MULATTO (Iyila) (Editing)

chapter twenty nine ~ Dedicated to

Gabriel swiftly got into the fresh clothes Iyila brought for him, and later she returned to help him with his cravat just like he had instructed. Gabriel stole quick glances at her all the while she operated his cravat. Her hands were shaking uneasily and her breath was laboured. She was still not talking to him, neither was she at ease around him. He noticed her temper was just as sour as the frown on her face. For some days now she walked into the room with her eyes red and at the brink of diving into a pool of tears when she managed to say a word.

But she never answered any of his questions as to why she was grieved. He knew it was a matter of a loved one but she had refused to allow him when he tried to console her. The Negro had struck him at the railway market. The woman he had seen there, that had immediately propelled his interest, the witty-intelligent-obnoxious Negro was nothing like the one working on his cravat. Gabriel couldn't help but wonder the cause of her swollen mood yet he didn't blame her for her difference nor did he criticise her doubt. Most likely a slave like her was used to being shunned and rebuked by her master, so he wasn't surprised that she thought the same of him. But he resolved to leave her be. He promised not to bother her again until she was willing to trust him.

He thanked her when she finished. She nodded and stepped back. He strolled to the mirror; glanced at it one more time then went out. He heared the sound curtlery and plates in friction as he slowly descended the stairway. It was the first sound that attacked the quiteness before the voice was his mother, thanking a Negro.

That evening, they were having dinner with Mr. Walter and his wife. His father had asked him to invite Anne. Gabriel felt skeptical about the dinner and he had spent his whole day dreading the whole setup. It was the third time they were gathering as a family to have dinner. Fortunately, the first and second had occurred and scaled through without anyone either emotionally or physically bruised at the end, but Gabriel was unsure of this one.

His father had been quiet and calm which was most unusual. But Gabriel was doubtful if they would have that fight tonight, at least not in the presence of strangers. He knew his mother wouldn't let them wash their dirty linen in public. With that at the back of his mind, he walked to the dining room.

His mother, father and Zachary were already seated except for Collete whom he assumed was still on her dress. Zachary was at his best and he looked poised as always, dressed as if he had plans of courting a damsel. His father was also dressed but in an old jacket Gabriel had seen before and he wondered why his father still possessed it when he could simply order for another. As for Susan, she looked lovely in a green gown and matching jewery.

"Good evening. Father, mother, brother," he calmly greeted as he walked to kiss Susan on the cheek.

"Evening to you," the two men replied and he nodded.

"Evening son," Susan replied smilling.

"You look exceptionally beautiful mother," he complimented and sat beside his father. "Oh, thank you son," she answered with a smile. After that, none of them said a word. Gabriel wasn't new to the silence however he had almost forgotten about this routine. Back in Illinios when he ate dinner with Abigai, his maid, and her son, Malachi, there wasn't ever a dull moment, as they could cheerfully go on about the tales of their daily experience without bothering about breaching etiquette. Here at home everything was different. Manners were necessary, observing proper etiquette was compulsory and wearing a pretentious facade was mandatory.

Gabriel quickly took a glance at the other occupants of the dining room. They were all nervous, as if they had been forced to be in the same room. They were all different people only related by blood and nothing more. Collete came later, dressed as usual; beautiful.