Once You See by Jeff Christopherson

Author:Jeff Christopherson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jeff Christopherson
Published: 2022-10-14T08:46:23+00:00

***

“So, it’s pronounced, ‘Mae-loof.’ Did I get that right?” asked Luca.

“Yes, exactly.” And then he pursed his lips and teasingly said, “And yours is pronounced ‘Loo-wis.’ Correct? These American names are a real mouthful.”

Even though they had just formally met ninety minutes previously, Yushua had gladly accepted Luca’s spontaneous invitation for dinner. The two of them sat like old friends in the living room while Chantel scurried around the kitchen preparing a meal. She worked quickly but with no sense of panic. To the Lewis household, unexpected guests were not an uncommon occurrence.

“Can I give you a hand, sweetie?”

“Everything’s under control. As long as you gentlemen don’t mind another edition of ‘cream of bottom shelf’ for dinner?” she said laughing. “Luca’s always bringing home friends. I’ve learned to roll with it.”

“It’s an honor to be in your home, Mrs. Lewis. This is actually the first time I’ve been in an American person’s home for a meal. You have such a beautiful home.”

“‘Chantel’ please, Yushua. ‘Mrs. Lewis’ passed years ago. And thank you. Our townhouse is truly a gift from God, and we want to use it to be a blessing to others. So, how long have you been in the US?”

“About two and a half years. But only a short time in Philadelphia. I’m originally from the Republic of Yemen. Have you heard of it?”

“Of course, Yushua. We’re so glad you’re here with us. And I’m sorry it took so long for you to find American friends.”

“It’s a blessing to be here, Mrs. Lew…” and then he corrected himself. “Chantel. I’m a student, so a real meal is truly a treat.”

“Whatcha studying?” asked Luca.

“Law. Second year.”

“U of P?”

“No, Temple University. Beasley School of Law.”

“Very impressive,” said Luca as he stroked both of his cheeks with his left hand. “That’s a super hard program to get in. How did you manage it?”

“I guess I did pretty well on my LSATs. And my grades from Georgia Tech were good.”

“Georgia Tech. Is that where you transferred in from?”

“Yes. And before that I was at Aden University. That’s in my country.”

“Interesting. So, how long were you in Atlanta?”

“I was there for two years. A little more. The weather there was much better than here. But so far, I think I like the city of Philadelphia better.”

“You do? Why’s that?”

“I guess people seem more …”

“… more accepting?” Luca interjected.

“Maybe. There are more families living here that are from my region. Maybe people are more accustomed to my kind in Philadelphia.”

“Is that why you left Atlanta?”

“No. Not really. Well kind of … It’s a long story …”

Yushua was ready to change the subject. His brief Atlanta season wasn’t at all the high point he had hoped for. In fact, it was the opposite. Sorrow and disappointment were the emotions that welled up when he thought of it. Sorrow and disappointment, tinged with varying degrees of anger. And these were not dissimilar to the feelings that surfaced within Yushua when he thought of his family in Bani Badi.

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