Tebogo's High(er) Life

By PuseRose Mogapi

A life full of drama and success, tears and crazy fun, and through it all, unimaginable loss. Tebogo considers herself to be a BBB (beauty, body and brains) woman living the high life. She knows exactly what she wants out of life and she knows how to get it. When Tebogo’s world comes crashing down, she has to consider whether there is a higher life than the one that she has lived for years. How is Tebogo going to recover her life again, after she loses what she has built her life around? Will she be able to rise from the ashes and ruins to build a better life? At the end of the day, will she find healing from the past, a past that convinced her that men are only good for one thing?

• Language: English
• Publisher: PuseRose Mogapi
• Release date: Jan 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9780620913560

PuseRose Mogapi

PuseRose Mogapi was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she now works and lives.

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Tebogo’s

High(er)

Life

PuseRose Mogapi

© Puseletso Mogapi 2021

Tebogo’s High(er) Life

Published by PuseRose Publishers

Rooihuiskraal, South Africa

[e-mail]

ISBN 978-0-620-91355-3

eISBN 978-0-620-91356-0

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the written permission of the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Layout by Boutique Books

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

EPILOGUE

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my family, my treasure:

Puleng (aka Mama), Tsoakae, Basetsana, Eddie, Tshiamo, Kamohelo, Vuyo and Neliswa

I also dedicate this book to the warm and loving memory of my Sis in Heaven, Kelebogile Nono

Acknowledgements

There are not enough words to express how thankful I am to the King of my heart, Jesus Christ, for His endless grace and mercy upon my life. Without Him, I am nothing and can do nothing.

I would like to thank Margaret Sis Mags Hungwe, who encouraged me to push through and publish this book and freely shared her experience and contacts. May God continue to use you mightily to glorify His name.

Thank you to Pastor Tofara Sammie, my editor. You understood my vision and added beautiful colour to the story. May God make you prosper in all that He has called you to do.

A special thanks to my friends, prayer partner and the prayer warriors in my life. May God reward you richly for all the times you encourage me and pray for me. I am also very grateful to my spiritual leader Izak Coetzee. Your teachings, humility and willingness to be vulnerable before your flock, with my late Mama Liz, continue to have a tremendous impact on my walk with Christ. May God give you the strength of Caleb and enlarge your territory.

And of course, a big heartfelt thanks to my family, especially my Mom. Your love, support and encouragement keep me grounded. Even though you don’t always understand my adventurous, out-of-the-box ways, you accept me as I am. May God’s hand be upon you all the days of your lives.

Proverbs 31:30 (NKJV)

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,

But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

CHAPTER 1

"Z uko, you can go jump off a cliff for all I care. You were starting to bore me anyway, four months with you was more than enough," those were the thoughts that were rushing through Tebogo’s sleepy head. Her frustrated boyfriend, Zuko, had just angrily banged the door behind him, and she didn’t really care. What she needed now was to go back to bed. The previous day had not only been long and taxing, the night had left her drained. It had been her best friend’s wedding day.

As Tebogo cuddled her blanket, another voice ran through her weary head. She heard the voice of that boring photographer who was taking photos at the wedding. His sharp piercing voice rang in her ears again, Come now, everybody. Big smiles, all around. All of a sudden Tebogo was back at the wedding, she went through each scene of the insanely long day again in her mind.

It had been about an hour since they started taking photographs. Tebogo was getting tired of this now. She looked at Lesego, who was the most elegant bride Tebogo had ever seen. Lesego was radiant and had kept an amazing smile since morning, when they started getting ready for the wedding.

I can’t believe my big day is finally here! I am so excited, but I am also nervous. It feels like a dream. In a few hours, I will officially be Mrs Luthuli! Lesego had said during one of their conversations in the hustle of the final preparations.

As the maid of honour, Tebogo had arrived at the wedding venue before the other three bridesmaids. The venue was a stunning plot about one hundred kilometres from the bustling centre of the South African capital. As you made your way through the property gate just off one of the main highways, you would be greeted by trees on both sides of the driveway. In their bloom they had amazing pink and white flowers absolutely breath-taking.

The venue for the ceremony had a beautiful garden, with well-manicured green lawns. That is where the newlyweds had taken their vows earlier. A red carpet had been laid on the lawn along the aisle. While Tebogo had walked down the aisle she noticed something beautiful, something she knew she would never have. As she led the procession of bridesmaids, she had observed how Bonga, the groom, seemed not to notice them at all. All he was looking out for was Lesego.

Only when Tebogo had taken her place, did Lesego appear on her uncle’s arm. She walked down the aisle slowly, soaking the attention and relishing the moment. All the guests looked at her with pride, some of the women, especially Lesego’s aunts, ululated and waved their arms and pieces of cloth in the air.

Lesego looked divine in a tight-fitting strapless lace white dress, with a mermaid bottom. A long lace veil graced the red carpet behind Lesego. It was electric.

By the time Lesego reached Bonga, he was in tears. Lesego’s uncle handed her over to him. Bonga wiped the tears from his eyes using the handkerchief his best man had given him. Everyone could see it, Bonga was ecstatic, he definitely acted like a man who had won a million bucks.

