Someone deadly beneath (Part 19)

ACT 111

And 5, 6...5, 6, 7 8...

TEXT Message: 19280

Not sure if you have heard, but Nanny passed away yesterday in Coventry and Warwickshire hospital. Please pass the information to the others who are in Canada. Robert.

When Da read ‘Nan passed away', he looked away immediately, covering his eyes with his hand, whispering No No. The subject had read bad news.' So he feared the worst.

He cried more and more as the reality sunk in. She raised him and gave him a home. His only home. He could not believe that she was gone forever. And what had he done for her while she lived. Nothing. Well, very little. Worse, he would not be able to attend the funeral. Worse. He did have any money to send to help out. He could not share his grief with Sophie. He feared she would ask why he would not be making the trip back to England for Nan's funeral.

He called aunty to share the devastating news with her, but she was not in. His mind was in a turmoil. His eyes flooded in bitter, silent and painful tears. Nan was undoubtedly his greatest lost.

TEXT: ( Da sent this message to his three cousins as Robert requested.)

Nan passed away yesterday in Coventry and Warwickshire hospital. Billy

TEXT:
Hello Adebayo. My girlfriend locked me in her house by mistake when she left for work. Am stucked here until 4pm. Please ask Dr. Patel about the latest on my extension. Ask him whether he had got any feedback from the university about The Little Ones' World. Nicolas

Da was supposed to meet Adebayo at the Media Centre, so they could confront Dr Patel as a team. They suspected that Dr. had been giving them the run around as to whether he had secured accreditation of their projects by a university.

SOPHIE called him shortly afterwards. "It look suspicious, eh?"

Da: What look suspicious?
SOPHIE: I am always complaining that you are coming home too late. And today, I locked you in by mistake

Da: No. I think you had stuffs on your mind when you close the door, that's why you forget that I was inside.

SOPHIE: I am so sorry..... You do not sound happy

She was right, but he could not tell her why.

Da: I am fine, don’t worry yourself. No one knows what I have avoided by being indoors all day. So thanks to you.

Sophie: okay. Mom is baking bread and making fish, shall I pick them up

Da: Sure
SOPHIE: And do you want anything from the shop
Da: No. Only you
SOPHIE: Well, I will be there in a moment
Da: that is go0d news

They had their first argument that evening. She asked him to check whether her car keys were in her coat pocket. Da was in the process of doing it, when she said, 'it's not in there.' So he made an attempt to put it away. 'Look carefully before you hang it up', she said.

'It's in there ' da laughed, 'I found it.'

She didn’t think it was funny. She questioned why he didn’t look carefully. And mentioned that it's not the first time, he had messed up when she asked him to do something. Called him lazy, selfish and accused him of being distracted by the laptop.

You probably guessed by now that Da would not allow her to get away with that. That was what led to the prolonged argument. Later, when the arguing had finally subsided. She asked da how much dinner she should dish out for him. Da said he was not ready to eat. He even declined her offer of tea.

‘That’s how I know something is wrong.' she said.

'I am fine', da countered, ' I am just thinking,'
'About how horrible I am?'
'Just thinking.

She groveled her way back into da's affection, eventually. Took her a few hours though.

They had another argument the following morning before da left for the thrift store. Referring to what happened the previous day, she said, she could not talk to him because she feared he would get upset and withdraw himself from her.

'Aren’t you gonna kiss me before you leave? she asked as Da marched to the door in exasperation.

'No.', he said firmly, 'Things are not okay between us… obviously, so I cant pretend as if they are.'

'Okay. Go about your business without kissing me. If anything happen to me, I would go to my grave without your love and affection.'

Okay', since you put it that way.’ Da stooped by the bedside and kissed her lingeringly.

It was not long after that an argument kicked off again.

'That was what you thought before I explained myself to you', said Da, 'So what do think now?'

'That you are gonna try to do what I ask from now on.'

'Was that what I said, or did I say that I have been trying to do it, but it's gonna take time for me to do it perfectly, and that contrary to what you think, I do care about what you want, and I want to do what you want?'

Da marched out without saying another word to her.

As usual, he arrived late at the thrift store. There were only two other volunteers present. So he was by himself in the back room most of the first hour. He needed that badly. He broke down twice in the back room when he thought of Nan. He felt he had failed her. That was just one of the many reasons he cried about her sudden departure.

TEXTS:(arrived an hour or so later)

B, hey Baby. hope my most gorgeous, smart, adorable, sexy man will still love me. Have me in his arms and kiss me from behind. So much like silk, so tender and so sweet. Oh how I love thee. So much that it pains me to know that I have been so cruel. I apologize. I really do. Your heart doesnt deserve this. U r loving and you are kind beautiful man of mine.(Kissesss), SOPHIE

Sophie, i FEEL LIKE Josephine. your WORDS AND SENTIMENTS ARE LIKE Napoleon's, BUT better. It proved that we can work miracles together and that we belong together. I still believe in us. Have faith in me. B

B, You are making me smile. I do believe in us. 'To Destiny' by BN. what a wonderful journey it will be. SOPHIE

To Destiny, B.

