Star locked eyes with Mandume, her heart betraying her with a warmth she didn't want to acknowledge.
Snap out of it, Star! What are you doing? He has a girlfriend! she scolded herself internally, tearing her gaze away.
"Uh… my phone… you said it's somewhere safe?" she asked, quickly changing the subject.
Mandume blinked, as if shaking off his own trance. "Yeah, of course. It's at my place." Then his expression softened with concern. "Star, where are you going to stay now?"
"I'll keep staying at the college while I look for a job. I actually applied for some domestic work. Maybe someone accepted me?" she said with a hopeful shrug.
Mandume's face darkened. "No, Star. You can't stay at the college. You're pregnant. The cold will affect you and the baby. That's a serious health risk. You should—"
"Don't say it," she interrupted. "I don't have a boyfriend, Mandume."
Mandume frowned. "What? Then how—"
"I don't know," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I don't remember having sex. Maybe I was raped… but I don't want to talk about it." She shut the conversation down with a look.
Mandume exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. "Okay, but you're not staying at the college. I'll talk to my mom. You'll stay with us. And no protests, Star. No 'I don't want to' or 'I'll be fine.' This is happening."
Star hesitated. "What? You know Bonita won't like that."
"It's my dad's house, not hers," Mandume said simply. And with that, he drove them to the college to pick up her things.
At the Davids' House
Bonita lounged on the couch, twirling her phone in her hand as she called Tiffanie.
"Hey, bestie! Guess what? I'm free! Star withdrew the case. Yoh, I was so scared—I could've been in juvie right now!"
Tiffanie scoffed. "Girl, you didn't have to be scared. That girl can't even afford a lawyer. You would've won."
"I know, right? She's broke—no way she'd hire one. But never mind that. I have big news. Get ready for your mind to be blown!"
"Is it about school? Are the practical results out?!" Tiffanie's voice turned frantic. "Oh my God, how did we do?!"
"Relax! It's not about school. Just guess!"
"I can't. I'm terrible at guessing. Just spill!"
Bonita grinned, lowering her voice dramatically. "Tiffanie Ndenga is officially the future wife of Mandume Davids."
Tiffanie sighed. "Bonita, that's not news. We already knew that."
Bonita cackled. "No, you don't get it. It's a done deal now. Because Star is pregnant! That means she's out of the picture. She won't be dragging Mandume around anymore."
Tiffanie gasped. "What?! That quiet girl? Pregnant? No way! Who's the father?"
"Who cares? She's ruined. And that means Mandume is all yours!" Bonita giggled.
The two continued gossiping, laughing at their supposed victory.
Maria sat in the living room, glancing up when Mandume entered. "You're back. Took long enough. Where were you?"
"Mom… Star needs a place to stay," Mandume said cautiously.
Maria frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Her father kicked her out when he found out she was pregnant. We went to her house today, but no one was there. The neighbors gave her this letter instead." He handed it to her. "Can she stay here, at least until she gives birth? Please, Mom."
Maria hesitated, scanning the letter. Her expression shifted from irritation to shock. "This… this isn't good. Oh, my poor girl…" She looked up, suddenly filled with sympathy. "Where is she now?"
"She's outside in the car," Mandume said, already heading out to get her.
When Star stepped inside, she was momentarily stunned by the luxurious house. It was nothing like the cold, harsh places she was used to.
Maria approached her warmly. "Oh, Star, my child. I'm so sorry… reading this letter, I can only imagine what you've been through." She pulled Star into a comforting hug. "Sit down, let Bonita bring you some juice. Boni! Boni!"
Star sat stiffly on the plush sofa, unsure of Maria's sudden warmth. "Uh… this woman… what's her deal? Is she hiding something?" she muttered under her breath.
Bonita finally walked in, freezing when she saw Star sitting there. Her stomach twisted into knots.
"Mom… you called me?" she asked cautiously.
"Yes, sweetheart. Bring our guest some juice," Maria said smoothly.
Bonita's hands trembled as she nodded and hurried off to the kitchen. "Why is she here?! Did she change her mind? Am I in trouble?" she whispered frantically to herself.
Maria turned back to Star. "My son told me everything. It's difficult for any parent when their daughter ends up pregnant. But babies are innocent. They come into this world with no fault of their own. I want to help you, dear."
Star narrowed her eyes. "If you're doing this out of pity, don't bother."
Maria stiffened, inwardly seething. This brat! I'm trying to help her, and she dares—! But outwardly, she smiled. "No, my dear. From the moment I met you, I cared for you. And what you did for my Bonita only made me love you more. I won't turn my back on you now."
Bonita returned with the juice, her face pale as she handed it to Star. She was about to leave when Maria stopped her. "No, Boni. Sit down. I have something to say."
Bonita tensed.
"Star will be staying with us from now on. She's our guest. And she's pregnant, so we'll treat her with extra care."
Bonita's world shattered.
What?! This witch is playing games! And Mom has to obey whatever Mandume says! Poor Tiffanie… she fumed inwardly.
Star caught the flash of rage on Bonita's face. "Madam, Bonita doesn't seem happy about this. I don't want to cause any problems—"
"No, Star. You're staying," Mandume said firmly.
"Yes, my dear," Maria echoed. "You're staying, and that's final."
Bonita stormed off, slamming the door to her room.
Maria sighed. "Don't mind her. She's the last born, after all. Mandume, take Star to the guest room."
"Thank you, Ma'am," Star said as she followed Mandume.
Maria, however, had other matters to deal with. She marched straight to Bonita's room.
"How could you, Mom?!" Bonita raged. "Out of all people, you let her stay here for nine months?!"
Maria's voice dropped dangerously low. "Watch your tongue, young lady. If it weren't for her, you'd be in jail right now!"
Bonita scowled. "Drop the act, Mom. You're not happy about this either!"
Maria exhaled sharply. "No, I'm not. But we don't have a choice. And if you pull anything stupid, it'll be you behind bars."
Bonita fell silent, gripping her fists.
For now, there was nothing she could do.