OUR LOVE GLOWS

HERBERT'S MARRIAGE LIFE

CHAPTER 2

Mum, will you go with me to the market?

Yes Cate. Where's your brother?

Mum, dad is here.

The little girl rushed to the door only to open and was carried by her father.

How is my little girl? Have you been good to mum in my absence?

Yes dad.

If you didn't disturb her then I have something for you.

It was a querent night for the couple.

Herbert, you very well know of how I've been living with this child. I accepted to take him in as my own but he doesn't listen to me at all.

That's really kind of you, wife.

No Herbert. If you are planning to bring your other son then I can't take this anymore.

The following evening, Herbert was surprised when he found no body at home. He kept calling till the neighbour next door came.

"She left with Catalina earlier but she carried luggage with her." Said the old man.

Hebert's face turned blue. He sat on the verandah lost in thoughts.

Stop drinking Herbert. Do you want to die?

Leave me alone Richard, she was everything to me. If I didn't tell Eva about Nathan then she wouldn't have left.

I am not getting you, who is Nathan?

I met his mother at the barracks. She was our nurse and that's how I got Nathan. I kept it a secret for three years but Martha died from a bad pneumonia.

You know what! You did a terrible mistake, you would have kept it to yourself forever.

"I know it's my fault, she's been patient with me and Benjamin now it is Nathan. I love my wife Richard." He cried.

(One month later)

Where are you? I'll come and pick you right away.

I missed you dad. Mother didn't want to come home but auntie told me to call you.

It was not long when Eva arrived, she was so pissed when she saw the visitor in the house.

Why are you here? You think that coming here will change anything?

I am sorry Eva. I can't live without you anymore." He said on his knees.

Eva could not take it up with her daughter in sight. She helped her husband from the floor and a happy family it was again.

Children please clap for our class model.

"Yes teacher Eva." They stood up and clapped.

Okay children. Pick your bags, it's time for break.

Mum, I can't read this. Dad could not read it either.

Give me some time, Cate. I can't help you when am busy in the kitchen.

You help me with my homework but dad sends me to you each time I ask him. Mum!

Yes dear.

Nathan is better than Benjamin, isn't it?

They are your brothers and both of them are good.

Benjamin is always scolding us and that's why I don't want to share my toys with him.

Cate, is it good not to share with others?

No mum but teacher said it's not good to bully others. Benjamin is not good like new brother.

Mum! Dad and Nathan are back.

After seeing them through the window, the young girl helped herself down from the chair and ran to the door.

Thanks for the meal mum. You are the best cook.

Okay dear. Now take your brother to bed.

"Thanks for the meal mum." Said the young boy.

Thanks for the meal wife. Mother has been sick, I request to go with the children to village over the weekend.

Mrs. Lora had little time with her grand children. Her days on earth were done and it was the same day she was buried.

"Sorry for the loss Herbert. Hope you cope up soon." His aged uncle remarked and walked out.

I cannot bend to sweep the house. Go and call Cate.

Mum, I am done feeding the rabbits. I've put water in the drum and swept the compound.

Thanks my dear. Go and have some rest.

Sir, she has delivered a baby girl.

Thank you nurse.

His wife had delivered well. He cheerfully walked to the postnatal ward.

Where's Cate and Nathan?

"I left them at Jida's place. Look at my beautiful girl." The happy father said while he held the newborn in his arms.

(Eight years later)

Mum, where's Cate? I want her to help me with my assignment.

Cate went to school. Why don't you go to Nathan?

Dad has been away for seven months and today is Karen's birthday. Will he come home?

l have no idea. Come and help me prepare the soup.

"Okay mum. By the way where's Nathan?" She asked while she poured water in a saucepan.

I don't know Cate but he might have gone to the pitch. You know the way he loves football.

I passed the interview so I am only waiting to report. The school is very big with a nice compound and long buildings.

Thank God you got the bursary. It was hard applying for it so you should study really hard.

Mum, have you heard of the Rock company?

No dear, what does it do?

I saw the man who owns it at the director's office. I was so happy, mum.

(Smiles) You are lucky my daughter. I am also happy for you.

I even met his son at the time of interview. He looked at me like we have met before.

May be he was a class mate in your lower primary.

I don't remember. Mum, I am hungry.

You had a good day. Let's make up the table.

It was a happy evening for the family. They sang, played and danced.

Mum, Nathan, Karen please pose for a photo. We'll send them to dad.

"Wait a bit Cate. I am completing the icing smear on Karen's face." Nathan stated.

Mum, when is dad coming home?

I am not sure. Bring your dirty clothes I start off.

I always wished dad would take me to school just like the other children.

Stop talking, Karen. You have to pick the eggs from the chicken house.

Mum, should I tell you something about big brother?

Benjamin! Did he commit a crime?

No mum, it's Nathan. He is a boy but he's always with female friends on the compound, at the dining hall and at the pitch.

(Laughs) Karen, go to the kitchen house now. I'll also ask Nathan to tell me something about you.

Don't tell him I told you. He even comes back with Laila from school everyday.

The following day Cate was sweping the sitting room when she heard things falling from the next room. She was astonished on opening the door.

What are you doing in mum's room?

I don't know the problem you have with me. I know you don't like me but I can't carry something from this empty room.

"Why are you here then?" She angrily spoke at top of her voice.

"It's none of your business, get out of my way." said the harsh boy then pushed her off his way.

Nathan was outside when he heard the sharp cry of his sister.

"You've gotten guts to do this to her, ha!" He shouted while he held his elder brother by the collars.

A fight then lit between the two.

It was late in the evening. Nathan sat on the verandah to repair his bicycle.

"Hello cutie brother, thanks for yesterday." said Cate as she rubbed her brother's hair.

Don't disorganise my hair.

I shouldn't spoil the new style so you look attractive. Isn't it Laila's friend!

The two laughed.

I am just repairing this. I am not going anywhere.

Nathan, I very well know about my little brother and the chairman's princess. Are you sure you aren't seeing her?

I don't want to lie. She is my friend but it's not where I am going.

"I wish to meet a loving boy who is like my young brother so I also become the beloved Laila." Cate said while she sprinkled water on her brother's head.

Stop it Cate.

It turned into a water game. They poured water at one another till they were all wet.