Chapter 4

Elise went back to sleep and woke up late in the day when the morning chores were all done. Since she couldn't go for the morning run as the scorching sun was already up, she decided to take a shower and prepare for the day. She had to carefully plan on how to use her savings when out later to shop for her clothes. When done Elise headed out of her room but was met by Charity who pushed her back to her room.

Elise was left wondering what could have happened since her aunt seemed to be in such a foul mood.

" Who do you think you are to sleep up to this hour? Just because you found a job now you think you are better than everyone else. Who do you think will carry out your chores for you? Grandma has been putting up with this stupidity but I won't do that any longer, you are a grown up and should be responsible enough, instead of letting grandmother do all the things for you, you should be ashamed of yourself." Charity said fuming with anger.

Elise was left tongue tied, even though she knew that Charity did not like her that much, her statement just now showed another level of resentment. Moreover today was on a weekend and obviously she will help out just like she normally does, the only mistake was that she slept late and being woken up early by Eva. Charity wasn't always home on weekdays since she does housekeeping job at the nearby homes. She

couldn't possibly know how Elise normally does her chores.

" It's a good thing that you were able to get a job soon, hope you won't become a burden to this family any longer. If it were up to me I would have thrown you out a long time ago." Charity added and left the room

slamming the door hard behind her.

Elise's felt strength leave her body and her legs gave way , supporting herself against the wall, she made her way back to the bed and sat down. Charity's remarks opened a deep wound within her heart, the pain that she had buried a long time ago. Growing up in this family, no one ever made her feel as an outsider. This however made her look back at the times they have spent together. Maybe no one was brave enough to let her know the burden she brought. Elise made a resolution to work

hard and repay everything and every dime that the family had spent on her.

But thinking about grandmother Caren and all the love and care she had shown her, she didn't want to think of the possibility that she ever felt burdened by her. All she wanted to keep were the happy

memories. Charity's remarks opened her mind to new possibilities. She could rent out a room close to town since she'll be getting a salary soon. Atlist she won't continue burdening others with her troubles. Previously she had planned to work and return home. But now that wasn't the case, she had to take responsibility for her life, first by being able to support herself. The only problem would be how to tell grandmother about her decision.

Elise decided to head out of the room after organizing her thoughts, she already had an idea on how to approach grandmother. Heading over to the kitchen she found everyone already ate so she grabbed some bacon

and eggs and poured herself coffee. These she hurriedly took and went out to look for Eva and Adam. Going round the house Elise found the two sitting beside grandmother.

" Elise did you sleep well last night?" Grandmother Caren was the first to ask.

" Grandmother I'm really sorry for having slept this late, I really didn't mean it." Elise said desperately. The harsh words from Charity came flooding her head and tears threatened to fall.

" You don't have to do that Elise, I perfectly understand you. It's not like you always do that. Ever since you completed your studies I barely had work to do, even my garden you invaded it. It's good for you to rest once in a while." Grandmother Caren said trying to reassure Elise whom she noted was close to shedding tears. Grandmother Caren could already guess what had happened to cause Elise to become emotional when she saw Charity hiding behind a tree listening to their conversation.

"Thank you so much grandmother, I really don't know what I could do without you." Said Elise as she gave grandmother a hug.

" Grandmother I wanted to steal away your grandchildren for a while, you remember I promised to take them to visit aunt Jennifer and the baby this weekend. I guess I won't have time in future after I

started work." Elise said.

Eva and Adam when they heard this excitedly sprang up and went back to the house to prepare themselves. They didn't wait for grandmother to approve of this. Grandmother Caren and Elise just gazed at each other

and laughed at the same time. Those twins were really difficult to handle at times. It was a good thing that Elise was fond of them and they liked her so much, listening and obeying every word she said. Generally Eva and Adam were nice kids and very respectful, no wonder grandmother never accepted for their parents to leave and have their own place. She couldn't accept being away from them.

" Elise know that you coming into my life has been a wonderful blessing, I couldn't thank God enough for this opportunity to have you in my life." Grandmother Caren said as she gently rubbed her hands. Grandmother could already feel the pain she was going through. She had to have a good talk with Charity. She wouldn't allow anyone to cause her granddaughter any worries. The two just stayed in that position without

saying a word, just enjoying each other's company.

