SOMEWHERE IN AFRICA

chapter 23

John hardly talk unlike his sister, but he engaged me into an intimate conversation about his own life.

He talked about finishing school next year. He was going to be an electrical engineer, and he asked me what I think of Serena, he needed my opinion, and I asked him to proceed with his plans, if he really want to date her, then nothing should stop him.

Serena have changed, I guess she knows better now than before, and has withdrawn from following her mother’s bad footsteps long time ago.

Boss Lady was also a changed person. Life was indeed the greatest teacher.

After talking with John that morning he was very happy as he hugged me like a brother will do to sister.

I wasn’t trying to pay anyone back the evil they did to me, no, that wasn’t my intention, but forgiving Boss Lady took me a long while to do. I was only trying to teach her and her children a lesson, I passed my message to them and I knew they got it sound and clear.

Serena and Tobias didn’t resume work on the second day which I didn’t bother to know why, I guess they needed time to download and understand all the recent information I left with them.

They resumed work the third day, with their mother, I wondered why she came with them, but I was at the supermarket on time before my mum.
On duty resumption, saw them and my favorite, Emily, who ran to me before I could even get close and I held her into a tight hug.

I was eager to know why they were all around, after the hug with her.
I approached them as Boss lady knelt down, while Serena joined her, Tobias too was pleading. I wondered why they were pleading because I made it clear that they can resume work again.

I had nothing against them.

She was pleading asking me to forgive her of past deeds. I have even forgotten most of her deed mostly because of her little girl Emily who made it easy for me.

People were watching as they knelt, crying and pleading, it was very embarrassing so I begged her to get up, and she kept weeping, as tears poured from her eyes. I asked both siblings to go inside and continue with their work. I smiled at her and told her all over again that without her I won’t have an interesting story.
The next day I drove down with my mum’s car to see Mr. Ortega, Boss Lady’s husband. He was sober, but we acted cool like we didn’t have any bitter pass.

After spending few minutes with them of which I made sure that they were comfortable and happy again, I gave them money to support themselves.

I told them I would be taking Emily with me and assured them not to be scared for her, they may be thinking I may probably do to her what her mother did to me. I reassured them my name is Lauretta not Delilah.

My dad came for me on the fourth day, he drove down with Ekim, and Nora, and I was so happy to see them. I told Nora about Mrs. Ortega and her Kids working at Gabby-L, my mum’s supermarket, one of the biggest supermarkets in town. She was shocked, she couldn’t still believe until she saw Serena and Tobias. They came immediately I called them, and Nora sent her kind greetings to their mother.

It was a great gathering in my mom’s house. I introduced Emily to my dad, my dad was very happy to meet the little girl who gave me her lunch money to escape from her mother and with a note to let me know she was praying for me.

She was and will always be close to my heart, she is very special to me, and her parents knows that already, that was why they asked me to take her along. Emily was very glad to finally be close to me.

I waved them all good bye and told Cindy she can come visit me, or I will come get her on a good day. I hugged my mother who cried as I waved them goodbye.

My dad drove us back home. I felt fulfilled, like a burden has been lifted off my shoulder after seeing my mother and Mrs. Ortega again.

It was when I got home that I remember the big wedding part coming up two day from now.

Williams and Melisa will be getting married, and i know it will be a beautiful wedding ceremony .

I wonder when my own will be  .

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"Lauretta ! Have you seen my lip stick ,the purple one "

I don't know who thought Nora how to put on makeup but if I eventually catch that person it won't be easy .

"Lauretta !!!!"

"No! Nora I don't know where it is "

"Why is your door locked ,are you alright Lauretta ?."

"Yes I am fine Nora "

I could hear her walking away well that was easy .

"Now will you answer ?".

"Ekim I told you already I am fine ".

"Well you don't look fine to me .you are looking so pale and tired".

"Well I have been busy and today is a big day so I have to make sure that William and Melissa wedding go as planed ".

"But the wedding pl...."

"Well i still have to make sure that the wedding is successful I am fine. for real ".

Nobody told me that convincing Mr Ekim Roland was not so easy .

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Everybody is look so happy and radiant as we all watched William and Melissa dance to their heart content . other couples started to join them and I looked around searching for Ekim .

I could see him talking to a business partner . He looks dashing in grey suit

"So Mr De- Valla what do you say is it a deal ?"

"You have yourself a deal Ekim "

I decided to their conversation because I need to be on that dance floor with Ekim

"Ekim I have been looking for you "

"Ekim who is your friend ?"

"My woman "

My heart skipped with the way Ekim said 'my woman ' one will think we are married .

"Well hello Mr Roland good to make your acquittance ".

"Like wise Mr....."

"De -Valla".

I just decide to smile no need for any long conversation.

"Well excuse me ".

"My woman huh "

"Don't start Lauretta "

"What! you called me you woman"

"Lauretta Micho Tello do me the honour of becoming my woman, marry me"

"I thought you will never ask the ring please the ring "

"You have not said yes"

"Yes !!yes!! yes!!!! please the ring "

Ekim slipped the ring on my fingers  and I could not contain my joy as I hugged him so tight.

I’m glad he came into my life when I needed help and a friend, he led me to my father, which is why he will always be my dad’s best friend. I love him too much already.

I don't know what life has in store for me but I am never letting go of Ekim.

Never.