𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐨 𝐂𝐫𝐲

Queens do cry
Chapter 1
"Go get em' Queen!!" that was my bestfriend shouting , I laughed -she was actually the queen here ,
my day one always got it on point.I breathed in a thankful prayer as I went on the stage to be
crowned Thee Official Miss Teen Africa.Crazy right?! I felt so superior in my sash and even more
superior with the heavy , primitive thin spiked but expensive crown on my head.If it wasn't for the
weave I had it would've been too big for my head.At this point I really preserved the sovereignty of
the crown.My body nerves were tingling with joy,this meant so much for me , It was quite a delight
having a whole continent's attention and wearing something symbolic.I waved as I smiled even more ,
I really couldn't hold it in.I worked hard for this , even the texture of my melanin said it all.After some
moments they asked for a speech.Something I had tried to do for four months but still sent chills
down my spine.I said a few words and then decided to recite one of my favourite poems dedicated to
all my black queens who have gone through what I went through .
"Dear Black Girl , your skin is beautiful place to live in , your hair is grass from heaven and your shape
is a beautiful sculpture , you are not magic; magic is only an illusion, you are more than a miracle , an
unexpected blessing."

I could see it was not all eyes that saw a great female in me , some were full of envy , some
hatred.Some of the contestants didn't seem happy for me , I don't blame them though , I mean every
single one of us worked hard for this but I guess theirs wasn't enough.I walked down to be attacked
by my bestfriends hugs.
Her:Chomie , you did it!! I'm so happy for you!!
She couldn't stop screaming
Me:Pinch me! I think I'm dreaming!!
I felt a burning effect on my arm and I realised I really wasn't dreaming , this girl really had to pinch
me?!
Me:Ouchh
Her:You can thank me later! Now let's go celebrate?! Maybe a couple shots at the bar , won't hurt
right?
This girl was really a bundle of trouble , and I wasn't looking for any trouble- not today!
"Look at youu!!!"
I turned around , the happiness that had consumed my face faded away and the tension in the room
got thinner.It was my mom - my step mom. Christel(my best friend) excused herself
Christel:Call me neh. Bye and I love you!
Me:Love you too babes
Mom:What was that?!
I could tell what she suspected from her facial expression.This woman though.
 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐨 𝐂𝐫𝐲
Me:Mom im straight okay! What generation were you born in?!
Mom:young lady don't raise your voice at me!!
I faced down , she really had to start with her drama on my big day. She came close to me and cupped
my face , way too close if you ask me, you'd think she a lesbian.
Mom:Luister na my kind , You know I'll only want the best for you! Now put on a smile for Mommy!
I'm 18 but she treating like a pre-teen,gosh this woman! She smiled at me and I faked a smile.At this
point I really wish I had given Christel's idea of getting drunk a second thought.She led the way
outside , we were probably going back home , what a way to celebrate such an honor.On the
otherside I was happy to go home , I hadn't seen my dad in two years and he had recently arrived
back.
Mom: Umm they're going to deposit the money to bank your account , probably tomorrow morning
but your father and I think it's best we be the ones in charge of your account from now on....
Yeah right you're probably gonna make use of the money too.This was the money I had worked hard
for , to be standing right here wearing this crown today! , but hey it was somehow pointless because
we have more than enough money.It really would have been nice to hold and make use of what you
worked for right? I had goals for it , donations , cherity and all that but I guess my parents will always
be this selfish.I had so many questions in my mind like doesn't Dad have so many accounts to be in
charge of already , but I couldn't say no to her.God knows what she might do to me.
Me:....umm It's fine...
Another lie told.
We got into our Bugatti Veyron and the driver drove off. Yes we had that car , just another one of our
Latest collection.I just stared through the window , it was raining and the beautiful view had me lost
in my thoughts and imaginations.Cape town in Summer has always been a pleasant view.For this year
Miss Teen Africa had been hosted by South Africa and I was the so called representetive of South
Africa who managed to go home with a 24 carat diamond crown and a bunch of bouquets in my
car.Oh my apologies! This is
Camila , born with dark caramel skin , hazel eyes but in a generation with no light. 18 and still enjoying
the pleasures of life , tasting the salty waters with my friends but so passionate and dedicated. I grew
up in the Suburbs but deep inside my soul I'm from the hood , we were quite the family until my mom
passed on , I was just 3 at that time and till now it's still hard to digest that she is gone forever. Dad
