new place,new friends

Diam's dinner party

Chrystal closed the door to her house and put the key in a safe place. It was still early at four in the evening. She had promised to help Diam prepare dinner.
Earlier that day Brytal had showed up at church with a baby boy. She had told them the story.
Deringue had promised to help look for housemaid.  Meanwhile she had offered Kellon who helped them since there was not much to do at the house.
After church Chrystal had done some chores and let a carpenter fix a new bed.
At least for now, she wouldn't sleep in a cot.
She went down the stairs and could hear soft baby cries from Brytal's room.
She was tempted to knock but hesitated. Kellon was around anyway.
She walked away from town and went to Diam's place. It was a Sunday evening and couples with their kids walked hand in hand enjoying the evening air. Some sat on a few chairs in the market listening to preachers as they held their rallies. A few sat by their shops sharing stories.
When she came to his gate, the small pedestrian gate was open. The compound was clean and showed no sign of human activity. A small cat meowed from the wall and when the cat saw her she clambered down to the neighbouring house.
She pressed the green doorbell mounted on the house wall.
"Chrystal?!"
Diam was standing on a small sidewalk by the right side of the house chewing sugarcane.
He wore a baggy yellow tee-shirt and black jeans.
"Hi,"she went over to shake his hand.
He pulled her into a quick hug.
" sorry I was at the backyard with Grutal. He brought over some sugarcane. Do you want one?"
He threw the remains on the ground.
"Well,ok"
She followed him to the backyard and true to his word Grutal was cutting two sugarcane stalks into small manageable sizes.
"Oh, miss I have your groceries. Where will I leave them?"
"Put them in the kitchen. I will pick as I leave."
"I will pay via phone. I have Deringue's number."
"Ok"
"Hey I will need more fruit if you have any."
"I will talk to Deringue."
"Grutal, don't forget tomorrow evening we slaughter her."
Chrystal's curiosity perked.
"Who is she?"
"It is an old female cow. She doesn't give much milk."
"Mmmm"
They chewed sugarcane and then went to prepare supper.
She cooked chapatis while he roasted chicken in the oven.
His kitchen was clean and spacious. They worked joyously together.
He made salad and boiled some potatoes,ready for mashing.
"Whew! I hope they enjoy the food."
"Don't doubt it. We are good cooks,"he said as he sliced a pineapple.
"So you live by yourself?"
"Sure. I kicked out the help when Brytal left. It may seem huge but I manage. Grutal comes over to clean every Sunday afternoon and Wednesday. He was doing just that before you arrived."
"Do you know Brytal now has a baby?"
"What? That is a new one."
"You bet."
She looked at him.
"It's okay. I am glad she has moved on."
When all meals were set Diam went to shower.
She picked a mug of tea and sat in the sofa watching evening news.
The first guests to arrive were Brent and Karie. They carried a basketful of fruits.
Brytal and Jorgeen came bearing wine. Chrystal welcomed them. Diam came in finally and officialy welcomed them into his home.
"Is Deringue coming?"asked Brytal. She obviously loved many people being together and wanted everyone accounted for.
"No. She and Drital went to visit Deringue's parents. They are expected tonight," apologized Diam.
"Whew! I am tired. I can hardly sleep with the baby crying in the night,"she announced as she kicked off her sandals and settled in the sofa.
"I am curious. Whose child is it?"asked a curious Diam.
"We will tell you in good time,"said Jorgeen.
They were served pineapple and watermelon. They conversed.
Chrystal sat with Karie.
"I heard you met your mom."
"Sure did. We are in talking terms
My father is furious for her showing up. My step mom is still processing the news."
"Wow. I hope to meet her."
"You will meet her at the wedding."
There was a shocked gasp. Everyone had been listening to them.
"Guys I would like to invite you to my wedding. Please keep April nineteen free."
"Wow"
"Great!"
"Bravo!"
"Right now I love Brent," announced Brytal.
"Ahem,"coughed Jorgeen.
"Sorry darling,"she kissed him." I was carried away by happiness."
Everyone took turns in hugging Karie.
She showed them the ring. An amethyst crystal set in a silver band.
"After such good news everyone must be famished. Chrystal follow me. Let us serve."
The food was set in the dining table.
"Everyone enjoy your supper."
They all say in the dining table and said a prayer.