CHAPTER 20: WARM FEELINGS 2
Ratidzo realized after talking to Madam Tapiwa for three days that Madam Tapiwa was someone who should be befriended, which is why she had done her best to keep the others interested in her during this three-day voyage.
"I'll tell you all about it once we get to the inn," Tapiwa teased, earning from Ratidzo a disgruntled glare that made Ratidzo appear quite cute.
It didn't take long for them to get to the inn, and as Ratidzo had mentioned earlier, it was modest in comparison to others, and she could see why.
Ratidzo was greeted by a kind older couple whom Tapiwa thought to be family friends and the owners of the inn she had informed her about.
"Child, what are you doing here?"
"It's late; you shouldn't be out at this hour!"
Tapiwa was envious of Ratidzo at the time after hearing their complaints. It had been much too long since someone had expressed genuine concern about her.
Even today, she had no idea how her parents and sister were. And she hasn't seen them in over a decade.
So, witnessing this elderly couple made Tapiwa feel hollow and reminded her of things she really wanted to forget.
"Don't worry about me, aunty and uncle. Nothing bad will ever happen to me. I'm here because I brought you a guest," Ratidzo stated as she gazed at the couple.
When they heard the word "guest," they realized it was someone other than Ratidzo and looked at Tapiwa, who was standing behind Ratidzo with a tiny smile on her face.
"Our apologies! We sincerely apologize!" As she confronted Tapiwa, the woman apologized.
Tapiwa didn't take it seriously and simply waved her hands, adding, "It's not a bother. I completely understand your concerns."
"Hey, Aunty, this is my new friend and big sister, whom I met on the way. You are aware that I was recently in Guche and returned today. I met big sister on the way back," Ratidzo said as he presented Tapiwa to the pair.
Tapiwa kept a smile on her face while Ratidzo performed her magic.
"Oh, is that correct? That is fantastic. I'm delighted you found a new friend this time!" The woman approvingly nodded her head.
Ratidzo scowled at the woman, who didn't seem to mind, but turned to Tapiwa and exclaimed cheerfully, "Welcome to our small abode. I hope you have a pleasant stay here."
"With you here, I know I'm going to have a great time!" As she said this, a smile spread across her face, surprising the three other people who were standing nearby.
"How about you show big sister Tapiwa to her room, Aunty? It has been a long trip." Ratidzo abruptly exclaimed, jolting the couple back to reality.
"That is true. Please come this way," the female owner remarked cheerfully.
Tapiwa saw Ratidzo wink at her before following her.
The inn was connected to the owner's house, and from what she could tell, there weren't many rooms available.
It was a two-story structure with four bedrooms on the second floor and the kitchen, restaurant, and tavern on the first.
Because there were no other inhabitants for the time being, Tapiwa took her time choosing a room she liked best before depositing her things.
She then went to the back of the building, where the main home, where the couple and their family members lived, and the guest latrine was.
Bathing was done in a specified tiny area in each room that was separated by a screen for privacy.
Tapiwa loved the inn since it was peaceful and she didn't have to worry about stumbling across other weird individuals who would make her uncomfortable.
At the same time, the inn gave out a homely aura that calmed the ears and made one feel quite cozy at all times.
Tapiwa requested hot water for a bath as well as a hot supper. Because she was the only guest at the inn, she didn't want to make anyone suspicious, and she didn't want to cause any trouble for herself.
Tapiwa discovered that the owners' names were Ba and Ma Michaels, and the couple had been married for more than three decades.
They shared a home with a few grandchildren while their children were busy with their own marriages.
Tapiwa sat on the bed, waiting for her water and food to be brought to her room, while Ratidzo sat opposite her on the chair, staring at her with glittering eyes.
"I'm still here, big sis. What would you like to give me?"
Tapiwa regretted it so much that she had to shoot off her mouth. She should have waited till she had rested before speaking such a thing.
However, her zeal got her into trouble, and there was no turning back now.
Finally, she turned to Ratidzo with a helpless smile on her face and said, "I have a bold design with me and I was wondering if you can make it."
When it comes to designs, especially in the ears of a tailor, Ratidzo believes that even if someone dear to her dies and everyone is in mourning, the mourning can wait while she checks on this amazing piece of news.
So, as she heard this, her eyes lighted even more, and she jumped out of her chair and dashed towards Tapiwa.
Everything happened so fast that by the time she arrived, Ratidzo was kneeling in front of her, staring at her with those dark eyes with stars, "where is it? Come on, show me!" she exclaimed.
Tapiwa knew she was already doomed and that if she didn't give this young girl what she needed, she wouldn't be able to sleep.
So, she gave her a mischievous look and said, "Go get me a pen and paper. I'll do that for you."
And then, "I will be right back," Ratidzo hurried out of the room in the blink of an eye, astounded Tapiwa, who had never seen such an eager person before.
Even Chipo, who was about to sell her inn, wasn't as excited as Ratidzo.
And because the other was so happy, Tapiwa vowed not to let the girl down and began really considering a clothes design that was both functional and appealing to ladies.
'I'm just hoping it works.'