African Wolf

Chapter 3

Josh

Leaving Jonnie was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.  Cassie and I went to the home we had placed him in yesterday, we spent some time with him, but it’s always hard to know how aware he is.  He never actually acknowledges us, I guess we go more for us than for him.  I sometimes wonder if he even knew who mom and dad were.  

We spoke to the people in charge and explained why we were leaving.  They were amazingly supportive and promised to watch over him for us.  I really wish we could take him with us, if only we could provide for him.  Walking out of the home, I feel like a part of me has been left behind.  

During our flight over to the reserve I had the strangest feeling.  Cassie and I discussed it but it was too hard to put into words.  It was like a stirring from the depths of my soul, as if something or someplace was calling me, my soul had heard it and was finally waking up.  The emotions were so overwhelming that I was barely able to say anything to Cassie during the flight.  Cassie, I am so lucky to still have her, the last part of my family.  She is my rock and my best friend.  I have yet to meet anyone, I know my work and study has not left much room for a personal life, but I have never met anyone I am attracted to.  I feel like I am gay but have never met anyone to prove whether it is true.  

Our Pilot lets out a deep barrelling laugh as we touch down, not exactly the best landing.  I laugh with him as I grab my bag and follow Cassie out to the car on the landing strip.  I watch her desperately try and connect with Chris before getting into the car.  

The drive was only a few minutes, Hettie explained that their reserve was one of the closest to this area.  Chris was desperate to see a lion so he could scare Cassie, but alas, all we saw were some birds and Zebra’s.  I must give credit to Chris, he knew every bird that we spotted on our way home.  

It was only mid morning, but the sun was shining brightly.  I love the warmth, but could definitely do with something to drink.  Hettie must have picked up on this as she offered for us to go to the restaurant to have something to eat and drink.  Her husband and his brothers would be there so it would be a good time for us all to meet.  Hettie was a beautiful blonde woman with sun kissed skin.  She was a similar size to Cassie, and exuded warmth and love.  She seemed like someone who would treat Cassie well.  Hettie spoke most of the way to the restaurant.  She explained that her husband, Peter and his brothers Andre and Jacob owned the reserve together.  Jacob was in charge of the restaurant and catering.  He had his own garden too where he grew fresh vegetables and herbs to use in the restaurant.  I don’t know why but I found myself completely intrigued by Jacob, what was happening to me?  Andre and Peter shared the game drives and the paperwork, somehow it all worked out well.  We pulled up in front of a beautiful african inspired building.  It was made from thatch and wooden logs, elegant but natural,  I couldn’t believe I would be working here.  We all got out of the car and Chris sped off to find his dad and uncles.  I stood for a few minutes, taking everything in, I looked over at Cassie and saw her doing the same thing.  

“Your rooms will be ready in a little while, our cleaners have had quite a bit of extra work over the past few days.”  Hettie’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.  

“Your rooms will be cleaned once a week, your linen will be changed then.  I will show you where the washing machine and tumble dryer are.  You are free to use them as much as you like.”  You could hear the honesty and kindness in her voice.  “Your room’s are basic but I am sure you will find them comfortable,” she looked at us sheepishly.  

“I am sure they are wonderful,”  I heard Cassie answering sincerely.  “We are incredibly grateful for everything you are doing for us.”  

We followed Hettie into a large restaurant, completely inspired by the surroundings of the building.  To me as a chef, it was a vision of perfection, I could not have chosen a better restaurant to work in.  

“Bang!, Crash!” loud crashing noises tore me from my thoughts.  “Ggrrrr”, 

“What the ……….!!!”  I had no idea what the noises were, I pulled Cassie into my arms to shield her from whatever was coming, I was sure it was a lion.  

“Run to the car now!” Hettie screamed at us, shielding us from whatever it was.  Suddenly there were men surrounding us, protecting us, maneuvering us towards the car outside, I could still hear the growling as we jumped inside and waited for Hettie to get in the front, reverse and drive away.  

