THE GOWN

Holding in her tears of joy Shawney gently replies, "That is so sweet of you Torren, but there's no need to be concerned about me. You see Torren, my Father cares a lot about me. He is aware of all I have been up to this last week. He has been keeping a close eye on me and watching my every move." 

Thinking, 'If only he knew who I am speaking about, but he believes it's my earthly father I am speaking about. Oh my Lord, he still thinks like a child so innocently, please heal him and I know he is very smart and kindhearted. And very soon he will start feeling better and will certainly catch on as soon as all the confusion is dispelled.' 

Shawney heard Torren ask, "Is he living somewhere in San Francisco Shawney? Tell me and I will go to him immediately to get his permission."

Taking her face between his palms "Shawney please give me his address. I will personally go and speak with him?" 

Torren heard her laugh but there was something about how she was laughing, unable to believe what he was seeing. 'It seems to radiate a glowing beam on her face, and when she did speak it was with such joy, Oh God how is that possible?'

When she did speak it brought him back to his senses, hearing her say, "He never leaves me alone Torren, anywhere I'll go, He always goes with me like a shadow, but He always stays out of sight."

Torren becomes perplexed and asks, "Shawney does your father follow you around?"

With a light chucking, she whispered, "Something like that Torren, but you don't have to be afraid nor worry He seeks my interest the most and never allows anyone to hurt me." 

Shawney heard Train asking at that very moment, "Are you ready to go my child, come on you will need these?"

Hurrying to his side Shawney said, "As ready as I will ever be Sir, see you later Torren." Shawney calls as she goes to change.

Watching as she waves and runs behind Dad. Taking the riding clothes to change as they head towards the stable

Hearing them converse so happily, Torren couldn't help but wonder aloud, "What sort of relationship is Dad getting involved in? But he calls her child, I wonder where they have met? She is so full of life and with such determination, so why does she have to be so persistent and want to dine out?"

Becoming a bit confused muttering, "And what does she mean by her travelling on the road and not taking along clothes? She confuses me but she is Dad's friend, whichever way I look at it."

Scratching his head as he looked in the direction they went, "How is it that when I am with her I feel so relaxed? I supposed Dad feels the same way and I am already responsible for his unhappiness. So I can't destroy his happiness again.'

Recalling the way they were both conversing as though they didn't have a care in the world, "Oh God, they sound so happy, something that hasn't happened to Dad in a long, long while."

Torren closed his eyes whispering a silent prayer. "Lord, if you are listening to me, I need your help. Lord, am I such a bad person that I cause others to be unhappy around me?" 

Torren looks at them as they both ride alongside each other, she looks so carefree.

Entering the house Torren thought back to when he rushed out of the house. 'The way he was feeling so stifled before. he no longer feels like that anymore, in fact, he feels very relaxed and calm. 

Noticing a bag on top of the table, "Does this bag belong to Shawney?"

Torren opens the bag and sees small gift boxes. Removing a few boxes and then opening the lids.

Whispering to himself, "Where did she get all this jewellery from? They are very costly, Dear God! Isn't she afraid someone will rob her? How could she be so careless, leaving such valuable things so loosely?" 

Noticing a pocket in the bag, Torren unzipped it; only to see a few dollars, Unable to help himself, he laughed, thinking this was madness, "So how on earth does she plan to pay for dinner with this measly few dollars?" 

Recalling the closeness in the garden, 'It does not seem she had any money stashed away in her. Oh God, she is crazier than I am, but who cares, she was able to calm me down and made me smile."

Torren took up her bag and wondered, 'Why does she carry this heavy bag around?' About to head up the stairs when the doorbell rings.

Wanting to see who was visiting, Clyde the butler hurries to check. Seeing the delivery driver enter, "Sir, I didn't know you were home?" Gill addresses the Young Master

Torren smiled as he responded casually, "No one is aware of my return Gill, and it is only a week now so what brings you over?"

Torren notices when he raises his hand displaying the gown, "I am here because your Dad ordered these dresses not too long ago and asked that it be delivered immediately." 

It was only then Torren came back to his senses, and said "Thank you." 'Why didn't I think of that?'

Gill replies, "You are welcome Sir. and Sir, I am so glad to see you are home, and you look well."

Agreeing with Gill, "I am much better Gill and thanks, Gill tells me how is everything going at the factory these days?"

Still holding on to the gown and the few dresses, he said, "We are busy as always, Sir,"

"Thanks, Gill, I hope you don't mind me asking but will you just take it up to the room with the yellow door please, I will appreciate it." Obeying his order Gid hurried up the stairs to the yellow door room.

Torren then calls out to Liz, "You call Sir?"