ANOTHER KIND OF DIAMOND (30 page)

Hu! I’m warning you! Stop leaping before watching, Soprana said with a giggle.

For a man some risks are worth taking, continued Wallis. But that is not to say I don’t have to watch my steps. You must have come in a little late.

Yes! I was late ‘cause I had another engagement somewhere in town but I didn’t want to miss this occasion again, Soprana said.

Again! Wallis emphasized.

Yeah! I‘ve been attending the main church for some months but this is my first time at the Council.

Let me make a guess. You are here to represent your company, right? Wallis added.

Family Company. My Family runs a group of law firms that was started by my granddad as a very young attorney but now the baton is in my hands and I want to make sure it never drops until the next person takes over. She Laughs.

You are an attorney too, am I right?

Yes! Call me a chip of the old block, continued Soprana.

What a perfect combination of beauty, intelligence and poise! Do excuse my intrusion again, how old are you?

Rhetoric I suppose? Soprana questioned but Wallis was determined for an answer and persists. Pardon my indulgence, but to seek answers where there seem to be none is reformatory, he emphasized.

Brave and wise too! Soprana said, impressed by this good looking young man standing before her.

You’ll be kind enough to do me the honor right?

I’m twenty-six.

So young and so articulate! Where are you from?

Here in South Africa. I’m the daughter of a Zulu chief raised by tradition and I try to keep it that way.

Must be a good tradition too! Wallis continued as he struggled on to contain lost cropping in his heart

Oh yes. I accept that! Zulu tradition is very unique.

You will lecture me on that if you ever find the time ‘cause from what I see you must be a very busy girl, he added in a most pleasant manner.

You are right about that. Mine has been one of the busiest of all times and will always be one of the busiest of times. See, I’m one of those that try to kill two birds with one stone ‘cause I combine my role as a princess in Zulu culture with duties as the heiress of a law firm. Actually my schooling in the Zulu tradition went simultaneously with regular schooling and both was started so early in my life. So you can see what I’m talking about. I’ve been busy since I vocalized my first sound.

And turned out with outstanding results too! What college did you attend? Wallis wanted to know even more.

Witwatersrand! She responded with a glee.

On Jan Smith Avenue!

Yes!

It did a great job of producing a brilliant Attorney, Wallis added.

Are you sure? Anyway, thanks all over again! What about you? What college did you attend? Soprana asked.

I got admission into the University of Jozi about a year and half ago.

Really! And how is it going?

So far so good! It was a little difficult starting but I’m more comfortable with it now. You see, I kind of went into business earlier but I’ve gone back to school to fulfill an ambition. Hopefully I’ll get my bachelors in business administration at the end of this.

Very good! Soprana lent her support. It’s always better to go back and get it sorted if you missed out for any reason.

Your parents did a great job raising a smart girl, I’m serious about this, Wallis continued.

May be! I owe whatever I turned out to my mom though, and she still guides every single step I take till this day. But then I’m driven by the way I’m raised and things I picked up from other sources with tides of time to do things in my own peculiar way. The way I act and think is with success in mind ‘cause I do believe that the major goal in life is excel in whatever you do in such a way as to guarantee financial security, peace of mind and ultimately happiness. And I do believe everyone wants it this way but some swayed by circumstances they permit.

And where do you place luck! That also features in all of these, don’t you agree? Wallis asked.

I don’t think so and don’t have much fate in luck, she reacted. Invariably, my thinking is that what people refer to as luck is nothing but the point at which human desire meets opportunity and the sum is chance. So, this luck thing happens whenever everything strikes the right accord. But then the probability of that happening in my scheme is almost insignificant, therefore I make sure I do my best first and hope things work out the way I had them set out. If luck comes my way I consider it my bonus.

Brilliant! You are truly amazing!

You too!! I see you’ve marvelous ways with words.

Oh thanks! Tell me something more, you are not the only kid in the family, are you?

I’ve four brothers, the only daughter and the first kid but not a spoilt brat! Actually my parents were holding the company until my dad died some eight years ago and my mom had to work extra hard to see it survived. So you see why she couldn’t wait to see me come on board and help her run the show? I’m the CEO of the company now and that means extra hard work, but I’m not complaining at all.

You’re doing great! Not many girls your age can take care of business like you’re doing right now and that says a lot about who you are. How is the company doing?

Very good! I put in everything I can to it, she said. I was going to ask you but I keep forgetting. Where are you from?

The United States!

I see! I noticed you did a lot for the Council tonight and I hope everyone appreciate like I do.

I’m humbled! Thanks for your observation! If I may ask, have you ever been to the States? Wallis said.

No!

May be you’ll consider going some day!

Sure! I will love to.

I’m still curious about something is just I’m not sure I should ask again ‘cause I’m getting too nosy, Wallis contended..

Feel free to say whatever you want to me and I mean it, she said with encouraging smile.

Ok! A girl like you is the dream of every man, you know that right? So are you married, engaged?

She laughs bashfully. No! I haven’t had the time to pay attention to that. Mom insists a girl builds her carrier first before marriage and I think is a wonderful idea. I can see you are already committed by your 4
th
finger.

Oh! My wedding band, he looks at it. Yes! I’m married. Wallis responded in mixed feelings. While they continued talking, the familiar voice of Mrs. Ache caught their attention and Soprana shifted her focus from Wallis. Oh! Here come Pastor Ache and his wife. I’ll like a word with them with your permission.

Permission granted before request, Wallis said. Soprana then took her exit and moved in the direction of the Pastor and his wife.

