Read Being Celeste for Free Online Page A

pass the slow car, but my car is increasing
speed at a snail’s pace. I’m in the wrong lane, so the idiot increases speed
and leaves me there. I was so concerned about what had just happened that I
forgot I was driving in the wrong lane...let’s just say dear guardian angel was
with me that day because I almost caused a tragedy. My gosh, I could have
died...without ever being kissed? How’s that for a happy ending? Anyway, it’s
been two years and mum still doesn’t trust me to drive alone. Oh, she was in
the passenger’s seat by the way. I think it was the first time I ever heard her
swear because she was so scared. But imagine how I was feeling, the
beginner driver. I’d just got my license. I’ll ask her for the car in front of
dad, he always manages to convince her to cut the cord and let me flap my
wings. I’ll just call dad out and give him tea so that he can watch her refurbish her garden.
    “Boitumelo, let the child have the car,”
said dad to mum. You see, I told you she was going to refuse. If only I could
afford my own car.
    “Well then Dirang, why don’t you borrow her your car?” she replied, throwing her gardening tools in a bag. I wonder
what refurbishing she was doing; the place still looks the same. Maybe she was
weeding, because I can see some dried up plant bits thrown on the side. I
always like her get up when she gardens: the black tracksuit pants, some
oversized free t-shirt (she has plenty of those), and a head scarf underneath
her hat. I don’t know why, but I feel refreshed just looking at her. I hope she
can sense that and lend me her car already. I don’t want to miss movie night.
    My father slurped his tea, sitting on a
plastic garden chair and looked up at me. “Celeste, her keys are in her purse,”
he said. “Go, she said yes.”
    Oh I love you dad, you always know how to
make it happen. Time to go! I can here mum just throwing a fit behind me. Maybe
I should go out the back door in case she calls me back. I’ll just sneak to the
side of the house and make my way to the front yard like that. They were
sitting on the other side of the house, where my mother’s garden is. I look
like a thief, sneaking around.
    Yes, I made it! Kate will be waiting.
Sometimes I wish I could live at her house for just a week. She has the most
amazing house, inside out. The driveway is just huge and paved and rosebushes
and an orchard on the side of the compound. I just want to come and camp there,
enjoy the scenery. And her house is just huge. Incredible brick walls and a
huge wooden front door with an elephant carved in the middle. It’s like a
resort. Her father is like some big shot business man who owns a chain of sport
shops and has invested in supermarkets country wide. Her mum is a court clerk.
I always wonder how Kate’s outrageous outfits could ever come from such a
beautiful home. But that’s not important because I like my friend just the way
she is (even though I’m secretly entering her into a makeover contest).
Tomorrow’s pink Monday all over again. Oh there she is, running out of her
house, just to meet me. Or maybe it is to stop her huge dog from mauling me.
Ugh, I hate that dog, it’s so angry.
    “Hey Celeste, go on in,” said Kate, holding
it back.
    It’s barking violently at me. I’m shaking
pretty badly right now, but I won’t let this break me. Oh, who am I kidding,
I’m going to make a run for it. I sprinted to the front door as if the
mutt was chasing after me. I rushed into the house and met Kate’s parents
sitting in the dining room, having tea. I was a little out of breath.
    “Good evening,” I said, panting like an
idiot.
    “Celeste, good to see you,” said Kate’s
mum. She had a warm smile on her face. “Come and sit dear, before you faint on
us. Would you like some tea, Celeste?” offered her mother.
    Man, these people are so nice. They always
make me want to come over and pay Kate a visit constantly. I feel so guilty
because I’m partially here