Guilty pleasures

Chapter 9. The day before the big move

Mrs Daniels had accompanied Jacob and Sarah to the new outbuilding. Part of me knew she just wanted to see in what rut we will be living in. I knew she was happy inside just looking at the the house. Its was small, with white tiles and white walls. The shower was just a space next to the toilet with a drain. It was situated in the slums of Curo. There were squatter camps just across the road. The people there lived filthy, their waste water, was splashed across the road daily. There was a permemant feaces smell that was soaked into the tar. On hot days the smell could burn the hair in your nostrils.

Jacob and Sarah got to work cleaning. They scrubbed every inch of the floor and if they had missed a spot Mrs Daniels would point it out. Jacob scrubbed out the toilet and shower. There was black mold in between the tiles. The toilet was stained and smelly. I didnt have the stomach for such sight and smells. Luckily Jacob took over.

My mother just watched us adding her comments here and there. When she realised I had started ignoring her condescending remarks, she walked across to Ediths place to catch up and see ediths daughter, her grandchild.

Cleaning was all done.

Sarah's knees hurt. The skin on her knuckles had peeled from the harsh detergents and all the scrubbing. The skin on her palms were starting to peel as well. She looked down at her ugly palms and instantly was saddened. She was still hurt by the injustice they had faced. Sarah sat down on the floor. She leaned her back against the wall. She let out a frustrated sigh. Jacob sat down beside her and pulled her in close. She felt safe and loved in his arms. She couldn't remember the last time she felt this way or any type of affection from her parents. Sarah leaned into him, placing her head on her shoulder. She felt she could absorb all his love that he offered if she cuddled and moved in closer. She wanted him, all of him. She didnt want to ever part with this feeling. Love was all that she needed and he offered her his endless love. He was everything she needed. She closed her eyes and silently thanked God for blessing her with Jacob. He was her ride or die partner. He understood her situation and no words needed to be spoken for him to understand her grief. He stood by her and gave her the support ti grow and become independent.

"I'm scared"

"I have never been alone before"

Jacob comforted Sarah, he gently stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head.

"You are not alone. We are together. I am here with you. This is an adventure. We are going to live our best lives. You and I and all the little you and me's when the time comes".

"I love you forever and always"