THE BROODER

41

THE BROODER

41

***ASHLEY***

Refiloe:" My parents were always busy...they got it all going well for them. As a toddler, I had a student mom. She was so focused about school that she forgets about me most times in campus. My dad was struggling that time too, to provide and to prove a point to my grandmother who thought he wasn't good enough for my mom. I had no parents care or love till thirteen...I was molested by my parent's neighbors. Not once but for years. I thought it's a way of showing love. The uncles and kids that did this to me all promised to love and care for me. They'll buy me snacks and junks. And they're always helping out...my parents didn't know till I got sixteen..."

I went to hug her as she cried her eyes out. I see myself in her, the painful days of my life in the factory.

Refiloe:"I got therapy and I'm better now. I had a child and I gave her up. I don't think I can give her a better life either. I don't know how to. My parents didn't win with me and I don't think I can too. So it's better for kids to have nannies, People who has experience and the zeal to raise a child. Parents do need help from family too."

"I get your point Refi, I am just happy to be united with my children. I want to witness all their existence. I want to watch them grow, I never did with others so I am very much prepared to try with them."

Richard:" Your life shouldn't evolve around the children. Nothing is going to happen to you again. You'll be with them forever but you'll have to be a better parent if you have your own thing going on for you, someone they'll look up to."

I didn't see him come in. Refiloe stands up from my side and ran to her quarters. I think she's shy that he saw her crying.

Richard:"That's very unprofessional of her to get emotional with you."

"Really? Are you even human? Emotions are part of us humans and we've got to embrace it every time "

Richard:" Is that your reasons for crying every night? You cry to sleep and cry when you wake, is that normal for humans too?"

"How did...?"

Richard:"Stop it! Stop crying every god damn time! It's not healthy... Jordans was right. You need therapy, you need space and you need to face your fears. This human emotions of yours will destroy you, lead you to early grave and you will leave...me... the children motherless."

I didn't know him as a long talk person. This is the longest conversation we've had. He's always impatient and quick to end conversations.

Richard:" Did you get anyone? The Nanny, I mean."

"Um, no."

Richard:" Can you hold up till next week? I will inform the agency to withhold the applicant till then."

"Yes, why?"

Richard :"I have someone in mind. I am hoping she'll sign the contract next week."

"Does she has experience? I'd like someone welcoming "

Richard:"I don't think she has any experience but I know she's welcoming "

"Is she special to you?"

Richard:"yes, she is. I need her closer to me."

"Oh!" That's his girlfriend. He probably wants her to get used to his children.

Richard:"That's if she will be open to the idea of being my children's nanny."

Interesting?

"Why do you think she won't?"

Richard:" She's got history with my father"

"Oh!'

***CONNIE***

I told Jamie about the offer and he went through the contract and he approves of it. I think the financial payment part marvels him a lot.

I dial his phone..

"Hello SANDILE"

SANDILE:" Hello, my own character"

And yes, he still thinks I'm some character in his imaginative book.

"I called because I want to confirm a thing"

SANDILE:" I'm doing great and thanks for asking"

"I'm sorry for not asking. Please pardon my mistake"

SANDILE:"You're forgiven. How's the new job? Hope you're comfortable there?"

"Yes I am. I've been getting presents and I called to confirm if there are from you. Are you the one sending me presents everyday at my workplace?"

SANDILE:"No, it's not from me.It's probably criminals and dangerous stalkers. I have been giving you space like you demanded of me. It's the least I could do to help."

"O.k.a.y"

SANDILE:"Do you want the cops on this case? I must tell you to allow the cops on the issue. I have a friend in the police department..."

"Yeah, I thought it was you but since it's not you, I'll like to investigate it."

SANDILE:"Can I come over?"

"No, I've got this. I'll be going to the cops with my nephew"

SANDILE:"please keep me updated on the matter."

"Hmmm"

####

We took the presents and delivery brands to the station. The police has been on it immediately we came courtesy of SANDILE's friends in the department.

I've been told to give them a day or more to investigate properly using the delivery brands and company.

###

"Mama, I got a job offer and I'm considering to take it."

Mama:"Jamie told me about it."

That snitch! He's so grown up for this act.

"I want to take up the offer"

Mama:"No you mustn't! You can't work for those people. They killed your father, my husband and your child. Have you forgotten what they did to you? Connie, you spent thirty-five years away from your family! I won't allow it!"

"Mama, I know and that's why I was reluctant about taking the offer. I know that the family ruined my life but not this boy, he's innocent. He wasn't born during the incident. He even just met the family. He was raised at the orphanage. Plus mama, he's your son's boss for years now. Jamie and I work for his firm and we don't have any issues with him."

Mama:"Isn't his father, the king? Banzi?"

I see a shadow behind the curtains probably eavesdropping...

"He was here the other day mama. Did you know what he wants? What did he say?"

I see her getting uncomfortable and I know she's about to lie again.

Mama:" Didn't he already said he lost his way?"

"He might have but Isisa can't. You remember Isisa right? She can never lost her way around this premises."

I see the shoes on the eavesdropper and I know I might I have gotten my person...