Mangled Shoes

Untitled Part 38

Goom opened the door to welcome Deborah into his home.

"Come inside, put your belongings in Drews room. He is the only one that's not here. I'll go outside so long and pay the man."

"Give me the money, I'll handle it Goom."

"No debbie, I will handle it." He was assertive, he was'nt asking her instead he was telling her.

It was more a matter of safety as not everything is meant for a woman or girl child to 'handle.' No matter how tough she thought she was or the amount of trust she invested in this man. He still had a choice to prove her wrong. Even though in the end he chose not to.

Goom suffered from pistanthropia- the fear of trusting  people. He loved people oh boy! He loved the. However he had such a huge circle of friends it was hard to tell the fake from the real ones.

In any event, if ever trouble showed up there were a handful of boys from the hood willing to standby. As he handed Wilhem the money, they briefly exchanged words.

"Goodday Boss"

"Yes, yes where is the lady?"

"She's inside, I'll pay you."

He handed him the money.

"Thanks boss."

"Sure, sure thanks." Goom responded

Wilhem drove off and Goom crouched through his gate. It was now time for him to attend to his guest. Who was still standing by the door. Right where he had left her. Did she not understand the assingment?

"Mi Casa Su Casa, Get in and make Drews room yours for the next few days, weeks or even months. i don't know,"

"Goom, you know I appreciate you right?"

"Yea, I know. You're like a sister to me."

They hugged. Then, he offered to carry her belongings inside. As they walked in a pile of dishes lay inside the sink. The house was a bit musty. It had now become a 'boys only' household with Mom and Dad living their best lives out in Europe.

Now ofcourse, with mother dearest living abroad there was no one telling them to do the dishes.  The guys were'nt too bad at being well kept. It was only that at times they would open up the poolside, put up a potjie pot, with a yard full of friends and friends of friends. Sometimes complete strangers too.

Everyone was always there for the fun but no one ever really stayed behind to help clean up the mess. The morning after they would tremble over bottles of Beer, Vodka, Jack Daniels. It was like walking inside a beerhall, dampness and mold reaked off the kitchen counter.

"What's that smell?" Deborah asked

"We popped champange last night, Drew passed his bar exam and Konjela arrives tomorrow from England. We had to pay homage to the bro's so we celebrated. Mayhaps it spilled on the counter." Goom said.

"Um I see." She responded.

"Yea, Drew left this morning so it is safe for you to take up his room. Here's the key. I'm pretty sure you'll need it as we are still going to be having parties around here. You may want to lock yourself up if you're tired or feel a little tipsy." Goom said.

It was almost as if he knew exactly what he was talking about...