Within twenty minutes Eva and Adam were ready to leave, they got so impatient that waiting for grandmother to get the few clothes she had knitted from her grandson seemed to take forever. Adam followed grandmother into her room and help her get the things within a short time, he didn't want to waste any more time.

Elise led the two as they made their way to the nearby road where they could catch a bus headed to Sigoti where Aunt Jennifer stayed with her husband Jenny.

Passing close to the stream Elise found herself smiling remembering her earlier encounter with that strange man. She couldn't help but remember those beautiful blue eyes. She wondered how perfect that guy could be.

She started imagining whether they could be a perfect match for each other. From his features earlier, Elise could tell that he was around 23 years since he looked so youthful and energetic. They would definitely make a good match, though he was older than her, she wouldn't mind .

Adam and Eva who had been following Elise closely behind noticed how absent minded she had been. Not wanting to disrupt her, they waited for the perfect time when Elise was smiling widely at herself as she held the hem of her dress.

‘Sister why don’t you share with us what got you so excited,’ Eva said.

Elise who was brought back to the present immediately froze her smile and focused ahead, it was as though no one spoke to her.

Elise remembered that she was responsible for the two kids with her, it wouldn’t be good to lose her concentration especially in that part of the forested area. Elise increased her pace as Adam and Eva ran after her. They were just about to make their way into the main road when Elise felt as though someone had been following them. She got the eeling immediately she increased their pace, but now he feeling was getting intense. Elise quickly glanced back but the path was all clear, she tried looking through the trees nearby but could spot no one. She decided to continue with their journey, crossing the road and waiting by the roadside for the bus. Elise was getting impatient when they had waited for close to ten minutes.

"Sister do youthink we'll get the bus, maybe it already left." Adam was the first to speak up, it was almost noon, he had wanted to spend as much time as possible with the baby and this delay was getting to his nerves.

"Don't worry Adam I'm sure the bus hasn't passed yet. It normally passes through here at noon. Let's just be patient." Elise replied though she was impatient herself.

Minutes later they got into the bus, it was about to take off when suddenly an old woman called out not to be left behind. She was just across the road and Elise had to request the driver to wait for her. The woman finally got into the bus not uttering a single word to Elise who had sat next to her. The old woman dressed in black covered herself with a black veil that it was hard to catch a glimpse of her face.

Elise gave up the chase as the woman tried so much to hide her face from her. Elise decided to focus on the road since it wasn't a great distance from where Aunt Jennifer stayed.

About twenty minutes later Elise called out to the driver who stopped the bus, the three got out everyone continuing with the journey. Just few metres from where they had alighted, thewoman called to be let out. She had to catch up with them.

Elise who had forgotten about the possibility of being followed happily led Eva and Adam to Aunt Jennifer's house. Though the two kids already knew the way, Elise thought to lead the way, not wanting to get lost and waste any more time.

Going through a huge maize plantation, the two finally arrived at their destination. What they didn't know was that the woman had followed them upto the last moment till they knocked on the door.

The door was opened by aunt Jennifer who couldn't hide the surprise on her face. She definitely did not expect to see them right that moment. She was holding the baby on one her arms as the other greeted them and ushered them in, she was definitely happy to see them.

"what a nice surprise, how have you guys been? You two have grown up so much" Jennifer commented immediately they settled down.

"We are doing okay aunt, sorry that we didn't notify you of our arrival, but this two could barely let me rest so I had to accompany them here." Elise explained.

"That's so nice of you Elise, you don't know how happy you guys have made me, it’s so lonely in here, just with your uncle Jeremy, and the baby of course." Jennifer said as she got up and handed over the baby to Elise.

The baby was so tiny that Elise feared she might injure him. Adam and Eva were all excited and waited impatiently fortheir turn to hold the baby. It was definitely once in a lifetime experience since theyhadn't seen a little baby, they were the only child to their parents.

Elise who noticed their impatience carefully placed the baby on Eva's lap, she hadn't known how to hold a baby and just admired him as Elise supported him. It was Adams turn and Elise did thesame. The little family had an enjoyable get together as they shared memorable moments. Elise knew in her heart that it would be a long time till she gets to enjoy all these again. She was just thankful to God for giving her such a wonderful family.

When it was time to head back home, Elise started to formulate in her head how she would break the news to grandmother. She was sure she would not like any bit of it. Grandmother always treated her like a little baby who needed to be cared for every single time.