got into deep depression and I had to stay with my Grandma in Pretoria , she raised me well , morals ,
manners and respect but I've always been mischievous , I really think it's in my veins. Dad took me
back in when I was 15 , I was supposed to be mad for him not being there all my life , but the
excitement of meeting him after a decade and 2 years was stronger.He did make sure we were
financially stable in Pretoria , sometimes he called but just for a few minutes , he'd refuse to video call
and never seemed interested in what happens in my life.Sad I know but I was forced to accept it.I was
at a public school by that time and most thought I was an orphan.Moving in seemed like a bliss until I
figured besides how rich he had gotten he had also remarried to some Super model from Ghana. I was
happy to live a luxurious life and to have someone to call Mom.Her name was Christine , she was
probably in her late 20s and I always wondered why she'd gone for a late 40s man like uBaba , even if
it was just for the money, hayii angeke! Christine never liked me , she'd say I was a threat to her and
 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐨 𝐂𝐫𝐲
Dad's relationships and I should pack and go.She never liked what I wore , my type of music , food and
all that.To her I was a middle class peasant who knew nothing about this lifestyle. She always said I
can't go out with them because I might 'embarass them' . Dad was clearly annoyed by her , she was all
over him and at times he'd shout at her kanti she acts childish and would just start crying for no
reason.Christine was every teenage girl's wanna be, from her beautiful structure that comes from a
strict diet shame , and her black cat eyes and Kylie Jenner lips and dressing. When I turned 16
everything had completely changed , from rags to labels if I can put it that way.I was that spoiled kid
that went to the best private school in the country.Most girls envied me , some guys were all over me
and I honestly hated the new lifestyle.Most would expect me to have gained weight from all the
money but I actually lost weight.At home Christine and uBaba never stopped fighting and she
reflected her anger on me by constantly hurting my feelings with the most nasty words or throwing
her Prada heels at me.Dad was always busy with work and travelling so we barely spent time
together.Christine made me her barbie doll , I got a body surgery at 16 just because my body wasn't
appealing in her eyes.I cried no but she forced me anyway.She got me under a stict diet , all I ate was
salads and smoothies, the only chance I got to eat junk food was in the bathroom-I'd just turn on the
shower and pretend Im bathing whilst digging in some coated popcorn.I hid most of the packages
under my matress and prayed she doesn't find out.I cried most nights but woke up with a beautiful
smile, money really can't buy you happiness.Once in a while I'd visit my granma and in that place I
found peace and happiness.Christine crashed my dreams of being a journalist saying it was pathetic
and I should be a model ; just like her.It was hard core training , forced training ,kanti I should aim for
that perfect body.Face masks everyday just for that clear skin .To her anything that was part of me
was too big ; too small; too crooked; too dark; too light; too revealing; too ugly or something like
that .I swear I had about 10 surgeries.Dad even noticed the changes , when I'd try crying out to him
he would just ignore me , this woman had some effect on my father.It hurt everyday , I almost lost my
life , thought of suicide but when you've grown up knowing God's ways , this too shall pass.It was
hard keeping my faith but I knew I had a purpose in life.I was that girl always trending on social media
, the pageants , being an influencer , advertising for about 50 clothing brands, being a brand
ambassador and the bag was always secured .Paparazzi following my every move , being featured in
music videos and on Live videos.Every week there'd be a new interview for me.I got home schooled
and luckily I had my bestfriend to always keep me going , that girl was my courage! She wasn't the
type of person people would expect me to hang out with since she was a whole lot of trouble.Umama
never approved of her but Dad thought she was a male human being in her soul , that's how close
they were. The rest of the ride home was just silent , I sank in thoughts of the future ahead of me
whilst adoring the view through the window.Mom was on her phone , trying to keep a straight face
but would chuckle there n there for reasons I do not know.We arrived home and there were a lot of
cars , like there was a funeral or something.The cars were obviously of high class and of different
models.I took my flowers and got out just to be attacked by a crowd screaming "Congratulations!" Or
"Surprise!" I don't even know what I heard , my mind had completely sank at that moment. There
were bottles of champagne , a tower of glasses filled with wine ,golden balloons almost the size of Jeff
