Adversary

by S. W. Frank

  “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 is 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 past 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 Allie?” 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 Allie.”

  “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 her. 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 like 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 began to walk forward in regal elegance to greet her guests. The bold prints were stunning and so was the beautiful head wrap of shiny cloth. 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 whose skill Allie marveled.

  Allie’s misbehavior 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 s
trong 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 glad she came to Africa with her mom and not sitting 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 mother’s skin glowed, her hair was free and untamed like her ancestor’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.”

  The guards smiled but they remained mobile, eyes glancing around the landscape which was unfamiliar. The heat did not detract from the festive mood. Not even the flittering insects as large as Allie’s palm dulled their spirits.

  Song after song they danced as Kefilwe interpreted the Shona words aloud to her guests. After the welcome celebration, Kefilwe took the visitors on a tour of the facility. The place was cleaned and smelled of disinfectant. The rooms were small and crowded. Pantry stocked with canned and bagged foods with the large bold stamps of relief organizations. Large bowls, larger than anything Selange had seen held rice and other food items she couldn’t identify, but the lack of fresh paint, the small things that homes have were missing and brought Selange sadness. Where were the photos of childish things, like swings or outings? No certificates of any kind highlighted a child’s individual accomplishments.

  Small things her eyes noticed.

  Small things are what mattered. 

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  CHAPTER TWENTY

   

   

   

  “Why did you not tell me about our bambini?”

  Shanda lay in Giuseppe’s former room on a much larger bed. She was comfy, about to sleep until he walked in with a myriad of questions. Thank goodness she received the heads up that mouthy Allie spilled the beans. Damn kid.

  She wasn’t mad at Selange, heck she didn’t care if Giuseppe found out. It’s just she wasn’t telling him squat. In time he would’ve learned he was going to be a papa again, except he’d see the evidence. He lost the right to know things when he didn’t disclose he’d continue screwing around even after he proposed.  He couldn’t have it his way. This wasn’t a fast food commercial.

  “Giuseppe, I’m tired. Whoopee-doo I’m pregnant and unfortunately you’re the father.”

  He had a broad smile. “I am very happy.”

  “I bet you are. You fucked me and I’m pregnant.”

  “Shanda, I am here for you. Prometo.”

  “Good. All right, talk’s over, arriverderci,” she said with boredom and held tightly to the pillow and closed her eyes. She didn’t expect silence or that he’d undress and climb in bed or he’d hold her as she drifted to sleep. Not once did he attempt to hump her ass.

  Giuseppe snuggled close to the mother of his child and smiled. Elation and misery were joined. He’d longed for this, deliberately sought to get her pregnant and now that she was, it seemed he lost her love.

  His hand caressed her bare arm as she slept, such a pity she was so stubborn. No gifts of apology worked. Every flowery attempt to reconcile was tossed in the garbage.

  A joy.

  Another bambini.

  Yet, sadness.

  His donna was unhappy.

  Then Giuseppe heard his cell buzzing and he sat forward. Where had he put the thing? Oh, he chuckled, it was in his jacket. Oh cazzo, that Allie again. “Sí Allie I will tell Auntie Shanda about the rainbow cookies. She is asleep.”

  Allie was crying. “Uncle Giuseppe…I can’t reach my dad and I want to go home.”

  “Oh, mio nipote,” he said affectionately, “tell Uncle why you cry.”

  He envisioned his niece sulking and the pretty little face shedding tears after being reprimanded for doing something bad. That one had naughty ways unlike her brother Sal. She confessed but made it sound so sweet he almost took her side. “I was showing the deaf children mommy’s bracelet and she saw it and took it. She was mad and yelled at me for nothing.”

  “No, she yelled. Ah that is not good. Bad to yell, no?”

  “Yeah and she said I am not listening and when we get home I’m going on punishment.”

  “Ah, the punishment does not fit the crime.”

  A hiccupping cry like the yeller mother pulled at his heart strings. “I want daddy. I don’t like mommy anymore.”

  “But you love tua madre, no?”

  “No, she’s mean like Estefan now.”

