I SHALL FIND YOU (11 page)

Frank was in the lounge watching telly when she entered. She sat on the sofa opposite him. Neither had a smile.

“Are you out of your mind?”

“I like him, Dad.”

“You’ll stop this nonsense right now.”

She shook her head. “I can’t, Dad. You’d better accept that. You used words you never encouraged us.”

He rose to his feet and faced her, hands clenched. “What’s the matter with James?”

“I don’t love him. Might as well ask why you chose mom.”

“I liked her more. That doesn’t explain how you can turn against your own race.”

He sat beside her, took her hand, chose his words with care. She was his favourite child but was not going to bulge. He delved into Loyce’s rape, what it had done to the family.

“Dad, I know the truth. Loyce wasn’t violated.”

Frank was at a loss for words for several seconds. “She was. Who said she wasn’t?”

“You’re in denial, just can’t accept your own daughter had an affair with a refugee. That she loved him.”

His eyes became slits. He pointed out she had a decent job, brought up in a middle-class and successful family. Her mother was an icon in society. He had not achieved a university degree but had not done badly in life. Loyce had been manipulated. The villain lied to get ashore. Now Rose had taken the same path. Godfree was up to no good. Frank hated to see her throw her life away.

“Loyce liked Charlie. She wasn’t violated and confessed to you. You’re closing your mind, refuse to see the decency in Godfree. Have you considered my feelings here?”

“Are you considering mine? You want to destroy this family and all I’ve built over the years?”

“Dad, I haven’t committed a crime.”

“I won’t shout at you, but you’ll never bring him here! He can never set foot in this house.”

“Are you telling me to leave then? I will if that’s what you want. Perhaps it’s time I got my own place.”

He shouted. “I want you to break it with that boy. Just do it as I say.”

They yelled at the other. He told her she had betrayed him with a refugee. She retorted he was old-fashioned, prejudiced and refused to face reality. Had he accepted Loyce’s boyfriend she would have brought him home, not carried a secret affair. See what that brought. Now he wanted to stop a decent man coming home with her so she could introduce him to the family.

He pointed at the door. “Get out of my house!”

“What’s going on you two?” Neither had heard her mother enter. She kissed her husband on the cheek before doing the same to her daughter. “Now can someone please explain?”

“It’s your daughter,” Frank said. “I don’t approve of her choice of boyfriend.”

“Dad won’t accept Godfree.”

“That’s the guy you met at the boot-fare?”

“Dad doesn’t want him in this house. Free even called dad to tell him he loved me. His intentions are honourable. Dad shouted at him, called him horrible names, and thoroughly humiliated him.”

Frank spoke, “This boy’s the worst for our girl. He’s a predator. I wouldn’t mind her going out with James, or someone else we know. Not a stranger who landed on our shores under false pretences.”

“I like him, Dad, and won’t dump him. We’ve planned to go down to the seaside on Saturday. I will now buy him coffee openly and talk to him at work. You need to know this. I told Dad he must stop living in a fantasy world and accept Loyce wasn’t even abused. He told me I must dump him or leave? He’s using my sister’s case as an excuse for racism.”

Frank fumed. “You’ll end it with this boy this minute. I’ll say it again. He won’t ever be part of this family. Is that clear? Pick that phone and tell him.”

Rose shook her head. “I like him.”

“You heard me.”

“I’m leaving.”

“Frank!” his wife spoke. “Don’t be rash.”

“Quiet, Maggie! She must listen, or move out now.”

“Can we talk about this?” her mother said. “Rose, where’re you going?”

Rose left for her room, started packing. Her mother burst into the room and grabbed her arm.

“You can’t leave like this!”

“I’m leaving, don’t want to stay here any longer.”

“Let’s take a drive and talk.”

“I’m over twenty-one, mom, won’t stand my boyfriend insulted and bullied. If he isn’t allowed in this house, then I won’t come either. Now if you’ll let me get on with my packing I’d appreciate it.”

“Give me time to talk to your father. He just needs time.”

“I’ve made up my mind, don’t need you involved.”

“I am your mother and his wife.”

