Christa knew she has to think up a plan soon to keep herself warm before she collapses in front of his family. Then it will have a million and one questions and some attitude to go with it.
Returning to the hall wondering if Dad gets through with Thomas when Mrs. Marva walk-in. Christa calls out to her, "Mrs. Marva, did Thomas tell you where he was going yesterday?"
Looking at her closely Mrs. Marva responds, "I don't know Mistress, he didn't say anything to me."
"I only hope you are not lying to me, because if you are lying?" But then she stops suddenly being interrupted by her father-in-law.
"Child, it seems his mobile phone is switched off, he must be in his meetings. I have called him so many times and it keeps going into voice mail. I will try a little later again."
"Dad, I know Thomas confides in you when he has to attend to his business. Did he tell you where he was going? And Dad, please don't lie to me?"
"Look child, maybe he did say and I wasn't paying attention, I can't recall anything right now, but please don't worry I will call him in a little while from now."
The afternoon passed and Thomas did not return home. When Cynthia came and asks, "Sam, have you seen Christa?"
"No, I am trying to avoid her, so she won't ask me about Thomas."
"Sam, you know where Thomas went?" Cynthia became curious. 'Knowing he used to consult her, but since the falling out with Jerome, and the incident at his apartment he barely speaks to me.'
Sam avoids Cynthia's look, but her concern for Christa is very pleasing to him. Being contended in his heart that she cares enough to ask he said. "Thomas, went on a trip to check on some herd."
"So, why is he hiding that from her, can you tell me?"
"Cynthia, he just told me last night, I am not getting involved between them. All he told me was to make sure no one interferes with her or gets her stress out."
"Well, my husband from what I saw earlier, Christa is stressing out herself by you not telling her. He did not come home yesterday and look at the time now and he hasn't returned."
Sam look at the time seeing it was already five forty-five. Cynthia was right but he said he will be home by Friday night or early Saturday. "You better have a good answer ready for when she asks again?"
"What are you talking about honey?"
Sam notices when she walks through the door, and why is it she wearing on that thick sweater, the place isn't that cold?'
Sam didn't want to have another confrontation with her, so he headed for the study. "Dad, have you gotten any word from Thomas?"
Trying to ignore her question but she sounds so anxious wanting to know. Sam continues walking as though he didn't hear. "Dad please, don't ignore me, I know you heard what I said, where is Thomas?"
"I don't know child."
Waiting to hear her say something but nothing came. When Sam turns around to see where she was, the hall was empty,
"Thank God, she is gone, was I so afraid what her next question would be?" I did not hear her footsteps when she leaves, but I was glad for the escape.
Reaching his room, Sam finds Cynthia lying on the bed. "Honey, when did you leave the room?"
"The same time you tried to escape, why do you ask?"
"So you did not see where Christa went?"
"No, my dear, I leave when she called out to you. How did she take your answer?"
"I didn't give one, but I don't know where she is now and the place is dark already."
"What do you mean Sam?"
Hearing his response, Cynthia look out the window then hurried out of her room and went to Christa's room, knocking and calling out to her.
When Mrs. Marva came out, "Madam what are you doing? Sir asks that the mistress is not to be disturbed?"
"Have you seen Christa Mrs. Marva?"
"No, but she hasn't eaten anything for the day Madam."
"What are you talking about, didn't I see you give her a tray when the guest was here today?"
"Yea Madam, I did but she did not touch her food. She only drinks a mouthful of juice.
And Madam anytime Sir is away from her she cannot eat. I hope he comes home soon."
"Mrs. Marva, what are you saying?"
"Madam, she does get sick when Sir leaves her alone."
Cynthia notices the concern on Mrs. Marva's face. Thinking, 'This is more serious than I imagine, I better see that she is okay.'
"Mrs. Marva, what exactly are you talking about, and why is it I am now hearing about this?"
"Madam, Boss asked me not to mention what had occurred when she was unwell to anyone."
"What nonsense are you talking about, now for God's sake tell me what is going on?"
"Madam, Sir knows what's happen when he isn't around. That's why he didn't tell her he was going away for a few days.
He asked me to make sure she eats but the way she is going. I don't know where she went, since the guest left and she spoke to me."
"I know Thomas gives you a key for her room?"
"Yes madam."
"Well, don't just stand there, open the door." Standing aside for her to open the door, "Christa honey, where you are?"
Cynthia calls as she hurried along checking everywhere but her search was in vain. The room was empty and all her draws were locked and she had straightened out the room.
When was nine-o-clock, Cynthia became restless not finding her anywhere? No one knew where to look anymore.
Sam said they had checked by every pen, and no one had seen her come or go. She never returns to her room that night. as sleep had vanished, leaving Cynthia restless and worried.
She and Sam sits and waited not going into their room to sleep, hoping she will return.