The drive was silent, Hettie’s breathing as heavy as mine as Cassie’s.  When I felt myself normalise a bit I asked “What was that Hettie?”

There was silence, I could see her trying to think of how to answer me.  That was strange, if it’s a lion, she could just tell us.  

“It’s complicated..” She replied quietly. Please just give me some time and I promise you I will explain everything to you.”  

Cassie and I nodded our heads and focused on the scenery as we pulled up in front of a very beautiful, very big building. As Hettie stopped another car pulled up next to us.  A big man with blonde shaggy hair got out of the driver's seat,I think he is Peter, Hetties, husband but could not be sure as our video chat was not clear.  Hettie jumped out of our car and ran straight into his arms.  We could see him saying something to her while he held her but they were too far away for us to hear.  Hettie seemed to be nodding her head, let go of him and walked towards us.  

“Sorry about all of this,” she said while opening the back door. “Please come inside, I will ask some of the men to bring your bags in.” I couldn’t help looking around before I got out of the car, I could see Cassie doing the same thing.  The tall man walked up to us.  

“Hi, I am Peter, Hettie’s mmm husband,” he put out his hand for me to shake as he finished.  Cassie was holding onto me for dear life which seemed to bring a smile to his face.  

“Ah yes, I remember you from the phone interview,” Cassie said softly. “I am Cassie and this is my brother Josh.” she continued.   

“Please come inside, I will get someone to make you something to eat and drink, we can talk then.”.

Cassie and I nodded our heads as we followed him and Hettie inside.  Chris had already run off to play somewhere. I think Cassie is going to have her hands full with him.  As we entered Cassie and I both stopped in our tracks, the house was beautiful.  There were large exposed beams, with a thatch room, a massive fireplace in the middle of the lounge and a huge open plan kitchen.  The kitchen counters were made from natural wood, while the furniture near the fireplace was large, comfortable yet tasteful.  The floor was made from stone which allowed the house to feel cool even though it was boiling hot outside.  

“Please, take a seat,” Peter pointed towards a large dining room table, it was so large it could probably fit 20 people around it.  Cassie and I chose two seats next to each other facing Peter and Hettie.  As we sat down, plates of food and soda were placed in front of us.  It smelled amazing, “It’s beef stew, please eat.”  Peter said, as two plates arrived in front of him too.  Cassie and I dove into the food, we generally could not afford meat, so this was a real treat.  The food tasted as good as it smelled, I was trying to place all the ingredients when Peter began speaking.  

“We have decided to change where your rooms will be, we think it will be good for you to stay here in our family home, it will be…….safer….and better for …….mmm…...Chris.”  Peter seemed to fumble over his words.  I looked over at Cassie who looked as confused as me.  “It….will be safer, yes safer as well.”  he finished off.  

“As we said, we really don’t mind where we stay, but is this to do with what happened earlier?”  Cassie asked.  

Hettie and Peter were looking at each other, I swear they looked as if they were having their own private conversation.  Peter then looked at us and started, “It’s complicated, there are some things we need to share with you, but this is not the right time and we are not the right people to tell you.”

“If you are not the right person, then who is?” I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.  

“My brothers, they are the ones who will need to explain all of this, but at the moment they are slightly detained…”

Hearing Peter speak about his brothers, stirred something in me, I wasn’t sure why.

“Please just give us some time,” he continued.  “We will show you to your rooms, give you sometime to unpack and rest.”

We finished our meal and followed Peter as he gave us a tour of the house.  It was a three leveled house, Peter and Hettie had their living quarters on the ground floor, I was then shown a room on the second floor, while Cassie was taken up to the third floor.  My room was anything but simple, it had a massive King Size bed, a flat screen TV, a beautiful balcony overlooking the watering hole in the distance as well as a comfortable en-suite.  I had never had such a luxurious room in my life, even when my parents were alive we had very little.  

I thanked Peter, and began unpacking the few items that I had into the enormous wardrobe.