THE ARTS CENTRE

Da occupied his seat in the usual corner at the back of the theatre. While looking out for patrons who may need help, he kept a somewhat distracted gaze on the performance. Nan flashed across his mind. He could not get her out of his head. He just couldn’t believe she was gone and he never got the chance to be there for her. Burning tears streamed down his face in the darkness.

He turned his head away from the audience, and use the back of his arm to get rid of them. That proved to be an ongoing battle.

Da took Sophie with him to Alberta to see his compatriot John. Actually, da had picked up a suitcase for John's kids. It was sent by John's sister from the US, the person who she sent it with lived in Ottawa.

John:(sings) been around the world....', do you know that song?'

They had just got off the train and John was leading them to the bus terminus where they would take a bus to his home.

Da:(singing) I can't find my babe...' of course. (sing) But I have been around the world and I have found my babe.

He kissed SOPHIE on her neck and she giggled.

John: So the search is over
Da: Definitely...Call off the search

Da and John talked as SOPHIE walk a bit ahead of them. Da caught John admiring a girl who was clad in a mini skirt. They both laughed.

Da: A man cannot apologize for being a man.
John: definitely not. Even the president of the United States have been photographed checking out girls

When they arrived at John's house, John introduces his wife to Sophie. The two got on like a house on fire. While the women had their girly talks, Da took John upstairs
For a little ‘briefing.’

‘She is the best girlfriend I have gotten.’
‘I can tell.’
‘We been going out about a month now, so there are things she still do not know about me as yet.’

‘That is understandable.’
‘There are things about me, I want her to know through me and not through you or someone else, so please be easy on the facts.’

‘That’s fine with me.’

‘By the way, how is Larry?’
‘he is alright, I suppose.’
‘what you mean SUPPOSE

‘He doesn’t wanna get old….

Da laughed out loudly.

…’He has never cavorted with a girl who is less than 25…’
…really’
..’he even tell others that I am older than him.’
‘And he is about 5 years older than you?’
‘That’s right.’

SOPHIE: How come John's girl wife call you by a different name. That American name.

Da: That name is my pen name. it is common in England for children to have A PEN NAME IN ADDITION to the name that they care called at school.

It seemed she did not notice that John called Da by the name Dreams. Da was happy for that. He was not in the mood for more explanations or justifications.

Later, that night.

SOPHIE; when are you gonna propose to me?
Da: (jokingly) Will you marry me?

SOPHIE: that is not romantic. How about the usual romantic gestures.. How did John propose to his wife?

Da: I am just being original. I will not follow others' styles...I don't know. Alace, how did John propose to you?

As they prepared for bed, da and Sophie talked about events from earlier on.

SOPHIE: What were you and John talking about? On our way to the bus terminus, I thought I heard you say 'a man must be man,'

Da: (lying) I don't remember what we were talking about, but it is not what you are thinking.

Da was suddenly more aware of senior citizens. Especially those who were in the same age range as Nan. They seemed to be everywhere. On the bus. The street, in the stores. They were alive and kicking. He could not understand why Nan could not be as lucky as them.

The phone rang. Dad recognized it as the number of the house where AMantha and her mom was staying. He got up from where he was sitting beside SOPHIE and headed for the stairs. He made no attempt to speak quietly. SOPHIE was busy reading to one of the kids.

Suddenly he got up off the stairs and went into the room where they slept. "I am coming for you tonight about 11pm?' I am outside Ottawa at the moment. Will that be okay.

Amantha: Of course. I will wait up for you
Da: great. In the morning I will take you to the store and buy you the stuffs for you to take back to Ireland, okay.

Amantha: yea, that's fine. You okay
Da: sure

Da sat on the stairs again.
Amantha: Don’t for get to come for me
Da: How Could I? I would not do that
Amantha: Great.. And say hi to your girlfriend
Da: I will

TEXTS
Hello Robert. I got your message on Friday. My worst fear came through, so I was not strong enough to reply earlier. I had no idea Nanny was ill and in the hospital. Billu

You know my situation, so a lot of the things I would have liked to do, I just wont be able to do. That makes it even harder for me in this difficult time. And I won’t delude myself into thinking that it will not get harder fro me to endure. Billu

In the meantime, please let me know what’s going on now and what plans are in the pipeline. Thanks. Billu

On the bus back to Ottawa, SOPHIE mother called. 'And why aren’t you coming home with me tonight, mom wants to know.'

Da: Pardon
SOPHIE: Never mind.

She continued speaking to her mom. When she finished, she picked up the conversation where she had left off with Da.

SOPHIE: Mom said she had dinner for both of us.
Da: great
SOPHIE: I told her you are heading home. She wanted to know why you were not coming home with me since you will not be working tomorrow at the arts centre or at the thrift store.

