When the gypsy met the gorga

Chapter 33: Millie

We forgot about the protest after an hour. There was a new piece of information. Some one said something and it lead from one thing to another. We all went to the cafe to see if it was on the news like they said and surely enough Terrence was being interviewed in the hospital. He stammered and he looked a right side. " I never thought Dad would do it. I thought he was going to threaten him. But he stabbed Frank over and over again after beating him up so badly. He didn't stop even when Frank stopped begging." Gran whimpered. I held her hand. "Ferka tried stopping him but Dad stated at him. Ferka was too weak  when we left the two there and well because we had been torturing him for days...the three men saw Ferka get up with the knife in his hand because they placed it between his hands. He had no role in this. I'm sorry Millie....I'm sorry Gran..." He howled.

I sobbed. My poor Grandpa. He was so good and yet he had to die like that even though he was fighting for his community till the end.

Gran and I hugged each other and bawled not bothering about anyone else in the room. Some people were sniffing and sobbing as well.

Mike came into the shop. " Mr Mantle's just been arrested".

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Ferka had been released the next day. Mr Mantle had got a sentence of 50 years and Terrence had to go into rehab. He came over to our place before leaving forcthe rehab centre. He stammered and he apologized for evrything. Gran just nodded the whole time. She managed a weak smile at the end and told him to make use of his life. He said he would.

We were making lunch together in the afternoon when some one knocked on the door. I went and answered it. Ferka and Stefan stood silently. I moved aside so they could come in.

Ferka stood in front of Gran. Ferka sobbed and hugged her. She held him back letting a tear fall. "I'm sorry Gran. They hit me and....."  He howled.

"But you tried lad....We're thankful that you atleast tried to help him."

Stefan stood there watching them. He turned to me. I looked down.

Gran talked to Ferka a while longer. Stefan announced that they were leaving that day.

" But the villagers are sorry. Surely....."

" it's not that Gran...I mean we're gypsies and we have to move. It's just the way it is. "

I went back to my room when I heard that. I think there was something left to say so I stood in the corridor waiting . The two came. Stefan and I just looked at eachother. Gran beckoned Ferka in telling him to give us some time.

" Um...I'm sorry for doubting you then....I should have trusted you then. " He shrugged and nodded.

" It happens."

'Could we..." I couldn't even let the first two words come out. He stood there. He didn't move. Maybe....he had gotten over me.

We stood there like that for a while .

"Um we'll be leaving in a bit", said Stefan and he called Ferka. They were going. Gran stared at me incredulously.

I locked myself in my room. I sat blank for a while, an hour or so. I heard a lot of noise outside. I stared out of the window. The village had gathered around the groumd. A few carravans had left.  That was it!!! I got out and ran down to the ground. It was so crowded. I troed pushing my way but I ended up at the wrong carravan twice. I saw Ben saying bye to Rhoda and the boys. I looked and I saw Stefan's carravan leave in the distance. I stared. I stood there for a while and was about to leave to town. I cursed myself for being so stupid.

I saw the truck outside the clearing. Stefan came out of a hardware store. I stood blank again. I was rooted. He was abput to go but he saw me staring. He sighed looked down then looked up again and smiled. I just stared pleading. He shook his head, grinning then came over and stood in front of me. I still couldn't say anything. I felt so lost. He didn't say anything either. He leaned in and kissed me so hard. I sighed and flumg myself on him and kissed him back. We held on hard to eachother. It seemed a long time once he pulled his lips  away still holding on to me. "I love you Stefan", I said. " I'm ....so....I....."

" You're crazy about me", he said. I smiled. He chuckled. " Millie....I'd die without you. You know I would."

I nodded. I knew it. He had lost weight and he looked pale. I loved him so much.