Koons' Balloon Dog and all that fancy stuff.This was my parents way of celebrating , inviting these rich
formal people over , most I did not even know and throwing such a party.I wouldn't even call it a
 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐨 𝐂𝐫𝐲
party more like a tour at the museum for rich people.I was really pissed off , most would be over the
moon if they had gone through such an experience but as for me , I've really had enough! Angeke! I
spotted Dad , he was probably entertaining the guests since everyone was dancing to his tunes.
Me:Daddy!
Dad:My darling , congratulations!...
We shared a brief hug that didn't last for long because I couldn't stand the smell of all types of
alcohols from his breath and blazer.We didn't even say much to each other , he quickly went back to
his guests who seemed like they hadn't gotten enough of him.Mom was taking selfies with her friends
near their cars. Great. What a perfect way to celebrate your child's victory , at this point its like the
child didn't exist.I excused myself from the people who had slowly started sorrounding me and went
to my room.This dress was killing me , I could barely breathe oh yeah and thanks mom. The heels
were even worse , 6 inch pencil heels with laces.I really don't know how I survived.I took a cold
shower , lotioned and moisturized , oh this skin of mine didn't just happen , it goes through a long
process and I so wished I could've stuck to my natural caramel skin but...you probably know who's
behind this.I wore my grey sweatpants , flip flops and an oversized hoodie , this is what I actually
wanted to wear my whole life , it simply defined me in a way but sadly I couldn't , I had to rock in
gucci and prada half of the week.I went through the back door praying no one would see me ,
especially not Christine , God knows what she'll do to me after seeing what I'm wearing. I was going to
ask one of my close drivers to drive me to Christel's crib.I had to cover half of my face unless I'd wake
up being the trending embarassment of the News. It was quite loud in her hood , it just had to be her
throwimg a party for no reason since her parents were out of the City.The driver just dropped me off
and drove off before I had gotten in the gate.If it was Christine , he would've been fired by now.I got
in and luckily noone noticed me , Christel was not even close to sober.I just went straight to her
bedroom since I knew the way around.I just layed on her bed and drowned myself with some
milkshakes I had found earlier in her kitchen, a few milkshakes wouldn't hurt right, I deserved this
after all.I was later disturbed by a drunk couple who had the urge to make out in here and didn't even
notice me being in there.I gave them their privacy and found Christel right after I closed the door.She
wasn't even close to sober. Christel:Mgani?! you're alive?
She couldn't even stand straight , I kept on attempting to catch her but she'd refuse.Two guys carried
her to her bedroom.The party wasn't over yet , so I decided to join.I tried hard to hide my identity
because I wasn't close enough to any of these people.My two shots turned into glasses and almost
bottles , I really couldn't control it but I didn't get to the extremes.
Some guys came next me and kept on whispering in their ears whilst laughing , I didn't know dudes of
nowadays also gossip kau.I really hoped they hadn't discovered who I was.
Guy#1:Aweh ousie , hou lik hulle (Hey Gorgeous how is it going?)
I couldn't believe these guys, I mean how can you flirt with someone whose face you can't even see
and to make matter worse , wearing baggy clothes , absolutely no visibility of the body shape guys go
crazy over these days. I just
nodded as I took a sip from my glass of now was ciders.
Guy#2:Nah don't worry we ain't tryna smash , you already hard to want , we don't go for amaBillie
Eilish!
 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐨 𝐂𝐫𝐲
They all broke out in laughter and the people who were next to us who had heard them had also
joined in.At this point I felt my body temperature rise up because of anger.Maybe it was mostly my
pride , I mean do they know who they're talking to , who they're standing in front of-I swear I had
never been this humiliated in my life , regardless it was the usual , popular me that was humiliated it
was still me.It really got to me , I threw the glass of apple cider I was holding at one of the guys
faces.Before I could even blink or praise myself for the violent defence he was bleeding , it had cut
across his face and his eye had caught a piece of glass in it.He was groaning in pain and I just stood
there praying the ground would just suck me in and I won't have to face this.One of the guys were
shouting something to me but I had completely zoned out , I could see but I couldn't feel , do or hear
anything, not even shed a tear.The last thing I remember the cops coming in from God knows where
and saying those speeches of theirs before hand cuffing me and dragging me away since I couldn't
move.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 2

