Chapter 4

Diya

I ended up sleeping last night but woke up gloomy because I dreamt of my wedding. It’s like the vows were a broken record in my head punishing me for leaving my husband. I was not a bad wife here if anything I was a victim of lies. We were almost at the station, so I made my way to freshen up a little. I walked out of the station after a couple of minutes and my stomach growled. I was content because I still had enough cash to spend on a sandwich and taxi. I missed the warm weather as I made my way to a food truck.

I was a satisfied customer after taking a few bites as I drowned down the sandwich with my bottle of water. I stood from the bench and disposed of my empty bottle before walking a couple of steps to a car with a taxi sign on top. I tapped lightly on his window.

“St Lewis Church, how much?”

“Thirty-five,”

I nodded at the taxi before getting in on the back seat. I still had more than enough money. I relaxed as he began driving in the direction of the church. It was still early morning because of traffic but I was happy to be back. I never got a chance when I was around to see the busyness as I looked outside.

“First time here?” he asked looking through the rearview.

“First time seeing the city like this, but I grew up here,” I smiled at him.

He reminded me of Father Joseph.

“I couldn’t have figured. You look like you were not from here,”

“The last time I was here was on my wedding day,”

My face dropped when I mentioned my wedding because Ace’s face came into my head again. It was a beautiful wedding and he had agreed with my idea of a wedding here not back home. Home? I wish I knew where I could call home now. I played with my wedding ring before the old taxi driver spoke.

“It must have been a special day,”

“The best day of my life,” I nodded.

“I love weddings. My grandchild is engaged you see,” he proudly declared.

“I can tell that you can’t wait,” I smiled reaching for my belly.

“Very,” he added, “She asked me and her father to both walk her down the aisle,”

“Wow,” I wiped a tear.

I couldn’t believe my hormones were already starting. At least these were happy tears.

“It’s a great honor to me,”

“I hope you have a wonderful wedding,”

“We will I’m sure,” he said, “We are almost here,”

“I’m glad to have gotten in your taxi,” I smiled looking out.

I could see the church building coming into view.

“All a pleasure dear,”

I nodded with a smile as I looked out again. It was just as I remembered nothing had changed. The car stopped moving as I reached for my pocket before I stopped catching something at the corner of my eye. My husband was leisurely leaning on a car with his dark shades on while sipping a coffee just two cars away from the taxi I was in. He turned to look in my direction and I thought he had a sense of my presence, but he was looking at Filip who must have been sitting in the car.

“Are you ok?” the old man asked me.

“I have changed my mind. Can you take me to Old Haven please?”

“Of course,” he added as he started the car.

It was a silly ask to be dropped at Old Haven because it was a few blocks behind the church that is I walked out I could get there faster but I couldn’t risk it. I knew he would come for me, but I didn’t expect him to come so soon. I pretended to look on the other side of the building so I could hide my face from being spotted. I hope they didn’t see me, and I couldn’t get myself to look back in case they see me.

The drive was in silence and I bet he must have sensed that something was off because it had been a nice chatty ride up until I changed my route suddenly. I was at Old Haven in no time and gave him the hundred bill I had and thanked him before leaving.

“Your change,”

“Keep it,” I gave him a weak smile, “The ride was memorable.”

“Thank you, so much young lady,”

I smiled and waved as he drove off. I looked around and just as I needed, I wasn’t followed. I really hope the church still comes here to serve breakfast. I walked at the entrance which was still a sign-in with no questions and quickly made my way to the entrance.

“Excuse me miss but visiting hours are at eleven,”

I was stopped at the entrance by a lady guard. I gave her a wide smile and walked closer to her.

“I’m not here for a visit. I’m Sister Diya here with St Lewis church,”

“Sister?” she laughed, “All the sisters that walked in were not looking as polished as you,” she eyed me over.

Maybe I should have said I was visiting my grandfather I hadn’t seen in ten years that would have been better. My navy light blue jeans and wedges sold me out that there was no point in hiding away the hand with my ring.

“Ok I used to be a sister before and- “

“Diya?” a voice spoke and we both looked to where it was coming from.

“Ruby,” I smiled, “Ask her she knows me,” I pointed at her.

Ruby walked closer looking confused while holding a couple of tablecloths.

“This lady is claiming to be a sister,” she stated looking at Ruby.

“She was a sister,” Ruby confirmed, “What are you doing here,” she smiled coming closer to me, "I can’t obviously hug you now,” she lifted the tablecloths a little higher.

“Long story,” I smiled looking back at the guard, “Can I go in now?”

“It’s against policy for me to allow you in,”

“Come on, George,” Ruby looked at her, “Some of the old folks here will be happy to see her.”

“Fine. She will need a pass for this. Make sure Jimmy writes her one.”

“Don’t worry Jimmy knows her,” she beamed, “Take some of these some on,”

“Thank you,” I spoke, and she nodded.

I grabbed a few of the tablecloths and walked in step with Ruby. As soon as we were out of earshot, I spoke.

“Her name is George?”

“Georgina,” she added, “She prefers it that way,’ she shrugged.

Ruby never asked the question she was dying to ask as we reached the other entrance inside where Jimmy was. He looked happy to see me as he wrote a pass and asked about my husband before showing me a photo of two more cats he adopted before we proceeded. The other sisters must have been in the kitchen and Ruby was on setting up duty today.

“I’m glad to see you,’ I spoke, “Who else came today?” I asked.

“Sister June, Siya, and Wendy,” she added as we began putting the cloths on the tables.

“Just like old times,” I mentioned as she grabbed one end while I got the other.

“Yes,” she smiled at me, “I miss you every time I do this,”

“I know. I miss you too,”

We fell silent as we set the table. A part of me missed this it brought me joy. I might have been raised by the church, but they made sure that if I ever want to leave I could. A decision I was beginning to regret. If I had stayed, I would be with my best friend and helping the community, but I had to choose out. Look where it got me now.

“Diya,” Ruby was in front of me.

“I called you twice,” she spoke, while I blinked, “I think the table is smooth enough,”

“Right,” I let go.

“Come with me,” she left no room as she was dragging me out of the hall into another room.

“Slow down Ru,” I spoke as we stopped before she looked around to make sure no one was close.

“You look like someone who just ran away,” she spoke, “Why are you here alone? Did something happen? Are you hurt?” she bombarded me with a question before pulling me close examining me.