Chapter 18

That morning, after Stepmother's interruption, Linda, Nana, and Max’s breakfast with her rude phone call; they finished their breakfast and decided to get ready for their picnic.

Nana organized the picnic basket; she included fruits, soft drinks, plastic glasses, a bottle of wine, plastic plates, sandwiches and everything she thought they will need. She also organized some picnic blankets and mats.

At around 11:00 am, they drove to the beach; since it was the holiday season; many people were there with their families. Nana found shade under the tree and put the blankets down; her father and Linda were following her slowly.

Nana invited them to hurry so that no one takes their spot. They all sat down and started drinking and eating their picnic goodies. While they were busy enjoying themselves, someone behind them said “Hello Miss Nana Kisakye!”

They all turned around to see who was talking to Nana, it was Mr. Peter. Nana stood up and humbled herself, she then shook Mr. Peter’s hands, and she greeted Mr. Peter with a very big smile. She then introduced Mr. Peter to her father by saying “Mr. Peter, this is my father; do you remember him? He was there when you awarded me the scholarship."

Nana’s father immediately stood up and shook Mr. Peter’s hands; he apologized for not remembering him immediately. Nana also introduced Linda to Mr. Peter, she said “Mr. Peter, this is my aunt, Linda, without her, I wouldn’t have received that scholarship; she did encourage me to study hard. Being a day scholar was not an easy thing for me but Linda here was always there to help me through it; I love her a lot.

They invited Mr. Peter and his family to join them. Mr. Peter was in the company of his wife, Martha, and his two twin daughters, Rebecca and Resty. The daughters were about two years older than Nana.

They all joined Nana’s group and they started talking about everything and anything. The children, including Nana decided to have a walk at the beach; they really got along so well.

The twins told Nana about their school which she will be joining soon; they were so happy to meet her because their father told them about her. He told them that she was the brightest scholarship winner the school has ever received; he said that she scored a higher mark in an impromptu test which they have never seen before.

They really enjoyed the picnic with their newfound friends.

Nana’s father thanked Mr. Peter for giving Nana the opportunity. Mr. Peter replied by saying “Mr. Max, we did not do any favors for Nana; she did it for herself and she deserved to win. Your child is very bright; do you know that she scored the highest mark we have ever received ever since we started awarding scholarships!”

Mr. Peter continued to say that, “we are expecting good things from your daughter. You know we prefer a child who has both academic excellence and good discipline and your child passed both with flying colors. We can’t wait to receive her at school very soon."

Nana’s father was so happy to hear such beautiful compliments about his daughter, Mr. Peter, and Nana’s father promised to visit each other soon. They all packed their belongings and left for their homes because it was getting late.

From the picnic; Nana's father, Linda, and Nana drove straight home. They all cleaned up themselves and sat in the lounge. They discussed how good the beach was; the friends they met and how wonderful the picnic was. They watched TV, Linda and Max enjoyed some wine while Nana was enjoying a cup of tea.

While they were busy enjoying the conversation, Linda asked Nana's father if she can use the phone to call Dorah. She said that she wants to call Dorah to find out what happened in the village after she ran away.

Max did agree to Linda’s request, he told Linda that she can use the one in his room for privacy reasons. Linda said that she doesn't mind calling Dorah in the lounge; she reached into her bag and pulled out the letter where Dorah's number was written. She dialed the number and Dorah picked up the phone, then Linda started a conversation with Dorah.

Dorah: Hello, it's me Dorah speaking; who is this?

Linda: Hello sister Dorah, it is me Linda from the capital.

Dorah: Oh my God, I'm so happy to hear from you, my sister. Wow. How did it go? Hope you did not encounter any problems.

Linda: I'm happy to hear from you too; sorry I did not call you earlier. Yes, I did arrive at the capital safely. I'm very happy Dorah and I owe my happiness to you, my sister. How have you been, I hope I did not cause any trouble for you.

Dorah: I'm glad that you are happy. I'm very happy too. My dear, Paul changed completely; he apologized to me and promised never to think about marrying someone else. In fact; we will be renewing our marriage vowels in two months.

Paul has changed a lot, he spends the whole day on the farm, he is more loving and he treats our children so well. He has even started a business for me, I do sell fruits and vegetables in the market; I’m really happy Linda. Thank you Linda for not coming between me and my husband, I really appreciate it.

Linda: Wow, that is good news, I'm so happy for you my sister; thank God Paul changed. Congratulations Dorah on your upcoming marriage vowel renewal; I wish I can be there with you but I think it is too early for me to face my family. I'm still angry with them for trying to marry me off. How are they anyway?

Dorah: You are right Linda, it is too soon, let us give it some time then we will approach them. Your family is doing well; I guess they have forgotten about the incident now. I see your mother and sister every Sunday at church; they seem to be happy though we don't talk to each other.

Dorah continued to say that she is still angry with Linda’s family for trying to ruin her marriage; “I know Paul is partly to blame but they knew that he was a married man with kids; they would have talked to me at least. Anyway, one of these days I will break the silence and talk to them."

Linda: Yes they were so wrong to do that to you; all they cared about is what Paul was giving them, they did not think about you, your kids, or me. Anyway, I'm so happy that they are fine. Take care Dorah and send my regards to your kids.

Dorah: Thank you for the call Linda, take care dear sister, and stay in touch. Greet all those around you for me. Bye Linda put the phone down and she told Nana and Max that Dorah sent her regards.