Ken hugged Shawney and said softly, "Honey, the Lawyer will come to discuss what your father had left in his will for each of you."
Shawney felt a headache coming on, tightening her hold around her Uncle, she uttered, "Thanks, Uncle Ken, it is so good to know you haven't changed." When she steps away from her uncle, she said, "Now, if you all will excuse me. I will leave first"
"Shawney!" her aunt called.
Stopping, she turns around and responds, "Yes, Aunty"
"Shawney, you will have to use one of the guest rooms. I had no idea you were returning, so I rented out your room."
Shawney looks at her aunt, knowing how manipulative and canny she is. Well, it doesn't matter anyhow; soon I will be leaving. She thought, "That's all right, Aunty Joan, I don't mind, I am just here for a few days anyhow."
Overhearing the last of her conversation with them. Train knew he was right, and he must get her to agree with his proposal before she disappears, or his only effort will be gone forever.
Train's mind trailed back to when Dalia died; that incident drove Torren to such rage that he was mentally unstable and was hospitalised, causing the children to completely lose both parents. The last time I spoke to the Doctor. He said Torren would be discharged in the next two weeks.
As memories replay, Train blames himself for this one incident in his mind. Torren was about eight years old, and he was crying his eyes out as he stood on top of the roof.
Nancy called me to return home, and she was crying so hysterically and sounding so fearful.
Returning that day, only to find Torren in tears and Nancy screaming at the top of her voice for Torren to come down from the roof.
Only to learn later on that it was Nancy who forced him to climb the ladder. I could never forgive myself for choosing him, a mother.
Train thought that at first, Nancy treated Torren with so much love, but as time passed, he came to the understanding that she was using him to get access to his property. Her greed has caused her to torment Torren. Her true face was exposed in front of me, realising she showered Torren with love in front of me.
Recalling how she pleaded and asked for forgiveness, I humbly give her a second chance, expecting her to turn over a new leaf. A few days later, I wasn't feeling unwell and returned home unexpectedly without informing Nancy.
Hearing Torren crying, I entered quietly into his room, wanting to know what was wrong. Only to find him tied to his bed, and Nancy was using my broad leather belt on him.
Unable to believe my ears as she blamed him so blatantly for his Mother's death. And for keeping me away from her.'
Tears well up in his eyes as those horrible memories bombard his mind. Relaxing in a recliner near the window, Train's thoughts went back to the beginning of his rage.
Torren was admitted to the hospital for a week due to her beating and the fear that had traumatised him. When Torren returned home from the hospital, and heard that Nancy was no longer living with us. It was then that he believed he was the one responsible for my unhappiness.
When Nancy left the house, she also left the three other children with me, and they took advantage of Torren. With Torren being the eldest, he never hurt them.
Dalia, on the other hand, learned how to soothe and pacify his heart and keep him calm. Also, she finds ways to help control his rage when he is nervous and depressed. When she died giving birth to my Gretta. It had driven him out of his mind. My Gretta is already two years old, and she doesn't know her Dad.
Tray, my grandson is already five, and both of them are losing their only parents.'
Train whispers a word of prayer. "My Lord, and my God, if only I could have the favour as Abraham's servant. Just grant me your blessing and help me to choose a wife as Issac's servant. So to Lord, help me please, and give me the favour to choose a wife worthy of my son, Torren."
Rising early Saturday morning, Train sits in the dining room. Overhearing how the family was discussing Shawney as the main course or an item up for auction around the breakfast table, and over their meals.
No one had any idea where she was or where she had gone. But they were enjoying the breakfast she had prepared for them.
The family had occupied a long table, and I, on the other hand, occupied a table for couples. Not too far from where they were seated.
The arrangements were breakfast and dinner billed when I checked in. If I want lunch, I will have to place my order in the morning after breakfast.
Taking my breakfast, I occupy the seat a few feet away. As I listen to them conversing about her and her father. Train wanted to learn as much as he could about the child.
Unable to see each of their faces as they converse. Train recalls their voices and places their names as he had heard them the evening before.
When Julien asks, "Dad, did Shawney say where she was staying all these years?"
Hearing one of the brothers, he seems to be the eldest, respond to him.
"Julien! Shawney wrote to Dad two months ago claiming that she is staying with a Pastor and his family in New Orleans."
"I wasn't aware that Shawney communicated with Uncle Daniel. Mom, Dad, did Shawney communicate with you?" Julien queries.
"No, Julien," his Dad replied.
"Sid, Meg, Curtis, did Shawney send any letters to you?" Julien asks.