Da searched for answer in his head. ‘Look at it this way; you will be able to get lots of rest tonight, seeing that you start work at 7am tomorrow. Please take my share of food home with you. I will have it tomorrow when I come over.

Da followed SOPHIE to the train station. They kissed goodbye. Then da rushed for the bus that would take him to Amantha.

My girlfriend said hi', he lied, when AMantha emerged out of the front door; ' She said she is sorry she would not be able to see you this time. She starts work 7am tomorrow.

Amantha: Tell her HI
Da: She said she will definitely see you the next time you visit Canada. And I might even take her to Ireland. But I would not take her around with me, because I wouldn’t want to miss any opportunities.

Amantha: Stop it. You should learn to satisfy with one woman.

TEXTS
Nothing is planned for the funereal as yet, so I'll fill you on that as soon as it known. Robert

Thank you Robert. Can you tell me when she went into the hospital and for what condition? Billu

Even if I had my documents, I still would not b able to attend Nanny's funeral. I just don’t have any money at all. Billu

I have been getting on average 12 hours of work each week in recent times. That is just a drop in the bucket for my rent. I been using my overdraft to pay my rent and scrape by. If the bank calls up on me, I am in deep....Billu

So even though, I can’t make it, I can’t even send any money towards the expense. However, I would like to a part no matter how I small. So if you could make it possible, it would mean a lot to me, and make me feel a tiny bit better. Billu

I would like you to order a wreath for me. I will tell you what words I want to be written on it. I am willing to go a little deeper in the red, to the tune of $CAN7O.00. Next, I would like you to read something that I will write at the funeral. Billu

Da: Well, I am all the way in the east end at the moment
Rachel: You could come and see me in Downtown Ottawa

Da: I am a little tied up and when I am done here, I have stuffs to do
Rachel: we could have a meal together.
Da: We have to try another time
Rachel: Can’t say I did not try
Da: I am sure you have tried. Just give me adequate notice next time
Rachel: okay Mr. busy
Da; you got that right

TEXT
It is a grieving moment for everyone, but putting yourself into further debt is not advisable, so I understand the sentiment, but urge you not to go down that route. Here is how you can help. Do you want to write the eulogy? I will ask Marcia to read it, as I won't be emotionally stable enough to do so. Robert

I am on it, thanks. Billu

This is the Eulogy that Da wrote:

EULOGY
As children" ,; "Marcia" ,; "Darren and I were accustomed to hearing family members and neigbours calling our grandmother by affectionate names: Mrs Bibby and Mrs Little. Dont be mistaken by the name Mrs Little. 'Nanny'" ,; "as we called her" ,; "was the biggest and most important person in our little lives.

The woman who supposedly named me Billy" ,; "handed me over to Nanny in Borough market when I was about 3 or 4 years old. That woman never returned. Nanny called me Billu and everyone followed.

Marcia and Bayo never had a dad either. However" ,; "unlike me" ,; "their mom had a little presence in their lives. However" ,; "Nanny was our real mother. She was our father too. She was the biggest part of our lives. We belonged to her. We were always with her.

With the help of Grampa" ,; "who was a carpenter" ,; "Nanny provided for us by selling farm produce in Borough market. She was also a farmer in her own right.

We may have grumbled from time to time" ,; "when she spoke to us" ,; "but our love and respect for her ran deep. As a devoted Christian" ,; "Nanny instilled proper values in us. Those same values have shaped our lives and steered us in the right direction.

When there was no love for us from any other source" ,; "there was no need for us to feel sad or left out. She nurtured us with love and care days of the week" ,; "365.

She encouraged us and played her part in ensuring that we take our education seriously. We were always in school. If she had little or no lunch money" ,; "she would bake for us. Yorkshire pudding" ,; "Cakes. Nanny's baking was so irresistible that I normally had mine as soon as I took the first two corners on my way to school. When lunch time came" ,; "I went and play games with my mates. If I was hungry" ,; "it was not Nanny's fault.

I was a little troublesome and mischievous at times. Drinking out the condensed milk. Eating out the sugar and the jams. And the Custard. I loved mayonnaise a lot. Cutting slices of the bread" ,; "at the same angle that it was originally cut. The list is endless. Oh" ,; "I forget. I was feisty and love to grumble when adults talk to me.

Therefore" ,; "I don't think I was anyone's favorite. But I did not mind. I had no doubts about Nanny's love for me. She made me feel wanted when others gave me the cold shoulder. No. Nanny did not spare the rod and spoiled us. We got our fare share of beatings. Marcia got the least. She was a goody. Bayo was somewhere in the middle. Yes" ,; "and I got the most.

Nanny used the broom stick on most occasions. It was my idea to dash beneath the bed when she started. Nanny's tactic was to ram the broom stick randomly beneath the bed. Ferociously and hard. It would have been mine and Bayo's fault if the stick caught us in undesired places.

I had my tactics too. Even when the broom was a safe distance away" ,; "I would cry out 'my eye my eye!'..... When the stick slightly touched me" ,; "I cried out as if someone's mortar stick had escaped the mortar and connected onto my foot instead. But I learnt" ,; "the hard way" ,; "that Nanny was not born yesterday.

