Battles in the shadows

A STREAK OF LIGHT

Weeks pass and Laura did not call Brandon. He waited anxiously daily for her to make the first move. All he wanted was to know her better and help her overcome the burden she was carrying. Her face as she slept peacefully that day showed to him she rarely gets to have that kind of sleep. Whenever he sees her around campus, his heart beats faster and prays for her. She was not the child he knew. That child was no longer there...she is a shell of her old self.

When he could not take it any longer, he decided to approach her and face the consequences afterwards. He usually sees her leaving for the same route every Friday and Saturday, so he decided to follow her on one fateful Friday. He saw her drop off from the bus in front of a nursing home. He waited for her to get in and decided to come back when she was about to leave.

Four hours later she walked out of the building looking peaceful and happy. He took the chance and walked towards her. Upon seeing him, Laura's smile faded and she became upset.

"Mr. what are you?" she asked sarcastically.

"My name is Brandon Holmes" He replied calmly.

"Mr. Holmes. I am here to study. Not get on an emotional roller coaster with anyone." Laura said calmly.

"I know Lauretta. I just want us to at least become friends." Brandon said shyly. This infuriated Laura. Her first foster parents had taken her back to the orphanage because of her skin colour. What made Mr. Holmes any different? Why was he hell bent on making friends with her?

"Friends! You are all the same! Racist!" she said firmly.

Brandon was taken by surprise. "Woh! That's not fair!" Brandon said defensively.

Laura calmed down and apologized.

" I had a nasty experience with some crazy old woman in there. I am sorry I took it out on you."

"That's okay. We are not all that way." Brandon replied gently.

"Why should I believe you jerk?" Laura already spat out before she could take it back.

"Kill me if you find out I'm insincere." Brandon replied firmly. That shut her up.

"My call, Holmes. Lorenzo's, 7pm till 8pm. One hour."

"I'll pick you up," Brandon offered.

"Don't bother Holmes. Don't push me and don't push your luck!" she said firmly and walked away with a small smile.

Brandon struggled with what to wear for his first date with Laura. It wasn't like he never dated before but this is different. This is a woman he hope to have a great relationship with...a lasting and beautiful relationship. He smiled at the thought and was still enjoying his peace of mind when a sharp pain to his back sent him back to reality.

"Granddad!" He shouted in pain.

"That is a terrible choice of clothing. You are not going to a funeral. Why are you in all black?"

Seventy-two year old Charles Holmes was still strong and full of energy. The only challenge he had was that since his stroke five years ago he has been using a walking stick.

"This girl is confusing me! I feel totally out of control when she appears. She commands this air of..."

"Respect?"

"Something like that. She can be scary."

"A woman making you run like this...I like her already. Thank you God for repaying him in full."