When Mitch said, "Not a problem, in-fact Aunty Joan was here looking for you, she wanted breakfast but there's no worry, I told her you went on an errand for dad."
"You lied Mitch?"
"Did, I have any choice cousin girl?"
"You should have said I wasn't around."
"That's true but Shawney, what did you expected me to say, you ran out when you hear her coming?"
"No Pal, I ran out because I needed to use the washroom, I couldn't ask you to do it for me."
"Then no worry, I will just get her for you and she will place her order." Mitch chuckles as he walks towards the door.
"Do that Mitch and I will not be here for the entire day."
"You liar, I know you hear her coming and you ran away."
Hearing her coming again Shawney said, "You could believe what you want."
Laughing as he went to gather the things for the appetizers. When the door flies open, "Where is she?"
"Who Aunty?" Mitch asks.
"Shawney, that's who, where is she now?"
"Dad where is Shawney?"
"Have you forgotten already, she went on an errand."
"You are lying Robert."
"Then feel free to look, it is only the both of us here."
When the grumbling stops, crawling out from under the cupboard where Uncle Robert pull the garbage can to shield her.
"That's it, I am getting out from here before Aunty makes trouble this evening."
"Oh no, you are not running away," Mitch grab her hand.
"Look if you all want a peaceful reunion, then I must leave, or she will make my life a living hell."
"Sorry Shawney, you cannot go, I have invited some of my friends, I want you to meet, please stay for me." Mitch pleaded.
"Well, cousin boy don't say I didn't warn you, I live with them for so long I know what to expect."
The evening had finally arrived, and everyone was gathered at the front, it was Aunty Paula's idea, she had decorated.
With lights, dinner tables arranged all beautiful and ready for everyone to have a lovely time.
The soft music was just perfect to suit the ambiance. Seeing a few people walking in as Uncle Robert greet them.
Aunty Joan wasn't satisfied I was sitting quietly, she came to me asking for me to dish out some food for her. Mitch enter between us, "Aunty Joan what seems to be the problem?"
"I just ask this lazy girl to get me a plate of food, but she refuses saying it has to be blessed and Paula has a program."
"That's true but if you are hungry go inside and eat, we have a few guests coming as you can see and you don't have to abuse Shawney in front of everyone."
"Everyone needs to know what sort of girl she is, always running around and not staying in the house. Who knows what sort of life she is living?"
"Joan honey will you quiet down, you are making a seen and Robert and Paula have guests."
"I will not, she is disrespectful, and she is a whore." Mitch notices the tears as she was about to leave when Aunty grabs her hand and about to slap her.
Only feeling someone push him and step in holding the hand, "Who the hell are you?"
Opening her eyes, seeing Torren holding her Aunt hand, hearing him command her, "Now let her hand go?"
"I told you she is a whore."
"If I hear another word out of you, I won't be responsible for what I will do, so kindly let her hand go and don't say another word about her."
"I am not afraid of you."
"I can see that," Torren responds as he holds Shawney hand.
"Torren, please leave and what are you doing here?"
"Dad came to extend a dinner invitation to the entire family."
"I don't think that's a good idea, "Shawney replies.
"I told you she has no discipline, when elders speaking she pushes her mouth."
"Dad was right, you are a very rowdy woman."
"Who cares what your dad thinks and what does your dad know about me?"
"Not much I suppose, maybe it's the first impression he got from you, come Shawney."
"She is not going anywhere." Joan snapped.
"Torren let us get out from here." Shawney said quietly.
Not wanting him to become angrier than he is, before he cannot control his temper, and it gets out of hand.
When I heard his dad calling out to him hearing Aunty Joan responds. "Mr. Mac Carty, nice to see you."
Unable to believe her own ears, how her tone of voice had changed, but he had already turned away.
Mitch notices as Mr. Mac Carty went to dad's side and extends the invitation. Feeling so hurt for the embarrassment Shawney had to undergo a minute ago.
She knew that Aunty Joan will do that to her, that's why she wanted to leave.
Thank God Mr. Mac Carty's son intervenes or Aunty would have lashed her.
Looking at Torren's face seeing the rage as he tries to control it. Then at Shawney, wondering what Torren must be thinking about our family.
****
Feeling her gentle strokes as I try to calm my rage as pain floods through his mind looking at Shawney face understanding fully well what she must be feeling,
The tears brings back memories of how his stepmom used to abuse him. Only she used to abuse me when no one was around, but this humiliation is worse than what I had to endure.'
When the young man approaches her Aunt and said, "Aunty Joan release Shawney hand, Shawney I am really sorry, if only I had listened to you, you won't have to face this embarrassment."
"It's not your fault Mitch but I will be leaving with Torren."
"You are not going anywhere you hear me, your brothers and sisters are here, don't you have any manners."
"Aunt, I don't have anyone, you say my brothers and sisters, but which one came to my rescue, only this stranger.
I have given my life for all of them and not one came to lift a finger to help me from your constant abuse."