Adversary (18 page)

Her lips were pursed. Shanda found no reason to speak to the dog. Sophie said she can stay and use her kitchen for her business as long as she wanted. That is where her focus lie and not on a stupid wedding. The only reason why Giuseppe was begging was because she called the nuptials off. What was the purpose of marrying somebody who didn’t respect anything but himself? Arrogant and cruel sonovabitch is how she felt about Giuseppe now. Love doesn’t mean shit. Letting a man walk all over her wasn’t any prison she wanted to enter with the blessings of a priest.

She closed the clear plastic, putting gold cord around it and attaching a small card with her business logo she’d ordered on-line. S & S Delicacies. The S was her name and the other Sophie’s who assisted in the culinary operation. Having a partnership with Giuseppe’s mother made good business sense. The woman had connections, financed the whole venture, plus Shanda had unlimited use of her fully equipped kitchen. To hell with Giuseppe and his whoring ass. She wasn’t even telling him about the pregnancy. Let him see for himself in a few months. He was so damn dense he’d probably think she gained fat from low-calorie croissants.

Deuces!

Giuseppe leaned on the wall and crossed his arms. “How long do you plan to punish me donna?”

Nothing escaped Shanda’s mouth. Her hands were busy and so was her mind.

“What must I do to have you return home bella?”

I am home asshole, her mind answered.

“You do not understand bella. I have tried to be the man you want. I have tried to be good and for you I did this but I am not a good man. I am a Don with many problems and my love for you and Carlo are my life's pleasures.”

Yeah right, that’s why your fucking ass only came home after you finished humping sluts, right?

Giuseppe frowned. Shanda had changed. He had expected she yell at him, toss a pan, but she had not done any of this. Now, she had the protection of his mother and another troublemaker belonging to his brother. These women were ganging up on him and he felt the villain, which he was, but he hoped Shanda would accept his apology and take pity. Instead, she’d returned the ring with a note to his office the wedding was cancelled. His heart sank when he read the words scribbled in bold print.

How pretty and vibrant his donna looked today. A glow from the ovens caused a reddish blush to her tan cheeks or was it make-up, he wasn’t certain nowadays? His final appeal was from the heart. “I cannot promise I will be good each day bella, yet I will try to do better. Ti amo.”

Pitiful as hell. This was the man she was about to marry. She must’ve been out of her mind, she thought. What kind of mess is that, he’ll try?

Shanda picked up the basket of crepes and left his ass in the kitchen. Outdoors on the patio with older wealthy Italian women she found her voice. “
Buon giorno signore ringrazia per ordinare
.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

A variety of bird and of wild animal species Allie got to see yesterday at the reserve. This morning her mama told her to hurry up because their escort had arrived to take them to the orphanage on the outskirts of Harare. An excited feeling ran to her feet at the prospect of spending time with other children and not adults talking stuff she didn’t care about. Who cared Auntie Shanda called off the wedding with Uncle Giuseppe? Who care she had another baby in the oven, which she knew meant pregnant ‘cause Abuela said that about Jessica, too? Who cared she started a business selling low-calorie dookie pastries to fat people? Allie laughed, if she got fat she’d just stop eating fatty foods and run around the park and shake the ground.

“Earthquake!” That’s what all the people will scream but she wouldn’t care just like she didn’t care about baking cookies and babies in the oven.

“What’s so funny?” Estefan asked in Spanish.

She spoke English because Estefan needed to learn it. “You are!”

“You are not being funny,” he said in English and Allie’s face sank.

When he turned around she flipped him the bird. She liked the other guards better. Estefan was mean. Her sparkly phone came out of her bag with a big star she made with glitter as she followed her mom out the door. Ari talked on her cell too. She talked mushy lovey-dovey stuff to her husband. Ewww!

“Hi dad,” Allie said when her father answered.

“Hey niña. You’re calling me something must be up.”

“No, I’m just calling to check on the children.”

Her dad laughed. “Oh, okay, but your mom did that. Your brothers and sister are fine, though, but how are you young lady?”

“We’re going to the orphanage now, about time.”

“That’s nice. Take pictures of everything to share with me.”

