Another Serving of Attitude, Anyone?

A Posh Introduction

“Excuse me, please. Just for a moment. I won’t be long.” I say as I make my way back to the kitchen and am greeted by Tommy, Colin and Katie all eyeing me like I’m a McD’s cheeseburger. I explain to them what happened in the hall even though I’m sure Tommy has already heard his fair share. “I think you should go, do it. You’ll be able to do so much more,” surprisingly, Tommy is the first to speak up. And I have to admit I am pretty gutted by that. Colin chirps in, “Yeah, and no offence Nesh, but you ain’t getting any younger. This is really a once in a lifetime opportunity. What’s the chance of it happening again?”

But I really don’t care about anything else, all I’m worried about is Tommy, my little bro. And as though she read my thoughts, Katie says to me only, “It’s okay, Anesha. We’ll take care of him. I promise. It’s not long before he too finds a home than he likes.”

I feel bad because they’re all trying to convince me to grab this chance while I’m constantly doubting it. But the fact is I have to make a decision right here and right now. “Tommy, you really thing I should go?” I ask looking into his eyes and compelling him look into mine. He nods his head and says, “Yes. Plus, I’ll always get to see you at school, you know.” Then for no reason, we all crack into laughter because we all know it’s not like I’m dying. I still have school and for once, I call it my savior. Then, I walk back into the hall, convinced and confident that I made the correct verdict.

“Um, okay. I’ll go with you, Mr. Danté… uh Jake.” I say, still uncomfortable with calling someone who might as well be my grandpa by his first name. “Great,” he smiles, clapping his hands together and getting up. “I’ll get the car ready and as soon as you’re all packed up, we can make a move.” His face is welcoming and I can’t help but return his smile. But I still have one question, “Pardon my asking, Jake. But if you’re not Mrs. West’s husband, then who might you be?” I say still grinning, hoping I haven’t crossed the line. “Why, I’m her chauffer. And now, I guess I’m your chauffer too.” Double wow. Chauffer? Talk about the sweet life. As Greg and Jake discuss further unimportant things, I rush up to pack my stuff.

It’s a matter of no time before I’ve got all my clothes and personal items packed into my suitcase; since I don’t really have much. Then halfway down the stairs, I’m acknowledged by Tommy and Brenda; another orphan here. “I’ll miss you, sis,” he says and hugs me tight. Right then and there I think about dropping it all, my suitcase, the adoption and just staying here with him. Brenda gives me a squeeze as well and Tommy continues, “But don’t even think about changing your mind. Don’t get all soppy on me, kay?” he smiles as I struggle to hold tears back. “I’ll miss you too. Both of you,” I say reluctantly leaving them behind and lugging my suitcase to the front entrance. Official business always takes place up front. 

There, I am once again greeted by Jake who’s just got the car started and he takes my tiny black suitcase and sling bag to dump it in the boot of his limousine. Greg stumbles out from the backseat of the limousine and I wonder what he was doing in there. Making sure it’s safe enough for me to ride in or that its alcohol free? Not likely.

Probably just admiring the leather seats and mini TV, ooh, I do hope it has a mini TV. J Then he climbs the steps towards me, starts to give me a half-hug then decides that a handshake would be more appropriate and I agree. “Good luck, Anesha. We’ll see you around.”  He sounds extremely pleased. “Yeah, thanks,” I manage to mumble.

Jake motions for me to climb in the backseat as he holds the door open, like what a true driver would actually do. I must say, I am starting to like this life. I hop in and instantly glide across the smooth leather seats. Wow, they really are tender! As Jake shuts my door and climbs in the driver seat, I wind down my window and take one last look at my home for all the 15 years of my known life. Just as Jake puts the key into the ignition, and revs the engine, the other orphans who have come back from school gather outside to wave goodbye. Tommy is right at the back, waving with one hand and showing a peace sign with the other. Then before the car can even move out the driveway, he’s already back inside the house.