gave me a fright, so i lied to him, lied about my past, I had to guard myself not to lose him, he made me his wife, but my skeleton caught up with me, it ended in tears. I am 26, already had lost a baby, a divorcee, and have slept with tons of men, but that's not me, not who I am, who I am is not how I am, how I am is what I need and want that I feed to my soul, right now I feed my soul with positivity. my advice to you is be patient, understanding, considerate and positive.
the crowd clapped for her, she did motivate a lot of people today. steven was in tears, he kneeled down to ask for forgiveness once more, Charlene forgave him and the two agreed to take things slow. Charlene stopped talking to that other guy because she didn't want to complicate her relationship with Steven.
things were different though since Charlene was staying at her own house, they only visited each other, Charlene got pregnant again.
Dorrance and James got married, Charlene couldn't see her friend walk down the isle since she was in hospital due to delivery, but she made sure her present gets there, she bought her a whole bedroom suite and gave her a holiday ticket.
Charlene became rich, she has a beautiful baby girl named shalom meaning peace. her and Steven got married when she had a second baby girl and shalom was 5 years, the new member was named mighty and both girls took their mothers genes.
he couple bought a new house, a huge one for that matter, they grew their businesses, and of all grew together.
the end.