“Everything?”

“The things you find interesting.”

“What if I take a picture of a big mountain of elephant poop because it’s interesting, would you like to see that?”

The elevator dinged open. “Hija, what’s this fascination with shit?”

“I said poop not that word dad.”

Selange was frowning when she overheard Allie’s inappropriate conversation. Allie just went to the corner of the elevator with a haughty huff.

“When you come home we need a daughter father sit-down.”

“Why?”

“About why you’re aching for attention. Don’t you know we love you and you don’t have to say shocking things for your family's attention?”

“But you always talk to Sal and take him to the office but you never take me.”

“Lo siento mi amor. I thought you didn’t like coming. I will bring you next time.”

“And the gym too?”

“Yes, sweetheart and the gym.”

“Well not the gym I was kidding. It stinks.”

Her dad laughed. “Yeah, that’s what happens when people are working out.”

Then Allie cheered when the doors opened and they scurried through the lobby to a bright morning. “Okay dad, no bad words and be good until I return.”

She hung up and smiled at her mom. “Dad’s going to take me to the office when we get back.”

“Okay.”

A man spoke with Estefan. He was short with funny eyes that didn’t stay still. Maybe he needs glasses and too poor to buy them. Who cares? Then Aunt Ari’s bodyguard, with his large biscuit stomach said something about they have to follow funny eyes in their private jeep. Allie knew why. Her dad said never get in anybody’s car unless they’re family and funny eyes was not. Where’d he get eyes like that, anyway she wondered?

The man nodded, what else could he do he was outnumbered by big belly and mean Estefan. She followed her mom inside the car when biscuit stomach held open the door.

Their jeep was air-conditioned and looked brand new. It smelled nice and Allie could put her legs out without touching the floor. They were driving through the city, boring buildings again and she decided to read her book. Anansi the Spider was an African folk-tale from Ghana in West Africa, wherever that was. In the book Anansi gets into a whole lot of trouble when he embarks on a dangerous journey. She settled back to read, ignoring the talking around her. She was going on an adventure too, just like Anansi. She smiled when she thought about the pretty bracelet hidden in her bag. Her mom said it was African and belonged to her dad’s ancestor but her mom planned to leave it home. That’s silly. They were going to Africa and she should wear it Allie had suggested which her mom said wasn’t a good idea because it’s antique.

Well, Allie decided to borrow it. Antique means old. She could show the children something old from her ancestors who lived in Africa in case anybody didn’t believe she was African, too. She grinned; her dad was like a rainbow. Puerto-Rican, Italian and African were many colors. Blend it together and you make rainbows. Her dad had bright blue eyes. Wow. Next time she spoke to Auntie Shanda she’d tell her to make rainbow cookies and feed it to the rainbow people. Hey, good idea.

She frowned, what if she forgot? She didn’t have Auntie’s number and decided to call Uncle Greedy. On her phone she went.

“Who are you calling now Aldonza?” her mom asked.

“Uncle…sssshhh, it’s ringing.”

“Don’t shush me. Make this your last call. It’s nighttime where your Uncle lives.”

Uncle Giuseppe answered. “Buona notte Aldonza.”

“Buona notte to you too. Listen, when you talk to Auntie Shanda tell her I said to make rainbow cookies for people of different heritages. She’ll make a lot of money because there’s billions of people like you and my dad. Got it?”

Her Uncle laughed. “Sí funny girl, I got it.”

“And by the way did you like my fudge cookies Uncle?”

“Sí Allie. They were delizioso”

“I knew you would. Anyway, since you’re not getting married she’s going to need a whole bunch of money to buy a house and Carlo stuff and that other baby cooking in the oven.”

“Cosa?”

“Auntie Shanda’s pregnant silly that’s what it means. Now tell her what I said, bye!”

“Allie, for crying out loud!” her mom shrieked, “how many times have I told you to stop repeating things adults say, oh my goodness…oh no.”

Allie’s eyes widened in mock horror to mimic her mom. “Cosa...cosa…cosa?” she asked and then slumped in her seat with her book as her mom took out her cell. Allie ignored her mom as she apologized to Auntie Shanda. Well, shrug, what’s the big secret Allie thought, isn’t it good when people have babies?