I lay there unconsious , not knowing how I got here and when I got here.I realised I was in a jail cell
then I remembered I had commited some sort of violence according to law and here I was. Luckily no
one had managed to know who I am , my identity still hidden in the oversized hoodie.My parents
were probably a mess right now , not because I'm their daughter and they love me but because of the
interviews waiting for me , gifts , parties to attend to , my reputation, live shows and everything
already booked for today.It was 2:30AM I was crying like my life depended on it not caring where I
was right now , I found it hard to digest that I was in this place, just after being crowned Miss Teen
Africa , Camillia Hassen arrested for assaulting one of her peers , hayii man! So much for self defence ,
I know I was so wrong , I let anger get the best of me , one stupid simple mistake and a life , a future
can be destroyed."You're an architect of your own demise!" Koko always used to tell me , I never
understood that quote , I'd tell her it has too many big words but today I really understand what she
meant.

I was woken up by this Xhosa officer who was shouting non stop.She said something like the recent
prisoners should come and call , probably their relatives or guardians.I felt so ashamed as I walked to
join in the line.The people next to me looked dirty , blood stains all over their clothing and smelt like
marijuana.They were only male and I was the only female , what a disgrace.Someone dragged me out
of the line , it was a female officer.I could say the most fierce and huge too.I was so scared I couldn't
even look her in the eyes.
Officer: Wena ntombazane! are you not ashamed to be in this place?! yeses what is it with you
children of nowadays?!
I was still facing the ground.
Officer:and then?! What did you do?!
Me:I-I I-I.....
Officer:Eye eye , what wrong with your eye!? Kyk hieso I'm tryna help you! Don't waste my time!
Me:I swear I didn't mean to....I....I did it out of anger..
Officer:What exactly did you do? Is it even that big?
 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐨 𝐂𝐫𝐲
Me:I..I hit him with a glass..
She started laughing , I was still crying I couldn't believe her , I really didn't understand what was
really funny here.She called one of the cops , I assumed he was the one who had brought me here
yesterday.I even forgot I had taken off the hoodie but my face was quite a colourful mess with the
blood from yesterday , my mascara and eyeliner had melted and no one could still notice.
Officer:Askies What's this girl case?
The cop was shivering with fear , this woman was so fierce and superior.
Cop:She..She injured the deputy officer's son ma'am..
Deputy Officer's son?! What a bomb! Only if they knew who's daughter I was, they'd probably bow to
me. Officer:So
it's now a big case because he is the deputy's son? , did you ask her what had transpired for that to
conspire? Deputy's son se foot , well she is my daughter! Go baby , go call Daddy to come pick you
up?!
We were all in shock , the cops were just staring in disbelief , they couldn't do anything against her
spoken , this is the type of woman I look up to.She gave me her phone so I could call someone to
come pick me up.I couldn't call my parents or any guardian so I called Christel and told her I'd tell her
everything when she gets here.She arrived in 30 minutes and luckily she came alone.
Me:You took long enough...
Christel:I had to perfect everything mgani..You never know I might find my future husband here?!
I laughed. It was probably going to be a drug dealer.She was wearing a short body hugging red
jumpsuit with lace sandals.Her hair was tied in a messy bun , I noticed the eyeliner that made her eyes
glow even more and the peach gloss , that's how good I was with these beauty essentials also known
as makeup. She had gold hoop earrings , as I said before my day one always got it on point.Let me
take a second to describe the girl who had become my validation and my verification.Christel was a
dark dindy , chocolate poppin melanin , african butter, I swear I could've stolen her skin one day.She
had brown eyes and dark lips.Christel was a bit chubby , unlike me who had a strict diet Christel could
eat literally anything.She was very short but once she opens her mouth yazi that girl wouldn't stop
talking.We went over to her car and I sat at the back whilst she played very loud music.
Me:Hayi chomie , your volume!
I wasn't in the mood for this music , I really felt like a disgrace and it wasn't something to celebrate.
Christel:Would you have preferred to stay in that filthy cell then?...
I rolled my eyes and nodded no.
We arrived at her house and found Christine and my dad standing by the door.Christine's eyes were
red and her makeup was all over her face ,just like how I looked.My Dad ran to me as soon as I got
out.
Christine:Here's your daughter now! Here she is since I kidnapped her! I hope you're happy now..
After this said.She left.Just like that.