Mrs Clarke left. As Rose carried the first suitcase down the stairs she heard her parents’ raised voices.

“You can’t let her leave like this, Frank. You must to her now,” her mum said.

Her dad replied, “Think she can arm-twist me to accept that refugee. She’ll have it my way. I’ll be proved correct. Later she’ll see him for the liar, cheat and rapist he is.”

“He hasn’t violated her and even called to talk to you he’s interested. Did he shout or insult you? Sounds a decent bloke to me.”

“So you approve of your daughter’s conduct? Want him in this house and have the neighbours laugh at us?”

“Shouldn’t we consider her happiness here? What she wants? My dad didn’t approve of you either, due to your working class background. Did I not stand with you?”

“That was different. He wasn’t a darkie.”

Rose’s hand clenched as she walked to her car, placed the suitcase in the boot, went back for another. She still had more stuff to take. Two trips later she was ready, jumped in her car and started the engine. Her mother rushed out of the house. Rose rolled down her window.

“Don’t try to stop me, mom.”

“Just wanted to know where you’re going.”

“I’ll look for a place, will be fine.”

“You got enough cash? Got something to help.” She pressed a wade of cash in her daughter’s hand. “It’ll help.”

Rose looked at the bills. “I have some savings.”

“Take it.”

“Thanks.”

“Call me soon. Let me know where you are. Love you.”

Her eyes brimmed with tears.

“Love you two, mom. So long.”

Mrs Clarke touched her daughter’s face. “Come see us sometime. Guess I know where you’re really going.”

Half an hour later Rose parked at Godfree’s house, pressed the doorbell. The door opened. Godfree smiled. She stepped past him for the kitchen.

“Mm. Something smells nice. What are you cooking?”

“Cobs, sweet potatoes, yams and groundnuts. You like them?”

“Everything else but yams.”

“I grew up eating them. You’re going to like this one. It’s called
gogoya
and special. Got to check the water.”

He added water in the pots, offered tea. She settled for mazoe drink made in his country he had bought from an African shop.

He glanced at her. “You ok?”

“I’ve left home. My bags are in the car.”

He raised his eyebrows. “No kidding?”

“Serious. Dad doesn’t want you with me. His ultimatum is I break it off or leave the house. Mom asked him not to be rash, reminded him how she took sides with him against her own dad. She isn’t against you, even gave me cash when I left. But dad believes I’ll be back in no time. Or prove him right when I find out you’re a cheat and rapist. In short, I have been kicked out. I plan to talk to my sister who works at the council, can help put me on the housing list. Or I head for a Bed & Breakfast or hotel. Can I stay here while I sort out more suitable accommodation?”

He patted her hand.

   “I was going to suggest you use the spare bedroom. Won’t have you in a B & B or going on the homeless list. I stay alone so you won’t get in the way.”

“Sorry to be a bother.”

“Easy, girl. It’s no bother. Don’t want you worrying about a place to stay.”

She sighed. “Been a long day and I came to the right place. Glad you were around. Me and dad ended up in a shouting match.”

“Let’s grab your bags.”

“Sorry to impose. As I said it’s only a few days while I sort myself.”

“Rose, you aren’t imposing. I’m glad you came here first. Let’s get you settled in.”

He carried her suitcases, set them in the guest room opposite his bedroom.

“Sorry, it’s not as good as your room. Shall get a larger wardrobe and dresser.”

“Stop worrying about that. This’ll do just fine.”

 She moved to the double bed with its purple quilt, sat on it to test the mattress. Two medium sized drawers and a medium-size wardrobe were in the room. She opened the first suitcase, took out her clothes. He excused himself, left her to unpack. Time to check the pots. He switched off the flame. When she joined him she had changed into the skirt she had worn on Saturday and removed the hair clip. Waves of hair cascaded to her back.

“Lovely skirt.”

“Reminds you of Saturday, huh?”

“Right.” He pointed at the food. “Help yourself, my lady. Here’s the dish to wash your hands.”

“Thank you. Hard to choose where to start.” She washed her hands, dried them and joined him at the kitchen table. “Love how you keep the house neat. You noticed I’m a neatness freak.”

