Curious to know why Shawney disappeared, "So, when she is not home, how do you manage?"
"I survive, but she is here now."
"Sorry, Aunty, but she went on an errand for Dad, and that will take a while."
"That girl is so lazy, she is always running away from doing work."
"Aunty Joan, if you want your breakfast, let Shantel come and fix it for you; we cannot help you; our hands are full, as you can see."
"I would rather eat leftovers than have Shantel fixing my breakfast."
Seeing her storm out of the kitchen, "That child has a right to run from that house. They all have her like a servant. When her Dad used to tell Paula, I used to think he was making a mountain out of a mole hill, but I believe it now," Robert sighs.
"Dad, I believe we should get her married; she is the eldest of the cousins, and every one of her brothers and sisters has already married."
"Leave the child alone; when the right person comes along in her life, she will get married."
"Dad, your friend's son, who she was sitting with last night, seem to like each other."
"Mitch, that young man was married, and his wife died; he was admitted to a mental asylum. Why should we put her through that, and besides, he has two children. After she had already taken care of her siblings, do you think it is fair that she go over that process again?
As you can see, she loves the Lord; let her enjoy what she loves best. God always takes care of his children."
"Yeah, Dad, she might grow into an old maid if we don't help her."
"Yeah, go ahead and help God do his work like Sarah, get her a Hager, I hope in the end you don't have regrets."
"Dad, do you have to be like that?"
"Son, I am not getting involved. I learn my lesson a long time ago, to watch my house and let others do the same.
This gathering is your Mother's wish; if it were left to me, I would have taken her for a holiday."
"But dad, this is good, the cousins are mingling together after so many years."
"I agree with what you are saying, but I only hope later that loud-mouthed Aunt don't misbehave, because she always does."
Hearing Shawney say, "Aye, I am sorry I took so long."
When Mitch said, "Not a problem, in fact, Aunty Joan was here looking for you, she wanted breakfast, but there's no worry, I told her you went on an errand for dad,"
Shawney laughed, "I can't believe you lied for me, Mitch?"
"Did I have any choice, cousin girl? Seeing how scared you were when you scampered out of here."
"You should have said I wasn't around."
"That's true, but Shawney, what did you expect me to say? You ran out when you heard her coming?"
"No, Pal, I ran out because I needed to use the washroom, I couldn't ask you to do it for me."
"Then no worry, I will just get her for you, and she will place her order." Mitch chuckles as he walks towards the door.
"Do that, Mitch, and I will not be here for the entire day."
"You liar, I know you hear her coming, and you ran away."
Hearing her coming again, Shawney said, "You could believe what you want."
Laughing as he went to gather the things for the appetisers. When the door flies open, "Where is she?"
"Who, Aunty?" Mitch asks.
"Shawney, that's who, where is she now?"
"Dad, where is Shawney?"
"Have you forgotten already? She went on an errand."
"You are lying, Robert."
"Then feel free to look, it is only the both of us here."
When the grumbling stops, she crawls out from under the cupboard, where Uncle Robert pulls the garbage can to shield her.
"That's it, I am getting out of here before Aunty makes trouble this evening."
"Oh no, you are not running away," Mitch grabbed her hand.
"Look, if you all want a peaceful reunion, then I must leave, or she will make my life a living hell."
"Sorry, Shawney, you cannot go. I have invited some of my friends. I just want you to meet them. Please stay for me." Mitch pleaded.
"Well, cousin boy, don't say I didn't warn you, I live with them for so long I know what to expect."
The evening had finally arrived, and everyone was gathered at the front. It was Aunty Paula's idea to decorate outside with lights. The dinner tables were arranged beautifully and ready for everyone to have a lovely time.
The soft music was just perfect to suit the ambience. Seeing a few people chipping in one by one . As Uncle Robert greeted them and helped them to a seat.
Aunty Joan wasn't satisfied that I was sitting quietly; she came to me asking me to dish out some food for her.
Hearing the commotion, Mitch steps in between us, trying to settle her down. "Aunty Joan, what seems to be the problem?"
"I just asked this lazy girl to get me a plate of food, but she refuses, saying it has to be blessed, and Paula has a program."
"Aunty, that's true, but if you are hungry, go inside and eat. We have a few guests coming, as you can see, and you don't have to abuse Shawney in front of everyone."
"Everyone needs to know what sort of girl she is, always running around and not staying in the house. Who knows what sort of life she is living?"
"Joan, honey, will you quiet down? You are making a scene, and Robert and Paula have guests."
"I will not. She is disrespectful, and she is a whore." Mitch notices the tears as she was about to leave when Aunty grabs her hand and is about to slap her.
Only feeling someone push him aside and step in, holding Aunty's hand, "Who the hell are you?" Joan demanded.
Opening her eyes, Shawney was shocked when she saw Torren holding her Aunt's hand, hearing him command her, "Now let her hand go?"
"I told you she is a whore." Joan repeats.