CALEB WAS DISSATIFIED WITH THE REPORT

CALEB WAS DISSATISFIED WITH THE REPORT

Tuning slightly Caleb wishes he would just leave, after a few minutes when it seems as though he has no intention of leaving from behind him. Caleb slowly turns around and looks at him, "Hi Ricky." 

Notices as he looks at his face before he said "So Caleb what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in your office?" 

Ricky notices immediately Caleb's face, wondering what happened to him? 

Caleb thought this is embarrassing, even the conceal and foundation cream didn't do a good job.'

Clenching his fist knowing he should have gone somewhere else but because the print is fresh on his face it was difficult for the conceal and the foundation cream to do much justice and it's already too late.

Before he could say a word to Ricky, Caleb heard him ask, "I see you are hiding, so which young lady is responsible for that mark on your face?"

"I had a misunderstanding with a customer, you know how it is they are always hot temper and he slapped me, it was my fault though. I just thank God he didn't throw me a heavy punch, I am sure I would have ended up in the hospital."

"It is alright, I don't need to know the truth, you see, I have learned to differentiate a lie from the truth a long time ago, remember, I was married to your sister and she is the best when it comes to making a lie sound like the truth."

"Was; what are you saying, Ricky? So where is Aaliyah now?" Caleb asked.

"It seems you haven't heard, we have been separated some months ago."

"Separated you are saying? So, the dowry wasn't it enough?"

"Dowry, what dowry you are talking about?"

"Ricky, if I recalled your family requested a handsome amount."

"My family? You don't know my family Caleb, a measly two hundred thousand is just a drop in a bucket."

"So, tell me Ricky who took the money dad paid?"

"Maybe you should ask your sister, if I only knew she was such a sore loser I would have never married her, now she sleeps with anybody who could give her a dollar."

Caleb felt such disgust hearing that report, that he got up, dusted his pants, and then went to the van. 'Oh Lord, we are lucky the business survives this long. I know Aaliyah gambles, but Nevil and Gilbert are they doing the same?' 

Feeling like his head will explode Caleb whispers,  "Dear God, what has become with our family, are they all heading down that hill of destruction? We have our own problems, so why do I seek out more trouble with this young lady?"

Unconsciously his hand went to his face feeling the mark, 'I would have never expected that blow in a million years and now this report from Ricky, it is like all hell broke loose.

Sitting in the van resting his head on the steering wheel. Recalling how brisk her hand moved with that slap, I am glad the marriage arrangement has fallen through. Mom and dad seemed disappointed but what I wanted to know is why they have to wait for another six months, and how serious is Antonio's illness.  With all his sons married, he is only left with his daughter, if something were to happen to him, what will become of her. I wonder if dad has his address, I could visit and give my condolences to the family.'

He recalled his dad saying, "They have a textile business just like ours," Caleb  thought, 'What is the name of their business?'

*****

As the weeks went by his dad continued to get sick more regularly, many times when he thought he was going home to get some rest, he would have to rush back to the hospital.

The workload was beginning to become a heavy burden because of the lack of sleep, especially when the night came, and he would hear his mom crying.

Understanding how worried his mom is, his thoughts when back to the Steelton family. Now realizing how painful their loss must be, Caleb lies on his bed and sleep won't come, he wonders how they must be coping, especially Antonio.

Caleb has been observing how his mom was hurting with his dad being unwell and how regular he is admitted to the hospital. Now understanding Mr. Antonio's predicament, he is broken losing his wife and then there are the children to consider who lost their mother. If something happened to his mom, he would feel so lost.

All those times his dad was admitted to the hospital he would hear his mom calling the others letting them know, but they never visited dad once in the hospital or even when he is discharged from the hospital. I am sure they are still angry with their decision, but they are the ones responsible for the business being on the brink of bankruptcy. 

Caleb also knew his dad is worried about the financial situation they were in, and he is unable to raise the dowry on time for Patel's wedding and the dowery he was getting for him is no longer there to pull us out. That could be the reason why he is getting sick so regularly.'