Jabez Payne by Caroline Shelley Lewis

Author:Caroline Shelley Lewis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: epub, ebook, QuarkXPress
ISBN: 978-1-909530-01-0
Publisher: Eaglion Press
Published: 2013-02-25T00:00:00+00:00

NINE

“Cal, that be great news,” smiled Granna Rocca, watching the tiny image of her daughter dance up and down on her omcom. “When you be starting?”

“Next week,” replied Calista breathlessly. “It means I can pay you rent and save up to visit Jabez.”

Granna Rocca was happy for her daughter. She had feared another breakdown but Calista was determined to fight for her son and for her sanity. She would be working as a receptionist in the head offices of Mantero Motos, one of the largest companies in Eistandalon.

Granna Rocca had to admit that perhaps her daughter’s lighter complexion had paid off. After all, one rarely saw dark-skinned receptionists in the more prestigious firms. However she was still concerned about the manner in which her daughter had acquired her new look.

“I get to wear a uniform,” continued Calista. “It’s rather stylish: high neck, trailing sleeves and a silver wig.”

Granna Rocca kissed her teeth. “Are they going to paint you white too?”

“Mum, we’re merely reflecting the corporate image. The idea came from the Chief Exec. herself, Vangelista Mantero. Have you seen her recently? She’s in her late fifties and looks absolutely amazing!”

“I’m sure if you had the money to be chopping and carving yourself up you’d be amazing too,” muttered Granna Rocca, turning to watch the magenta clone tidying the small living room. She glanced at the clock on the wall. Very shortly she would have to pick up Amati from her new academy. It was a blessing having this purple silent creature in the house. Not only did it make her feel safer but its presence reminded her of her grandson.

Calista arrived home exhausted and happy. She gave Amati a big hug and sat up with her to do her homework.

“Why are you so happy, Mummy? Is Jabez coming home?”

Magenta, who had been passing through the room, stopped when she heard the name of her friend.

“No, baby,” answered Calista. “But we can go and visit him when I save up some money from this new job. Isn’t that exciting?”

Amati frowned. “Is Jabez like Daddy?”

“What do you mean, is he like Daddy?”

“Daddy went away and we never saw him again.”

Calista gathered her daughter in her arms. “No, Jabez is not like Daddy. Of course we’ll see him again. Don’t worry.”

“When you thinking of visiting?” enquired Granna Rocca.

“In three months. I should have enough saved by then.”

Granna Rocca looked at her daughter sideways. “Thinking of going by yourself?”

“I was going to take Amati. They only allow two visitors at a time.”

“That’s fine,” Granna Rocca sniffed, patting her daughter’s hand. “I’ll be adding my credits to yours and see how much we getting between us. We’ll start a visiting fund for my granbub.”

Calista hugged her mother affectionately. Suddenly her expression changed. The magenta clone was hovering by the door.

“What are you looking at?” Calista snapped. “We don’t need anything.”

“Cal, is that you speaking?” exclaimed Granna, releasing her daughter from her embrace.

Magenta blinked several times.

“I think she trying to tell you something. Jabez say she be blinking to communicate,” motioned Granna.

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