Eventually" ,; "she would pitch the small single bed on its side" ,; "and teach me a lesson. Nanny also relied on her eyes to keep us in check. If she saw us doing something wrong" ,; "she would just shot us one look. I recall one occasion when I grumbled that she was looking at me with her bamboo-joint white eyes.

My supposed father was Nanny's first child. He never keeps in touch with his parents or any of his other family members. Since Nanny took me" ,; "we had neither seen or heard of him. He must have given Nanny a heart attack" ,; "when he suddenly turned up in Borough market one day.

He asked Nanny to let me spend the summer holidays with him and his family. I did not know it then" ,; "but I had just turned 13. Before I went" ,; "Nanny implored me not to trouble Deloris things. Deloris was her son's wife. Deloris things were" ,; "sugar" ,; "condensed milk" ,; "Jams" ,; "Hot Chocolate" ,; "horlicks etc

Nanny also told me that if I did not get along with Deloris" ,; "I should return to her immediately. Little did I know that when I left Nanny's home" ,; "I would never find another home ever again. I had no idea that I would be losing all my sense of belonging and happiness.

The man who turned his back on me for 13 years bragged to everyone that I was his son. It was no surprise that he and Deloris decided to keep me for good. I recalled one of my teachers in 7A at Copsewood School telling the class that I was the only student who was guaranteed a promotion to 8A in the following school year. I was really looking forward to 8A.

Anyway" ,; "I was a sensation at my new school. Other kids accosted me during recess just to ask me whether it was true that I was the brightest one in my class. My new teacher admonished me not to sit beside certain boys because they were loggerheads.

However" ,; "by the end of the school year" ,; "I had slipped from being first to ninth. Even one of the loggerheads ranked higher than me. I was absent from school for 130 days. When I did attend" ,; "it was sometimes with little or no lunch money. At home" ,; "I was very unhappy. Deloris did not bother to beat me. She thumped”,; "boxed and kicked me like a professional fighter. All the time. And her husband turned a blind eye to it. It got so bad" ,; "that a neighbor had to intervene and threatened that she would beat the living daylight out of Deloris if she ever put her hands on me again.

A lot of the times" ,; "I had nothing to eat. I went to school without breakfast and had no lunch. The only clothes that I got were some trousers that Mr Chin threw out. Going to school barefooted became a regular thing. Nanny sent £10 to me so I could buy a rubber shoes. I was not too keen on rubber shoes" ,; "but they took my feet off the ground.

In my End of Year school report, my teacher said ,; "Billy is a good student. He will do well if he is given the chance to further his education. But his attendance will have to improve.'

I was not given that chance. The man said he started working for himself when he was 14 years old" ,; "so I should go and do the same. He and his wife were always fighting and quarreling. So it was no surprise when he left Deloris and the matrimonial home. But he left me behind too.

Good neighbors took me in. I took a job on a farm but almost lost my life when a partially uprooted tree fell across my waist. It pinned me to the ground. I couldn’t even cry for help. There was no one in the distance.

Luckily" ,; "I was found by a man. But I knew it was all over for me when he tried but admitted that he could not shift the tree at all. I don’t know where the strength came from but he did it. I was in Lambeth Hospital for months. But no one came to look for me.

Some of the other patients used to make fun of me saying that I was stinking and that the reason why no one came was because I was a bad boy.

When I was discharged from the hospital I could not walk at all. Five bones in my pelvis were fractured. I used a crutch for months. As soon as I was able to hop" ,; "Nanny said I should come home. So I did. I promised that she would never lose on me.

Ambition led me back to London several years later. I did lots of menial jobs to finance my evening school education. I got 10 GCE O'levels" ,; "grade A to B. I must have cried when Croydon College accepted me. I could not believe that I would be going to college.

It was not easy while I studied there. Most of the time I was sleeping in a community centre. Two days in a row" ,; "I would be in college in the same clothes. I had nowhere to shower or do my laundry. I had quarter of bread for dinner. To make matters worse" ,; "the college threatened to de-register me because I could not come up with the school fee.

But the money came. And I graduated with flying colors" ,; "and an award for Most Outstanding Student" ,; "for the two years I was there" ,; "and a trophy for Student of the Year. In my first year at university in London" ,; "one of my teachers called me a star pupil. At law school one guy could not stand me because this other girl stated in his presence that I was the brightest one in the class.

Since I left Nanny's home at 13" ,; "everything seem to go wrong. So I I have cried hundred of times because of distressful situations. But in private. The first time I cried in public was when I heard of Bayo's murder. I was downtown when I ran into Larry. I had not seen him for years. He said 'haven’t you heard what happened to Bayo?'

I said no. I thought he was going to say Bayo had won the lottery. After Larry broke the news and departed" ,; "I took the bus towards August town. I was quite composed. Shortly afterward s" ,; "I broke down on the packed bus. Concerned and curious faces were fixed on me" ,; "but I was too broken to care.

