Chapter 1.

Isn't it crazy how your whole life can change just from the few people you meet? How they have the ability to trick you, manipulate your mind and have you bending over to their own will.

The fact that one person can make you change your whole outlook on life and how you see yourself is scary and truly amazing too. That they can make you forget your morals and true values.

What you believe in and how you look at life. That was K for me. He made me feel good about myself and accept myself. True we had our differences but I like to believe we helped each other grow...apart eventually.

My name is Rina, and I'm running away from home, something I seem to be very good at, running away when things get tough, but that's a story for another day.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" My mom asked me over the phone and I rolled my eyes.

"Mma, I'm already in Cape Town. What difference will it make?" I asked and she squealed.

"Don't get mad, but I already had purchased the return ticket for today and you still have about thirty minutes to turn back," She rushed out and I rolled my eyes. Why am I not surprised?

"Mma. It's not like eighth grade this time, don't you think it's time I grow to be independent, like you?" I asked almost pleading for her to let me go.

"Yeah...but you could still do it here, at home. With me your mother."

"You know the reason why I chose Cape Town."

"But is it the only reason?"

"It's a good reason. But I'll talk to you once I reach Mr S' house. Wait, you told him I'll be staying there while I finalise everything right?"

"Suuurrreee," She dragged out, which meant she didn't call him. Did she really believe that I would turn around like I did last time? In my defence, I didn't want to be far away from my mom, same as it is now but I don't want to be around...him.

"Mma."

"I'll call him now! I forgot. I'm so sorry baby," she didn't forget, she just didn't call because of her high hopes.

"Ha ngoho." [Wow]

"Don't you say it!" She hates it that I tell her she's getting old every time she forgets something important. I like playing around with her.

"I won't. So what should I do, order a taxi to go to his place or wait for him to come get me?" I leaned against my suitcase.

"He is on his way. I'm sorry again. I'll stay on the phone until he gets there," she said and I chuckled.

"I won't tell you what he's wearing," I teased and she whined as I laughed at her.

"Why not!" My mom and I were very close like sisters people would say. She would tell me whenever she's got a boyfriend and at first it sucked because it wasn't my dad but as I got older I understood.

My dad can go jump over a bridge for all I care.

"Because...I don't know. Just ask him to take a selfie or something," she's been dating Mr S for a year now, they met when I was in grade eleven and she played hard to get for about a whole year and she finally gave in to his charms.

I honestly gave in when I met him and he bought me something my mom didn't want to and sent me money every month. So I've always been on Team Mr S.

"Argh, whatever. Anyways guess who came by when I dropped you off?"

"Who?" Please don't say Andii, please don't say his name.

"Andani!" Shit!

"Yay," I said, lacking enthusiasm and she carried on talking about him despite knowing how I feel about him.

"That boy was beautiful though Rina," she said and I rolled my eyes.

"Not everywhere," I said and she sighed.

"Why don't you try listening to his side of the-"

"Whoops, mom Mr S just arrived, talk later," I interrupted her because 1. I don't want to talk about it and 2. Mr S is really here.

"Let me talk to him."

"Call him," I hung up and I felt really bad about it but I was angry.

"Hey, sweetheart," he hugged me and took my bags from me, "I'm sorry I took time," he said and I shook my head.

"No, it's okay. It was my mistake, I didn't check if mom called you."

"Oh, but I hope you're hungry. Martha has cooked up a storm upon your arrival."

"She really didn't have to do that."

"She wanted to," he placed my bags in the backseat of his car and closed my door as well. Such a gentleman.

"You guys are so sweet," I smiled at him and he kissed my forehead. This man is awesome and I'm glad my mom met him.

"I'm glad she met me too," He said and I looked at him shocked.

"I said that out loud?"

"You have no idea how much stuff you say out loud," he laughed and I shrank in my seat. "It's not a bad thing."

His phone rings and I see my mother's name written across the screen, although it's not really written as 'Grace' it's much more...in a relationship writing.

"Hey, baby," Eew.

"Hey. Is she angry at me? I mentioned Andii and she got really angry and hung up the phone."

"You're on loudspeaker baby. Are you angry, Rina?" I shook my head no and he smirked knowing that I don't want to talk to her yet. "She's fine, she's got her headphones on," I gave him a thumbs up and grinned, he really knows how to cover up for me.

"The way you two cover up for each other is annoying! But since I know you are listening Rina, I'm sorry I talked about him and I will try my best not to bring him up okay? I love you both. Bye."

I finally understand why I'm attracted to toxic men, my mom doesn't have the best history with my dad nor do I but what I've heard from her is that he was quite the toxic one and she always seemed to be blind when it came to his red flags.

So am I, I was blind when it came to Andii.

"Bye," We both muttered. Every time we came to Mr S' house I was amazed! This house is enormous!

"What is it you do again?" I asked as I looked out the window, the large black gate opened up as we drove in through the driveway. Mr S chuckled at my expression and said.

"No matter how many times you've been here, you always wear the same expression."

"Because it's hard to believe you're just a lawyer," I said as I got out of the car. "Can't we just move in with you?" I pouted as I looked up at the house.

"Believe me, I've tried to convince your mother but she's being really- how do I say this?"

"Hard-headed and wanting it to be just us two because she doesn't trust any men anymore?" I asked and his look told me that he had already thought of that. "She's just waiting for you to pop the question," I joked smiling and he looked surprised.

"W-what?" He stuttered and I laughed.

"I'm just kidding, it's not time yet," I waved my hand as I entered the house, such a beautiful house. "Are you sure you're just a lawyer?"

"For now, yes," he nodded, smiling. What does that mean? "Your room is still arranged the same as it was last time."

"Thank you, Mr S, I'm gonna go take a nap. See you at dinner," I said after greeting Martha who was still in the kitchen cooking.

"Alright, I'll be working if you need me."

I walk away to the bedroom he gave me last time, we've been coming to this house for our holidays and it never gets boring. I guess it's the privacy in this place.

I jump onto the king-sized bed and stare at the ceiling before falling asleep. I hope college is way better than high school ever was.