19 Breakfast with Mr Cumberbatch

"Gooder... [cough] I will be leaving for some time. Now the little one is better. I will travel a bit. For now, just work the few weeks and leave. I will sell the house so..."

I bowed my head and pursed my lips. From the way she looked, you can tell she is still rather weak, but she looks much better. The little one beside her was discharged and stood at her side with a broad smile.

She looked happy if I say what I wanted I might make her sad. I had no desire to make her sad, so I kept silent. It is not my place to comment. The little thing is her daughter, and she is healthier now, but I could not hold back from saying a few words, "Just... Just make sure you stay healthy."

"Of course, I am. Leaving the island is a good thing. I just hope you do the same. I am selling the house to pay for our travel. It will be ready in two weeks."

"Ok, thank you for letting me know."

"This is for your good. You were supposed to leave. With those sparse few of clothes left, you can move with ease. Now we are leaving. Nothing is holding you back. The notice has been given you can leave this week. The money will be transferred to your account."

"The way you have it, Sound; it appears you will not return at all." She laughed, looking at me with those beautiful eyes. I pursed my lips before biting my teeth, fighting the gathered tears and demanding that she stay, but I knew better. "Gooder, you are my best friend. I love you, but you need to go out into the world." I nodded, unable to say anything more for some time. Sucking in a deep breath, I said some comforting words, "Mm, then I'll go. Stay in touch. You have my email."

"Yeh, say bye, sweetie."

"Bye aunty Gooder."

"Bye little one."

That same day, she left. The Yarbury brothers are gone, the club is closed, best friend is gone... What do I have now?

I feel like everyone had abandoned me. I cried that day so heartbrokenly that I passed out from exhaustion.

The next day, I woke and went through the motions. I felt sluggish. Looking around the house, it felt empty without the laughter and chatter of the little thing, the call of my best friend... "Good day, hello? Anybody dey (there)?"

The voice of the neighbour was heard. I rushed to the window and looked out. Taken aback at the sight that greeted me. When Mr Cumberbatch had said nephew, I never expected... A nephew that looked like... A foreigner. "I will be there shortly!" I shouted, turning back to quickly change my sleeping outfit, brush my teeth and wash my face. Finished, I returned and opened the door. Looking out, I greeted the two. "Good morning, Mr Cumberbatch and..." my words trailed off, "My nephew Tehn." Mr Cumberbatch cut in saying. I raised a brow, looking at the well-built gentleman before me, just a quick glance not too long. "Good morning miss Du-Gooder, I am sorry—" Mr Cumberbatch cut him off, so I did not hear what else he was trying to say. "It doesn't matter. This young lady always gets up early." Mr Cumberbatch continued speaking after taking a step forward, "Young lady, I am here to invite you to have breakfast at my place." Mr Cumberbatch dropped a sentence that forced me to stiffen. I opened my mouth to deny him, but was cut off. "I know you are the sceptical type, but I live 'cross de Road. Nothing will happen."

"Mr—"

"Its food. Both of us are locals. An old man like me, I told you about my nephew beforehand. Just have breakfast and converse with him a bit."

Mr Cumberbatch cut off whatever I was going to say quickly. I bit my lower lip, feeling rather nervous. My eyes falling on him, refusing to look at the male beside him.

"Alright, let me lock up first and I will join the both of you."

"Good, I will have the table set. Outside on the terrace? Near the pool? Or the gazebo?"

I had no idea where I felt like eating. For so many years, something like this being asked has become a moot point. But just today I wanted to indulge. "If it is fine with Mr Cumberbatch and Mr Tehn, the Gazebo will be fine."

"Sure then. I will go ahead and prepare. Take your time, half an hour, and everything should be set."

"Ok then, Mr Cumberbatch, I will be over shortly." Turning away, I locked up, double checking everything. The phone I did not bother to look at it leaving it behind leaving the house.

It was still early outside, just after seven, but the sun was high in the sky, blazing. Squinting, I walked from the side of the house looked at the driveway where the company vehicle was parked. Continuing forward I opened the small gate and crossed the road when no traffic passed.

Sucking in a deep breath, I pressed the bell announcing my entry then pushed the gate open.

Behind it stood the nephew, who I finally looked at clearly. In all my twenty-five years, I had seen many times over men of many diversities and status. Status wise, most of them were of course from prominent backgrounds, looks wise, many were comparable to both Eastern and western gods. For one, because of my father who had the surname Du with a history of Eastern descent I had the honour of meeting many celestial-like males.

This male, though, is another thing. He was not a beauty, but he was handsome, oval face, bow lips. His eyes were not long but wide, with an almond shape graced with sooty lashes. Besides the face, he was tall, with broad shoulders, wearing an oversized white shirt, but I knew from his shape that underneath was a body filled with muscle. "Hello again." I said quickly stepping inside. "Hello miss Du-Gooder. My uncle is waiting inside."

"Ok." I muttered, he turned walking ahead while I followed at a short distance.

I admired the garden with the hibiscus flowers, pride and industry and roses. Not too far was also a tamarind tree, which provides a vast shade.