The conductress asked me what was wrong. I told her my cousin that I grew up with like brothers was killed. She asked 'who did it? The police?'

That made me cried even harder because Bayo was such an innocent victim. He had a heart of gold and he would not hurt a soul. He held on to the values that Nanny instilled in him and he was just working hard to make himself into a man. If there was any justice in this world" ,; "Bayo would still be here today. It's been more than a decade now" ,; "but I do get sad from time to time.

Bayo's daughter was about 2 months old when I first saw her at her dad's funeral. I made a promise then that I would commit myself to her for as long as I live. In a letter from Bayo the previous year" ,; "he told me that his girlfriend was 2 months pregnant. He said I should be quiet about it because he had not told anyone about it as yet.

I have come along away and I am sure I have a long way to go. But everything that I am”,; "and everything that I am thankful for today" ,; "I owe it to Nanny. I have seen it all”,; "but I have not done it all because I vowed never to stray from the values she taught me. She was and will forever be the most important person in my life. There is absolutely no one here or out there who more deserves to share my success than Nanny. She made the difference in my upbringing and my life. She may have been a great grand mother but as far as I am concerned”,; "she definitely went too soon. Ten years or more" ,; "from now" ,; "I know her untimely passing will still make me sad.

I really wanted to be there for her for years to come. Nanny is no longer here but I will never forget her. She will always be in my heart. No one could ever take her place. In fact" ,; "I am ready for my third daughter. If you are ready" ,; "let's do it. I will name her Murdena."

TEXTS:
Got it. I will send you pictures and a copy of the programme. All the best. Robert

Thank you Robert. Have you gotten the autopsy report as yet? Billu

Hi Lauren

how are you? How are the kids? What’s the situation with the child's liveR and spleen. is it a major problem, or is it something the doctor can fix in the short run. Well her school is important but her health comes first at this time. I hope she will be okay soon.

I went down to your mom's step mother to help fix up the room. I told her that I would be coming to get my sister when they arrived but I do not wish to see your mom. She said no. I should not do that. I explained to her but she still try to make me change my mind.

On the day, I went for Sam, I stood outside. Your step grand mother came out. I asked her to send Sam out. She said I should come inside and say hi to your mother. I said no. She said she would not tolerate that in her house. I said I am sorry but I rather leave. In the end she sent me up stairs with Sam.

Shortly after, your aunt who was there with your mom, came out and said I have disrespected her mom’s house. By the way, her mom and two of her mom’s daughters are estranged. I said I did nothing of the sort. I did explained to her before everything happened,.

I took Sam away for 3 days. Thankfully, I did not see your mom that time or any of the other time i went there for Sam.

Sorry to bore u with all that. I am here, so when I a sorted Kaylee can come any time,. have a nice day, love always

TEXT

Hi my sister. How are you? You had a good trip? Please tell Kaylee to read the text I sent her. How u been since u been back?

How r u Billy? Long time no hear from you hope you doing fine though. Jd and I are fine in spite of all that is happening with God all things are possible. No jobs yet but i am blessed.take care until we touch base. Olene

Hi Olene. Nice to hear from you after all this time. I am fine, thanks. Say hi to J for me. It's great that you are both fine. I hope you will find what you are looking for soon. So keep on believe, and don't ever give up. It will be well worth it, olene
Billy

TEXT:
Hi SOPHIE. Have a headache so cant talk now. See you in half an hour. Billy

When he got to her place, she made him soup and bought him some pain killers.’ I feel better now', he smiled, hours later 'you been marvelous with your marvelous soup and tender care.'

I am sure I did not make you get better.'
I am sure you did.
I have to take good care of you. Am sure you would do the same for me.
definitely.

TEXT:
Sweet pea. This is your day so don’t stop smiling. Keep shining. You’re a big girl now but you can count on me always in my heart. I’ll send you the money for the laptop on Wednesday. Hold on to your dreams. Your da Billy

LETTER:

Well everyone is almost better from the flu. But the one that was in the hospital over a week with the liver and spleen problem goes to follow up three times per week. Time consuming and have her missing classes. She did an ultra sound last week and I get the feeling the results are good. She does show much improvement anyway. Guess I will find out this week. So you need to fill me in and not just say hi drama. Kaylee should have been on that trip any way. Things are really depressing with me right now as we are about to thrown out as we have been staying with these people too long. Anyway fill me in on the high dramas my dear. Love sis, Lauren

LETTER:

Hi Lauren
Nice to hear from you? And how are the kids?

I am sorry to hear about the kids contracting the flu. Well, I hope Alice will fully recuperate soon. So if you cough, people will not only be looking at you funnily, they may even move away.

You did not mention how your situation is generally. I really would like to know, so fill me in please.

Well, your mom arrived in Ottawa last week, with Samantha. Of course, I did not wish to see her at all. I just went to pick up Amantha at one of your mom's sisters. High drama. Thankfully, I did not come to face with her. High drama

If she thought we could sweep everything beneath the carpet, just because she is here, and be friends, she made a sad mistake. I am certainly in no forgiving mood with her again...