Tebogo stepped closer, and helped properly position Lesego’s veil behind her, and then gracefully took the bouquet of flowers from Lesego’s trembling hands. The couple faced each other, and held hands. It seemed that Lesego was also trying hard to fight back tears. It was a dream come true.

They had looked deeply into each other’s eyes as they said their vows, and their first kiss as husband and wife had been awkward, more of a peck than a kiss. Tebogo knew that they were shy to kiss in front of their relatives, it was culturally unacceptable.

Tebogo was in bed but she was reliving the moment and naturally she found herself smiling. Then all of a sudden, the shrill voice of the photographer came rushing through her mind again and the scene quickly changed.

We are done everyone, we are done taking the photographs now! shouted the photographer.

Tebogo was relieved that they were now done taking pictures. She couldn’t wait to sit down and rest her feet. I shouldn’t have worn such high heels, she thought.

To add to the frustration she was also angry that her boyfriend, Zuko, had not attended the wedding. He had sent her a short message saying that he wouldn’t be able to come, but promised that he would explain everything the following day when they saw each other.

I need to deal with this donkey, Tebogo thought after she read the message. She decided to not let him ruin such a happy day, and she put him out of her mind.

These guys know their stuff, Tebogo had said to one of the bridesmaids. She had been impressed by venue owner’s sterling work with the designs and decorations. The venue had been decorated beautifully with the wedding theme colours. It was all gold, cream and peach, it was just heavenly.

As the bridal party stepped into the reception hall, they stirred a storm. For the past few weeks they had been learning amazing routines which turned the entire hall into a dance floor. Almost everyone in the reception venue was on their feet, there was crazy dancing and loud ululating.

The programme director, Bonga’s cousin, Sipho, was doing a great job. He made a lot of jokes and kept the mood light and joyful. Finally Sipho called Tebogo to give a speech. Tebogo felt nervous as she walked towards the podium to take the microphone. Just speak from the heart, she told herself.

Lesego and I have been besties since primary school, she started, and we have been through a lot together. She has always been there for me through thick and thin. She has really become like a sister to me. Tebogo turned from speaking to the crowd and with teary eyes looked at Lesego.

She is very loving, caring, kind and is always willing to help others. With a look of mischief on her face she looked at Bonga, then back to Lesego. I still remember the day that she came back from her first date with Bonga. I had never seen her so happy and she still has that same sparkle in her eye today. Lesego and Bonga looked at each other and smiled blushingly.

Smiling back Tebogo continued, Lesego said to me, ‘That man is my husband, he is my gift from God.’ I told her that it was too soon to come to that conclusion, but she shook her head fiercely and said firmly, ‘I know without a doubt that he is the one. This is it for me, Tebogo, there is no turning back.’ And here we are, fourteen months later, celebrating their wedding. Bonga, I know that Lesego is going to be so valuable to you and your family. I wish the two of you all the very best. Congrats!

With those touching words, Tebogo handed the microphone back to Sipho. When she got to the bridal table, Lesego stood up and gave her a big hug. As she sat down next to Lesego they were both emotional and teary, but Tebogo managed to say, I am so happy for you, my Bestie.

Bonga was holding Lesego’s hand on the other side, and he was all smiles.

Later in the evening, Tebogo was dancing with Tumi, one of the other bridesmaids when Sipho came to dance with them. Sipho leaned closer to her, so that she could hear him over the loud music and said, The DJ is great, isn’t he?

Feeling bored that Sipho had joined them, Tebogo continued dancing, took a gasp and responded with a short, Yeah.

You’ve got some great moves. You should teach me some time, Sipho said. Tebogo did not bother to respond.

Feeling uncomfortable, Tumi said to Tebogo, I’m going to get something to drink. Tebogo nodded reluctantly, wishing that Tumi wouldn’t leave her alone with Bonga’s cousin. All she could do was to keep on dancing, and pretend that Sipho was not there.

I should get your number so that I can make an appointment for those dance lessons, Sipho said.

Tebogo frowned, I’m very busy, so you’ll have to get someone else to teach you. Please excuse me, I also need to get a drink, she said this whispering so that Sipho wouldn’t hear where she was going exactly. Gracefully she made her way to the bar.

Trying to be heard over the loud music, Sipho shouted after her, I’ll be right here waiting for you!

Tebogo went to the bar and ordered a glass of wine. As she was waiting for the order, she caught the whiff of a gentleman’s perfume. Turning to the right, she saw a tall, handsome, well-groomed, slim man, probably in his forties, smiling right at her. Tebogo saw his watch, quickly looked at his shoes, and with the perfume and clothes that he was wearing, concluded that he had expensive taste. Just the kind she fancied.

The good gentleman said, Hi. I am Thomas.

From her conversations with Lesego, Tebogo recognised the name as Lesego’s manager.

Hi. I am Tebogo, she replied.

Lesego often talks about you at the office, Thomas explained. It’s nice to finally put such a beautiful face to the name. That was a great speech that you made, it was straight from the heart.

