Black Beach by Glynis Guevara

Author:Glynis Guevara
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Inanna Publications
Published: 2018-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

15.

TAMERA MARCHED UP CHARLIE’S STAIRCASE admiring a wreath that was hanging on the wall. It was made up of pretty red, yellow, purple, and white flowers complemented by verdant green leaves. A tiny hummingbird, kiskadee, scarlet ibis, macaw, heron, and even a little pelican, made of paper maché, were tucked in among the flowers and leaves. Tamera couldn’t take her eyes off it even as she knocked on the front door.

“You’re here!” Jan said as she opened the door.

“That’s really pretty,” Tamera said, pointing to the wreath.

“Yeah, it is. Dad’s students gave it to him for his birthday,” Jan said. “How come you’re here so early?”

“Girl,” Tamera paused. “I had to leave home before Dad got back.”

“Why?” Jan asked. “What’s up?”

“Renwick’s no longer working for Pa.”

“Don’t tell me Uncle Earl fired him!”

“No,” Tamera replied. “He resigned ’cause he found a better-paying job.”

Jan’s left eyebrow shot up. “Let’s sit in the porch so you can give me the whole scoop.” She grabbed a chair, and waved for Tamera to sit in the chair facing her. Tamera filled in her cousin on the details of Renwick’s sudden resignation. “Well, well.” Jan shook her head. “Uncle Earl must be as mad as hell.”

Tamera nodded and Jan suddenly changed the topic. “You realize exam results are coming out soon.”

“Why did you have to mention that?” Tamera groaned.

Jan chuckled gleefully. “It’s going to happen whether you like it or not, so there’s no point ignoring it.”

Charlie strolled onto the porch. “My favourite niece is here.” He pulled up a chair next to them and engaged them in some more small talk as they enjoyed the fresh air and sunlight.

“You’re ready to start cooking?” Tamera asked about an hour later.

“Sure, why not?” Jan said.

“Dad, it’s time to eat.” Jan stood in front of the dining table decorated with a white tablecloth and a small vase of red and white hibiscus.

“You girls have made my day,” Charlie grinned, his eyes running from one end of the table to the other. Abundant platters of rice and peas, baked chicken, callaloo, fried plantains, green salad, and stewed red beans made his mouth water.

“My niece and daughter are good enough to open a top class restaurant,” he said as he sat down, ready to relish his dinner.

“Tammy deserves the credit, ’cause she’s the real cook.” Jan said.

Charlie heaped his plate with food and demolished it. “Seconds are in order,” he grunted and filled his plate again. Jan and Tamera giggled as he wolfed down his food, delighted that they had made him happy.

After their meal, Jan placed a tub of ice cream and a birthday cake that Azura’s mother had baked on the table, and they devoured that as well. And after dessert, the girls whiled away the afternoon playing Charlie’s favourite board game, Scrabble, with him.

“It’s time that we take in a movie,” Charlie said after winning three quarters of the Scrabble games. He chose Maleficent from a box of DVDs.

When it ended, Jan selected another DVD. “Let’s watch something else.

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