Have a nice day Erica. Say hi to the kids. Hope to hear from you soon. Love always
, your brother for life. Billy

LETTER:

Alice is out of the hospital after spending 8 days there but she has to see the doctor 3 times per week and do constant blood works and ultrasound. But I see improvements and hopefully it will be over soon. I got the flu bad couple times myself. And almost better but them two have it bad and with ear infection too which is major painful. But enough of that. Let me just say this to u. 1. I do not owe you no response and am tired of u using that excuse every single time I decide to check up on you after not hearing from u. 2.Even if I did owe u any response, is that any reason not to checkup on your beloved sis when u don’t hear from her for awhile. I could be dying r dead for all U know. And each time am the one who have to check up on u, and I don’t complain as u are my brother and I care about you. But I am annoyed with your silly excuse as not only isn’t it true, but I get it every single time. And if u think u need to hold out checking up on me
for months r years because you feel I owe u a response, then something is wrong with

Sophie: when are you gonna call your parents
Da: later
Sophie: you always say that. When did u last call them?
Sophie: last week
I have a card, please call them tonight

Mam: You crossed my mind not too long ago
Da: really. My girlfriend insists I call you. She wants to meet you
Mam: let me speak to her when you are ready
Da: talk to her now.

They spoke for a few minutes

SOPHIE. When did you last see BILLY?
Da: (LOUDLY) last year last year. don’t ask her questions like that
SOPHIE; let she speak for herself

SOPHIE; when did he last call you
Da. (shouting) last week…last week
SOPHIE: Billy. Be quiet please

SOPHIE then spoke with Grand da: What is your name?'
SOPHIE: SOPHIE
Grand da: That’s a nice name.
Sophie: Thanks
Grand da: I will send some music for you.
Da: tell him what music you like...he will choose good music for you

Grand da; I will see you soon

Da: You told me about the iceman's Girl in His Mind
GD. well she was the girl in my mind...when I was back in England, Mexico and the US, she was always on my mind

GD. i am happy that you have found her. She sounds like one of us.
Da: She is definitely one of us…..

Ade: i have gotten my extension. They gave me a year an a half

Da: well done. You applied in fewer than 3 months ago and they replied already? thats great. it's almost a year now, and i still have not heard anything from them about my application
It

Ade: am sure you will hear from them soon, so don't worry

Da wish he could help worrying. he wish he could believe he would hear from them soon. and it would be something not worth worrying about. He sank into a low mood for the rest of the afternoon. When he left work, he avoided telling anyone goodbye.

Da called the Media Center shortly after speaking to Ade. Maybe Dr had some good news for him also.

May I speak to Dr.
He is in a meeting
He is in a meeting again?
He is not available
Can You tell when he will be available? I been trying to call him
He is busy
This is an important call, so please give him the message again

Da was preparing to leave Sophie's house. He had to get to the Thrift store by 10 am. She reached into his front pocket and found a bus ticket wallet. There were no tickets inside, only cut out dates from other tickets.

Da grabbed it from her.
SOPHIE: Let me see your bus ticket
Da: What for?
SOPHIE: I Just wanna see it. That's all.

Da: that is a strange request. It would be more reasonable if you ask to see my cellular messages.

SOPHIE: I do not wish to see your messages, only your bus tickets.

Da: I am not asking to see your ticket
SOPHIE: Are you sure about the date on the ticket

Da: of course. besides, the date is not my concern. I buy the ticket and the Sales person put on the correct date.

SOPHIE: really. Pass me the ticket Billy. Why are you so secretive
Da: because i refuse to show you my ticket I am secretive?

SOPHIE: yes. We are in a relationship, so you are not supposed to be keeping things away from me. Show me the ticket Billy

Da: No. Why are you asking to see it? be real wit me.

SOPHIE: Well, I see cut out dates from tickets at your home, and now a few in your pocket. So I am wondering whether you are doing anything fraudulent.

Da: I am not doing anything fraudulent. It is something that I do for fun. cuttin out those dates

SOPHIE; Previous boyfriend embarrassed me on the bus with fke tickets, i hope you are not into that also

Da:

Hiya Kaylee
Helli Daddy
Da: happy belated birthday
Kaylee: thanks
Da: Sorry I could not call u on the day
Kaylee: That's fine daddy, I know you must have been busy
Da: Have you gotten the text i sent u
kaylee: Yes, I got them
Da: Did you receive the things i sent with Amy for you

Yes daddy. And I love them
Great
I sent you the money for the laptop
Thank you daddy
I love you
I love too
please text me

LETTER
Lene. How are you? say hi to Jace. We are friends for life. I am committed to do all that I can for Jace. I should have done more. I want to do more. I will do more.

Thanks for saying thanks. But you don't have to. I feel like its my duty. And I am happy to do what I can, when I can for him.I am not looking for anything in return either.