My heart was now pounding so fast because l knew my parents did not buy the statement that
Christel had told them. My hands were all sweaty and l was so ashamed of what had happened. I
walked towards the door step where Christine was standing. When l got near her she cupped my
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cheeks with her hands and l could sense that she was truly terrified about my mysterious
disappearance.

Christine: sweety where were you? I was worried sick. Were you not happy about the party ? Tell me
what happened..and the way you are dressed it doesn't represent who you are like just look at this
baggy hoodie..

Me: don't stress l just went to Christel's house..and about the party l was happy but then l couldn't
contain the noise. I was just tired since l had a long day. Can we just go home l need to rest and l also
have an interview to prepare for!

Dad said his goodbyes and he thanked Christel for bringing me back safely

Whilst we were in the car no one said a word to anyone. It was pure silence. After a few minutes we
got home. I was so happy that the whole thing had passed and l could carry on with what was ahead
of me.

In a few we arrived home and l just hopped out of the car and went straight into the house. As l set
my foot in l saw some of the guests that were invited to the party. They were still there and wondered
why they had stayed over. They quickly ran to me and hugged me. Each one of them was just
throwing questions at me and l could not answer all of them. I just made an excuse so that l could get
away from them. I told them that l need the bathroom.

I quickly dashed to my room and removed the hoodie that l was wearing. I lay on my bed recapping all
that happened last night. I could not believe it that l had done something like that. The perfume that l
was wearing was now reeking with sweat and it smelt bad. I walked to my bathroom to take a bath.

In a few l was done. My mind was not thinking straight because l had not decided on which outfit to
wear for the interview. I needed to look peng because the TV show was going to be seen country wide
or should l rather say worldwide. I walked towards my wardrobe and l picked this navy blue maxy
dress that had small gold Ruby pearls alongside with these small earrings with white diamonds and
my black heels that weren't that fancy. At least l had figured out my outfit but the only thing that was
left was my hair. Oh my God!

I called a few hair stylists of mine and they were all out of town. The only person that was on my mind
was Christel because she was once an expect in the hair industry. I called her quickly and in a few
minutes she was there. She tied my hair into a ponytail and took this other hair piece that matched
with my hair. To be honest my hair was on fire. I had never seen something that was as beautiful as
that.