Shawney couldn't help but observe the furrowing of his brow in confusion. To give him a clearer view of what she meant, she explained, "Well, as you said before, I am ready to travel, which I love very much. I feel stifled when I stay in one place for too long."
Seeing his puzzlement growing gradually, Shawney continues, "Sir, what you don't know is that I visit small villages doing missionary work. Sometimes I stay a week in a village, sometimes longer. Anywhere night meet me I sleep. I have no particular place to stay, sleep, or visit."
Train was stunned by what he heard, becoming very concerned and worried. He queried, "And child, how did your Dad accept that?"
When she chuckles and responds, "Mister, I never told my Dad how rugged it was out there. He begged me to leave my home because of how my family ill-treated me, so I left. What was there to tell?"
Train recalled the words her uncle was sharing with the others; they all believed it was a lie, but hearing the child saying the very same thing caused his heart to go out a bit.
Ignoring his silence, Shawney smiled and said, "Sir, the truth is, I never told him what I faced out there because he would worry. What I didn't expect, though, was to return to an empty house. Now I have nothing to stay here for any longer."237
Hearing the sadness in her voice, he realised. 'How hard it must have been for her all alone. When I thought my child had suffered a lot, this child had to endure so much more, and she is so strong.' "But child, you have your brothers and sisters, and your Uncle loves you a lot."
Shawney smiled, concealing how her family treated her; she alone knew how these ungrateful families treated her; she alone knew how much she had to endure because of them. She alone knew how difficult it was to leave he dad and her comfortable home and face the gruesome world without any support.
"I know and understand they love me in their way, and Sir, at times, I even get homesick. Now, I am sure you have observed how they express their love to me. Living on the road it's so much different, and I can say satisfying at times, but I don't mind."
Train wanted to comfort her, seeing how broken she was; the tears behind her beautiful peach-blossom eyes were covered by her fake smile. "But, child, what sort of life will you have living on the street like that? When you have all the comforts right here in your own home?"
Shawney felt her heart pierce, 'someone who didn't know her could understand, yet the people she slaved over for years only took her for granted.'
"I understand fully well what you are saying, Sir, and I even appreciate your concern. You see, Mister. At the end of the day, I help someone who is in need when I am on the road. Home here is different; all of them only want and give nothing in return. Which I detest very much, but they are my family and I love them very much. I like what I do, and it is very rewarding at times."
"You mean like your father's inheritance?"
Train noticed her hesitation before she began speaking. When she said, "Not exactly, Mister, this is an inheritance my parent left for me. As you may know already, it's my money that was invested. But when you help people who are really in need. There is this joy deep within that makes you feel fulfilled and gives you great satisfaction."
Train couldn't believe what he was hearing, "Let me share this small testimony with you, then you might have a better understanding of what I am talking about. Mister, once I was visiting this little village. It had this elderly woman, who could barely move around, and she was happy to have someone to talk to. So, I sit and talk with her for a long while. As time slowly slipped away, I became hungry. Sir, all that woman had to offer me was a glass of water, which I took, thanking God."
"I had only drunk half when she started coughing. Hurrying to get her some water from her kitchen. Only to realise that it was the last she had and her cupboards were empty. I hurried back to her, giving her the remaining water from my glass. Mister, I could not leave her in the condition she was in. So I stayed with her that night, only to learn later that night as we spoke. The only means of getting water was when the rain fell, and it didn't fall in months. All her children live around her, but they are busy with their own families, and they ignore her."
"Mister, I had prayed silently that night that the Lord would send rain and fill all her empty barrels. It was not too long after the rain began falling, and it filled all her barrels. I didn't hesitate at the time, knowing that God had heard my prayer. I wash all her barrels and let them fill."
"Every can and bucket, Mister everything that could hold water, I filled it up and covered it. When I left her home a week later, you won't believe the beautiful gift the woman gave me. All because I bathe her, wash and clean her home, make her groceries, cook and feed her. She was so much stronger and was able once more to help herself."
Holding his hand, she says, "The people we trust the most, and make them feel we depend on them. They are the ones that hurt us the most. You may ask why I say that; it is because all that the elderly woman had, she distributed among her children and grandchildren equally. And in return, no one used to offer her a mouthful of food or a drink of water. Yet she had given to them in the hope that they would care for her. So tell me, why is it they couldn't attend to her needs?"
TRAIN FRIEND VISITED
When Shawney wiped the tears away, she said. " Mister, the bag I'm carrying with me entering this village didn't have many pieces of clothing. It was mostly gift sets from people who blessed me because I cared. My Aunt feels I don't have any money, and she is right, but she doesn't have to know that. Mister, my gifts in my bag are worth double their shares put together. I don't mind helping people, but users, I detest."