It's good that you are appreciative. but even if you were not, it still would not change my commitment to Jace. I will always feel this way, no matter what. I am happy I can play a role in his life. It means a lot to me.

I wish te best for yourself. You should keep trying. Try harder and your day will come. Never give up...... DREAMS

The debate continues among politician and ordinary citizens whether PRAMS should be allowed on buses.

Da arrived late at the thrift store. He had left Sophie's house a little late.

Da: the traffic was horrendous

Anne, the Thrift store manager had pulled him in the back for a chat, as soon as he arrived.

Anne: Billy, when you come late, you are pissing off people
Da: I am sorry. I will make an effort next time.
Anne: Please

Sophie and Da had a big bust up that night when he went to her house. She confronted him about her suspicion that he was lying to her about many things. In particular, he told her that he had went to the hairdresser to get his pony tail done. She argued that he had done it himself. And he had been doing himself all along.

She was right. But da refused to admit it. She then let him know that she had suspected that he was using fake bus ticket. That was also true, but Da said that her suspicions were wrong.

IN THE LIBRARY
Abiloa: your hair has changed?
Da: yea, I been ponytailing it for a year now.
Abiloa: really... I need to sit my legs are cold.

She had just entered the library when they ran into each other.

Da: if you ask me, your legs are very nice
Abiloa( giggling) thanks...(gushing)look at your pecs

Da thought she was gonna say that he was exposing too much of his chest since it was so cold, so he was started to zip up his coat.

They talked things over and she apologized.' you have to have faith in me;, he pleaded, 'generally speaking, i am a good and upright person.'

Sophie: i am really sorry for judging you.

take this opportunity to know me. i am taking the time to know you. i assure you, the police will not turn up at your address looking for me.

She had ignored him all night. he tried to get close to her, but she
pushed him away.

Are you okay, she asked, the following morning, as he was getting ready for the thrift store.

she was still in bed, as she would not start work until in the afternoon.

'i am fine', he lied.

Shortly afterward, he sneaked out. he was not in the mood to either kiss or even tell her goodbye.

he expected arguments in their relationship, but they started too soon. he could only pictured them being happy. she said they would be happy together.

for the first time, he would not be calling her that day. they usually call each other several times through out the day.

later in the afternoon she called him. Da told her he was fine. He hardly spoke, when he did, it was just to answer the questions that she asked. His reply were abrupt and there were no development in the conversation. At times, their was complete silence.

Do you have the keys?
No. Didn't you see it on the table.
Why did you leave it?

I was not sure you wanted me to have it

It's yours, Billy. I cut them for you

I am not sure you feel the same way.

Billy, dont be silly.

After they finished talking, da switched off his cellular and put it to charge. When he switched it on back, he saw a miss call from Sophie. He called her back.

The conversation was much better. In fact, they were cool again. They spoke for ages. But da shouted at her.

'I will have to go in 5 minutes when I reach the library, okay?

that's fine.

They continued talking about lots of stuffs. At one point da said 'okay' to indicate that he was following what She was saying.

She thought he was saying 'okay, I have to go now', so she said, talk to you later then.'

'I have not reached the library as yet. You are giving the impression that I don't want to talk to you no more.'

I was just being considerate

I told you I would tell when I have to go, so you should just wait until then.

I know you wanna talk to me, and I wanna talk to you too. But I don't wanna keep you if you have to go

And I said I would tell you when I have to go

Well, my mistake, I am sorry. I will be careful next time.

Da felt bad for shouting at her. When they first started dating, he had promised himself not to let her see his anger. Because, he knew it could drive her away from him. he did not want that to happen because she was his dream girl. The girl in his mind.

Hello Lauren

How are you. Am happy to hear Alice is getting better. say hit to her and Steph for me.

I am really sorry to hear about the situation with your housing. I understand how distressing that can be especially with the kids.

So don't you have social service there. They would be willing to help even if it's just for the kids sake. I feel distressed.

And how about your church? have you spoken to the pastor anyone you think could help.

Don't give , you gotta keep on fighting. It may seem long but it wont be forever..

my situation is still the same, probably worse, but I don't know yet

I don't think Kaylee interested in leaving Ireland. remember i asked her when I was there. She said no. I did not know the reason then, but now I think it's because she has a boyfriend there.

I feel like I failed her. I was never there for her when she was growing up. So I never had any say in anything. Now, she is a woman now, I can only give her advice and hope she will listen and take them seriously.

But I have tried. And I will continue do so because love her with all my heart. We may never be together but I want our relationship to grow even stronger.....

I hope all work out for you sooner than later. I am sure they will. Love always

Your grand dad died decades ago. You grand step mother told me a lot about him. Apparently, he love the ladies. And he was a very good liar. But he was charming and everyone loved him.

His three younger daughters are here too. But I mostly see the eldest. She has been good to me in her little way.

Two of your aunts are estranged from their mother. That's why their mom felt so upset about my situation with your mom.

