We ate an early dinner, where talks about what had happened today were suspended and left until later. My new family took table manners seriously.
The only time I had spoken was when Diana had come home from her classes, late afternoon. We had spoken because I was just so damn curious about what kind of classes would keep a girl of her age in the palace from morning till that time. Her enthusiasm whilst narrating all she had learnt slightly toppled my experience at the market earlier.
When Laura and I had gone to the market, it had been my first time seeing so many sellers in a shade with their goods.
Back at the pack, my mother had been in charge-I had never picked up groceries-and it was still from the human world. We usually got groceries that would last for two weeks and stock them up in the refrigerator. But here, the stalls were similar to those that I had read about in african books, about african markets. I’ve always had a diversified taste in literature.
The market environment had been full and bustling with activity. I had kept brushing my arms with different people at all times, but it had been interesting because it was a new experience.
Laura had taught me how to navigate through the swarm of people and stalls and where to buy the most important things. Right there, I had a feeling that she might be sending alone to get stuff, sometimes, for that would explain the detailed lecture. However, I had listened attentively, even whilst catching stares, both rude and innocent. I was getting used to it though.
When I and Laura had been done getting what we wanted-including some herbs for her doctoring work-and had been about leaving the confines of the market, one of the ‘starers’ had the audacity to approach us, to inquire about who I was and what I was doing at their community.
Laura had just answered with a simple likable phrase. ‘Maya is not a gist topic, Lourdes.’
But this simple phrase had triggered two things.
One, it had caused me to remember the Lourdes that the Queen had talked of handing me over, yes, it was that Lourdes. I had been sure then because I had noticed the underlying, almost non visible tension between the two women.
Secondly, the Lourdes knew my name, and not just her, but the rest of the market community, because in the next minute after the woman had taken a few seconds to snicker and peruse me with her cold black eyes, she had shouted to the crowd that had subtly gathered to know what was happening ‘Her name is Maya!’
Laura had shaken her head and had turned to leave, but Lourdes was faster. She had held onto Laura’s arm and whispered into her ears. ‘The Queen had told me that you wouldn’t let me take care of the new trespasser. Haha! Already falling in love with her like you did with Zande those years ago? You think she is your new pet project?’
It had been a whisper, but then it hadn’t been coated with magic, and so I had heard the rude woman clearly. It was also how I had known that the magic community had no overly sensitive ears like the werewolves do.
The others hadn’t heard Lourdes’ speech, but I had. I had heard the detest underlying Lourdes’ voice. I had heard the contempt. I had heard the jealousy. I had heard the envy and then the undisguised hatred. And I had wondered why it was so.
What could make this beautiful woman so evil-for she was beautiful just like every lady I had seen in the community.
Was this the woman that the queen had wanted me to stay with? Why? To turn me into a reincarnated version of her? I had unconsciously shuddered, before tapping Laura on the arm.
“Laura, let’s go. Remember Diana will be coming back any moment from now. I doubt you have the time for a lousy neighbor.” I had spurted out before I could help myself, holding back the smile that had threatened to break out on my lips, not bothering to give the woman a glance even for a second.
This has caused Lourdes to laugh like a maniac, and push her index finger in the center of my shoulder.
“You think you are smart huh?” Lourdes had queried, trying to jab me again, but this time I had dodged the splat; and Laura had held me by the hand; and we had walked out of there, not giving more of our precious time to the evil Lourdes. The community hadn’t looked peaceful anymore to me since then.
So, this is why Peter had jerked when the queen had mentioned that I would stay with Lourdes and her husband? I remembered, wondering if Lourdes’ husband, Dim, would be an evil fellow like his wife, or a better person like Peter?
“Maya, are you okay? You seem deep in thought?” I heard Peter ask, though his voice was quiet far away.
My ears’ came into the present when Diana tapped me slightly on my left palm which was resting on my thigh. It was then that I refocused on my new family. They were all staring at me.
“We know you want to ask a lot of questions..” That was Laura speaking, but I waved her off politely.
“It’s okay, Laura. I understand. We can talk after dinner.” I answered, scooping another shot of the delicious soup in front of me.
I didn’t know how Laura did it, but she kept me on my toes with the food she cooks, in a good way of course. And yes, because I was interested in learning how she made her food, I had stayed with her all through the cooking process. I had been surprised when, a few minutes later, she had handed me a small book to write down whatever she spoke about the food preparation-for remembrance purposes she had said.
“Who knows? My recipes might become a published item one time.” She had mentioned, cutting the onions, then winking at me. We had a good laugh then, a good laugh that had been interrupted by Diana’s shout: ‘mom, I am home!’