Apparently, Auntie Shanda wasn’t upset because her mom said, “All right. I’m glad you’re not mad. Yeah, I’ll tell. She’s right here. Thanks a lot Auntie Shanda said Allie.”

Allie turned the page in her book. “Tell her she’s welcome and congratulations,” she replied then she returned to her story.

‘…
long, long ago the mighty sky god Nyame…’

                                             ***

Bright colors were seen from the distance. Music and drums from a girl’s book were brought to life as the car traveled across the plain near the Chishawasha area outside Harare. They learned that many orphans not in orphanages were cared for by their extended families, particularly the old Gogo’s or grandmothers who barely have enough food and money for themselves. The communities were desperately poor and those lucky enough to receive housing at similar places as the one they were visiting lived in far better conditions, thanks to donations from relief agencies who gave generously to non-profits caring for children.

Allie listened with interest as they passed the dismal homes which to her resembled old-rickety shacks scattered on dirt and grass. She felt sad as they rumbled across a dirt road receiving waves and stares from barefoot children with dusty clothes. Their smiles are what she would remember and she took pictures and sent them instantly to her dad.

As the jeep followed the lead car she heard sounds shaking the ground. Butterflies of exhilaration began in her stomach as she strained to see in the distance. Grass, trees, less dirt loomed up ahead. A sturdy building, not a dilapidated shell of a home neared. Three floors of solid shelter made her heart leap with hope. Thank goodness the children had a proper roof and walls, being deaf must be hard enough, she thought.

The vehicles stopped, dusty plumes blew as they exited from their wheels and settled somewhere far. Ancient tribal dancers welcomed the visitors to the orphanage with happy faces.

The ‘Mama’, Kefilwe stood with hands clasped as she curtsied. She wore a beautiful dress that flowed as she then walked forward in regal elegance to further greet her guests. The bold prints were stunning as was the headgear wrapped in an intricate row of cloth that only made her more elegant. Beautiful, absolutely striking was the African woman’s stature. Selange introduced her party and the brightest smile appeared. “Mavende mabori. Welcome. The children are happy that you have visited.”

They were led to mats to watch the performance, brought bowls of fruit and nuts, given gifts of carved animals made by the children whom Allie marveled at in wonder at the natural skill. Allie’s behavior was forgotten during the festivities. Selange smiled and nearly cried when the children moved in rhythm, hands flowing with bright eyes beneath the burning sun. A man in traditional garb plucked a musical instrument which consisted of a wooden board with staggered metal keys attached called an mbira. Dinhe and Chokoto drums were held tightly between strong thighs and palmed in rapid succession forming a synchronous sound rafting to the heavens.

Africa, the heart of the earth screamed in welcome to a nomadic woman. On this land her ancestors walked and today she sat among its people. A distant home where trees were ancient, the soil thick and animals roamed en masse, she felt the spirit which filled a void of something she hadn’t known was missing.

Sing to me mother earth, touch my soul, for I have come home, a desolate woman cried, bring peace for I have lost so much, and fill me again with pride.

Hands extended and pulled the guests to teach steps which require motion of every limb. The visiting women and child partook; laughing hard at how uncoordinated they felt beside expert children. The deaf could feel the vibrations Kefilwe informed Allie who asked how they knew to stay on beat. Fascinated Allie studied their feet, learning the movements quicker than her mom and Ari; soon she was one of the many smiling young faces of professionals. One of the girls passed Allie her Hoshos similar to large wooden rattles and she shook them happily, super happy she came to Africa with her mom and not in a stupid office. Maybe, Sal liked that stuff but being with her mom was better. Her eyes jumped in joy as a wayward girl discovered more about her mother simply by looking. In the sun’s rays her skin glowed, her hair was free and untamed like her mother’s spirit. She loved the laugh that was musical and sincere. Pretty, loving and caring is the mom she was proud to have. She went to her mom, danced with her and looked up to say, “Thanks for bringing me.”

Selange bent and kissed Allie’s head. “Thanks for coming sweetheart, now show me the steps again.”