[Four Months later]
Rose Campbell walked briskly towards the brownstone house. she was late, although her neighbor didn't mind. she wasn't critical about such things, but Rose was a woman who liked to keep her promise. she never broke a promise and she hated being late. but more than her punctuality, what got Rose so worked up was the gossip she was carrying, the news was burning a hole in her chest. when she reached the front door, she was gasping for air. she put down the packet she was holding and poked around for the house keys in her small purse. when the door swung open. surprising her, she cried out, "Grace, darling I almost caught my heart in my hands" she walked inside the house.
And once inside, she took off her Cardigan and hung it on the coat stand behind the door, together with her small purse. Then walked straight to the kitchen and threw herself on a bench by the French doors, getting an overview of the backyard.
"I saw you coming up the lane, like the devil's at your tail." Grace followed Rose to the kitchen, amused by the fussy woman.
"I have been up all wee hours of the morning, talking to Miss Luis down at the guest house. you won't believe what she been telling me."
"God! what I would do for a cup of tea," she cut her off before she could get a word, she sat fanning her face. and gave grace the-get-on-with- look. grace jumped up from the spot and put the kettle on.
•
Rose Campbell was a short chubby woman, heavy around the waist, in her fifties with graying hair that she kept in a tight bun, paired with oversized ears she seemed to pull at whenever she was deep in thought. she had a bright face that changed color so often, according to how excited she was. and that morning grace realized it was beet-red: a sure sign that whatever Miss Luis said that morning, it was worthy news. it was safe to say Rose was the chairperson of the grapevine in Culmore. since Grace's arrival a few months ago, she knew the goings and coming of everyone without setting foot outside. Rose visited her often enough to know when something was about to blow up.
despite her flaws, Rose was the first person to welcome Grace when she moved back into the old house. she was helpful during Grace's pregnancy and since Neill's arrival, she was like a second mother to her. Grace was fond of the little woman and she won her trust completely. she counted herself lucky to have found her. Rose adored Neill as if he was her grandchild. Grace had learned that Rose never had any kids of her own. which she thought was a shame. she had so much love to give. recently she had been helping Grace with Neill when grace had her Doctors appointments alone, doing shopping.
Rose was encouraging grace to take more time for herself, and go outdoors while she looked after baby Neill. She understood how overwhelming it was for a new mom. she tried to take as much of the burden away from grace as she could.
•
Before Roses's arrival, Grace had been clearing away the baby's staff and packing his bag. they were going out. After being cooked inside the house for two weeks of heavy rain. she wanted to explore the countryside but the weather had not been clear to take baby Neill out. her new life revolved around making him comfortable and entertaining him. while at the same time enjoying herself. but baby Neill, was such a sweet baby boy, that she sometimes wished his dad could see him. but then again she knew she was the last person Nicko wanted to see waltzing in with a baby on her hip. Raining on his parade.
but all of that was forgotten as she put the steaming cup in front of Rose. and crouched next to her, holding her cup. if there was anything she learned over the past months. In most small towns, news that traveled through the grapevine came in different flavors like any good homemade dipping sauce, Grace had to sit still if she wanted to catch every word that dripped from Rose's lips.
•
"Luis tells me that last night, they received a visitor..." she sipped her tea for effect.
"she tells me also, the man who is booked at their guest house is no ordinary man," looking at Grace in the eye to be certain she caught that part
"he arrived well past midnight last night, accompanied by a group of men, he must be a rich man or president, the sorts you see on the Teli," she said with a wave of her hand.
grace suppressed a chuckle, she couldn't picture what a President would be doing at Culmore but she didn't dare laugh at a time like this. Rose would take offense.
"Did Miss Luis say what this man is doing in Culmore?" she raised her eyebrow.
"No, but there seem to be a lot of speculations on that part, but one thing is certain, Luis says he is a fine cut of a man" she pulled at her chunky ear before she spoke again.
"Grace, you cannot close yourself in this house forever, opportunities like these don't come very often around here my girl." she gave Grace the look that said go-down-the-guesthouse. Rose did a lot of talking with her looks as much as she did with her mouth. and Grace knew what was coming next, she got off the chair and thanked Rose for the wonderful news and update but no, she was not ready to mingle just yet. especially, not with the god-man that fell off the sky. she tried to escape the delighted woman by gathering her things. she took baby Neill out of his cot, and they left for their adventure out In the countryside before Rose could think up any more love tips for her.