After listening to her, Train felt peace in his heart; her tone of voice clearly states that she has a deep joy from her achievement and mission. "Then, my child, if you are happy, I am glad for you. Just be careful and take care of yourself as you travel."
Standing up, Shawney replies, "I will, and you take care, and Mister, please don't forget to leave your name and address. And the name of the hospital your Son is in."
Sunday morning, bright and early, paying his bill, Train leaves alone. 'He was not disappointed or dissatisfied, knowing the long conversation he and Shawney shared was very enlightening to him. He could see how genuine and happy she was when she was sharing her experience.
Just listening to her confirm that his choice for Torren is the right one.'
Realising as he ponders in his heart. 'What I don't want for myself, I cannot give to someone else's child. I need to set my house in order first before Torren remarries anyone. The others have to leave the house so he won't have to choose. I only pray that the Lord will answer my prayer and bring her home to me.'
One week of driving, not stopping anywhere for long. Using public facilities to bathe and change, and to get a bite. "Finally, I am almost home," he inhaled a few deep breaths, then exhaled.
Hungry and tired, hoping to get a hot meal and some rest. Before having to go to Torren this afternoon to the hospital. Seeing the view of the house, he whispers. "I am sorry, Shawney, for not telling you the truth that my mansion is slightly bigger than yours. And that My Torren owns a garment factory that is enormous and very successful."
Parking in the garage, feeling every bone aching from the many days of driving.
Train quickly enters the house only to hear Torren saying, "Dad, I heard you were coming home."
Looking at his son in shock, his heart swells with joy, especially how well he looks, "Where did you hear that from, My Son?"
Torren was excited to see his father's happy face after so many months. "I met a friend of yours a few days ago at the hospital."
Hugging him first, Train said, "I was coming to get you later. Now let me take a good look at you, oh my Son, you look well."
Torren knew his dad was happy the way his eyes were watery, "I am feeling much better, Dad."
Train embraces Torren once more, feeling pleased to hear that, "That my son is wonderful news, so did this friend give his name?"
"Dad, your friend is a woman."
Baffled thinking, 'Who could it be? The only person who knew I was returning home was Shawney. It could only be that she had taken a flight to reach here so quickly. Oh my God, she told me she doesn't like deceivers. When she sees the mansion, she will turn around immediately.'
Curious to know when he had seen her, "Torren, when did you meet this friend of mine, Son?"
"Dad, haven't you listened to anything I was saying?"
Train was confused; he couldn't recall him saying anything about when he saw her. "What do you mean, Torren?"
Hearing him say, "Dad, I said she came to the hospital a few days ago. We get a chance to talk for a long while. Dad, it was then she told me she knew you. Dad, she was here this morning, saying very soon she will visit when you return."
Still baffled, Train asked, "Did she give a name, Son?" Wanting to say he met so many people on the road.
Seeing how relaxed and sound, so clear-headed, no one would believe he was the same confused and hostile person. "Not her first name, Dad, but Dad, she is your friend?"
"I met so many people on the road, Son, I can't figure out who it could be. Well, never mind about that now, when she visits again, I will see her."
"Dad, it's Miss Wayman."
Hearing it was Shawney Train felt as though his heart made a flip, rejoicing. Whisperin,g "My good Lord, you did give me your favour. She had planned to visit even before I left; that was why she asked for the hospital address."
Overhearing his father whispering, "Dad, did you say something? You look so confused and tired. Will you be alright?"
'If only he knew the truth,' "I am fine, Son, I just need to eat something and get some rest."
Hesitating for a few minutes, then looks around, wondering, 'Why is the house so quiet?' "Torren, where are the others?"
Seeing the smile, "Dad, they all went on the beach early this morning, so when your lady friend came, she helped me prepare a meal. She is a very nice person, and Dad Jeff told me you went on the road introducing the latest on our men's line."
"Yes, I did, but I didn't take up any orders; I just left the factory number."
While eating, Train smiles, thinking, 'Now I am certain it is Shawney.'
Torren noticed the smile on his dad's face, wondering, 'What could he be thinking? It has been years since I saw him smile.' "Dad, why are you smiling?"
"Oh, Son, this food tastes so delicious, it reminds me so much of a young lady I met when I visited a village a few weeks back. She used to cook her meals just like this."
Walking towards his room, he thought, 'Shawney is very smart; she didn't want to expose me or reveal the truth.'
JEFF WAS ANGRY
While walking to his room, Train heard the child crying, which disturbed his train of thought. Train entered her room. "Liz, why is Gretta crying so much?"
Feeling tired and frustrated, Liz heard the Master's voice; she became relieved and happy. She knew the child loved her grandpa a lot, "Sir, you are finally back, thank God."
Seeing how relieved Liz looked when she saw him, she continued to speak, "Sir, I don't know why she hasn't stopped crying, but since that young lady left here after lunch today, though matter what I try, I can't seem to get her to settle down. I don't understand why she continues to cry for her."