  Giuseppe did not like these words from the child. “Did you ask permission to show her jewelry?”

  “No,” she answered sheepishly. The sobs subsided. “I borrowed it, but I was going to give it back.”

  “Ah, so you are a thief. You took something from someone else, sí?”

  “Agh…aghhhh. I want to go home…I want to go home,” she moaned in sorrow but did not admit her actions were bad.

  “I am sure your mama will forgive you, but do not do such things again little bracelet stealer that I love. It is bad, capisce?”

  “Okay…I…”

  Then Giuseppe heard gunfire erupt. Allie shrieked and voices were in the background. Someone was shouting to keep the children inside. He heard Allie asking, “Where’s my mommy?” And a woman’s voice, “Stay, go with Genala. Follow her girl, stay quiet and do not come out.”

  Giuseppe’s chest heaved. His feet were moving, he quickly donned his trousers. “Allie…nipote…what is happening?”

  She must have stopped and peeked to see something because she cried. “Mommy, mommy, Uncle Geo there’s a man pulling on mommy. Leave her alone…leave my mommy alone!”

  Another voice a woman. Not the same voice, this must be staff. “Come…move from the window…come girl…come.”

  “Uncle Geo the man is taking mommy’s bracelet…he’s stealing…oh he hit my mommy…call daddy!”

  Giuseppe’s chest heaved at her pitiful voice wailing for him to hurry and get there. The leap of anger someone dare harm his family caused his heart to beat fast. The other voice in the distance coaxed Allie to silence. “Stay hidden in here and do not come out…please…little girl…please.”

  Low, muffled and frightened as if she were hiding her tiny voice trembled as she whispered. “I’m scared.”

  “Do not be afraid. Are you safe?”

  “I think so.”

  Giuseppe nudged Shanda awake. “Use your cell and call mio fratello. Quickly, do it ora!” he urged and returned to his niece who whimpered like a frightened kitten. “Tell me, this bad man who stole mama’s bracelet, describe him.”

  “I took a picture.”

  Surprised, he asked. “You did?”

/>   “Yes, I sent it to daddy because it’s interesting. Daddy will see him and shoot him for hitting mommy!”

  “Send it to me also and then remain quiet. I will come. I will contact your papa. We will both shoot this bad man, capisce mio nipote?”

  “Good…because he did something to biscuit stomach and Estefan. I saw them sleeping on the ground.”

   

   

  ***

   

   

  Nico carried Semira to the kitchen. She was wide awake at two in the morning. After he secured his daughter in the high-chair and was sticking his head in the fridge he heard at his back her say, “Da.”

  Nico smirked.

  “Da-da,” she said again and Nico laughed with excitement.

  He ran to get his cell and called Ari excited. “Sweetheart, our daughter’s talking she said da…hot damn…hoot…hoot…she said my name.”

  “She said da. Okay wow…call me when she says I can go to the bathroom and wipe my own ass,” Ari joked.

  Nico laughed and took some applesauce and sautéed greens from the fridge in the containers that everybody knew was Semira’s nasty mush. “Maybe I did get a bit over-excited but hey this is all new. I wasn’t around much with the twins. I missed a lot of firsts.”

  Ari soothed his guilt. “You were with me in spirit. No dredging up the past. You’re here now and you’re a fantastic father and you should feel excited. Don’t mind me, I just have my head in some figures and…” she paused.

  “And?”

  “Nico…holy shit…there’s shooting.”

  Nico rushed in the boy’s room and slapped their asses awake. “Okay love hit that damn button at the bottom of your cell,” he instructed and then rushed to pull his laptop out of hiding. On the kitchen counter with Semira staring at him, wondering where her food is, he punched keys. Bam, location.

  The boys were hovering over him with sleepy eyes and he pointed to their sister. “Where are Allie and Selange?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “All right honey, are you in a safe place?”

  “I’m in the office of the orphanage.”

  Then he heard shouting. A male voice ordered her to stand, then static or was it fabric. He watched the screen. Nothing yet…then movement from the location…kilometers.