NERVES OF STEEL

CHAPTER 32- NEW FOUND FAMILY

Two days passed and just as Diane was once again busy with her new found family,
the door came open and a pretty looking woman with black hair and most likely in her late twenties walked into the main room of the home. She was a little above average height and had a pleasant expression on her face.

"Yena!"
"She's back!"
"Come over here, sweetie!"
"How was your trip, child?"

Diane watched as the attention turned to her in a quick flash. Her demeanor was the brightest and happiest she had ever seen in the home. Little wonder why they all crowded over her. It was so obvious how much they missed her.

"I'm fine, Mama Celia. I missed you so very much Thompson. Oh Papa Igor! My old time Soldier." She smiled, hugging them one after the other.
"You're still as handsome as ever." Yenna said to yet another man.
"Oh well, what else can an old bug do?"
"Come sit, tell us all about your trip."
"I wish I could right away but these dishes needs clearing."
"Oh don't you bother, child. Leave that to Diane."
"Diane?"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Be a darling and take care of the dishes, won't you?"
"Ofcourse." With a smile, she cleared the plates and took them to the kitchen. The cheerful voices of Yena and the others still loud as ever behind her.

Diane met the kitchen empty. The other workers were busy with other chores and activities. She set the plate down on the sink and began washing them one after the other. Not quite long, someone had walked in but she didn't bother looking back.

"Hey."
Came the female voice from behind causing her to look back. It was the lady from before.
"I'm Y—"
"...Yena." Diane cut in with a dim smile which made the latter bat her eyes in confusion. "I already got that from the others." She added.
"Oh. I see. And you are?"
"Diane."
"New worker?"
"Not actually."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm a volunteer."
"Really?" Yena asked, surprised. "I'm one too."
"You are?" Diane turned around, equally surprised. "What made you want to volunteer in here."
"I don't know." She shrugged. "My heart always reached out to the elderlies. Once young and full of life and energy but now old and vulnerable. Once a valuable part of a family and the society but now, worn out and tossed aside."
Diane felt her heart warm inside of her.
"The circle of life doesn't....seem fair. Does it?" She asked.
"No, it doesn't." Yena replied.
"If you work here, how is it that I'm seeing you for the first time?" Asked Diane.
"I was off for awhile on a trip."
"I see. No wonder, they were all so glad to see you."
"Yeah." Yena smiled. "I see how comfortable they were with you. I think, they're more closer to the volunteers than the workers in here."
"Probably because the workers are only here for the money and barely pay them any mind."
"I thought so too. Well, I'm glad we can both make a difference."
"True." Diane smiled.
"How about you wash and I rinse?" Yena asked, referring to the pile of dishes in the sink.
"Let's do it" Diane agreed "....partner?" She added.
"Yayyyy!!!!"

Yena clapped, giggling like a child causing Diane to stare at her like some creep and the time Yena returned the look, all of a sudden, they both burst into a fit of laughter.

The day went by blissfully with Diane and Yena quickly getting acquainted with each other, while taking care of the family of elders. The time was spent going through all the regular routines with love and then one of the women requested a song.

"Sing for us darlings." She asked, baring her teeth in a smile.
"Aww, mama Cher. I wish I could but I'd probably sound like a frog's croak." Diane said.
"Oh, come on, now. Don't be shy." Another persuaded.
"I'm not lying, you guys. I actually can't sing." She admitted, feeling sorry.
"I guess this is the part where I come in and save the day. Right or....double right?"

It was Yena speaking. She walked to the upper cabinet and pulled out a guitar from on top. She returned to the group with the instrument in hand. She sat beside Diane on the ground with the others.

"You play?" Diane asked, amused.
"Mhmm." Yena nodded, turning to the others. "What song would you like me to sing for you today, Mama Cher?"
"Once upon a time." The woman said with so much delight in her voice.
"Again?" Yena asked, laughing.
"You know it's my favorite, sweetie."
"Alright, alright. Your wish is my command, mama."
"I'd also love a song, afterwards, hun."
Yena turned to the aged woman by her side.
"Why not? Infact, how about a song for each of you?" Yena asked causing everyone to chatter in a delighted approval.

Beholding a voice of pure gold and those slender fingers manipulating the strings of the guitar, Diane found herself held spellbound by Yena. She was so good at what she does. No doubt it was all so disappointing when the performance came to an end.

That evening at six, the two volunteers waved the elders goodbye as they set out to their homes, walking side by side and it was such a lovely coincidence that they found out they both lived in the same neighborhood.

"I didn't know you could play like that." Diane said but the latter only shrugged and smiled.
"And you have such a beautiful voice."
"Don't flatter me, Diane."
"Well, here I am being completely honest with you."
"Thank you. Maybe some day, I'll let you take a turn." She teased.
"Me? Oh please. Not all of us are meant to sing."
"Don't underestimate yourself, Diane."
"Underestimate? It's all in my fucked up vocal cords. It's a permanent flop."
Yena chuckled, heartily. "I'm sure it's not that bad.I'm guessing you don't sing often?"
"Not really."
When you're a Soldier, singing was the last thing you did. Apart from chanting ofcourse.
"Tell me about you." Yena said.
"There's not much to know. Just boring stuff."
"Oh come on. Tell me." Yena taunted. "Not even a little gossip?"
"Gossip?" Diane laughed.
"No boyfriend that keeps you up all night, texting?"
"What the hell?"
"Tell me about him. I bet he's lucky to have such a golden heart as his girl."
"Too bad."
"What? There's none?"
Diane shook her head, smiling.
"No toe tickler?"
"What?"
"Not even a crush? Secret admirer? None at all."
Diane couldn't help but laugh. "Oh Yena, I'm sorry to turn out to be such a big disappointment, honey."
"Urgh, you're no fun sis."
"Trust me, you wouldn't be the first to say it."