The presence of the Aches reinforced the way Wallis was thinking right now and his family issues came in focus once more so he waited to have his own chance with them. The fund raising event is by now almost coming to a close and Wallis being very instrumental to the great success achieved, the pastor and his wife also had their eyes set on him in hearts of gratitude.

Eventually the three jammed at some point and the Reverend seized the chance instantly. Well done Mr. Wallis Pickles! That was a lot of money you threw into the building found to night and the orphans can’t stop thanking you for that.

I’m so glad I could help in small ways! Said Wallis

What a crowd! The Business Council is growing every day and I’ve people like you to thank for that. I’m sure you must be feeling tired, added Mrs. Ache.

Not really! I’m fine!

Oh good!

Sir, Wallis addressed the reverend specifically. I will like to ask you and your wife for a special favor.

Consider it done!

I’ve a matter of great concern to me that I’ll like discussed with you guys and this is my way of seeking permission to visit your home.

Oh come-on! Don’t be ridiculous gentle man! You don’t have to seek permission to visit our home! The pastor responded. Our house is open to everybody but to you in particular Mr. Pickles so we are ready to welcome you any time. Note; there is no problem that is too difficult in the sight of God.

When the event finally came to a close at about a little past mid night, Wallis began the long drive back home and continued in a heart filled with joy in the realization that so much money was gathered that night to put food on the tables of a lot of orphans. At last he is doing something that adds up to make real sense to him, he continued thinking and that’s the best he ever did in his entire life.

He finally got home and knowing he wasn’t expecting Isabel around, he went to lie down on bed with his troubles as usual. Now as the beam from the head lamps informed him she is finally home, he quickly feigned sleep as an escape from another urtication. Therefore, he was aware of the time Isabel lowered her body in the bed and took to the opposite side of the wall.

Chapter Eighteen
 

W
hen she received a call from Danny that afternoon, Cindy was surprised since both never relate outside the job and she is definitely not on work schedule at this time, so why is he calling me? She tried to figure as the phone rang on. Still undecided, she reluctantly picked up.

I’ve got very sad news for you and your room mates, he said.

What happened? Cindy who is worked up asked.

I know this will be quite upsetting for you guys but it has to be said. On behalf of the management of Reckon Brothel I want to inform you that we received the news of Tasha’s death a while ago. He went ahead discussing the circumstances that led to the girl’s death and by the time he finished, Cindy was screaming so loud to attract the presence of Rita who happened to be at home then. What’s the matter, Rita shouted the moment she rushed out of her room.

I don’t even know how to say this! Cindy said in tears.

Say it any way you can, Rita continued.

Tasha is dead! She announced amidst bursts of tears and by the time Cindy finished talking Rita was also in tears. Carissa went out shopping at this time therefore in the dark over what was going on. Those at home were hurting so badly, no doubt about it, but they felt the greater problem relied with how to handle Carissa because of the special bound between her and Tasha. Still trying to figure out how to approach their roommate, the buzz came up. “She is back,” Cindy whispered. Both girls cleared their tears and now acting like everything is ok they welcomed their roommate home. But Carissa wasn’t fooled altogether ‘cause she sensed something wasn’t right the moment she stepped into the house but chose not to ask questions, instead she went into her room to put away some of the stuff she got from the store while Cindy and Rita remained in the living room. Now talking in low tones they continued seeking the best way to approach their roommate. It was a long while before Carissa rejoined the other girls and the three began talking about other matters for a while but all of a sudden, Cindy diverted. Girls, we have each other and will always have each other, right?

Oh sure! Rita responded before Cindy continued. Carissa something very bad has happened, she said.

Something bad always happens anyways, so what is it this time? Both girls went to sit by Carissa’s side before Cindy said; Danny called me to say Tasha is dead. For a moment Carissa said nothing, she just looked on while Rita and Cindy continued talking, trying to help relieve her grief. After a long while Carissa asked in a calm and calculated manner, who told you Tasha is dead?

Danny! And it was a very hard thing to accept! Cindy continued. I’m hurting so bad right now but I feel it even more for your sake Carissa. This is very sad!

Why Tasha? Carissa began with tears trickling down her chicks. Why does it have to be me all the time?

Don’t say that Carissa, Rita reacted. Remember you are not alone in this ‘cause Tasha belongs to all of us.

None of you knew that girl like I did, Carissa said and continued sobbing.

We understand! Rita added.

See, my friendship with Tasha has been on for too long that I don’t see how I’m gonna continue without her. No way! I’ve had just too much in one life time. Carissa continued in tears. I don’t even know why all this is happing to me. You see? You see why I always say bad things go with me wherever I go and everybody will be saying to me Carissa stop saying that! You see what I mean? And I’m sick and tired of it all! My mom! Yeah! She was the first to disappear on me when I was just learning how to say mom! Then my grand ma died. Teri is gone. Isabel disappeared so suddenly. I don’t even know whether I’ll ever see my Aunt again and now Tasha dead! Why me? Why me all the time? Why?

Carissa listen, I’ve got nobody too and I’ve been living like that since I was 15. No family or anything like that but I still continue to carry on. You just have to be strong, that’s the only way about it, Cindy said trying to talk Carissa out of grief ‘cause even though she herself was hurting, yet everyone understood the special bound between Carissa and Tasha.

Did they say how she died or something? Carissa asked.

He said it was the outside job stuff, Cindy continued.

And when did this happen? Carissa continued.