Blushingly Tebogo replied, Thanks.

Can I buy you a drink? Thomas offered.

Tebogo smiled and responded, The barman is getting my drink already, thanks.

Slowly information that Lesego had told her about Thomas began to bubble up in her mind. She remembered Lesego telling her that Thomas was rich, he owned a number of properties and cars, to top it off he was divorced. She began imagining.

It was when Thomas ordered a drink for himself that Tebogo’s fantasy bubble burst. When they had both received their drinks, they made their way from the serving counter and found chairs that were furthest from the loud sound system’s speakers.

They made small talk for a few minutes, talking about how beautiful the wedding was. Then Thomas gave Tebogo a look, that kind of look she was used to getting when men were around her.

I hope I am not invading someone’s territory by talking to you. I wouldn’t want your plus one to come and tackle me or something, Thomas said.

Tebogo laughed, Don’t worry, I came alone. You?

I also came alone. It’s complicated, Thomas replied.

Well, it seems that we are both not getting tackled tonight, Tebogo said, as she subtly rubbed her foot against Thomas’ leg, causing him to smile even more.

Thomas excitedly said, It seems this party is dying down. How about we have our own private party at my penthouse?

I don’t mind a private party, but I mind going to your place, Tebogo replied.

We can go to your place, then, Thomas said.

No. I prefer a neutral venue. There’s a really nice place a few kilometres from here. You can drive behind me, Tebogo said with a smile.

Thomas hesitated, We can drive in my car and I will bring you back here later to fetch your car, he said.

No, thanks. I will drive myself! Tebogo exclaimed.

Thomas was clearly impressed, so he complimented her by saying, Beautiful and independent. I like that in a woman, a lot. Whatever makes you happy, I am happy to oblige.

I am going to say goodbye to Lesego. Let’s meet at the parking area in ten minutes, replied Tebogo as she stood up and left, touching Thomas on the shoulder.

Tebogo arrived at her house at 7am the following morning. While Thomas was still sleeping, she had snuck out of the room they had shared. The two had spent the night at a five-star resort. For Tebogo, she felt that she had had fun, but she did not want to have further contact with Thomas.

Just another one-night stand, she thought.

When she got home, she took a long hot bath, had breakfast, and she went off to sleep. She was woken by her cellphone ringing, and it was just before 1pm.

Hi Zuko. What do you want? she said.

Zuko responded, Hi Tebogo. Are you still angry with me? I know you have a right to be, but I am coming over now. I want to explain what happened.

Zuko, I had a long day yesterday and I need to rest. We’ll talk some other time, Tebogo mumbled.

Zuko maintained, No way. I am leaving my house now. I will see you in fifteen minutes.

Feeling irritated, Tebogo regretted disclosing where she stays to Zuko, I should have never let this donkey know where I live. Now he’s going to disturb my sleep, she thought.

Tebogo got up and wore a gown when Zuko called to say that he was at her gate. When she opened the door, she gave him a cold stare.

Hi Babe, he said, trying to hug her. She was not interested, so she stepped back and put out her hands, holding him back.

You better make this quick so that I can go back to sleep, Tebogo said.

Zuko sat on the two-seater couch in Tebogo’s lounge. Tebogo sank into the one-seater couch opposite Zuko. She crossed her legs, with her elbow resting on the arm of the couch, she rested her sleepy head on her right hand and tried to listen to what Zuko had to say.

"Babe, I am so sorry for disappointing you yesterday. When I was getting ready to come to the wedding, I received a call from Mike, that DJ that I told you about. You remember him right, the one who said that he liked my work and that I had a great future in the industry? He had a gig in the evening, but he fell ill, and he couldn’t get anyone to replace him at such short notice. So guess what, he asked me to step in for him. He asked ME Babe!"

Zuko saw that Tebogo was not as excited as he had thought she would be. Startled but confident he when on, It was a golden opportunity that I have been waiting for, for a long time now and I couldn’t say no. So, I had to get organised quickly and get to the gig. That’s why I couldn’t attend the wedding.

Tebogo frowned and said, Let me get this straight. You let my friend waste her money by paying for your attendance as one of her guests. Not only that, but you went on to send me a message that you were not coming, and didn’t even bother to give me an explanation why. Do you realise how embarrassing that was for me, since I couldn’t explain why you couldn’t come? And you want to tell me that, all this happened, so that you could play the DJ?

Zuko was stunned, I thought that you would understand and be happy for me. You know that I have invested a lot of time and money into this, he said.

You are not realistic when it comes to this. There are very few people who make it big and can make good money from being a DJ. You have a good career that pays well and there is no reason why you should chase this nonsense, retorted Tebogo.

This nonsense is my dream! Zuko snapped, I am tired of people telling me to do things that feel like a burden. First, it was my parents who refused to support my dream and I ended up being an engineer to make them happy.

Zuko was now clearly upset and had to explain himself, "And now you, the woman that I love, who should be in my corner, being my number one supporter, all you think about is money and status. An unhappy engineer who gives you everything you want, rather than a happy struggling DJ, that’s your choice for