I haven't been back to see them since the incident, but I guess
I will do so soon

Da: hiya
Jana: Hellooooo

how are you lovely. And where are you from

I am good. Thanks. How are you doing? What do you mean by where I from

I am fine thanks. It means 'where do you live?

I am from Czech Republic but I live in the North End. I work as an au-pair. I have been living here for like 8months now. Where do you live? Are you from Ottawa?

great. are you from praque? Yea, I am in the north End. But I am from England. you are very pretty and i would like to know you better.

I am kind of busy. Well, I am not from Prague. How are you doing? sorry again, kids are having some holiday so they are on the PC really often.
I might have kind of silly question but whatever..what kind of music do you like? Just tell me something about you..

You are asking good questions, so do not worry. WHere in North End do you live?

I love music very much. I love pop, rnb, hip hop, reggae, dance, trance, rock indie. etc. what music do you like.

Ask me anything you would like to know about me

Hi, I live in Ski Hill Park. You love lots of different music..I prefered rock music in the past..but everything has changed ..now it's hip hop, trance..or what my friends advise me. Like I've got friend who plays drum n bass or another one plays techno so it is lots of different styles. What do you like next except of music? What's your job? Sorry about my English, it's still not very good ..

you like great music, i like drum and base too. i like going out and having fun, and travelling. your english is good. so do not worry. i live close to Ski Hill Park. when can i see you

you love travelling?Where have you been already? It's hard for me to get somewhere during the week. I don't have lots of free time, I might see you at the weekend at some point but not this weekend, I am sorry I have to be here when they need. Where do you usually go to have fun?

i have not been to many places, but I would like to someday. I go to the Down Town Ottawa for fun. so you free next weekend. where do u go for fun

it depends on mood and my friends. But I've already been to your area, something called SilverCity, but I did not like it much. Maybe because there was a big line-up for food.... Jana

I do not like rnb, you know, typical commercial music..dont know why. Me and my friend wanna go downtown at some point..but it is really hadr with me. As I said, I don't have lots of free time to go somewhere in the evening. I often have babysitting on Fridays and Saturdays..not every Friday, but ......Jana

so I don't know where do you wanna go..I should be free on the weekend. I usually spend time with my friends..we go to the centre or something..I am typical woman, so to do some shopping....Jana

hi Jana. How are you. It's great to hear from you. I have not been to the SilverCity but other people seem to like it. I have lots of rock music so I would like to play for you. Is that okay. Are you free this friday, saturday and sunday.
where in downtown have you been. shopping is good. i like shopping too. sometime just window shopping.

Hi, I am good,thanks. I don't know exactly what do you mean..where do you wanna meet me? I am free Saturday afternoon, few hours. I work on Friday and I am gonna meet my friends during the weekend..I usually spend weekend with my friends.....

....but most of them are Czech so I speak too much czech, that's horrible, that's why my English is not getting better. Jana

Jana your english is good. You can meet me in Beacon Hill. I will be busy saturday. I have to work all day and I will be going mto my opera training. What time on saturday are you free.Coud we meet friday night

no, I wanted to go out with my friends on Friday night but unfortunately I'm having babysitting ;-( I do not know the time exactly as it depends on my host parents..what do you do? What is your job? We can meet another weekend..it doesn't matter..next week, on Friday I might go out with my friends in the evening..they usually go somewhere to Beacon Hill

sorry fot late, I am just busy, I've got some problems and I don't feel well right now. Tell me, which days next week are you free in the afternoon and I will try to be free too ;-)

hello Jana. how are you?I hope you do not have any more problems now. I hope you are feeling okay? let me know.I will let you know which days I am free next week? okay

How are you? I am better now, thanks. But it will take lots of time to be absolutely alright..
I am just trying to live, be happy here, and some people from home don't understand..I mean Czech republic. So it is hard without any support.
Ok, so let me now when are you free..and I will let you know as well..have a nice evening..

Hi Jana. How are you? I am fine thanks. I am hapy that you are feeling better. I understand what you are feeling. I know important it is for you to have someone to support you. If no one wants to support you, then you just have to rely on yourself and do what you believe is right for you. you will be fine....

....I will be able to see you, either wednesday, thursday or friday. I will let you know.

Are you alright? Do you wanna see me on friday? I am free in the afternoon. I hope you don't mind..It's not easy to get out earlier because kids are ill so they are at home so I have to look after them..but friday should be fine for couple of hours. I don't know where do you wanna meet me? Do you wanna go for coffee or something?
have a nice evening.

hi Jana. how are you? I am fine thanks. it will be great to see you on friday. I will be working until 9pm. so we could meet in Beacon Hill after that. will that be okay? would you like to go for a drink?

Hi, I'm having babysitting in the evening..every day since tomorrow..that's just nightmare! I have ill kids at home and now I'm feeling like I am ill too!!

Hi Jana. I hope you will feel better soon. you are working very hard with the kids. I will let you know if we can meet friday afternoon. have a nice day, and reply soon

Five days letter, da sent jana a text 'Hi."