FAMILIARIZING

"Now, that's out of the way, let's get you settled in, shall we", pleasantly suggested aunty Mayble directing a warm smile.

"I have already taken his luggage to the bedroom next to mine", remarked Tonde.

"That's fine but he needs to get properly settled, hang up his clothes in the ward. That sort of thing, come along", pleasantly directed aunty Mayble leading the way.

Tonde knew better than to argue with his mother once she made up her mind. He quietly along with Charmaine and Luckson fell in behind her as she led the way up the stairs.

The way aunty Mayble had just taken charge, said without doubt that she was undisputably the lady of the house. In almost the same space of time that Luckson had found himself taking an immediate liking to her, he had developed a new found respect for the lady. She projected a mixture of warmth and strength of character, that commanded his immediate respect. Though the strength part was not subtle it was undeniable when she chose to project it. She had a way of doing it with an ease that made her authority come across quite naturally. It was something she exercised in a way that made it seem quite natural for her to tell others what to do. It was as it were in the same sense as it was for others to dutifully obey, the warmly but firmly issued instructions. There was no mistaking the directives with suggestions, this was something it seemed aunty Maybe had mastered like an art.

"Ah here we are", remarked aunty Mayble in her pleasant easy going manner, opening the door to a bedroom and walking in.

"Lucky, how come you haven't unpacked yet?", quizzed aunty Mayble in her usual pleasant manner.

"It's his first time in the room, I brought his luggage without him", hastily explained Tonde.

"It's fine aunty is here", aunty Mayble smiled warmly at Luckson further putting him at ease.

"Let's see what we have here", she went on pleasantly. She stooped and opened the trolley bag. Lifting out of the open bag the first item of clothing as it lay on the carpet in the bedroom, she looked at it with unconcealed disapproval making Luckson feel uncomfortably self aware. Luckson had noticed earlier that both Tonde and Charmaine were putting on designer clothes with names of well respected labels splashed across the fabric. At the time he had thought much of it at the time.

The reality of the world he had come from and how different it was from the affluence of his new environs however become painfully apparent with aunty Mayble's utterances

Though it was true that the only new clothes he possessed were his school uniform, he had never felt inadequate before. He had been quite happy with the pre-owned clothes that he wore, which were mostly from donations the church received. There was nothing wrong with him taking some of the donated clothing for himself, as Father Michael had explained to him that charity begins at home, and he Luckson was in need.

The clothes were in good condition and once they had been washed and pressed with a hit iron, were just as good as new clothes. But looking at aunty Mayble as she picked out the clothes one and muttered as she threw them onto the bed one, "no, no, no..."

Luckson was for the first time aware feeling inadequate, like he did not have what others of his age had.

"These simply won't do", aunty Mayble broke into his thoughts. "I 'm afraid I can't find anything among the rags you brought with you that will pass for clothes that can be worn by my nephew".

It was the first time that Luckson had heard his clothes to as rugs. The clothes which he had proudly worn on weekend outings to town. As well as when he went to the shops and civic days at school, when pupils came in their own clothes making a welcome brake from the routine of always been in school uniforms. The woman had called them rags without flinching.

Luckson had never felt more hurt and the respect had begun to develop for her was about to be replaced by hate, when as though sensing the emotional struggle within him, aunty Mayble, suddenly to him in a reconciliatory tone. The expression on her face expressing a deep sense of empathy, that made him rethink his attitude towards her.

Uncle Thomas arrived and taking a peek through the open doorway asked, "How is it going with the settling in I mean?"

"We just decided with Luckson", that we are going to buy him new wardrobe to help him fit with our standards here in the heights. Aunty Mayble was looking at Luckson the whole time with a reassuring expression on her face that seemed to say it was ok. Luckson felt once again that he could trust her, especially as the way she replied to uncle Thomas' enquiry was respectful. He was once again filled with a sense of admiration for this woman who could put him at ease and reassure him that he could confide in her.

"That's ok then", said uncle Thomas withdrawing from the doorway and walking past.

"Don't worry caz, I 've got you covered", suddenly chipped in Tonde with a broad smile. You and I are going to hit the town tomorrow. I know this shop that sells fly items. Trust me you'll think for it".

"No he won't because it's not going down like that", said aunty Mayble pleasantly.

"Come on mum, why don't you just allow me and Luckson to go to town together. It will save you the trouble of going with him yourself. You can get to do other things and besides it will enable us to bond as cousins. What do you say?"

"Uhm no" said aunty Mayble pretending to consider for a while before turning down the offer.

"Why not?", asked Tonde.

"I 'm your mother", aunty Mayble with a smile.

"And I love you very much", added Tonde.

"And I know your idea of "shopping for clothes'. I have the perfect clothing shop in mind remarked aunty Mayble with a subtle smile.