SCARLET
The
rain didn't stop at any moment. The day wasn't even that busy due to the rain.
Immediately after work I packed my things & left. Antoinette was the one to
take the keys today. I left them still inside the shop, her together with other
workers. I didn't mind the drizzles, all I wanted was to get home. I went to
the bus stop waiting for a taxi. I had even started to shiver. Just then a
silver BMW parked at the stop. I kept looking at the time. After a while the
person got out. I don't know why but I was really starting to get annoyed by
continuously seeing this guy’s face. I was even regretting ever meeting him at
the bar or at the shops.
He
was holding an umbrella.
Him:
hey..ummh want a lift?
Me:
no, I'm fine.
Him:
I'm no serial killer.
Me:
I never said you are.
Him:
I'm with Makeila, I won't hurt you… I'm just figuring out that since it’s
raining you might maybe want a lift home.
Me:
thank you for the offer but I'm fine.
My
phone then started ringing, it was mom.
Me:
Mama
Her:
are you coming now?
Me:
yes.
Her:
ok, hurry… your uncle has arrived.
Me:
I'm coming.
Her:
ok bye.
Me:
how's Michelle?
Her:
much better.
Me:
ok.
She
then hung up.
He
was still looking at me holding the umbrella on both him & I.
Me:
I think you should go.
Him:
ummh ok, at least keep the umbrella because the rain is getting worse.
It
was really getting worse & there was no taxi coming.
Him:
please let me drop you… or you will just sit in the car till a taxi comes.
Me:
why are you doing this? go home!
Him:
I just happen to... I... you know what, forget it but please keep the umbrella.
He
gave me the umbrella then walked to his car. I looked at the time again, it was
getting late & dark, & it was raining. I closed my eyes contemplating
on what to do. I had no choice. I rushed to his car. He smiled as I stood by
his window then he gestured that I get in. I took a deep breath then got inside
his car. I closed the umbrella & closed the door. It was warm in his car.
The little girl was at the backseat.
Him:
should I drop you?
Me:
yes please.
Him:
ok, by the way I'm Quinton & that's my niece Makeila.
I
nodded shivering.
Him:
Keila, give ummh..
Me:
Carl
Him:
give Aunt Carl that fleece blanket.
She
smiled giving it to me, I smiled back.
Me:
thank you Makeila.
Her:
you are welcome.
I
put it around my shoulders.
Him:
can you direct me.
After
about 30 minutes his car was at my gate. We were much faster. I could see Uncle
Dee's old Isuzu inside the yard.
Me:
thank you very much
Him:
it’s ok.
Makeila:
your hair is wet.
Me:
yes... I will have to dry it.
Her:
just like mommy does.
Me:
yes… thank you again.
Him:
Don’t sweat it.
I
gave the small blanket to Makeila then got off the car & rushed inside. He
drove away as I got inside the house. Getting inside the house my eyes were met
by Mama, she was in the kitchen.
Her:
that was fast.
Me:
yes
Her:
who was that?
Me:
who was who?
Her:
the man with the car?
Me:
it’s someone.
I
said walking out of the kitchen. Getting inside the sitting room, Michelle was
actually laughing. She hadn't been going to school this week because she was
very sick & seeing her laughing like that made me feel like a heavy load
had been removed from my shoulders. They were laughing with Uncle Dee together
with Twanda.
Uncle
Dee then turned & looked at my direction.
Him:
Scarlet!
Me:
uncle
Him:
Wow! You are so big!
I
smiled.
Me:
let me go wear warm clothes.
I
said walking to my room.
Getting
there I changed into my tracksuit, my hair was really wet. It took me about 20
minutes to dry it. After I was done I went back to the sitting room. Mom served
the food. It was fun as Uncle told his tales. He only could keep everyone
laughing in the family. After we were done eating Michelle went to bed.
Him:
I have a reason to be here. After you called me Gloria, I called the elders
back home in Uganda to tell them about Michelle's sickness. Their response
wasn't something I expected. This is all happening because our ancestors are
being provoked. There is someone in our family who does not carry our blood.
Mom:
someone where?
Him:
someone between your kids.
Mom
started laughing.
Mom:
my kids! all these kids are my husbands’ kids! I have never committed
adultery.. Never! This is an insult.
Him:
I know that Gloria, that’s what I told the elders but they kept telling me that
there's someone who's not of our own.
Mom:
Dee please leave my house!
Him:
Gloria you don’t understand.
Mom:
I don’t have to understand anything, leave my house I will take Michelle to
church!
Him:
Gloria-
Mom:
leave!
She
stood then went to open the door. Uncle Dee just stood up & walked out with
mom banging the door behind him. I had just froze.
