ABANDONED DREAMS

CHAPTER 7

Chapter 7

StephenIt had been almost a month since Freddy had died. My heart was no lighter. I spent almost every waking moment with Junior and Emmy. Felo and I had taken leave from work and were staying in their home with them. We wanted to be there, even in the middle of the night when tears kept them up. Junior missed his father. But he would not cry. He acted out. which was to be expected.

He wouldn’t speak often and he had broken some of his favorite toys. I found him one night asleep in one of his father’s shirts. It brought tears to my eyes. I lie in the bed next to him so that if he woke, he would not be alone. And if I am honest, which I try to be. I needed to be close to someone else who loved him as I did. As a father. When I woke, he was staring at me as if he had a question. And he did.

“Stephen, Will you leave me as papa did?”

I sat up immediately. “Aikona, Boet! Never. And your father would have stayed with you

forever had it been his choice. Even he is with you still. In here.” I said pointing to his head

“And always in here.” Pointing to his little heart. He gave me a big hug and we cried tears together. I promised to always care for Junior and I would keep that promise.

This was the next morning that his attorney was to come and tell us of his wishes. He had to see that all things were in order before he did so. The maid opened the door when he arrived and we all took tea in the sunroom.

We had small talk at first. Then it was time for business. He pulled out his bag and the papers that were in there for us to sign. As he went over them, reading them out loud. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. He had left me half of his company. I knew that he wanted for me look out for Junior’s interests and the business, but I did not think I would become part owner. I think it shocked Emmy as well. She was left twenty-five percent of the company and the last twenty-five was left to Junior. Though, it would be overseen by Emmy until he was of age. I stared at her to gauge if she had any feelings that were not kind towards me having even a larger share than she. But, there was no anger there.

She had never wanted to run his company. Only be a doctor. Which she had accomplished. The attorney finished, had us sign all that we needed to sign and he then left.  “Mama, Emmy. Are you okay?” I asked. I needed to know for my heart.

“Oh yes. If there is anyone that I know will do what Freddy wanted and asked, it is you. And Felo as well. I am glad you have her. I appreciate you being here and caring for us. But, if you are ready to go back home and resume your life. You may. Junior and I will be okay. In time.”

“Eh. No. I am here for more than caring for you. It is helping me as well. Being close to others who loved him as we all did. I will go back to work on the Monday. The company needs to know what has happened and that everything will remain. We must keep it until it is time for Junior to take over. It was his only wish. Besides the happiness of the two of you.” I explained.

She hugged me with tears streaming. She loved and missed him more than any of us could know. They had been wed for years. Their love was a thing of beauty. Forged and kept in a time when no one wanted whites to marry blacks. Let alone one who was well-off. And now, she must be without him. No. It was not time for me to go just yet. I would stay here a while longer. For myself as well.