Our story

Ch.5 :Introductions

Amica

Right now I was sitting in Giovanni's car as we were driving to his house which I learnt was in Wilderness.

"So...how was school? I'm sorry I couldn't pick you up today. I got held up with some uh...personal issues."

"Uh school was okay. And Giovanni there's nothing to be sorry for."And just as I finished my sentence we pulled up into a drive way.

"Well here we are. This is my home."

Giovanni

Walking into the house I was greeted by my wonderful mom.

"My boy. How was school and who is this beautiful girl?"

"Mama this is Amica. The girl I've been telling you about. And Amica this is my wonderful mom."

"Good afternoon Mrs Accardo. It is a pleasure to meet you."

" Oh none of that. I am Eiríni Pallís. But you can just call me Eiríni."

"Ma we will be in my room working on our project. But before we we head up I want to eat lunch coz I'm starving. Amica what would you like for lunch."

She seemed to be considering it."Uhm what do you have?"

"It's not what I have but what I'll make sweetheart," I said in a joking manner.

"Well, what can you make?"

"I'm a very good chef. Name something you want me to make and I'll say yes I can make it or no I can't."

"Ramen!"she said her whole face lighting up.

"Sure coming right up. Why don't you go take a seat in the sitting room."

Amica

Upon arriving I found Miss Pallís or as she is liked to be called, Eiríni.

"So tell me about yourself my darling," she said with that kind motherly smile of hers.

" I am academic. I swear I will never be able to play any sport except for swimming and athletics. I enjoy reading,art,music and writing poems,monologues,you know the creative writing stuff. I think that all."

"Thats interesting. I must say you are a very nice girl. "

At that moment Giovanni entered with my bowl of ramen.

"Here you go," he said while passing me the fork.

"Thanks."

And the very moment the food touches my taste buds, I kinda feel myself melting. I couldn't help thinking that if Bev was here she would've said something like,"Amica you can't let him go. He is a keeper. I mean where you gonna find a guy who cooks this good?"
I would've agreed end with her.

"Giovanni, you weren't lying when you said you are a chef. This is literally a bowl of heavenly goodness."

"Thank you. I so glad you like it."

"Like it?!" I asked." I love it!"

" Ma if you don't mind we will be going to my room now to do our project," Giovanni announced as we had finished our bowls of ramen.

" Sure. But please leave the door open. I still too young for any grandchildren."

I couldn't help the embarrassment I felt. I quickly climbed the stairs to hide my blushing checks.

Giovanni

As we were researching. We started talking.

"I'm curious. What is your nationality?" I asked because I couldn't figure it out. She wasn't a black or a coloured either.

"My mother was half South African and half Zimbabwean. She would be what the people here call black people. And my dad is a native of Trinidad and he is what people here call coloured people. So that why I'm like in the middle so you can't really figure."

"So can you speak their languages?"

"Yes I speak a little Shona and Afrikaans from my mom but I'm fluent in Portuguese and Spanish from my dad. "

"How is it you know so little of your mother?"

"She died when I was just ten so I didn't learn Shona that far and my dad can't speak Afrikaans so ja and also I get immigrant status at school so I don't have to study Afrikaans." I could hear how her voice took on a sadder note.

"How did she die if I may ask?"

"In a shootout at some restaurant she and my dad went to for dinner.My dad still blames himself for her death so he has become very distant white me. It like he is not around anymore.What about your dad?"

I was contemplating where I should tell her. I decided I tell her just a little scratch on the surface.

"My dad disappeared exactly five years ago. And to be honest I don't care where he is I just don't want him to come back. He has done some horrible things. Some that he needs to be imprisoned for. But no one can find him until he decided she wants to be found. To put it simple he is a dangerous and very cunning crook."

"Wow." Was all she could muster. It must've shocked her. I don't blame her. Everyone just assumes my life is perfect. Perfect my foot.

Amica

After talking to Giovanni I felt better. You know how they say talking helps? Well it suprisingly did. But I still couldn't get over what Giovanni told me. It was running through my mind the whole drive back to my house that I didn't even notice when he stooped in my drive way.

"I guess this is it," he said breaking the silence.

"Yeah. I enjoyed today."

"Ja me too. I suppose I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight Amica."

"Sure. Goodnight Giovanni."

Just like last time he waited for me to enter the house before driving off. And just like last time my dad completely ignored me. But my dear mama used to say 'Count your blessings one by one and thank the Lord for them before counting and questioning him about your sorrows.

And so with a smile on my face, I surrendered to sleep.

Giovanni

After I dropped Amica. I drove home. I parked the car in our garage then entered the house by the door that connects the garage to the house as usual. But as I stepped to open my door,I found the most unusual note. And that too from the person I least expected to get a note from. It said...

" I am back."