Of Wolves and Oranges

Chapter 9: Elizabeth

I drift in and out of sleep as we drive towards Eshowe, but I wake up as we turn off the district road onto a dirt road leading up into the indigenous forests. I blink at the lush green fields surrounded on all sides by forest-clad, misty hills. We continue down the valley until we cross a rushing stream and head up towards a large, sprawling house amidst the trees. Max parks with familiar ease and springs out to grab my suitcase, Ford helps me down from the truck and leads me by the hand through the small gate and up to the front door. As we approach, it opens to reveal a tall blonde woman who looks barely old enough to be in her early forties. She is wiping her hands on a tea towel and pulls off her apron as the we draw near.

"Jacobus, Maximillian, where on earth have you been? I received your message that you were delayed, but two hours? Where were you?"

She stops and stares at me and glances at Ford's arm around my shoulders. "I'm sorry, I didnt know you were bringing guests. "Hello, I am Getruide van Rooyen. Jaco and Maxs ma." She extends a perfectly manicured hand.

I look down at it, not sure what to do with my right hand in a sling, then I grasp her hand awkwardly with my left hand.

"Elizabeth Burnes. Your son's helped me when I crashed my car. I am so sorry to arrive unannounced, I thought they might have given you due warning since they were singing the praises of your lasagne."

Getruide laughs and relaxes visibly but sends a raised eyebrow at Ford. "Well, Elizabeth, it looks like youve had a really bad day, let's get some of that lasagne into you and then something for the pain."

She herds us in and sends her sons to wash up before lunch, "Just take her suitcase to Jaco's old room, Max." before fussing me into the kitchen where a table is laid for three for lunch. She sets an extra place for me at the table, whilst she warms the food.

I eat automatically, half listening to the family banter and watching the affection that the brothers hold for their mother. She is pretty intimidating; beautiful, perfectly groomed and erudite. I look down at my now muddy, bloody tunic and my grubby leggings. I move my hand with my short nails under the table.

"Now, Elizabeth, I think you should take a nice long bath and then have a sleep. We'll see how you feel when you wake up, if you want to go to this silly party or not. Otherwise you are welcome to stay here with me."

Ford coughs uncomfortably. "Ma, I was hoping to take her to stay at my place."

She raises her eyebrow imperiously. "Ja, seun. But for now, she can sleep here. Later this afternoon you can take her to see your house and she can decide. Ja?"

"Ja, ma." He concedes, then rises to lead me to the bathroom. He turns the taps to the bath on and pours in some lavender scented oil. He turns to face me as he sits on the side of the bath. "Will you be okay sleeping here, Golfie?"

I move towards him, now that he is seated, I can almost look him in the eye. "Yes, at the moment I feel I could crash anywhere. But, would you mind staying with me? Just until I'm asleep. It's ok if you don't, but I just keep going over everything in my head."

He cups my face and kisses my cheek, "I'll stay as long as you need me."