“I did.”

She picked a cob sunk her teeth. “I’m used to planning things, hate surprises. But of late events in my life has spiralled out of control. How do you explain finding yourself liking a guy you disliked so much before? Visiting him at his place? In no time you take him to a barber and pay for him. Next he gives you and your family a Nandos treat. Arranges to meet you the following day at a boot-fare. He beats up a guy who insults you, then sits in your car with you and holds your hand. When you leave that car you’re now boyfriend and girlfriend. End the day at his allotment building a shed. Spend the following day at the seaside. On Monday your dad kicks you out of the house and you run to him. Is love this crazy?”

“Looks that way.”

“What’ll you tell the neighbours? That your girlfriend has moved in with you?”

“Have to, or the boys will keep knocking to ask you out. Problem with having an ugly girlfriend.”

“James will only get angrier when he learns I’m staying here.”

“You’re right.”

“I still can’t forget how he looked and sounded when he knew about us.”

“I’m bothered by his attitude. Had he caught you cheating on a boyfriend I’d believe he was protecting me, but he was angry and jealousy like I took something he wanted.”

“You did. I’d be a trophy girlfriend to impress people. How could he want me when he hates me? Your eyes look at me different. But with the way he looked, I’m sure he can be dangerous and hurt me if he ever got the chance.”

“Try this yam.”

“You think I’m exaggerating?”

“No. If he ever tries to I will be there. Thought he was my pal.”

She bit into the yam, chewed. “Tasty, are you sure this is a yam?”

“That’s
gogoya
. We grew these back home.”

“May I have a bigger piece?”

“Welcome to Africa, madam.”

Her phone rang. She held it to her ear.

“I’m fine, mom. I’m at Free’s place. Everything’s okay. He’s here.” Godfree left to give her privacy. They talked for a while. He heard her laugh. After a while Rose came, handed him the phone. “She wants to say hi.”

“Hello, Godfree.” Mrs Clarke’s voice sounded like her daughter.

“I’m fine, thank you. How’re you, ma’am?”

“Is Rose okay?”

“Yes, ma’am. She arrived a few minutes ago, is at my place in Stones.”

“I wanted to say thank you for helping her on Saturday.”

“It was nothing ma’am. Glad to be of help.”

“She says you’re her new boyfriend. This true?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“She’s a decent girl. Planning to get her pregnant, and then disappear back to your country?”

He told her that was not his plan. More questions came. He said it had not been love at first sight. Rose and him had not liked each other before, but a week ago things changed between them at work. Meeting at the boot-fare further cemented the relationship. He understood her worry as a mother, but respected Rose and she was safe here. If she wanted to leave he would not stop her.

“She said as much,” Mrs Clarke said. “I wonder how you will work with my husband now. You know he wants her back home.”

“I do, will do my best to be civil with him.”

“You won’t stop her returning if he came for her?”

“As much as I want her here, it’s best she makes that decision herself. Harassing her would only serve to push her further away. Does our relationship bother you, ma’am?”

“I head a girls’ grammar school. Some of my students and teachers are from different cultures and refugees as well. I grew up in a middle class area without black people. I have a choice to side up with my husband, or accept you. But Rose’s an adult now. One thing though, I don’t want my daughter used and discarded like dirt.”

“That won’t happen, ma’am, because I care a lot about her. “

“Are you often this polite and charming, or is that all for my benefit?”

“It’s to impress you.”

They laughed, talked of their families. One of her sons was a podiatrist and married to an Australian podiatrist. They lived in Melbourne. Another married son lived in the Midlands. An older daughter Loyce worked for the council and stayed home. Mrs Clarke sounded warm, educated and concerned when he talked about the political tortures and harassment in his country. Such news was in the papers but hearing it from him made it more poignant. She stressed he needed to make sure Rose was not alone and safe. Remember the three kidnapped girls were still missing. If she came home, would he make sure he brought her?

“I’ll do my best to keep her safe.”

“She likes staying indoors, but sometimes loves driving alone. I’d be happier if I knew you’d be with her. Don’t leave her wondering off alone.”