Becoming dumbfounded for a split second, Train questioned himself, 'Did Shawney attend to the children?' "Liz, did Torren's visitor see Gretta and Tray?"
Observing the way she was nodding her head, due to her full attention being on Gretta, "Yes, Sir, Tray was giving me trouble while I was giving Gretta her bath. So our guest attended to Tray, and then she helped by feeding Gretta her tea, while I gave Tray his bath. Sir, it's the first time I've seen the children taken to someone so quickly."
Train became anxious and wanted to meet Shawney and know what her plan was. "Liz, did the young lady leave a forwarding address so we could contact her?"
With Gretta's constant crying, Liz didn't speak immediately, especially hearing how anxious the Master was sounding. Getting Gretta to quiet down a bit, she replied calmly, "I can't say, Sir, she spends most of her time with the young Master. From what I overheard when I went to fix baby Gretta's bottle, it seems as though they met during his stay at the hospital. Sir, I have never seen the young Master taken to someone so quickly, just like the children."
Noticing she finished attending to the child, "Now my little Angel gives Grandpa a big hug and a kiss."
"Papa!" Her baby-like voice was the sweetest thing in his ear.
Hugging her, "Yes, my angel, I miss my baby so much, and look how big you have grown. Now your Papa is back, so I want my baby to stay with Nanny just for a little bit. And when Papa finishes his bath, your Nanny will bring you to me, so we can play, be good for me, right?" kissing her all over her face.
Train handed over Gretta to Liz; he only wanted to calm her down, but she was being naughty, hearing her say, "Nope."
Having no choice, he said, "Liz, take her for a few minutes and give me fifteen minutes, then bring her to my room." Hurrying to his room, he heard her screaming.
"Oh God, I only hope her crying doesn't make Torren angry. I could not take her to my room, feeling so sticky and dirty."
Hurrying with his bath, averaging the time, Train had just pulled on my jersey when the knock came. "It's open, Liz," seeing the way the child was sweating, and her face was red. "Come! Honey, why are you giving Nanny so much trouble?"
When she did settle down, Train said, "Liz, please stay just in case I sleep away, and she is still awake."
Liz was tired and needed a break to relax her tired brain, "Let us hope she does the same, Sir."
Hearing her words, Train became a bit concerned, "Didn't she take a nap earlier?"
Train felt sorry for Liz, seeing her tiredness when he heard her say, "Sir, I have been trying for hours, but she was restless."
"Okay! put on the AC," lying on the bed with her, he was curious to know, "Liz, since Torren returned home, did he attend to the children?"
Her expression only showed disappointment, "No, Sir."
"Okay!" pondering with his thoughts, 'I am sure Shawney has construed a plan. If she wanted the others to know, she would have told Torren. That could be the only reason why she asked for the hospital name?'
Hugging Gretta with hopefulness and growing desires in his heart, he keeps whispering, "She fully understands my predicament. If only she could be your Mama, it would be wonderful."
Closing his eyes, he forgot for a minute that Liz was still in the room. "Sir, did I hear you right?"
But when Liz turned around, he was fast asleep and snoring. "Oh, Sir, you are dreaming already, and you look so tired."
Seeing Gretta's eyes closing, "Our baby was missing you so much." Liz waited until she was asleep, then checked on Tray before going to her room. Exhaustion overtook her, and before she could count five, she was already asleep.
The week slipped by slowly, and Train waited at home patiently the entire week. He didn't want to miss Shawney or reveal his true intention. All he could do was keep hoping she had a plan to help settle his mind and bring some relief.
Feeling the heavy burden from the long wait, he knew he could not ask questions. Neither showed that he was interested because they would raise suspicion that he had something to do with her coming.
Well, having no choice, Train knew he had to keep his cool and be patient. To keep himself occupied and in the right frame of mind, he read the Bible to help him wait it out.
Disregarding the glaring from family members, the servants, the cook and the Nanny, Train just relax unconcerned.'
As the days passed, Jeff, on the other kept suspecting his dad, wondering, 'Why hadn't he visited the factory. He was away for six months, so why is he sitting at home? I know the business has improved a lot, hearing the many extra orders we have received. Even the report I gave him just brought smiles to his face. Hearing him say, "His trip was successful."
Friday morning, with Torren visiting the clinic, Train stayed home; he still didn't go to the factory, knowing Jeff was taking Torren.
Train just relax in case Shawney came, not wanting to miss her. Relaxing on the sofa, knowing the boys will return soon.
With his eyes closed when the boys came home. Jeff enters the drawing room, and he grumbles angrily.
Hearing Jeff, Train's eyes flip open, he immediately suspects something must have happened to trigger Jeff's anger, especially hearing the grumbling and seeing his grumpiness.