“I shall do my best, ma’am. If she proves stubborn I will spank her and lock her up in the house.”

Mrs Clarke giggled. “She can be a handful. Watch she doesn’t bite your hand.”

He laughed. “I’ll make sure I keep away from her fangs.”

Rose took the phone. “I have teeth, not fangs, and don’t go biting people, mom! I won’t drive off alone this time.” After the call she shook her head. “Going for my bath now.”

He felt protective and happy Rose had come here. Trusted and felt safe with him. He liked Mrs Clarke, felt it was mutual. His race hadn’t seemed to faze her. Now he had a powerful ally in the family. Would Frank ever accept him or get nastier? The latter was most likely. The chances of ever being invited to the Clarke residence by the man of the house seemed as remote as Pluto. 

In the bathroom Rose continued to sing in a loud voice.

He recalled how that advice from James earlier about getting cash from Moto and killing him had given him the creeps. Why was he so riled about him having a black car? Was he scared of the police? And he had acted like he had
done
something to Moto.  No, James was just an attention-seeker. His theories concerning the girls’ and Moto’s disappearances were crazy.

Rose joined him in the lounge later and sat close.

“Looked like you and my mother got along well.”

“I liked her, wouldn’t mind inviting her for tea.”

She smiled. “She would love that. Get a chance to meet the man who’s taken her daughter and see where he lives. I should let her know you invited her. How I wish my dad had the same attitude as mom.”

“I was joking about the invitation. This house isn’t in the best of areas like yours, and my furniture isn’t expensive.”

“This isn’t a bad area, Free. I never told her you’re rich. My family isn’t wealthy either, and mom’s no snob. She will come for tea, not to inspect your house. I need a few things from Asda and to fuel up my car. Let’s go.”

“Did I say I wanted to come?”

“So I go alone? Have you forgotten there’s someone abducting blonde girls? And you just told my mother you’d make sure to protect me.”

“You really thought I’d let you go alone? Even without a crazy man capturing girls, you’d still be bothered by other men. Plus, I might as well do my monthly shopping tonight. Could you check what we need in the house? I’ll leave that to you.”

“I already made a list. Now get that T-shirt and slacks off, and wear clean clothes. Need to check your wardrobe later, see if you have enough clean clothes. Noticed that basket with clothes that need ironing. Will do that later.”

“You want to iron for me?”

“Yes. Think I can’t?”

“I’ve always done that myself.”

“I ironed my dad’s clothes, and for others at home. Maybe you think I’ll burn holes in yours.”

“I didn’t mean it that way.”

She looked unhappy. “Than what exactly did you mean? That you don’t want me ironing your clothes?”

“No. You just told me to change my clothes, that you will iron and already made a list of the shopping we need. What I meant was you’re acting more like a wife.”

She grinned. “Wasn’t aware I have assumed such a role. Change those clothes. Don’t want to meet classmates and workmates and introduce a husband in wrinkled clothes. We haven’t got all night. Let’s see what you can put on.”

She led the way to his bedroom, opened his wardrobe, selected an ironed shirt and slacks, commented although he kept his clothes neat they were too few. It was as if she chose that moment to inspect the bedroom, pulled out some drawers and looked at his underpants like it was something she should. Selecting two she threw them on the floor, put a pair on the bed. Moved to the socks drawer, dumped one on the floor and selected a pair.

“You definitely need more clothes. Can’t have my husband going about in old pants. Got to buy new pairs today. Meanwhile put on what I’ve laid on the bed.”

She rearranged the clothes in the drawers, dumped what she had selected in the bin and left him to change. When he joined her in the lounge she nodded approvingly and nodded.

“You’ll do. Now I can go show you off. Never knew I’d enjoy being a wife so much.”

“Careful, you might get to like that role so much you might never leave for that B & B. I’ll be too used to you here and wouldn’t let you go.”

“Then you’ll have to find a way to keep me, because once I get my place I’m packing.”

“There’s a way to stop you.”

“Want to tell me what it is?”

“No. You would say it’s too early.”